Let's talk about the Rocky Patel Catch 22 Toro - that 6x52 stick that comes in boxes of 22 and costs about $5.40 per smoke. This Honduran-made torpedo caught my attention with its maduro wrapper that's darker than my morning espresso. I've seen newer smokers gravitate towards it, though some regulars say it's got more consistency than your average Netflix reboot.
The cold draw gives off earthiness that reminds me of walking through a damp forest after rain. First third hits with black pepper that fades into roasted coffee territory by the inch mark. Mid-section surprised me with caramel sweetness that plays hide-and-seek with cedar notes - not maduro-level intense but keeps you interested.
Rolled at El Paraiso factory in Danli, this stick shows RP's typical attention to detail. The triple cap holds firm, though I've heard two guys at the lounge complain about wrapper tears near the foot. Burn line stays relatively even without constant touching up - mine only needed one correction halfway through.
At this price point, it's competing with Factory Smokes Maduro and Charter Oak. What sets it apart? The Honduran/Mexican filler blend creates complexity that budget sticks often miss. Is it daily driver material? Depends how much you mind the slightly muted final third where flavors start blending together.
