When life gives you pink bands, you smoke celebration stogies! The Rocky Patel "It's a Girl" Toro ($88.20/box of 20) rolls out the carpet for baby announcements with its 6"x52 Connecticut-wrapped body. This gender-reveal smoke comes pre-loaded with Nicaraguan filler tobacco and two band options - pink declarations for princess arrivals or blue alternatives for little princes. Mild enough for nervous dads-to-be but flavorful enough for seasoned smokers, it's the kind of cigar that turns ultrasound parties into proper herf sessions.
The pre-light sniff reveals damp cedar notes from the Connecticut wrapper. Initial puffs deliver a breakfast cigar vibe - think wheat toast with honey glaze. Smoke production stays medium-bodied, neither fog-machine levels nor disappearing acts. The burn line meanders slightly but self-corrects without touch-ups.
At the halfway mark, roasted almonds emerge alongside faint floral whispers. Retrohales carry a baking spice zing that's more cinnamon challenge than pumpkin latte. Ash holds firm in inch-long segments, showing decent fermentation. Pair this with lemonade to amplify the citrus undertows.
The home stretch introduces white pepper tingle on the tongue while maintaining core creaminess. Construction holds strong with no relights required - crucial when you're already juggling baby name spreadsheets. Nicotine impact stays true to its mild rating, making this accessible for sleep-deprived parents-to-be.
While not the most complex smoke in Rocky's portfolio, the "It's a Girl" executes its role perfectly - a photogenic, approachable stick that converts cigar skeptics into celebration smokers. The pastel bands photograph beautifully for social media announcements, and the mild profile means you can actually taste it through the nervous excitement. Just remember to buy two boxes if you're Team Green!
