Archive for the ‘Rocky_Patel’ Category

Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve Maduro

Sunday, August 25th, 2013

I used to smoke the Olde World Reserve back when I first started smoking cigars. Years later, they sort of vanished from local cigar shop shelves. Lately, I’ve seen them re-appear. It was inevitable that I would pick some up and see if I still liked them.

 

Wrapper: Maduro

Binder: Honduras

Filler: Nicaragua & Honduras

Size: Robusto 5.5 x 54

Price: Around $7.00

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The wrapper had a velvety, yet oily appearance. There were no visible flaws, and the odor was a fairly strong leather. Squeezing the cigar, I found minor variances, but nothing of concern. The draw had slight resistance. The pre-light flavor was sweet, earthy, and woody.

The ash held for almost an inch, and the burn required a few minor corrections.

1 Rocky_Patel_Olde_World_Reserve_Maduro cigars

Flavor:

The dominant flavor in the first third was black coffee. Behind that was an unidentified sweetness, along with dark earthiness and wood. An easy pepper was noticed when passing smoke through the nose, and the aftertaste lingered for awhile.

2 Rocky_Patel_Olde_World_Reserve_Maduro cigars

In the second third, the smoke feel became sweet, creamy, and thick. Coffee still dominated the flavor profile, but it was joined with a sweetness that reminded me of cocoa. Wood, earth, and nutty notes were behind the coffee and cocoa. The peppery component wasn’t harsh, but it had a little kick.

3 Rocky_Patel_Olde_World_Reserve_Maduro cigars

Coffee, with sweet cocoa, continued to build in the last third. The smoke feel became increasingly thick and creamy. Pepper was still there, but it felt smoother, without losing its zing. Wood, earth, and nuts, became background notes that I could barely notice.

4 Rocky_Patel_Olde_World_Reserve_Maduro cigars

Conclusion:

This was a very good full bodied cigar. The flavors were pretty bold starting out, and continued this trend right to the end. I’m glad this cigar resurfaced on cigar shop shelves. I find myself smoking one or two a week lately.

Rocky Patel Winter Collection 2012

Friday, February 1st, 2013

While browsing Tampa Humidor a couple weeks ago, I ran across the RP Winter Collection 2012. I didn’t even realize the blend existed, and figured it died with the 2009 version. I recall being fond of that cigar, so I snatched up a few smokes. One thing about the blend. It’s quite different from the 2009. I was anxious to smoke these, so time to stop blabbing…

 

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Maduro

Binder: Costa Rican and San Andres

Filler: Nicaraguan and Panamanian

Size: Robusto 5.5 x 50

Price: Around $6.75

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The wrapper looked velvety smooth, with no flaws to speak of. It was very pretty. There, I said it. The smell was earth (think rich planting soil), hay, and slight barnyard. Overall, the cigar was evenly packed, and a little squishy when squeezed. The draw had slight resistance, and a simple dark earthy flavor.

The burn did not require any corrections, and the ash held for just about an inch.

1 Rocky_Patel_Winter_Collection_2012 cigars

Flavor:

The first third started off with cayenne pepper. It left a nice, easy zing in the nose and back of the throat. Black coffee, wood, and sweet cinnamon spice followed. The sweetness eventually developed into something similar to mocha. Earthy and leathery notes were in the background. Nothing was really blended together. Admittedly, this made reviewing much easier.

2 Rocky_Patel_Winter_Collection_2012 cigars

The second third increased in strength, but remained lower full to full bodied. Coffee and bitter cocoa were the dominant flavors. The cayenne pepper took on a black peppery zing. Like before, wood, earth, leather, and cinnamon followed behind.  The finish left a sweet tingle on the lips and top of the mouth.

3 Rocky_Patel_Winter_Collection_2012 cigars

The last third kept pace with the second third. What did change was the body and strength, which increased slightly. A nice spicy cooling effect took over the aftertaste. It wasn’t quite like menthol, but it reminded me of it.

4 Rocky_Patel_Winter_Collection_2012 cigars

Conclusion:

This was a very good medium to full bodied cigar. How does it compare to the 2009? It’s been so long, I can’t really say. I am sure that I’ll grab some of these whenever I get the chance. I think you fuller bodied smokers will like this one.

Rocky Patel Edge Habano

Tuesday, November 27th, 2012

The Edge Habano is the latest installment in the Rocky Patel Edge line. I think this is the sixth variation in the series. Anyway…

I purchased the cigar being reviewed today. Originally, Patrick V. from Rocky Patel Cigars, sent me two samples of the Toro. Spoiler alert, I enjoyed them, and ended up smoking through my samples without thinking. So off to the store I went. I couldn’t find a toro locally, but no big deal. On to the review!

 

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano

Binder & Filler: Nicaraguan

Size: Torpedo 6 x 52

Price: $6.09

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The wrapper was chocolaty brown, with small to medium veins, and a toothy appearance. The wrapper had a cedary aroma, and the foot was earthy and leathery. There was a little squishiness when squeezing the cigar, but no construction flaws were found. The pre-light draw had slight resistance, with a dark coffee flavor.

The ash held for around an inch, and the burn didn’t require any correction.

1 Rocky_Patel_Edge_Habano cigars

Flavor:

The first third began with a familiar Nicaraguan zing. After about an inch, black coffee took center stage. Within a few puffs, I picked up notes of cocoa, earthiness, leather, and wood. The smoke feel became creamy and sweet, and the peppery zing died down a bit.

2 Rocky_Patel_Edge_Habano cigars

The second third kept the same flavors, but delivery changed from draw to draw. Some were creamy and sweet, while other draws were dominated by coffee and wood. Earthy and leathery notes lingered throughout, as did a pleasant, easy peppery zing. The aftertaste became sticky, and left a tingle on the lips.

3 Rocky_Patel_Edge_Habano cigars

The last third was pretty consistent, without a lot of changes between draws. Cocoa, wood, sweet spice, and a tingly aftertaste rounding things out. I had a hard time picking out earthiness and leather, but I think it was back there somewhere.

4 Rocky_Patel_Edge_Habano cigars

Conclusion:

This was a good, even a very good, medium to full bodied cigar. I’d say it is my favorite out of the Edge line. The flavor profile was complex, refined, and took some nice turns. Construction was near perfect on every one I smoked. I think the asking price is well worth it. I’ll smoke more of these for sure.

Rocky Patel Burn, Naples Florida

Monday, November 5th, 2012

Thanks to Patrick V, of Rocky Patel CIgars, for sending me a couple samples. To my knowledge, the original Burm was exclusive to the Rocky Patel Burn Lounge. Since then, the blend changed, and this cigar can now be found in a wide variety of cigar shops.

 

Wrapper: Honduran Habano

Binder & Filler: Honduran

Size: Robusto 5 x 50

Price: Around $7.00

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The wrapper was velvety smooth, and had virtually no flaws. Off of the wrapper, I picked up a mild barnyard odor, and a sweet bitterness from the foot. The cigar was solidly and evenly packed. The draw was a little snug, but it fell just within my tolerance. The pre-light flavor was dark, bitter coffee, and wood.

After lighting the cigar, the snug draw became less of an issue. The burn required one small correction, and the ash held for over an inch.

1 Rocky_Patel_Burn_Naples_Florida cigars

Flavor:

The first third started off with rich, dark, bitter sweetness, accompanied by a nice peppery blast. After an inch or so, the boldness of these flavors calmed down. This revealed wood and slight earthiness.

2 Rocky_Patel_Burn_Naples_Florida cigars

Black coffee joined in the second third. Bitter cocoa mixed with a tingly spice followed. Retrohaling revealed a zingy pepper, and a lingering aftertaste. Wood and earthiness stayed in the background.

3 Rocky_Patel_Burn_Naples_Florida cigars

The last third saw no change in the flavor profile. The gradual increase of strength and body took things to the full range.

4 Rocky_Patel_Burn_Naples_Florida cigars

Conclusion:

This was a good medium to full bodied cigar. Rich, bold flavors, and good construction, leave nothing to complain about. There was no real wow factor, but I enjoyed it. If you see the Burn at your local cigar shop, I think it is worth a try.

Rocky Patel Freedom

Tuesday, October 16th, 2012

As I often do, I ran across this cigar at a local cigar shop. The Freedom is an obvious tribute to America. Since the Rocky Patel brand played a big part in my introduction to cigars, I usually keep an eye on their blends. Let’s see how the Freedom went. America, yippee yo!

 

Wrapper: Oscuro

Binder & Filler: Nicaragua

Size: Toro 6 x 52

Price: $7.49

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The wrapper had a minimal veins, and a nice oily appearance. The scent of the wrapper and foot was a rich, dark sweetness. Squeezing the cigar revealed a bit of a spongy feel, but it wasn’t extreme. The draw had slight resistance, and the pre-light flavor was dark chocolate and earthiness.

The burn required a few minor corrections. The ash was flaky, and held for about one inch.

1 Rocky_Patel_Freedom cigars

Flavor:

The first third had a combination of dark cocoa, coffee, and zingy spice. Earthiness and wood lingered in the background. The smoke feel was heavy, but not quite creamy.

2 Rocky_Patel_Freedom cigars

The zingy spice really calmed down in the second third. Sweet cocoa, combined with coffee, dominated the flavor profile. The tingly aftertaste was creamy and sweet. It took effort to pick up the subtle earthy and woody notes. They hid themselves way in the background.

3 Rocky_Patel_Freedom cigars

The last third had a nice uptick in strength and flavor. It was very hearty and satisfying. The flavors were consistent with the previous third.

4 Rocky_Patel_Freedom cigars

Conclusion:

This was a very good medium to full bodied cigar. I had modest expectations, mainly due to the gimmick factor, but this one lived up to the hype. Rich flavor, good construction, and a decent price, leave little to no room for complaints. This one is worth a try.

Rocky patel The Edge Candela

Thursday, April 12th, 2012

Whenever an unexpected package of cigars comes in the mail, it is always a treat that I have yet to take for granted. So when I saw a box in the mail from Patrick V. of Rocky Patel cigars, I was excited. Then I opened the box… Rocky Patel The Edge Candela. My first thought was “Oh no…” I’ve never had a Candela wrapper, but I’ve heard varying, mostly negative, comments about them.

Screw it, I decided to have this site, so it’s only fair to give the Candela a chance. You know the drill… I paired with fine filtered Florida tap water and smoked a couple of these cigars…

 

Wrapper: Habano Seed Candela

Binder & Filler: Secret, shhhh!

Size: Toro 6 x 52

Price: Around $6.40

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The wrapper was… green. A few minor veins were noticeable but no real flaws to speak of. The wrapper smelled like it looked. Sort of grassy and earthy. The foot had a slight earthy odor as well. The cigar was solidly packed, with barely a hard or soft spot. The draw had slight resistance, and had a grassy/earthy flavor.

The ash held for around an inch, and the burn required no corrections.

1 Rocky_Patel_The_Edge_Candela cigars

Flavor:

The first third was pretty mild. The flavors were hard for me to pin down. The main flavor reminded me of Lipton Tea without any sweetener. Behind it was an earthiness with a pinch of grassiness. Retrohaling revealed an easy peppery spice that had no burn. The smoke feel was very dry and left me craving water.

2 Rocky_Patel_The_Edge_Candela cigars

The second third kept that earthy, tea like core flavor. The spice through the nose basically went away, but I would pick it up from time to time. The smoke feel boarded on creaminess, yet remained dry. I didn’t crave water as much though.

3 Rocky_Patel_The_Edge_Candela cigars

The last third had an increase in strength and body that fell in the upper mild to lower medium range. The flavors didn’t really change at all, they just felt bolder, if that makes sense. There MAY have been a tinge of sweetness, but it was so mild that I had a hard time picking it up.

4 Rocky_Patel_The_Edge_Candela cigars

Conclusion:

To my delight, this was a decent mild to lower medium bodied cigar. The flavors were simple, and I can’t remember the last time I tasted tea in a cigar. I guess that makes it unique, to me at least. I can see this one being all over the map in terms of acceptance. If I smoke more of these, it will be in the morning with coffee. That’s just my .02.

Rocky Patel Sun Grown

Friday, March 2nd, 2012

A faithful visitor to this site recently suggested that I try this cigar again. I did a crude write up of the Sun Grown in 2007, towards my earlier days of smoking cigars. It dawned on me that I’ve been doing this blogging thing for so long, that I should revisit some of those earlier reviewed cigars. Per Vulture’s suggestion, I am starting with the Rocky Patel Sun Grown. This was a go to cigar of mine years ago. As always, I paired with water. Let’s see how it went…

 

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan

Size: Tubo 6 x 50

Price: $7.35

1 Rocky_Patel_Sun_Grown cigars

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The shiny tan wrapper no real flaws, and small to medium veins. The wrapper smell was sort of barnyardish and earthy. The foot had more of a spicy smell. Overall the cigar was solidly packed, with minimal inconsistencies. The pre-light draw had some resistance, but fell within my tolerance. The pre-light flavor was mild, earthy and woody.

The burn required three minor corrections, and the ash held for about one to 1.5 inches.

2 Rocky_Patel_Sun_Grown cigars

Flavor:

The first third was smooth and earthy. There were notes of wood and an easy spice. The spice was basically pepper, and was noticed more when passing smoke through the nose. Simple but not bad at all.

3 Rocky_Patel_Sun_Grown cigars

The second third had an interesting flavor profile. It was earthy, woody, nutty, and spicy. The peppery spice calmed down quite a bit, and was most noticible in the aftertaste.

4 Rocky_Patel_Sun_Grown cigars

The last third saw an increase in pepper. It regained some of it’s zing that was lost in the second third. Earthiness, nuttiness, and wood followed the spice. The aftertaste left a tingly sensation in the mouth and on the lips.

5 Rocky_Patel_Sun_Grown cigars

Conclusion:

This was a good, solid medium to full bodied cigar. It was pretty simple, yet had a fairly complex flavor profile at the same time. Yes I realize that doesn’t make much sense. It shows that my palate hasn’t developed that much over the years. I get the basic flavors and not much more. But no matter… This was a good smoke with good construction, burn, and flavor. I enjoyed revisiting it and can’t say anything bad about the Rocky Patel Sun Grown.

Rocky Patel–The Edge Corojo

Thursday, September 22nd, 2011

I’ve had the other Edge cigars from Rocky Patel, so I figured why not try the Corojo. I picked this up at a local cigar shop and let them rest for a month or so. Anyhow, no big buildup on this review. Let’s get to it…

 

Wrapper: Corojo

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Secret

Size: Battalion 6 x 60

Price: Around $7.00

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The wrapper was chocolaty brown and shiny with small to medium sized veins. No flaws could be found. The wrapper had a cedary smell. The foot was similar with an added pepper. The cigar was solidly packed. I mean real packed, hence the pre-light draw was very tight and far out of my tolerances. The flavor of the pre-light draw was cedar and earth.

After about an inch of smoking, the draw opened up. The ash held for anywhere from one to two inches. The burn required no corrections.

1 Rocly_Patel_The_Edge_Corojo Cigars

Flavor:

Initially the first third lacked almost all flavor due to the tight draw. After about an inch in, the draw opened up a little. This revealed earthiness and cedar. The smoke feel was dry and crisp.

2 Rocly_Patel_The_Edge_Corojo Cigars

The second third had a dominant woody flavor. It wasn’t cedar, that’s about as detailed that I can get. There were earthy notes in the background. When passing smoke through the nose, there was a sweet spice and a little pepper. The smoke feel thickened up a little and became less dry and crisp, and as I approached the last third, it bordered on creaminess.

3 Rocly_Patel_The_Edge_Corojo Cigars

The last third changed a little. The smoke feel became thicker and a little creamy. The dominant flavor was still wood, but it also was creamy and sweet. There may have been hints of coffee here and there. Through the nose, the sweet spice remained and was pleasant.

4 Rocly_Patel_The_Edge_Corojo Cigars

Conclusion:

This was an OK medium to full bodied cigar. The flavors were good, but just seemed scattered if that makes sense. I guess I would have preferred a more refined delivery. Instead this slow burner offered a 1.5 hour ho-hum experience. I’m pretty sure I’ll pass on smoking any more of these.

Thunder by Nimish

Thursday, August 25th, 2011

The Thunder by Nimish is a Rocky Patel product. If you are asking, “Who is Nimish?” Nimish Desai is Rocky’s cousin, and he oversees all of the central American manufacturing for Rocky. I’ve seen him at some events as well, so I assume travel is part of his job. This is his first blend. Thanks to Patrick V and Nimish for getting me a couple samples.

One thing I should mention… The size I got was the Toro, but the ring gauge was very smaller then their specs. The toro shows as a 6×52 on their website, but my ring gauge guide showed this to be a 6 x 46. None the less… Here are my thoughts on the Thunder by Nimish.

Thunder_By_Nimish_Ring

Wrapper: Habano

Binder: Nicaraguan & Honduran

Filler: Nicaraguan, Honduran, Costa Rican

Size: Toro 6 x 52?

Price: Around $5.75

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The oily looking wrapper had minimal flaws, and some medium sized veins. The odor coming off of the wrapper was a dark, sweet earthiness. The foot had a similar smell, with an added spice. The cigar was pretty evenly and solidly packed. The pre-light draw had slight resistance, and had a simple earthy flavor.

The ash held for around an inch, and the burn required one minor correction.

1 Thunder_By_Nimish cigars

Flavor:

The first third didn’t have a build up. It started immediately with black coffee, or perhaps it was more like espresso. Mingling with it was an unidentified sweetness. Through the nose, there was a nice peppery spice with a some kick. Smoke volume was thick, and the aftertaste coated the mouth and lips.

2 Thunder_By_Nimish cigars

The second third had that nice coffee or espresso flavor, with the associated bitterness you would expect. Don’t take that as a bad thing. It wasn’t a pungent bitterness. There was something going on way in the background at times. It was almost like a faint fruitiness. It would appear and go away quickly. The peppery spice remained about the same, as did the sweetness.

3 Thunder_By_Nimish cigars

The last third continued to build off of the flavors I have already described. The smoke feel became thicker and richer. Like before there was the dominant espresso and sweetness. The peppery spice kept it’s zing. That suspected fruitiness I talked about before wasn’t in this third. The overall flavor profile was full and nice.

4 Thunder_By_Nimish cigars

Conclusion:

This was a good medium to full bodied cigar. It definitely isn’t for the novice smoker. The flavor profile was simple but well put together. In the end it hit the spot for me. I think Nimish has a good blend here. If you see these in the shop I’d pick a few up.

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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