Cigar Geeks - Blackbird Cigar Co. The Rio (Privada Cigar Club Exclusive) Gran Toro

Cigar Geeks Geek Critique

Blackbird Cigar Co. The Rio (Privada Cigar Club Exclusive) Gran Toro
Written by Cigar Geeks Member: junglepete

90
Cigar Geeks Rating

Welcome to another Member sponsored Geek Critique generously sponsored by our member tuck0411 (Todd). The cigar provided for this round is the http://www.cigargeeks.com/cigardb/default.asp?action=showcig&cigar_id=193208">Blackbird Cigar Co. The Rio Gran Toro.

This cigar is an exclusive to Privada Cigar Club. The folks at Black Bird Cigar Co. had an aged cigar at their factory that they had been smoking for personal consumption because they couldn't sell the blend with their branding on it due to FDA regulations. They reached out to Privada, who fell in love with the blend. It has a rare combination of Brazilian wrapper and Brazilian binder. Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers. Aged 2.5 years in the Dominican republic. They named it The Rio. The color, the Christ the Redeemer statue, and the font. DOPE. Collectible. Rare. Exclusive. Aged. Sounds perfect for Privada!

Blackbird Cigar Co. The Rio (Privada Cigar Club Exclusive) Gran Toro

Brand:: Blackbird Cigar Co.
Name:: The Rio (Privada Cigar Club Exclusive) Gran Toro
Length:: 6
Ring Gauge:: 54
Country of Origin:: Dominican Republic
Filler:: Dominican Republic
Nicaragua
Binder:: Brazil
Wrapper:: Brazil
Color:: Colorado Maduro
Strength:: Medium
Shape:: Toro
Average Member Purchase Price:: $10.35
Average Member Rating:: (2 Review(s))
Notes:: https://privadacigarclub.com/shop/black-bird-cigar-co-the-rio-restock/

Pre-Light: 8 Points of 10 Possible

The canon was solid and straight with a few veins present. I thought it might have been overfilled, but the cold draw was just fine. The aroma was mild in richness but stronger with spice and made the nose tingle.

Lighting and Burn: 15 Points of 15 Possible

I can't deduct any points here as the cigar performed perfectly. The burn was dead on straight, the smoke volume was ample, no relights or touch ups were needed. The ash was quite white in color and broke off in solid chunks.

Construction: 30 Points of 30 Possible

Again, no points deducted here as the cigar did everything a cigar should do: the draw was good, plenty of smoke to throw around, the wrapper was applied well, the cap held up to the cut and the smoking.

Flavor and Aroma: 37 Points of 45 Possible

I did not find too much difference between the three thirds other than the strength increasing from medium to medium-full. This stick presented mild wood notes, some leathery smoothness, and a definitive lingering spice throughout the entire smoke. By the end, my tongue was tingling quite a bit. Although the tastes were similar throughout, I thought they were good enough to sustain a pleasant experience.

Summary

I enjoyed smoking this cigar and would smoke it again given the chance. When I add up my scores from each category the total comes to 90. However, the overall experience felt like an 87 to me. Thanks to Todd for sponsoring this Geek Critique.