Initial Thoughts:
One of the reasons I love cigar subscription clubs is that I get to try cigars I might not get to try otherwise. So, when CigarClub.com sent me the Rodriguez Series 84 (reviewed here), I was optimistic. And, when they sent me today's cigar a few months later, I was super-excited.
Today we're going to dive into a cigar similar to one I've had (and loved) before. However, today's Rodriguez Series 84 Natural Gran Toro has a natural Habano wrapper instead of a maduro.
After cutting the end with my guillotine, the draw was a little tight, but it offered up hints of lemon, citrus and grass. Once the Series 84 Natural was lit, the added flavors of leather and pepper joined the mix.
About 25 minutes into the cigar, the wrapper near the foot detached, and I noticed a tiny hole near the smoking end that impacted the draw. So, a couple of construction issues early in the Rodriguez Series 84 Natural.
CigarScore:
Brand: Rodriguez
Line: Series 84 Natural
Size: 6 x 56
Cut: Guillotine
Light: Torch
Price: $10.31 – CigarClub.com
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Smoke Time: 93 minutes
Through the middle of the Rodriguez Series 84 Natural Gran Toro, the construction issues continued. However, toward the end of the first third, the flavors mellowed out. The citrus and lemon flavors disappeared and were replaced with leather, wood, and cedar.
Approaching the final third, the construction issues continued and the pinhole near the smoking end became (disappointingly) more problematic.
Final Thoughts
Holes, cracks, and burn issues. Unfortunately, what could have been a great cigar, the Rodriguez Series 84 Natural Gran Toro was sullied by severe construction problems.
However, the flavors were decent. While I'm sure I got a bad stick, the Series 84 Natural's biggest problem is that I've also smoked (and really enjoyed) the Series 84 Maduro. Alternatively, the best part about the Series 84 Natural is the Series 84 Maduro; had I not smoked the maduro, I might've written off Rodriguez Cigars altogether, which would have been a mistake.
While the flavors were light and enjoyable, the construction issues were too much to overcome, so the Rodriguez Series 84 Natural Gran Toro earns a CigarScore 3.
