This box-pressed Toro (6½"x52) from Rocky Patel comes wrapped in a golden Ecuadorian Connecticut leaf that's surprisingly velvety to the touch. At $10.30 per stick in 20-count boxes, it's positioned as an entry-level premium cigar - think of it as the "gateway Connecticut" for those exploring mild smokes with aged tobacco credentials.
First Third: Immediate creaminess with toasted cashew and oatmeal notes. The cold draw reveals faint honey sweetness that transitions into cinnamon-dusted cedar upon lighting. Smoke output remains modest but consistent.
Middle Third: Jalapa Valley tobacco pushes through with white pepper tingle on the retrohale. Citrus zest becomes detectable alongside baking spices - imagine grating lemon peel over a chai latte. Burn line stays razor-sharp despite the box-pressed shape.
Final Third: Develops caramelized sugar notes that counterbalance growing earthiness. Some reviewers report slight bitterness in the last inch, though this might vary based on storage humidity. Nicotine impact stays mild throughout.
Rolled at RP's El Paraiso factory (established 2017) in Danli, Honduras. The facility uses climate-controlled aging rooms to maintain consistency across batches. Quality control includes triple-cap inspection and draw-testing 10% of each production run.
