The Rocky Patel Emerald Toro is a standout offering that marks a notable shift in Rocky Patel’s portfolio—his first box-pressed cigar crafted to land on the lighter side of medium-bodied. The Emerald features an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper complemented by dual binders—one from Nicaragua and another from Mexico. The filler predominantly consists of Nicaraguan tobacco, with the addition of a single leaf from the Jamastran Valley in Honduras
Visually, the Emerald impresses right out of the gate with a matte wrapper that carries a rustic chocolate tone. The box press is executed with precision—firm to the touch, free of soft spots, and wrapped flawlessly.
From the first light, this cigar delivers a full-flavored punch, opening with a blast of pepper that tingles the nostrils and awakens the palate. Dark espresso, root beer, hay, and woodsy campfire notes build a complex foundation, while a soft sweetness of raisins, Italian sweet cream, and hints of gingerbread and citrus hover in the background.
In the second third, the pepper subsides just enough to let the other flavors breathe. Coffee remains dominant, but the gingerbread note gains depth, accompanied by a smoky campfire wood and subtle citrus sweetness. The profile mellows beautifully, developing into a smoother, more rounded smoke.
By the final third, the Emerald transforms into a rich, dessert-like experience. Pepper fades nearly entirely, making way for sweeter tones—gingerbread takes center stage, supported by a dusting of chocolate, warm cinnamon, vanilla crème brûlée, and even a whisper of floral essence.
Burn and construction are flawless throughout, with a razor-thin burn line that speaks to the quality of the tobaccos and the aging process behind it. While it starts with strength, the Rocky Patel Emerald Toro eases into a nuanced, flavor-packed experience that’s smooth, savory, and ultimately satisfying. This one is definitely worth savoring to the very last inch. A long-burning, super-premium cigar that delivers on complexity, consistency, and craftsmanship.
Overall Score: 91.38 out of 100
Overall Strength Score: 6.19 out of 10
This Blind Review (Cigar #23-A) was conducted by the Cigar Review Team comprising of: Paul Nabs, Joe Hallett, Scott Treptow, Brett Y., Chris Leblanc, Boner-Tom Coleman, Dan Johnson, Josh Wright, , My Cigar Pilgrimage, Rob Smith, & Lesley of The Corn
