Let's talk about the Rocky Patel Special Edition Toro - a box-pressed Nicaraguan puro that's been turning heads since its 2016 Cigar Snob award. This 6½" x 52 toro comes in boxes of 10 at around $113.40, packing medium-full strength behind its oily Habano Maduro wrapper. What makes it special? You can't just click to buy - this smoke's exclusive to brick-and-mortar shops, making it a treasure hunt find for serious enthusiasts.
The first third hits with black pepper and roasted nuts, that Nicaraguan earthiness coming through strong. About an inch in, the cinnamon notes start flirting with the coffee undertones. By the middle third, it's all dark chocolate and espresso bean territory - smooth but packing serious nicotine punch. Watch out for that final stretch though, where leather and baking spices take over, best enjoyed with a sweet drink to balance the intensity.
Rolled in Rocky's TaviCusa facility (Estelí, Nicaragua), these use high-heat fermented tobacco from Jalapa Valley and Estelí highlands. The box-press isn't just for looks - that tight roll helps control the burn rate on this flavor-packed profile. Pro tip: Let these rest at 65% RH for at least 45 days to tame the initial pepper spike.
