Rocky Patel Strada (Churchill)

[chain_gang]

Intro / Pre-Smoke Judgement:

Going back to the unknown $1 Cigarbid wins to clear them out. The Strada's been sitting for close to a year, but it's been avoided due to it's size and the mental "instinct" I've gained for most cigars at this price point. I'm not really looking forward to it, but I'm also kinda optimistic that my recent budget burning trend will stay in the green.

Overall:

-Pretty good tobacco throughout (especially for the $)

-The tobacco seems a little course in the 1/3, but smoothes out around the 2/3 - 1/2

-Nice bite

-Solid throughout

-Pepper is there, and is a little soft, but goes well with the tobacco's strength and bite

-There's a "cooling" kinda sensation that immediately follows the pepper on the retrohale. Not sure how else to describe it. Not minty but may be akin to the refreshing "cooling" sensation that comes with. If "cooling" is wrong than it may just be a drier tobacco flavor.

-Wonky burn

-Draw was OK, but felt tight

-Tossed near the beginning of the 3/3 due to it's size

Trial By Smoke Judgement:

OK for it's price, but it wasn't really interesteresting to me. I'll pass on future Cigarbid opportunities, because there's better $1 sticks available. It didn't disappoint by no means - and my budget burning trend is STILL in the green. Recommended to the Bargain Bums.