Vital Stats:

This cigar was reviewed blind (no bands) by a panel of at least 4 reviewers. They did not know what they were smoking beforehand. The scores are an average of all the reviewers' scores with outliers removed.

Vitola: Toro

Length: 6.25″

Ring Gauge: 54

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Dark

Binder: Dominican Republic

Filler: Dominican Republic

Factory: Tabacalera William Ventura

Blender: George Rodriguez

Number of reviewers: 5—–Sandeep (Djangos) Dave (mdwest) Jason H. (Jokey Smurf) Craig (WyldKnyght) Gregg (McGreggor57)

Price: $8.00

Age: 4 Months

Release Date: 2010

Contributed by: House of Emilio

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 88

“This cigar is one heavy brute! It sports a light brown, leathery wrapper that is well applied with barely visible, tight seams. The cigar is not smooth, however, and has numerous bumps that are firm and feel like stems or hard pieces of leaf under the binder. The squared off cap appeared to be a double, and is also well applied.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Aroma: 89

“The pre-light aroma of this stick is very light with only the scent of dry grass and tobacco present.” –Dave (mdwest)

First Third

Flavor: 89

Strength: Medium

Body/Complexity: Medium

“The initial puffs of this cigar are tight and I’m having trouble getting sufficient smoke. The first flavors are extremely mild and have no spice or pepper to speak of. The first flavors are a light salted caramel and cashew…very light, but tasty.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

“Surprisingly there is no pepper or spice on the initial light up, rather a nice sweet tobacco and cedar. A little rosemary adds an interesting twist. There is a very slight char on the finish which balances the sweetness nicely.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

Second Third

Flavor: 89

Strength: Medium

Body/Complexity: Medium

“As we enter the middle third, the complexity is still wowing me. The nutmeg like flavor is waxing and waning with a lot of nuttiness. The pepper is constantly present to the tongue but never overwhelming. The earthiness with a hay like character is also becoming more apparent. The chocolate flavor is long gone but I find that I am not missing it! The only issue with this third was that I had to finally give in and touch up the burn that was skewing out of control. The smoke continues to be creamy and delicious. The draw is almost perfect. Great experience so far.” –Sandeep (Djangos)

“The cedar is still present but the sweetness is being tempered by some leather. The finish now has a meatiness to it with some char still capping things off. Just past the halfway mark I’m picking up some coffee and chocolate. This will be an interesting change if these flavors stick around.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

Final Third

Flavor: 89

Strength: Medium

Body/Complexity: Medium

“It’s almost like they saved the best for the last. The nutmeg flavor has taken on a new strength and is amazing. Also, the nuttiness is more prominent as well. The background earthy flavors are being replace with a woodsy component with a hint of leather in the after taste. The pepper is still present and is adding immensely to the enjoyment. The burn line seems to be correcting itself after one more touch up. The draw remains true to the very end. Also, the smoke production seems to have increased. All in all, a great smoke. Will definitely buy a few to store in my humi!” –Sandeep (Djangos)

“The last third really started to show what this cigar can be. The burn evened out and it became really mellow and smooth. The spice continued on from the second third, and there was lots of smoke. It started to burn hot at the end, yet it was still creamy and smooth. I nubbed it and there was a definite pepper kick to finish.” –Craig (WyldKnyght)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 93

“Draw was close to perfect the entire length.” –Sandeep (Djangos)

Burn: 88

“Combustion was pretty consistent from start to finish, and only one touch up was required toward the end of the second third.” –Dave (mdwest)

Construction: 91

“Despite my initial thoughts on the appearance, there were no real issues with the construction. It was firm throughout and seemingly well packed.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

Overall Strength: Medium

Overall Body/Complexity: Medium

Overall Experience: 89

“The cigar with its ever changing flavor profile provided a complexity that I have not seen in a while other than in Ta’ts and LP’s. I would recommend this and plan on getting a few for my humidor to age.” –Sandeep (Djangos)

“Not a stick I would be interested in smoking again. Between the cosmetic issues, the lack of flavor in the first half and the really poor flavor that became present in the second half, this just isn’t a cigar for me.” –Dave (mdwest)

“The flavors, though mild, were enjoyable. The smoke as a whole was not. Too much work was needed to make this a relaxing experience. Hopefully the next one of these I try (I’d like another when I know what it is) will be better.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

“I wished I could have given this cigar a higher rating, but due to the slight burn issues and the tight draw I was not able to do so. I definitely want to try this cigar again as the flavors were great.” –Craig (WyldKnyght)

“Not a ton of interest but enough subtle changes to keep me engaged. I would consider this a decent everyday smoker but would grab something else for a special occasion.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 85

Total Score: 89 (Good)

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To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Blind Cigar Review: Rodrigo | Boutique Blend G4