Rocky Patel's Vintage 1999 Connecticut Juniors redefines the concept of a quick smoke session. Clocking in at just 4 inches with a slender 38 ring gauge, this parejo-shaped stick packs 7-year-aged Ecuadorian Connecticut shade wrapper around Nicaraguan binder and 8-year-rested Dominican/Nicaraguan fillers. The $165.60 price tag for 50 cigars positions it as an affordable luxury - you're basically paying $3.31 per cigar for some of the oldest Connecticut wrapper leaves available commercially. Its Honduran craftsmanship from the El Paraíso factory ensures consistent performance that even newer smokers can appreciate.
The cold draw surprises with powdered sugar sweetness. Upon lighting, toasted cashew and vanilla wafer notes emerge through ultra-smooth smoke. Expect minimal resistance - airflow stays effortless even in this slender format.
Hazelnut cream develops alongside faint cinnamon spice. The ash holds strong despite the small ring gauge, transitioning to coffee cake richness by mid-point. Smoke output remains moderate but aromatic.
Earthy tones gradually replace earlier sweetness without becoming harsh. Final centimeters introduce oat biscuit flavors and a subtle cedar finish. Burns completely in 45-50 minutes with no relights required.
The triple-seam cap and compact foot demonstrate El Paraíso factory's precision. The golden-brown wrapper feels papery yet elastic - humidity at 65% works best. While slender, these hold up well during outdoor smoking without canoeing issues.
