Catch 22 (corojo)

Rocky Patel’s Catch 22 – Review

The Rocky Patel Catch 22 is a cigar built on practicality rather than pretense. It doesn’t chase limited-release mystique or aggressive strength; instead, it leans into balance, consistency, and approachability. For smokers who value a dependable, workhorse cigar over novelty, Catch 22 occupies a very intentional lane in Rocky Patel’s portfolio.

Produced at the El Paraíso factory in Honduras, the Rocky Patel Catch 22 features a Honduran wrapper over Honduran binder and fillers. Available in a wide range of vitolas and offered as a regular production line, Catch 22 is positioned squarely as an everyday cigar, typically landing in the budget-friendly price tier. The blend prioritizes classic tobacco character and smooth delivery rather than complexity or raw power.

Pre-Light Experience

Appearance: A medium-brown wrapper with a dry, matte texture and visible but clean seams. Construction is uniform and utilitarian, signaling consistency rather than luxury.
Aroma (Wrapper & Foot): Dry cedar, hay, and a muted cocoa note, with no sharp ammonia or off-putting sweetness.
Cold Draw: Open and easy, delivering light notes of toasted bread, dry wood, and restrained pepper.

Flavor Breakdown

First Third:
The cigar opens with clean cedar and light earth, supported by a soft black pepper through the retrohale. A very subtle citrus note flickers early—more suggestion than flavor—adding a faint brightness before settling back into the core profile. The presentation is immediately familiar and controlled, establishing a mild-to-medium presence without any harshness.

Second Third:
The core flavors settle into toasted nuts, roasted coffee bean, and deeper cedar. A subtle buttered toast note emerges mid-palate, softening the profile and giving the blend a rounder, more cohesive texture. Pepper continues to recede, allowing balance and mouthfeel to take center stage.

Final Third:
Earth and wood return to the forefront with a faint mineral edge. The finish dries slightly but remains composed, provided the cigar is smoked at a steady pace. Heat stays in check through the close.

Body & Strength

Body: Medium
Strength: Mild–Medium
Complexity: Linear

Catch 22 delivers a steady, consistent profile focused on mouthfeel and balance rather than evolution. Nicotine impact remains modest throughout, reinforcing its role as a long-session or repeat smoke.

Construction & Burn

Burn: Generally even with minor waviness; no significant corrections required.
Draw: Consistently open yet controlled.
Ash: Light gray, moderately firm, holding in short stacks.

Overall Impression

This is where personal preference matters. As a smoker who gravitates toward Corojo-forward profiles, the Honduran Corojo character present in Catch 22 resonates more strongly than it may for others. While some may find the blend too restrained or linear, the familiar Corojo spice, dry cedar, and balanced structure elevate the experience for my palate.

Pairing Suggestions

Black coffee, light roast espresso, iced tea, or a simple lager. Best suited for morning or early afternoon smoking.

Final Score

Score: 89 / 100
Value Assessment: Very Good

A dependable, Corojo-leaning everyday cigar that rewards the right palate with balance, familiarity, and consistency well above its price tier.