Review: Rocky Patel Valedor NRA Cigar

[elderboy02]

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.

[IMG]http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z282/elderboy02/Rocky%20Patel%20Valedor/IMG_0577.jpg[/img]

[IMG]http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z282/elderboy02/Rocky%20Patel%20Valedor/IMG_0578.jpg[/img]

[IMG]http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z282/elderboy02/Rocky%20Patel%20Valedor/IMG_0584.jpg[/img]

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.

[IMG]http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z282/elderboy02/Rocky%20Patel%20Valedor/IMG_0580.jpg[/img] 

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. 

[IMG]http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z282/elderboy02/Rocky%20Patel%20Valedor/IMG_0579.jpg[/img]

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.

[ivo]

[quote author=elderboy02 link=topic=4920.msg27178#msg27178 date=1280622511]I give this cigar a 4/10.[/quote]

methinks you are more generous than I, sir.  Nice review and pics.