bwsledge
Flavor is the key
Recently I went to my local cigar club with 2 new sticks to try out - the Rocky Patel Decade Torpedo and the Alec Bradley Family Blend VR1. I had a couple of business colleagues with me and introduced them to the Casa Magna Colorado robusto, which was a big hit. Everyone really enjoyed the Casa and they were blown away to find out that it was a $5 cigar. Gotta say that for the money not sure there is a better stick out there right now. Now onto the review.
The first cigar I smoked was the Rocky Patel Decade Torpedo. I have to say that I was expecting to love the Rocky and be luke warm on the AB, but as things typically go it was just the opposite. The Rocky had a great draw, but the taste was not as complex or rich as I had expected - especially given the dark and oily wrapper. Don't get me wrong, it was a good cigar but not great. Good construction and an even burn help, but for me it comes down to the taste and I was just not overly impressed. The biggest problem with this cigar for me was probably my high expectations, but since I have a couple more in the humidor I will give them another go or two.
However, the AB Family Blend was very nice medium bodied cigar with a surprisingly flavorful smoke and great after taste. I typically enjoy a fuller bodied smoke with more nutty and coffee flavor, but this peppery cigar was rich and creamy with a very good draw. I am betting that I would enjoy the torpedo (T11) more since I like larger guage cigars, but this was a very nice cigar at a good price. It is no Casa Magna Colorado (my current favorite value stick), but if you are looking for a spicier cigar at a good price then AB's Family Blend is a great choice. I have already bought 6 T11's and am planning to light one up this week.
Overall Ratings:
Rocky Patel Decade Torpedo: 8.0
Alec Bradley Family Blend VR1: 9.0
The first cigar I smoked was the Rocky Patel Decade Torpedo. I have to say that I was expecting to love the Rocky and be luke warm on the AB, but as things typically go it was just the opposite. The Rocky had a great draw, but the taste was not as complex or rich as I had expected - especially given the dark and oily wrapper. Don't get me wrong, it was a good cigar but not great. Good construction and an even burn help, but for me it comes down to the taste and I was just not overly impressed. The biggest problem with this cigar for me was probably my high expectations, but since I have a couple more in the humidor I will give them another go or two.
However, the AB Family Blend was very nice medium bodied cigar with a surprisingly flavorful smoke and great after taste. I typically enjoy a fuller bodied smoke with more nutty and coffee flavor, but this peppery cigar was rich and creamy with a very good draw. I am betting that I would enjoy the torpedo (T11) more since I like larger guage cigars, but this was a very nice cigar at a good price. It is no Casa Magna Colorado (my current favorite value stick), but if you are looking for a spicier cigar at a good price then AB's Family Blend is a great choice. I have already bought 6 T11's and am planning to light one up this week.
Overall Ratings:
Rocky Patel Decade Torpedo: 8.0
Alec Bradley Family Blend VR1: 9.0
