Rocky Patel 1961
The Rocky Patel 1961 commemorates the birth year of Rocky. That’s really all I know about this cigar. And personally, I don’t care to have any more details. I tend to focus on the flavor and construction. I found this cigar at a great local shop called The Cigar Loft. Being the Rocky fan that I am, had to pick some up. It just looked good. So without further ado, I offer you my thoughts…
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Honduran
Filler: Nicaraguan
Size: Robusto 5 x 50
Price: 5 to $6.00
Pre-Smoke & Construction:
The wrapper had a few bumps and small veins, but no construction flaws. The wrapper and foot had an earthy and somewhat spicy aroma. Overall the cigar was consistently packed with tobacco, and bounced back when squeezed. The pre-light draw was great, with a sweet earthy natural tobacco taste.
The burn required a couple corrections in the first third, and the ash held for about an inch.
Flavor:
Pepper started off the first third. Woody and sweet notes were up next and for the most part rounded out this thirds flavor profile.
The second third had a couple changes and additions. The spicy pepper became sweet, but kept it’s bite. The spice also took on a mocha flavor. A whole gamut of flavors followed in varying intensities. There was wood, espresso, and hints of nuts. But overall, sweetness, pepper, and wood were dominant.
The last third really smoothed out and became creamy. The spice and pepper kept it’s zing, but became very mellow at the same time. Wood became the dominant flavor as well. There were hints of coffee in there somewhere.
Conclusion:
This was a very good medium to full bodied smoke. Despite having a blast of flavors, the subtleties were nice too. This was just a good, well balanced cigar. The only issue I have is… I had a 1961 on new years eve. It was good, but not nearly as good as the one I smoked for this review. It makes me wonder if there are consistency problems from cigar to cigar. Either way, I think it’s worth trying and judging for yourself.
This entry was posted on Thursday, April 29th, 2010 at 12:00 am and is filed under Cigar Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Ken Christensen May 17th, 2010 at 11:39 pm
Great review. I have smoked close to a box of 1961s and found good consistency from my aged sticks, but not from the local smoke shop shelf these like time alone to really shine.