Date: 7/31/10
Cigar: Rocky Patel Valedor (5.5 x 50)
Cost: $12 but this was gifted to me by a member of AR15.com because he had some extras.
Drink: Water
This is a cigar made by Rocky Patel for the National Rifle Association (NRA) in 2010. I was excited to try this cigar because I am a Life Member of the NRA and appreciate everything they do for us gun owners. I don't know any other details about the cigar. If anyone knows anything about the cigar, let me know.
Appearance: This cigar comes in a glass tube. The wrapper is flawless. I am giving the appearance a 10/10 because of the NRA bands on it.
Pre-Light: The cigar smells great. The smell reminds me of sweet chocolate. The pre-light tasted like bitter chocolate.
Construction: Held an average ash. The draw was perfect. I did notice some construction problems as the wrapper started to crack which is strange because I store my cigars at 65% RH.
Taste of the cigar: About 1" in the cigar tasted like bitter chocolate and I didn't care for it. After 1" the bitterness disappeared. It then tasted like coffee. About 3" in, it got very bitter and harsh. I put it out.
Strength: This is a medium-full bodied cigar.
Summary: This cigar didn't do much for me except for maybe a couple inches. I wouldn't buy this cigar again, but I appreciate the opportunity to smoke it. I give this cigar a 4/10.