Just when you think Rakesh Patel has come up with every blend imaginable, he surprises you. In the case of the Rocky Patel LB1 line, he was looking for a cigar to make with some aged Ecuadorian wrapper leaves grown in the top portion of Honduran and Nicaraguan tobacco plants. The result is a well-balanced, elegant, and sweet line with a unique name directly taken from its factory code.
There are five sizes in the line: Corona, Robusto, Toro, Churchill Shaggy Foot, and Sixty. While you can never go wrong with any Rocky Patel cigar, which earned its reputation as one of the best-known names in the world of premium cigars, it’s the Toro’s perfect balance of flavors that appealed to me the most.
Pull of Cigar
Blended around a core of aged Nicaraguan filler and binder tobaccos, the Rocky Patel LB1 Toro is covered by a medium-brown Habano-seed wrapper grown in Ecuador. The cigar has a thin vein structure and is smooth to touch, sporting minimally visible seams.
The cold draw seemed a bit snug, revealing creaminess, black pepper, malt, cedar, with endearing notes of dark chocolate. Upon lighting the cigar, the draw eventually opened up to just the right amount of pull.
Taste
At the first puff, my palate was embraced by hints of citrus and grass that linger just enough to tease for another draw. As I progressed through the cigar, rich leather undertones paired with strong coffee notes take center stage, while subtle hints of toasty citrus round out the taste profile nicely.
As the cigar transitions beyond the halfway mark, the coffee notes dissipate, allowing rich flavors of citrus, a subtle kick of spice, and creaminess to shine through. As I progress further, the spiciness once again fades, allowing an abundance of savory tones to mingle on my palate.
As the final third of the cigar closes in, I finally pick back up the dark chocolate and cedar notes present on the cold draw and some leathery and earthy nuances. Throughout the last couple of inches, a pepper spice ramps up. The flavor profile is perfectly balanced between leathery, sweet, and a touch of spice. I could not ask for a better finish.
The burn was consistently even without requiring a touch-up and produces a flaky dark gray ash. It was firm enough to hang on for a while but came off easily when I tested it for firmness against the ashtray wall.
Overall Review of Rocky Patel LB1 Toro
While an overall enjoyable smoke, the Rocky Patel LB1 Toro did not offer a smooth evolution of flavors and the aromatic experience could be described as somewhat linear. Nevertheless, its well-balanced notes were indeed flavorsome and very made for a pleasant experience.
The LB1 Toro size measures 6 ½ x 52. It also comes in a gorgeous 20-count box with intricate details of a tobacco plant. If you are yet to experience a Rocky Patel LB1, do yourself a favor and smoke a Toro. It earns an 88 rating from me. This may not be the best cigar I have ever tried, but it is surely one that I will always have in my humidor.
Other Cigars Reviews
Other Rocky Patel Cigar Reviews
Rocky Patel Sun Grown
Rocky Patel Sun Grown, meticulously crafted in a boutique factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, is a hand-bunched, hand-rolled cigar distinguished by its triple-capped structure and oily Broadleaf wrapper. The cigar catapulted to fame in 2016, securing the second spot in Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 Cigars of the Year with an impressive 95-point rating, establishing the Sun Grown Maduro as a standout in Rocky Patel’s Nicaraguan collection. Further accolades include high ratings from other notable publications such as Cigar Journal and Cigar Snob, contributing to its esteemed reputation. These recognitions and its exquisite craftsmanship have piqued the interest of connoisseurs, prompting a consistent demand for a review of Rocky Patel Sun Grown.
Rocky Patel Cuban Blend Robusto
The Rocky Patel Cuban Blend Robusto offers a luxurious smoking experience characterized by a bold flavor profile that includes hints of pepper, espresso, and dark chocolate, complemented by a subtle sweetness from its Maduro wrapper and aged Honduran Ligero tobaccos. Esteemed for its solid construction and smooth draw, this medium to full-bodied cigar promises a rich, hour-long session, particularly appealing to veteran aficionados due to its intense spice and consistent taste. While ideal for infrequent indulgence, it’s accessible for purchasers on a budget, available in both 5-pack and 20-box options from Famous Smoke shop. This product’s rich attributes and affordability are central in any review of Rocky Patel Cuban Blend Robusto.
Other Honduran Cigar Reviews
CAO Italia Ciao
The CAO Italia Ciao, a cigar originating from Honduras, is renowned for its robusto shape, Honduran wrapper, and a rich blend paying homage to Italian tradition. The cigar’s appearance is striking with its oily sheen, noticeable veins, and a vibrant band displaying the Italian flag’s colors. Initially, the smoking experience presents a significant smoke output and a bitter flavor profile, transitioning to wood notes with intermittent sweetness and spice. As the smoke progresses, the flavors intensify but tend to dry the throat, with the final third seeing a mellowing in taste and a decline in construction quality, leading to an overall impression that, despite its full strength, the CAO Italia Ciao lacks the lasting richness and unique qualities one might expect for its price range, culminating in a less than impressive review of CAO Italia Ciao.
CAO Colombia Tinto
CAO cigars, renowned for their exceptional quality and distinctive flavors, boast a diverse lineup including the notable CAO Colombia Tinto. What sets CAO apart is their global blend of tobaccos catering to a range of palates. The Colombia Tinto, in particular, impresses with its robust appearance, featuring a Honduran wrapper and a blend of Brazilian and Colombian fillers, and a band that pays homage to the Colombian flag. This medium-strength cigar promises a rich, evolving flavor profile marked by earthy notes, cedar, and toasted nuts, complemented by a subtle peppery spice. Its smoothness and balanced complexity are suitable for both novices and seasoned smokers. The cigar’s construction ensures an enjoyable smoking experience without the need for relights or touch-ups. Acknowledging both its value and homage to Colombia’s heritage, it’s regarded as an excellent choice for aficionados and a fitting tribute during Colombian celebrations. This analysis culminates in a positive review of the CAO Colombia Tinto.
