Final Thoughts: I would be hard pressed to find any real issues with this cigar. The burn was perfect. The draw was perfect with complimenting the flavor transitions. It was an absolute chocolate bomb and the coffee note in the final third was the chef’s kiss on this decadent stick. This cigar will pair with anything and will be perfect any time of day. I wish there was a bit more pepper or spice on the retrohale, but in all honesty it didn’t really need it. This cigar really is a maduro for any occasion.
Pairing Recommendations: Coffee (prepared any way), Miller Lite, Chocolate covered espresso beans, Bourbon, High Proof Brandy, After a bowl of Cocoa Pebbles, White Russian, Baileys Irish Cream, Spiced Rum, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chocolate Fudge Brownies, Caramel Cream Candy, Cherry Coke, Dirty Shirley (Vodka, Sprite, Grenadine)
Breakdown of My “Overall Enjoyment” Total:
Feel in the hand: 15/15
Ash Strength: 5/5
Versatility (pairings, time of day): 10/10
Appearance: 5/5
Pepper Scale: 3/10
Box Worthy: 5/5
Patina Cigars was founded in 2015 by Mo Maali in Chicago, Illinois. Originally produced by Mombacho Cigars, the first Patina blends would release in 2017. In the 6 years since Patina appeared on the market, production has transitioned to Nicaraguan American Cigars S.A. – commonly referred to as NACSA – and the brand’s popularity and community has continued to grow.
Wrapper: Undisclosed / Binder: Undisclosed / Filler: Undisclosed
Vitola: Rustic / Size: 5 x 52
Factory: Nicaraguan American Cigars S.A. / Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Milk Chocolate
Milk Chocolate
Chocolate Cereal
Before light up, I can’t help but notice the flawless chocolate colored wrapper. The first few puffs engulf my palate with a very thick brownie batter note. The draw is leaning towards the snug side, but not really in a bad way. It feels like the draw is helping aid that dense flavor I’m getting in the first third. The retrohale is straight chocolate, but zero pepper. As the first third transitions to the second third I am very impressed with the flavor, but would like a bit more spice on the retrohale.
Diving into the second third it’s worth noting that not only has the draw loosened up to perfection, but the burn has been absolutely perfect thus far. It’s still riding the chocolate train, but I’m picking up some candied cherries. The ones that come in the chocolate shell. The retrohale is still smooth and lacks any type of pepper or spice, but it’s really helping to create the picture this cigar is painting.
The final third gives me exactly what I’ve been looking for, pepper on the retrohale! It’s a very very slight pepper, but it is something I’ve been eagerly anticipating. It’s still chocolate across the board. It’s getting a little creamy, almost milky which is bringing out a cocoa pebbles cereal note. Coffee comes out of nowhere halfway through the final third and steals the show for the remainder of the cigar.
