Was at a wine and cigar dinner last Friday and was given the new Patel Brothers Toro by the West Coast Patel rep (the guy knows my preference for the big bodied/big flavor cigars). For reference, I am not a big Patel fan, find most lines medium at best with lack of complexity and a number of lines downright a waste of money.

I was given a Patel Vintage 1992 cigar to start with, an OK cigar by most standards, but not something that excites me. About 40% in I struck up a conversation with Patel West Coast rep and the second I asked him about the new line he pulled one from his pocket and asked me to smoke it and give him feedback (he was planning to smoke it himself during dinner).

The cigar sported an interim band so I have no idea what the production band will look like, and really don't care. The cigar had great construction with a pretty dark wrapper and nice heft to it, no blemishes on wrapper nor soft spots, no veins either, the wrapper having a nice oily sheen. Fired it up and well, this was easily a match for most any DPG product, a nice blast of spice up front (about half an inch worth) that then settled into a deep flavored and complex smoke with chocolate/powdered cocoa flavors dominating. Last 2 inches, as do DPG's, had more spice kick in, I'd say on the white pepper side. Full bodied and full flavored, a huge departure for Patel, IMO. (I know many on the board love The Edge and think it is full bodied, but I find it mild for the most part and lacking in flavor). The flavor stayed pretty constant throughout with no need to touch up the cigar at all.

A very enjoyable smoke I am looking forward to, first Patel I will actually spend my money on. This cigar came from (now aging) production run, to be released in October, and even at this point is smooth enough, although I will still age them for some time as I do with all other cigars.
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Nice review Greg.
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Nice review. I just received one in a PIF, Can't wait to try it.
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Thanks for the review. I am an RP fan, and here's another one I need to try. :-)
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I just finished one as I too was given one by the area Florida rep (RPguy) and I was thrilled!

I absolutely loved this cigar.

110% maduro all the way!!

I'll be smoking these by the pound when they come out!! :-)
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Thanks for the review...mmmmmmmmm maduro! :-)
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Sounds good. I'll have to try one this Fall.
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Thanks for the nice review!!! :-)

Can't wait to try one.
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Very nice review Greg!!!:-)

I'll have to give these a try when I find 'em!!!
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Thanks for the review.. I'm not totally shocked by this being so full bodied. I believe that is all Rocky's brother smokes.
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Thanks for the review. Feedback has been excellent on this blend. I look forward to hearing from those who pick it up. Tell Tim or Steve (Cali reps) I said hello next time you see them. Thanks again! :-)
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I heard the blend is similar or the same as the Winter Collection....
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Your sources are wise! :-)
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Hmmm I wonder if my brother will have one for me tomorrow night????
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Will do, Tim's the one who gave me the cigar.
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You might have a pallet coming... :-)
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nice write up, can't wait to try one!
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nice review! i like alot of rocky's new stuff and if the patel brothers is anything like those, i'm sure i'll be in for a treat
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