Celebrating 10 years of the Edge series, Rocky Patel's A-10 Toro demands attention with its barber-pole dual wrappers combining Corojo and Maduro leaves. This box-pressed 6"x52 parejo packs Nicaraguan and Panamanian fillers under a Honduran binder, delivering medium-full strength at $8.96 per stick in 20-count boxes. The oily Honduran-made cigar reveals why it transitioned from limited edition to core lineup.
The initial puffs punch through with black pepper and charred oak. Dark chocolate bitterness appears at the 1" mark while retrohaling unleashes espresso grounds intensity. Burn line stays razor-sharp despite the oily wrapper, producing dense white smoke.
Pepper transitions to leathery earth around the second third. Burnt caramel sweetness emerges with roasted almond undertones. Watch for canoeing if smoked too quickly - the barber-pole seam sometimes disrupts combustion.
Post-band removal reveals cinnamon-spiced cocoa. Retrohales develop a distinct floral note reminiscent of aged maduros, though nicotine buildup requires slow pacing. Finish strong with cedar and mineral tang - no bitter tar even when nubbed.
El Paraiso factory's modern techniques shine through visible seams. The Honduran puro shows medium tooth under direct light. Draw resistance varies slightly between samples - recommend 64-68% humidity storage. Ash holds firm for 1.5" intervals before flaking.
While not matching Padrón's refinement, the A-10 delivers 90% of the experience at 60% cost. Budget-conscious smokers appreciate the box discount compared to similar Nicaraguans. Newbies should pair with sweet drinks to counter pepper intensity.
