AshMap
Overview
The Intemperance BA XXI Toro stands as a masterclass in restrained power—a cigar that refuses the common pitfall of mistaking strength for complexity. Born from the collaborative vision of Skip Martin and RoMa Craft Tobac, the BA XXI line (named to evoke the Bill of Rights and positioned as the brand's flagship) has quietly become one of the industry's best-kept secrets since its debut around 2012–2013. This Toro, measuring 6 x 52, wraps an aged blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican long-fillers in a Colorado-shade Ecuadorian Habano that delivers visual elegance without pretense—medium brown, naturally glossy, with the kind of smooth texture that signals careful cultivation and handling.
What distinguishes the BA XXI Toro is Martin's blending philosophy, which prioritizes balance over bombast. The cigar opens with creamy cedar and toasted bread, punctuated by white pepper snap on the retrohale, with roasted almonds and espresso providing a welcoming foundation. As it progresses, the palate evolves through leather, dark cocoa, and dried fruit—particularly figs and raisins—while the wrapper's inherent sweetness never overwhelms. By the final third, the smoke settles into deep roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and charred oak, with mineral earthiness lingering long after the ash falls. Throughout this 60–75 minute journey, the strength builds methodically from medium-full to full, yet never veers toward harshness—a quality that speaks to impeccable aging and blending discipline.
Construction elevates the BA XXI into the upper echelon of hand-rolled cigars. The triple-cap finish, even burn line, and firm yet effortless draw produce voluminous cream-white smoke with minimal intervention required. Ash holds confidently in one-inch-plus segments and drops clean, a hallmark of Rocky Patel's production standards in Santiago, Dominican Republic. At $12–$16 per cigar, the BA XXI punches well above its price point, offering a refinement and consistency that rivals cigars commanding double the cost. For those who've grown beyond entry-level medium blends but seek nuance over brute force, this is the cigar that rewards attention.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Habano — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan and Dominican long-fillers, aged |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic (Rocky Patel Premium Cigars collaboration / RoMa Craft Tobac) |
| Vitola / Shape | Toro |
| Size | 6 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $12–$16 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Fillers include aged Nicaraguan and Dominican tobaccos; specific aging duration not publicly disclosed |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
Opens with creamy cedar, toasted bread, and a pronounced white pepper snap on the retrohale. Underlying notes of roasted almonds and light espresso establish an inviting, medium-full foundation. Draw is consistently excellent with dense, cream-white smoke.
Second Third
Transitions into leather, dark cocoa, and dried fruit — figs or raisins particularly. The pepper mellows to a supporting spice rather than a lead note, while earth and oak take on more prominence. Complexity peaks here with excellent layering.
Final Third
Finishes with deep roasted coffee, dark chocolate, charred oak, and a lingering mineral earthiness. Strength builds noticeably but never turns harsh. The sweetness from the wrapper integrates fully, delivering a long, satisfying finish.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is exceptional — tight, even burn line with minimal touch-ups required, firm yet effortless draw producing voluminous smoke. Ash holds firmly in the one-inch-plus range and drops clean. A hallmark of RoMa Craft's meticulous production standards.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged rum — Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva or Barbancourt 15-Year; alternatively a wheated bourbon like Pappy Van Winkle 12 or W.L. Weller Special Reserve
Wine
Spanish Tempranillo — Rioja Reserva such as La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904, or a Priorat with fruit depth to match the cigar's mid-palate richness
Non-Alcoholic
Single-origin dark roast pour-over coffee — Ethiopian Yirgacheffe or a Colombian medium-dark to complement the chocolate and nut notes without overpowering them
Who Should Smoke This?
The Intemperance BA XXI Toro is ideal for the advancing aficionado—someone comfortable with medium-full strength who craves complexity without aggression. This is not a beginner's cigar, though not because of harshness; rather, it demands an hour-plus of unhurried focus to appreciate its progression. Evening porch sessions or deliberate lounge time are essential. Collectors seeking underrated boutique gems will find this a cornerstone acquisition. Those frustrated by one-dimensional "power for power's sake" blends will recognize in the BA XXI a return to craft-first philosophy. A perfect choice for the connoisseur who values Skip Martin's restraint and technical precision.
Bottom Line
The Intemperance BA XXI Toro is a boutique benchmark—balanced, beautifully constructed, and criminally underrated. At its price point, it's simply one of the best cigars in the market. If RoMa Craft remains off your radar, this is where to begin.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Intemperance cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Intemperance BA XXI Toro a strong cigar?
It is medium-full to full in strength (4/5), building noticeably through the final third. However, the cigar prioritizes balance over brute force—the strength never becomes harsh or overwhelming, making it accessible to experienced smokers who want substance without aggression.
What does the Intemperance BA XXI Toro taste like?
The cigar opens with creamy cedar, toasted bread, and white pepper, followed by roasted almonds and espresso. The middle transitions to leather, dark cocoa, and dried fruit (figs, raisins), while the finish delivers deep roasted coffee, dark chocolate, charred oak, and mineral earthiness. Throughout, the wrapper's natural sweetness provides elegant balance.
How long does the Intemperance BA XXI Toro take to smoke?
Plan for 60–75 minutes of smoking time. This is a cigar best reserved for deliberate, unhurried sessions where the full flavor progression can be appreciated.
What is the best pairing for the Intemperance BA XXI Toro?
Aged rum—particularly Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva or Barbancourt 15-Year—complements the chocolate and earth beautifully. Wheated bourbons like Pappy Van Winkle 12 are excellent alternatives. For wine, a Spanish Tempranillo (Rioja Reserva) or Priorat offers fruit depth that mirrors the mid-palate. A single-origin dark roast coffee, such as Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, pairs naturally without overpowering.
Is the Intemperance BA XXI Toro good for beginners?
No. While the cigar is refined and well-balanced, its medium-full to full strength and complexity are best appreciated by experienced smokers comfortable with more robust blends. Beginners should first explore lighter, medium-strength offerings before graduating to the BA XXI.
Where can I buy the Intemperance BA XXI Toro?
The Intemperance BA XXI Toro is available through authorized premium cigar retailers and online merchants specializing in boutique brands. RoMa Craft cigars are distributed nationally, though specific availability varies by retailer.
What is the price of the Intemperance BA XXI Toro?
Retail pricing ranges from $12–$16 per cigar, making it one of the best value propositions in the premium boutique segment.
Is the Intemperance BA XXI Toro worth aging?
The filler tobaccos are already aged before rolling, and the cigar is mature upon release. While short-term aging (6–12 months) in proper conditions may refine the profile slightly, the BA XXI is crafted to deliver excellence immediately and is not dependent on extended cellar time.
What wrapper does the Intemperance BA XXI Toro use?
The cigar features an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper in Colorado shade—medium brown with a slight natural sheen and smooth texture. This wrapper contributes creamy sweetness and structural integrity without overwhelming the blend's complexity.
Where is the Intemperance BA XXI Toro made?
The cigar is hand-rolled in Santiago, Dominican Republic, through a collaboration between RoMa Craft Tobac and Rocky Patel Premium Cigars. Intemperance is a RoMa Craft brand created by Skip Martin and Michael Rosales, with the BA XXI line serving as the portfolio's flagship offering.