Rocky Patel 1961 Robusto

This is a new blend from Rocky and I have been waiting to give one a go. The cigar presents with an oily sheen, and the wrapper has a nearly Colorado hue to it. There is one very prominent vein that runs the length of the smoke. The construction appears to be satisfactory and I do not detect any issues after an inspection. The pre light aroma has strong notes of spice with undertones of dark fruit. The pre light draw has a chemical flavor, but also shows notes of pepper and spice.

The cigar opens with a very tight draw, but I still do not feel anything in the cigar that would cause this issue. The profile has an interesting sweetness, but it is cloyed by a chemical flavor that is prominent. The burn has started out strong, but the labor to create smoke is disappointing.

The first third of the cigar shows some notes of spice, and sweetness. The chemical flavor has given way to a clean tobacco note that is interesting and very unique to this cigar. The draw loosens somewhat, but is still labor intensive. The burn has stayed sharp and is producing a nice clean, gray ash.

The second third of the cigar continues to show notes of spice, but the sweetness has taken on an herbal character. There are also some notes of light pepper and light wood at the back of the palate. The draw is still tight and is causing some undue heat to appear in the smoke. The burn has stayed crisp and the ash is well developed.

The final third shows some notes of vanilla and bread, but the chemical flavor has appeared again and is detracting from the overall experience. The draw is still too tight for me, but the heat is not hurting the smoke, there are no charred notes or feelings of discomfort. The burn is still excellent.

The finish has some bitter notes, and the chemical taste is still present. However, there are some pleasing notes of spice, roasted nuts and herbal sweetness.

Appearance- 86 the prominent vein detracts from the score
Taste- 82 due to the chemical notes a higher score is not possible, but the rest of the profile was pleasing
Construction- 78 the constant draw problems will not afford a higher score
Strength- 88 an enjoyable medium offering
Overall- 83.5 this could have been much better

Frank Llaneza 1961 Double Corona

Another new cigar in a line of many that I have smoked recently. This cigar presents in a size that has become uncommon in the domestic marketplace, it is refreshing to these sizes every now and again. The cigar has a milk chocolate brown wrapper, there is some prominent veining and some fraying at the foot. The wrapper lacks oils and feels a little bit on the toothy side. The pre light aroma is floral and light. The pre light draw is of light tobacco and earth.

The cigar begins with notes of leather and light earth. The burn is nice and produces a solid white ash. The draw is a bit tight, but it produces ample smoke. There is a light floral sweetness at the back of the palate. The first half of the cigar maintains the mentioned profile.

At just past the halfway point I begin to detect some light tones of cocoa and tobacco, but a bitterness has surfaced at the back of the palate. The burn has stayed straight and the draw is acceptable.

In the last three eigths of the cigar a leathery note becomes prominent in the core of the profile, but vegetal notes are evident as well. These vegetal notes hurt the leathery core of the smoke. The construction has stayed acceptable and the draw is fine.

The finish is short and acrid, there are still some leathery notes, but this cigar was seriously hurt in the final third.

Appearance- 88 some veining and flaws at the foot hurt the score
Taste- 86 the cigar lacks depth, but develops some nice flavors
Construction- 89 this cigar is well made
Strength- 83 somewhere in the medium to full range, but not remarkable when compared to other characteristics of the cigar
Overall- 86.5 a slightly above average smoke that was hurt in the final stages