Saturday, January 22, 2011

Pride Ritual Toro (6x52)

This is a very boutique cigar that I have not seen in many stores. I was given one by the maker at my favorite B&M recently and I waited a few days to give it a smoke, as I heard mixed reviews from BOTL's that I hang around with.

The cigar presents well however, it is a bit bulky for me. The wrapper has some prominent veins and there are some flaws that concern me when I am considering the potential burn aspects of the smoke. An examination of the smoke reveals nothing of concern construction wise. The pre light aroma is spicy, but has some bitter aspects. The pre light draw shows some vegetal essence that is off putting.

The cigar opens with a profile that is neither complex or deep. There are some hints of spice and some woody notes, but there are some sour undertones that are really fouling the experience early on. At the back of the palate there are some dry, vegetal flavors that are not helping the experience any. The draw is a bit tight for me early on and the burn is an abomination that is requiring an early touch up as one side of the smoke refuses to combust properly.

The first half of the cigar continues it's death spiral. The profile is dry, acrid and smacks of old ash. At the back of the palate the dry, vegetal notes continue to assault the palate. The draw continues to be too tight at this point in the smoke, and the burn requires constant touch ups.

The final half of the cigar is no better than the rest of it. The profile is not showing anything noteworthy and continues to be bitter and acrid. At the back of the palate there continue to be vegetal notes that are putrid. The draw has opened slightly, but the burn has been terrible throughout.

The finish was short and positive in that it indicates the cigar is over.

Appearance- 86 prominent veins ruin the presentation
Taste- 73 very poor without any redeeming quality
Construction- 74 poor burn and tight draw
Strength- 85 a very average mild to medium
Overall- 77.5 don't waste your money

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