Bad Dog Toro
Bad Dog Cigars are relatively new to the industry.  Created by Nicholas Scarcella and Andreas, long time business partners, these cigars feature a unique Rhodesian wrapper that comes from the Zimbabwe.  Thank you to Duque Cigars for providing the cigars for this review.
Company:Â Bad Dog Cigars
Made In: Nicaragua
Made by: Bad Dog Cigars
Size: 6″ x 52 Toro
Wrapper: Rhodesian
Filler: Nicaraguan
Binder: Nicaraguan
MSRP: $115.43 for a 20 count film can from Duque Cigars
Pre-light
The Rhodesian wrapper was a light tan color and was speckled with multiple discolorations.  This 6″ x 52 Toro was box-pressed and boasted a sweetened triple cap.  The veiny wrapper appeared to be applied nicely, however, I was able to detect multiple hard and soft spots down the length of the cigar.  I clipped the end with my Palio cutter and got a nice smooth draw that left a sugary sweet taste on my lips.
First Third
I must admit that since I don’t smoke sweetened cigars the sweetened tip was very distracting. Â The sweetness didn’t effect the smoke in my mouth as much as it did the taste of my lips. Â Off the light the cigar appeared to be performing well. Â Copious amounts of smoke poured from the cigar and brought muted flavors of coffee, wood and grass. Â The cigar continued to burn fairly straight through the first third and the white ash held on for almost two inches.
Second Third
As I puffed my way into the second third of this cigar, my disappointment began to settle in. Â The coffee and grass flavors remained and are joined by the taste of walnuts. Â Although I can pick up on different flavors they seem very hollow, like they lack any punch. Â To compound my distaste for the flavors, the cigar began to burn unevenly. Â I lacked so much interest that I did not bother to attempt a touch-up.
Last Third
Unfortunately, the final third of this cigar brought more of the same. Â The cigar continued to burn crooked and the flavors lacked any pizzaz except for a strong bitterness that masked the original flavors. Â I tossed this cigar with approximately 1 1/2 inches left.
Final Thoughts
I was not thrilled with these Bad Dog Cigars. Â The flavors never really developed, with the exception of the bitterness towards the end, which increased my disappointment. Â The crooked burn could have been corrected, however, my lack of interest prevented that. Â I would recommend this cigar as the first cigar of your day with a cup of coffee. Â The muted/hollow flavors would benefit nicely from a dark roasted coffee.
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Nice review Chris. I also have a hard time with a sweetened cap. It usually seems to be added in an attempt to save a cigar that doesn’t have much going on but it rarely works.