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The grill warms gently in the backyard as I prepare steaks for our family dinner, and with the kids inside and the girls arranging the table, my father-in-law and I steal a moment to enjoy a Sixty by Rocky Patel Toro. This quiet indulgence feels like a small luxury, and we exchange a knowing smile, both aware this stolen moment is a rare treat. The 6 1/2-inch Nicaraguan cigar, cloaked in a Mexican San Andrés wrapper, promises a refined experience at $17 per stick or $340 for a box of 20.

Rocky Patel’s creations are renowned for their depth and character, and this Toro, with its 52 ring gauge, holds the promise of a memorable smoke. As the scent of charcoal fills the evening air, we settle into the calm, eager to savor this cigar while the steaks begin to sizzle.

The Roots

Crafted at Tabacalera Villa Cuba S.A. in Nicaragua, the Sixty by Rocky Patel Toro emerged in September 2021 as a regular production cigar honoring a milestone for Rocky Patel. Its blend of Nicaraguan binder and filler, wrapped in a lustrous Mexican San Andrés leaf, achieves a harmonious balance of strength and subtlety that speaks to the factory’s storied precision.

The artisans at Tabacalera Villa Cuba infuse each cigar with meticulous care, and this Toro exemplifies their craft with its rich, dark wrapper evoking the smoky aroma now enveloping my backyard. As we prepare for our family gathering, this cigar feels like a quiet celebration of shared moments. Rocky Patel

The Experience: From Start to Finish

First Look: Pre-Light Vibes

The Sixty by Rocky Patel Toro rests comfortably in my hand, its 6 1/2-inch length and 52 ring gauge conveying a substantial yet balanced presence. The San Andrés wrapper, deep brown with a few subtle veins, exudes a rugged elegance, while the cigar’s construction—tight seams and a precisely applied cap—promises a quality experience crafted with care.

As I examine the cigar, rich notes of chocolate and earth emerge, inviting and warm, and the cold draw reveals a medium full resistance with creamy chocolate and a faint pepper accent reminiscent of a fine dessert. The grill crackles softly, a cool breeze tempers the evening, and my father-in-law and I share a conspiratorial grin, amused by our sneaky indulgence before dinner. The first puff unfolds smoothly, its aroma mingling with the charcoal’s gentle scent.

Foot to Cap: The Flavor Ride

The initial puffs envelop the palate with smooth chocolate and earthy richness, accompanied by a delicate pepper tingle that enlivens the senses. The smoke drifts gently over the grill as we tend the steaks, its creamy texture blending with the evening’s charcoal scent, though the draw feels slightly tight at first. A surprising apple note emerges, sweet and nuanced, adding a layer of delight as we savor the quiet before the family gathers.

As we progress into the middle third, the earthy character deepens into a fresh soil-like essence, while the chocolate evolves into a roasted nut warmth that comforts the palate. A sharper white pepper note dances on the retrohale, vibrant and engaging, keeping the experience dynamic. The smoke grows denser, the draw relaxes, and the ash remains firm in soft gray hues. The faint sound of the girls arranging the table drifts from the house, prompting a shared smile as we relish this fleeting moment of camaraderie.

In the final third, a creamy finish envelops the palate, with earth and pepper holding prominence, subtly enhanced by a lingering apple sweetness that rounds out the profile. The burn remains even, the smoke stays cool, and the nub proves deeply satisfying. As the steaks approach perfection, this cigar has woven itself into our backyard ritual, transforming our quiet preparation into a cherished interlude of connection.

Build and Burn: The Technical Edge

The Sixty by Rocky Patel Toro showcases exemplary craftsmanship, its San Andrés wrapper smooth with minimal veins and the roll firm yet pliable, a testament to Tabacalera Villa Cuba’s expertise. The cap is meticulously applied, the seams nearly imperceptible, reflecting the care invested in its creation.

The burn proves consistent, yielding a gray ash that holds steadfast for an inch, while the draw, initially tight, opens gracefully to deliver abundant smoke that remains cool throughout. The cigar performs with reliability, its technical merits elevating our backyard experience and making it a dependable companion for such an evening.

Flavor Deep Dive: What is Cooking

The Sixty by Rocky Patel Toro unfolds a rich and harmonious flavor profile, opening with creamy chocolate and grounding earth notes that set a warm foundation, subtly accented by a delicate pepper spark. A sweet apple undertone weaves through, lending a refreshing brightness, while roasted nuts and vibrant white pepper emerge on the retrohale, adding depth and liveliness. The finish is smooth and creamy, with lingering earth and pepper notes that resonate beautifully with the smoky aroma of our grilling, creating a balanced and inviting smoke.

Strength and Body: The Muscle Behind It

The Sixty by Rocky Patel Toro carries a medium strength, its nicotine presence building gradually and gracefully without ever overwhelming the senses. The body is medium full, delivering a creamy smoke that envelops the palate with chocolate, earth, and pepper, while the apple note adds a delicate lightness. This cigar strikes a refined balance, perfectly suited for a tranquil moment before our family dinner.

Perfect Pairings: Elevate the Game

A smooth bourbon, with its caramel richness, enhances the Sixty by Rocky Patel Toro’s chocolate and apple notes, creating a harmonious pairing. A bold dark roast coffee complements the earthy tones, while dark chocolate amplifies the cigar’s depth. The smoky ambiance of a family barbecue feels like the ideal setting, allowing this cigar to shine amidst the warmth of shared moments.

Value: Worth the Cash?

Priced at $17 per cigar or $340 for a box of 20, the Sixty by Rocky Patel Toro commands a premium, yet its exceptional craftsmanship and rich flavor profile justify the investment. A single stick offers a luxurious treat, while a box promises many evenings of refined enjoyment, making it a compelling choice for those who cherish a well-crafted smoke.

Our Rating:

The Sixty by Rocky Patel Toro earns a 90, a Refined in my estimation, its impeccable craftsmanship delivering a smooth burn and a symphony of flavors—chocolate, earth, pepper, and apple—that unfold with warmth and grace. At $17, it is a premium indulgence, but its quality elevates our ritual with quiet joy.

Final Thoughts

The Sixty by Rocky Patel Toro weaves a rich tapestry of chocolate and earth, accented by pepper and a delicate apple sweetness, creating a smoke that feels both indulgent and comforting. Sharing it with my father-in-law while preparing steaks transformed a simple moment into something memorable, our shared laughter over this sneaky ritual warming the evening as much as the grill. Tabacalera Villa Cuba’s artistry is evident in every puff, and at $17, this cigar offers a refined experience that seasoned smokers will treasure.

Savor it during a fleeting pause with someone close, for it is a moment worth cherishing.

Own the Smoke: Make it Yours

The Sixty by Rocky Patel Toro beckons to those who appreciate a rich, balanced smoke, its Nicaraguan roots infusing warmth into any gathering. Light it alongside a family member during a quiet evening, letting its chocolate and earth notes elevate the moment. Share your story—what made your smoke unforgettable?

Make the moment yours.

See you later!