Tony Barrios and Privada Cigar Club Mad Monkey Toro

It’s finally going to make an appearance! It has been a long journey, but it’s on its way.

It was nearly a year ago when I had come across this cigar. Hearing about it among members of the Privada Cigar Club, I knew this was one I had to try. A friend of mine secured me one, allowing me to try the blend. As I figured, and perhaps feared, I loved it. I say feared because I knew my chances of laying hold of this cigar for the humidor were slim. Boy, was it. I am talking about none other than the special blend from Tony Barrios called the Mad Monkey Toro. As many may know, Tony is the owner and blender for a powerhouse boutique brand, Stallone. His signature is that strong, full-flavored Nicaraguan banger that always delivers that heavy-hitting experience many have come to love. The Mad Monkey cigar is no exception.

After trying it, I repeatedly spoke with Clark Thorton of LCA, requesting to carry it in the shop. He said they were unavailable as of now, but plans were in the works to offer that cigar down the line. This became a running joke between him and I because it was almost every month I asked him if I could get it. Time passed, and I nearly gave up on it. But now the day has come! That’s right, next week OGT Cigars will have the opportunity to offer the Mad Monkey Toro! By way of an ‘uncovered’ press release, Privada has stated the following:

“Named after a rather theatric legend in cigar lore about an out-of-control, cigar-loving monkey, Mad Monkey became a certified staple in cigar history when Tony Barrios of Stallone Cigars took a trip to Tabacalera Palma in Nicaragua and spent a month blending this spicy and bold cigar with various aged tobaccos.”

The Mad Monkey Cigar is a 6×48 Toro featuring a Nicaraguan Habano Maduro wrapper, over a double Nicaraguan binder, and Nicaraguan fillers. Suggested flavor notes from Privada are red pepper, cherry, and cocoa sweetness. I recall there being a fair amount of earth and leather mixed in too. This cigar will be available at Oak Glen Tobacconist next week! I would advise lighting up a Mad Monkey for anyone who enjoys the blending style of Stallone and Nicaraguan cigars on the medium plus to fuller side. This cigar does not disappoint.