This will be my first review here at the BOTL. It is actually my first attempt ever at a cigar review so bare with me here. I decided to review the Rocky Patel Catch 22. This is a fairly new cigar. I was able to score a 5 pack of 6 x 60s on cbid for 10 bucks. I don't usually like larger ring gauge cigars past 52 or maybe 54, but at this price I think it's a steal.
Upon removing the cellophane I found the wrapper to be a beautiful chocolate brown color. The wrapper was not perfect as it had a few prominent veins. It has a strong smell of chocolate prior to lighting. The wrapper is a Corojo wrapper surrounding a Ecuadorian Sumatra binder and a Honduras filler. Upon using my Xi3 cutter for a straight cut, some of the wrapper did peel off. However it did not cause any issues at all.
The cigar starts off with a medium body. The draw is a little tighter than I would like but not terrible. I tasted hints of hay and a slight nuttiness flavor along with a solid tobacco flavor. I usually do not like a hay flavor but it was actually quite pleasant. I also got hints of leather. The flavors mix together perfectly in a nice creamy smoke.
Once I got into the second third the flavor profile changed slightly. The leather becomes more pronounced but mixes with a cocoa flavor for a bit. I am also getting notes of espresso coffee. The cigar is starting to become a medium-full flavored smoke. The draw is still a little tight but nothing to really complain about.
The final third is where this cigar starts to shine. I am getting a lot more pepper flavor that has come out. The pepper flavor is also a bit spicy. This is what I have been waiting for. I am also tasting a bit of a cedar flavor in the background. This smoke is finally bordering on full bodied.
The cigar started to burn very hot towards the end and I had to put it down with about an inch and a half left. I couldn't take a picture of the end result as the sun disappeared. Overall I really enjoyed this cigar. I am not a huge RP fan but I had to try it for the price point. I think this cigar will get better with age. I think if you can find this cigar at a good price it is well worth a try.
Upon removing the cellophane I found the wrapper to be a beautiful chocolate brown color. The wrapper was not perfect as it had a few prominent veins. It has a strong smell of chocolate prior to lighting. The wrapper is a Corojo wrapper surrounding a Ecuadorian Sumatra binder and a Honduras filler. Upon using my Xi3 cutter for a straight cut, some of the wrapper did peel off. However it did not cause any issues at all.
The cigar starts off with a medium body. The draw is a little tighter than I would like but not terrible. I tasted hints of hay and a slight nuttiness flavor along with a solid tobacco flavor. I usually do not like a hay flavor but it was actually quite pleasant. I also got hints of leather. The flavors mix together perfectly in a nice creamy smoke.
Once I got into the second third the flavor profile changed slightly. The leather becomes more pronounced but mixes with a cocoa flavor for a bit. I am also getting notes of espresso coffee. The cigar is starting to become a medium-full flavored smoke. The draw is still a little tight but nothing to really complain about.
The final third is where this cigar starts to shine. I am getting a lot more pepper flavor that has come out. The pepper flavor is also a bit spicy. This is what I have been waiting for. I am also tasting a bit of a cedar flavor in the background. This smoke is finally bordering on full bodied.
The cigar started to burn very hot towards the end and I had to put it down with about an inch and a half left. I couldn't take a picture of the end result as the sun disappeared. Overall I really enjoyed this cigar. I am not a huge RP fan but I had to try it for the price point. I think this cigar will get better with age. I think if you can find this cigar at a good price it is well worth a try.
