Cigar Review: Puros Rocha Toro Especial

One of the things I love about living in New York City and the underground cigar scene is you never know who you will meet or what you will discover next. Such was the case about a year ago at a NYC cigar lounge where I was introduced to Alejandro Rocha, president of Puros Rocha. We exchanged numbers and met some time later where he promised me some sticks for me to try from his micro brand he has been working on for the last couple of years. Here is my review of his labor of love.

Appearance & Construction

At first appearance Lovely habano wrapper is even in color throughout all the sticks I’ve seen. In addition, there are no harsh veins the cigar has a even satin sheen with minimal tooth yet somewhat lumpy. A perfect V-cut brings out a perfect draw.

Flavor & Smoke Characteristics

First Third: Tons of smoke with every draw. Oak wood, raw peanut and just the right amount of paprika pepper coats the palate. The Puros Rocha is a well balanced full body, medium/full flavor and medium strength. As I advance, there is an increasingly earthy musk that works well in conjunction with the spice.

Second Third: The ash fell right on second third mark. A light pleasing retrohale adds to the experience. By this time, the earthy/must lightens up and black pepper lingers for a long finish as the cigar continues its complex sequence.

Last Third: As the heat picks up, the flavors intensifies. The shift in temperature kicks it up a notch but never becoming deviant or transcending far from it original flavors.

Conclusion

There are many cigars that never see the inside of a cigar shop humidor. Fortunately, this cigar represents the strength and ruggedness of the NYC underground cigar scene and I foresee this cigar brand will keep growing–soon to be available at a shop near you. Long ashes!

Final Grade: B+