1 review for Rodrigo Habano Clasico Robusto
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Rodrigo Habano Clasico Robusto
Overall Score
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Aaron
Origin : Dominican Republic
Format : Robusto
Size : 5 x 50
Wrapper : Dominican
Filler : Dominican
Binder : Dominican
Hand-Made
Price : ~$7.00
For several months I had seen Rodrigo cigars being passed between members of several different cigar forums with some good things being said about the cigars and its owner, George Rodriguez. I have to admit they looked awfully good, and I decided for myself I had to acquire some for myself to see what all of the hoopla was about. So I got in contact with George to procure myself a lovely sampler of several different sizes from his vitola lineup. George has the Rodrigo cigars made in Tamboril, Dominican Republic. At this moment, only a few B&M’s have these cigars with Height’s Cigar in Houston being one of them (George just finished a Rodrigo event there not too long ago).
Appearance : [rating:4/5]
The Rodrigo robusto’s wrapper is a marbled mix of mainly dark brown with shades of yellows and black within its spectrum. Good oiliness to the outside makes this stogie look delicious. The triple cap on the end looks clumsily applied and rustic. The wrapper has some middle sized veins running down its sides. Aromas of leather are emitted from the wrapper and tea leaves from its foot. I love the banding and art work of this cigar with the pic of the cigar leaf cleverly accentuated between two griffins. Very attractive marketing.
Construction : [rating:4.75/5] (4.75)
The Rodrigo is a little tight on the draw when the head is clipped. Lit with my Xikar lighter, and the draw immediately opened up and produced thick plentiful smoke. Through the 1st third and moving on to the halfway point the burn was pretty straight with a sturdy salt and pepper ash that held on for an exceptionally long amount of time. Construction is some of the best I have seen from a boutique brand.
Flavor : [rating:4.5/5]
When held in the mouth the oiliness of the wrapper comes off on your lips and leaves a slightly sweet and spicy lingering aftertaste. This oily wrapper also had me wondering whether this cigar was going to be too much for me and pound me into submission. But I ended up loving the beginning of this cigar. The Rodrigo begins with a bombastic amount of leather glove flavors combined with floral notes. The Rodrigo and me seemed to be on an awesome ride from here on out. This cigar tastes like Tatuaje and Viaje joined forces and made a cigar (which I highly doubt would ever happen!). About halway the intensity of smoke increases and evolves into flavors of rich saddle leather, rich sweet tobacco earthiness, and rich French roast coffee (yep, that’s THREE rich’s). I couldn’t really say that this cigar is super complex, ‘cause it’s not, but this cigar’s flavors are exceptionally lively. And it’s this liveliness of flavor that elevates the Rodrigo above a sea of monotonous boutique brands. Good work George!
Value : [rating:4/5]
If I had to put a dollar amount on what I would pay for this cigar if I hadn’t known the price already, I would say I would be happy in paying $9-$11 a stick. After saying that, it is shocking to know that these cigars run around the $7-$8 range; a bargain by my standards.
Overall Rating : [rating:4.5/5]
I smoke a lot of Tatuajes and a lot of Viajes and this cigar seems to marry a Miami Brown Label with Viaje’s Exclusivo flavors. This is giving George, and the Rodrigo robusto, a lot of cred and respect for producing such a good cigar on the first release. I know I have used the word waaayyy too much already and have played it out on this review, but the one word that sums up the Rodrigo robusto is, RICH! I’ll keep using the word over and over again until you all smoke one of these yourself and then I will shut up. Until then, enjoy Rodrigo, and cheers my friends!
Cigary
As far as I’m concerned the buzz about Rodrigo Cigars is all positive in nature because those who have smoked them know. 50 years of cigar smoking gives me enough experience and credibility to know what’s good and this line of cigars is going to be a huge success. They are every bit an Ultra Premium cigar that rivals most of them. Anyone who hasn’t tried this cigar…you’re missing something truly great.
Bill
Just to throw my two cents in on a subject I very much disagree with Myridon about. I hate, hate ,hate video reviews and I stop going to sites that use them. If there is anything more boring than watching some guy smoke a cigar I don’t know what it is.
Inspector
Myrmidon, I didn’t ask you to stop posting your opinions here – if this was my goal I could just delete your comment as some people do. I always encourage discussion. I hope everybody understands that although there is a star rating associated to a review, the reviewer’s opinion (i.e. the text that has been written) is way more important. These things are extremely subjective and instead of challenging a number it might be more interesting to challenge an opinion 🙂 How can one be dubious over a review of a cigar that he/she hasn’t smoked? Especially when it doesn’t cost as much as some elite sticks do.
Aaron
I tried smoking a Ghurka Black Dragon once, and couldn’t finish it. I haven’t smoked one since, but I may try one again to see if they just aren’t my type of smoke. Thanks for the support and keep reading, because I got some really good smokes being reviewed soon.
Dave
Aaron — I don’t think you have to be so defensive. You write good reviews and, more relevant to this discussion, you tend to review elite sticks. Obviously, if you’re choosing better sticks to review, the ratings will skew higher. Maybe you should test this by smoking a Ghurka (just kidding, please don’t).
Aaron
I respect your view on cigars Myrmidon. But I gave this cigar a fair shake on the star system. I believe it is highly critical of you to judge me on a cigar that you have never smoked as you are to judge me as a bum reviewer. A 4.5 star stick is a >90 score which is a fair score for this really good cigar. When I give 5 stars to a stick I do that in respect to that it is as good as most elite sticks on the market and could be anywhere from a 93-95, or higher if stated. I don’t know what kind of sticks you smoke and what you would judge to be 4.5 star worthy smoke.
Wine is like cigars, and drinking based on ratings may not always benefit the drinker. I don’t agree with Robert Parker on wine ratings (but I don’t disregard his opinions either), and you don’t have to like my reviews. If you like another reviewer that has similar tastes as yours, I am not going to fault you for that. I just want you to see where I am coming from with my scoring.
Myrmidon
I haven’t tried this one yet Aaron. I simply say this because I treat a stogie review like a movie. To have a near perfect rating should be exceedingly rare. When I see a near perfect score, I treat that review dubiously. Yes, there are cigars out there that should receive very high marks, but I’m beginning to think this site is going the way of Cigar Aficionado in giving greater praise to the less worthy in an attempt to drum up a flagging cigar trade due to economy. My perceptions are more critical than some, or even most.
At ease, Inspector. I won’t endorse or post my views on your site in the future. Cigar Obsession gives an opinion more accurate to my personal flavor profile and Brian Glynn’s use of video is a more accessible medium.
Enjoy your cigars.
Inspector
Myrmidon, I just had a look at all your comments and you say this everytime a cigar gets over 4 stars. Come on, we can have some cigars that we like 🙂
Aaron
Oh, by the way everyone. George may be decreasing the MSRP on these cigars to <$6 a piece. Hasn't been finalized, but if he does I don't see any reason why people shouldn't buy these by the box. I know I will!
Aaron
No. I believe that I am very scrutinizing. Lately I have given high marks to a lot of cigars, because frankly they have been excellent. There were several I have reviewed in the past that were pretty bad. The star system that is used for ratings can also make it look as if I am very generous (If you want a numerical rating, then I would give this one a 91). I don’t know if you read any of the other major review websites, but this cigar had high marks on those websites and has become very popular on the major cigar forums(I’m not copying them, I am just in agreement). Stogie Review, MikesStogies.com, TomsCigars.com, and CigarChoice.net all have said that these cigars were excellent. George Rodriguez, owner of Rodrigo, has some of the best people in the industry blending this cigar (i.e. William Ventura of Davidoff fame). The construction is incredible, the flavor is really good, what more do you want? Myrmidon, what did you think of this cigar?
Myrmidon
Aaron, do you ever have the feeling you’re overly generous in your reviews?