Before I start the review I want to disclose 2 things. First, I didn't receive free samples of this cigar nor am I getting paid to do this review. Second, I hate to admit it, but I'm not a huge Rocky Patel fan. I have tried many of the RP cigars that are out, however, none have made me go "wow" as of yet.
With that said, lets start this party.
Cigar Stats & info:
Torpedo, 6 1/8 x 52
Wrapper: Habano Ecuador
Binder: Jalapa(Nicaragua)
Filler: Nicaragua
Price: $8.50
Lighting: The light on this cigar was very easy. Sometimes with a torpedo cigar there can be some issues, but I found this one to be pretty easy. I also didn't find myself needing to relight this cigar.
First Half: From the start I was intrigued by this cigar. The first thing I noticed was the mocha flavor with a twist of spice. Granted, it's not the strongest spice I've ever encountered, however, it was a different combination that I found nice. Usually you find sweet & spice with snacks, not cigars. I did enjoy it and also noticed some leathery hints in the cigar.
Second Half: The second half was more of the same as the first. I found that the spice dissipated, however it was still present. The leathery hints were still there & they were accompanied by a woody flavor. I've heard people say it was a cedar taste, however, when I think cedar, I think hamster cages. The sweetness of the cigar was the predominant flavor. The cigar began to build a heavier smoke in the 2nd half than in the first. I was at a wide open cigar bar, so it didn't really bother me much.
Average Guy's Prospective: As I stated in the beginning, I am not a huge fan of Rocky Patel cigars. However, this is one I would put back into my humidor. Many of the RP's I've sampled are good cigars but nothing that has "wow'd" me. This cigar was different. The unique combination of sweet & spice was enough to make me go back & buy another for my humidor & one for my buddy's birthday smoke. The total time of this cigar to smoke was around 50 minutes or so.
Beginners Corner: Beginners---this is not a cigar for you. The complex flavors of this full bodied cigar is something that would turn many beginners off of the Rocky Patel brand. The spice is strong enough to tingle the lips but mixed with the sweet would most definitely not be something I would recommend for beginners.
