Name: Rocky Patel Edge Nicaraguan Toro

Country: Nicaragua

Shape: Parejo

Size: Toro (6 inches x 52)

Strength: Medium to Full

I paired this stick with Johnnie Walker Black Label. I’d like to say that it’s a picnic cigar… Mainly because it’s affordable, big, and doesn’t require your full attention. I’d smoke this while grilling, or while building a campfire or setting up a tent. I’d pair it with blended Scotch whiskies, sparkling water, and all sorts of beer. Overall, I think it’s a good cigar.

Branding: Mediocre. I am not attracted to cigars that only have bands wrapped around the foot. Naturally, I prefer the bands to be near the head. To light this cigar, I had to remove the band. I usually like to keep the band on until I smoke at least the third of the stick. I like the name The Edge though.

Construction: Good construction. No weaknesses.

Pre-light: Bread, barnyard, chocolate milk, leather.

Cut: Straight cut. I’m not going for V-cuts anymore. No particular reason.

Burn: Nice burn. Quite even although it was a windy evening.

Duration: 90 minutes.

Draw: Excellent.

Smoke: Generous. Thick. Cloudy.

Ash: Good.

Flavor: Coffee, wood, earth, toast, with subtle hints of citrus fruits.

Here’s a medium-bodied, Nicaraguan cigar. I couldn’t find information about it online, but I wanted to try it to see if I like it. I paired it with pilsner. I got woody notes and hints of light roast coffee. It was alright. It was smokable. But I’m not sure if I’ll ever smoke another one.

Name: Liga Privada No. 9 Toro

Country: Nicaragua

Shape: Parejo

Size: Toro (6 inches x 52)

Strength: Full

One of my favorite Liga Privada cigars. I’m not sure if I like this one better or the UF-13. The Feral and the T52 are also great, of course. Hmm… What am I saying? Liga Privada is one of the top cigar brands out there.

The No. 9 is a well-constructed, full-bodied cigar that burns evenly, produces a lot of smoke, and offers great complexity. It’s faultless and beautiful, and it’s sad not to have it in one’s smoking repertoire.