Cigar Geeks - Xhaxhi Bobi El Rabo Del Toro (with Julian Sued)

Cigar Geeks Geek Critique

Xhaxhi Bobi El Rabo Del Toro (with Julian Sued)
Written by Cigar Geeks Member: Cfickter

80
Cigar Geeks Rating

Welcome to another Member sponsored Geek Critique generously sponsored by our member Otis. The cigar provided for this round is the Xhaxhi Bobi El Rabo Del Toro (with Julian Sued).

The El Rabo del Toro is a collaboration between Julian Sued & Xaxhi Bobi (owned by Bob de Goede, who used to be a cigar box maker). The name Xhaxhi is Albanian for "uncle," which de Goede was given after working at a mine in Albania.

Xhaxhi Bobi El Rabo Del Toro (with Julian Sued)

Brand:: Xhaxhi Bobi
Name:: El Rabo Del Toro (with Julian Sued)
Length:: 6
Ring Gauge:: 50
Country of Origin:: Dominican Republic
Filler:: Corojo
Dominican Republic
Habano
Binder:: Corojo
Dominican Republic
Wrapper:: Ecuador
Habano
Color:: Colorado Maduro
Strength:: Full
Shape:: Toro
Average Member Purchase Price:: $10.00
Average Member Rating:: (1 Review(s))
Notes:: https://www.smallbatchcigar.com/el-rabo-del-toro-pack-of-5

This cigar was enjoyed with Water

Pre-Light: 8 Points of 10 Possible

Nice dark chocolate oily wrapper, minor veining, no flaws. Firm body, interesting fuse cap. Cut using a V-Cut, Pre light draw was free with hints of a light black pepper and graham cracker, aroma of some light spices.

Lighting and Burn: 12 Points of 15 Possible

Lights quickly, initial burn was straight but a slight wobble came in after about the burn of an inch. Never kept a truly straight burn line but manageable. Required only one small touch up. Did not require any relights and no issues with tunneling and canoeing. Ash is very flaky and wouldn't hold on for too long. Smoke volume was very good and smoke pace was perfect.

Construction: 25 Points of 30 Possible

After lighting the initial draw was fair, feeling somewhat constricted which made me wonder about the bunching and the possibility of stems. But that fear never materialized. The draw improved as the body heated up. Cap held up well for the entire smoke with no loose ends. No wrapper issues like cracking or tears.

Flavor and Aroma: 35 Points of 45 Possible

First 1/3: Initial draw notes were peppery that was especially strong on the retrohale. Secondary notes were nutty and had some hints of the pre-light draw graham crackers. Towards the end of the third the pepper backs down but still very noticeable on the retro.

Second 1/3: Continues more on the medium track with the pepper notes still toned down, but still there. Not much change thru the third, from the opening draws. Towards the end of the third the pepper has really backed down, even on the retrohale.

Final 1/3: More of the same from the middle third. A little heat shows up towards the end.

Summary

This was a totally new brand to me. Overall, a good smoke. Lacked a lot of complexity but not always a bad thing if you just want a good, consistent smoke. It would have been interesting to give this a few more months of rest. Good to find a new brand and while I wouldn't call it box worthy it would be one, I would pick up anytime in a shop.