Rocky Patel "Patel Bros"
Size: 5" x 50 rg Robusto
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleafe
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Strength: Medium
(Forgive the lack of pictures, was at the lounge and didn't have a camera.)
I picked this cigar up while at the lounge (in fact I am sitting here as I write this), deciding that while not being a big Rocky fan, I am always willing to try a new cigar and give it the benefit of the doubt. I've seen it mentioned here a few times that this new release is actually pretty dang good, so while poking around in the humidor this stick grabbed my attention. From what I have heard from the rep, this is a similar blend as the Winter line, though I have not had that cigar so I cannot compare.
Pre-Light
If there is one thing I have to give to Rocky Patel, is that the construction on his cigars is usually nicely done, and this one does not disappoint. The cigar feels heavy and solid in the hand, with a tightly wrapped oscuro wrapper that features no major veins. The cap is nicely applied, and compliments the perfectly bunched foot nicely. The band is rather large, but done in such a way that it is pleasing to the eye.
Burn & Draw
I started off by punching the cap, and on finding the draw to be a bit on the tight side, I decided to cut the head as well which opened up the draw to a perfect resistance. Once lit, the burn stayed razor sharp, revealing a weak ash that dropped in my lap in chunks for a couple minutes, and then ceased. Not my favorite thing to happen, but I'll forgive it as it was only a brief problem.
Flavor Profile
The initial pre-light draw flavors were of spicy tobacco that left my lips tingling, and once lit I was immediately greeted by a peppery blast both in the mouth and nose. Flavors for the first third of the cigar were a mix of a solid tobacco core complimented by a good earthiness like that of damp earth, woodiness and a slight vanilla bean taste that surprised me a tad bit. The finish was somewhat short though rich, with a spiciness to it that was delicious. Moving into the second third the woodiness picked up, and a touch of harshness crept in. Luckily, after purging the harshness failed to rear it's ugly head again, so hopefully it was just due to my smoking too fast. On progressing into the final third, the flavors stayed much the same save for a bit of leather that was on the finish.
Overall Impression
While this cigar didn't blow me away, I would say that it was certainly better than most of the Rocky's I have had thus far. The flavors were good, though not complex by any means, and overall the cigar was a solid performer in the taste department. I'd smoke more of these, though I am not sure if it would make it into a regular rotation here at the lounge. I'll smoke another to see how it stacks up to the first, and perhaps I'll hide a few in the humi to see how a year treats them.
Size: 5" x 50 rg Robusto
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleafe
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Strength: Medium
(Forgive the lack of pictures, was at the lounge and didn't have a camera.)
I picked this cigar up while at the lounge (in fact I am sitting here as I write this), deciding that while not being a big Rocky fan, I am always willing to try a new cigar and give it the benefit of the doubt. I've seen it mentioned here a few times that this new release is actually pretty dang good, so while poking around in the humidor this stick grabbed my attention. From what I have heard from the rep, this is a similar blend as the Winter line, though I have not had that cigar so I cannot compare.
Pre-Light
If there is one thing I have to give to Rocky Patel, is that the construction on his cigars is usually nicely done, and this one does not disappoint. The cigar feels heavy and solid in the hand, with a tightly wrapped oscuro wrapper that features no major veins. The cap is nicely applied, and compliments the perfectly bunched foot nicely. The band is rather large, but done in such a way that it is pleasing to the eye.
Burn & Draw
I started off by punching the cap, and on finding the draw to be a bit on the tight side, I decided to cut the head as well which opened up the draw to a perfect resistance. Once lit, the burn stayed razor sharp, revealing a weak ash that dropped in my lap in chunks for a couple minutes, and then ceased. Not my favorite thing to happen, but I'll forgive it as it was only a brief problem.
Flavor Profile
The initial pre-light draw flavors were of spicy tobacco that left my lips tingling, and once lit I was immediately greeted by a peppery blast both in the mouth and nose. Flavors for the first third of the cigar were a mix of a solid tobacco core complimented by a good earthiness like that of damp earth, woodiness and a slight vanilla bean taste that surprised me a tad bit. The finish was somewhat short though rich, with a spiciness to it that was delicious. Moving into the second third the woodiness picked up, and a touch of harshness crept in. Luckily, after purging the harshness failed to rear it's ugly head again, so hopefully it was just due to my smoking too fast. On progressing into the final third, the flavors stayed much the same save for a bit of leather that was on the finish.
Overall Impression
While this cigar didn't blow me away, I would say that it was certainly better than most of the Rocky's I have had thus far. The flavors were good, though not complex by any means, and overall the cigar was a solid performer in the taste department. I'd smoke more of these, though I am not sure if it would make it into a regular rotation here at the lounge. I'll smoke another to see how it stacks up to the first, and perhaps I'll hide a few in the humi to see how a year treats them.
