Archive for the ‘Nish_Patel’ Category

Zen by Nish Patel

Thursday, August 11th, 2011

“Re-think Connecticut.” That’s the tag line for this cigar. It is a Rocky Patel brand, but blended Nish. Patrick V and Nish hooked me up with a couple samples before they were released at this years IPCPR show. For the record, these will be banded. My samples did not have a band as you see below. Otherwise, what I am reviewing is the same product. For those of you asking “Who is Nish Patel?” He is Rocky’s brother, and Executive Vice President of Rocky Patel cigars. He helps oversee operations, and travels quite a bit for events.

I paired with water and here is my review of the Zen by Nish Patel.

 

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Secret

Size: 5 x 50

Price: $6.25

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The tan wrapper looked nice, and had a few small to medium sized veins. No flaws were seen on this boxed pressed cigar. I had a hard time detecting any smell off of the wrapper or foot. Perhaps a mild cedar. The cigar was solidly and evenly packed, and the draw had a little resistance. The pre-light draw had almost no flavor – Maybe a mild earthiness with cedar.

The ash held for around 1.5 inches. The burn required no corrections.

1 Zen_By_Nish_Patel Cigars

Flavor:

The first third opened up with a smooth earthiness. Shortly after, cedar joining in and overtook the earthiness. Within the first inch, coffee introduced itself. When passing smoke through the sinus, there was a nice, somewhat sweet spice with a little kick. The smoke feel was smooth throughout.

2 Zen_By_Nish_Patel Cigars

The second third: Coffee and cedar remained dominant, but mixed evenly. Earthy notes would occasionally appear way in the background. At times I would get that smooth, creamy, nutty “Typical Connecticut” flavor profile. Otherwise the smoke feel was fairly dry and crisp. Passing through the nose, the spice remained and kept it’s zing. The sweet spice lingered on the lips and left a slight tingle. As I continued to smoke past the half way point, a nutty component joined in.

3 Zen_By_Nish_Patel Cigars

The last third kept pace with the second third, for the most part. The sweet spice increased slightly, and it left that sweet cinnamony tingle on the lips and tongue that I mentioned before. A smooth, almost creamy sweetness enveloped the flavor profile. The core flavors of coffee and cedar didn’t change. The nutty component was there too. Where it fit in the flavor profile I am not sure. Everything just melded together nicely and it was a challenge to pay attention and not just enjoy the smoke.

4 Zen_By_Nish_Patel Cigars

Conclusion:

It is rare that a review for a Connecticut wrapped cigar end up so wordy. A typical flavor profile for that kind of cigar is straight forward and easy. The Zen is obviously an exception. I think the tag ling fits the product. Also, upon checking Rocky Patel’s website, I found the description to be accurate as well. Hype aside, this was a good medium bodied, slow burning cigar. I could see this pairing nicely with coffee or a variety of beverages in the morning or afternoon. Definitely worth a try.

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