Let's cut to the chase: the Rocky Patel 15th Anniversary Toro is a box-pressed Nicaraguan powerhouse measuring 6.5"x52. Released to commemorate the brand's milestone, this $245 stick (for 20ct boxes) comes dressed in Ecuadorian Habano wrapper with triple-seam cap construction. I fired up mine after 3 weeks of humidor rest - the oily wrapper showed minimal veins with tight seams that made precise V-cuts a breeze.
First Third: Immediate coffee bean and cracked pepper hit the tongue, surprisingly sweet for Nicaraguan puro. Medium smoke output with perfect draw resistance - no need for corrections. Ash held strong for nearly 2 inches before dropping cleanly.
Middle Third: Shifting gears to savory territory with roasted almond and cedar notes. Visible oil ring formed at burn line. The trademark RP spice ramps up here - white pepper tingles the nostrils without harshness.
Final Third: Dark chocolate bitterness emerges, accompanied by cinnamon heat. Box-press becomes more pronounced as wrapper contracts. Slight tar buildup at nub didn't ruin the 90-minute experience.
When the smoke cleared, I'd stack it against these comparable Toros:
Produced at RP's TaviCusa factory (their "boutique" facility pumping out 7 million sticks annually), the construction proves why Nicaraguan rollers dominate the market. The triple cap and tight box-press deliver ideal airflow - not once did I need to reach for the draw tool.
