Wrapper: Oscuro (No other info available)

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Size: 5 x 50 Robusto

Body: Medium

Price: $7.50

This is the second Rocky Patel cigar I am reviewing since I was put on their reviewer’s list. Quite an honor, and to be frank, I’ve been knocking on their door for years. But patience won out, not to mention my body of work is larger now.

I have already smoked a Freedom and it is an excellent cigar, so if that’s all you need, no requirement to read further.

Patel’s company has made a concerted push to exercise the rights of cigar smokers in this country…a lot of time. And a lot of money. This cigar is the symbol of that fight.

The construction is perfect. Very solid in the hand with just the right amount of give to it. It is a bit toothy and has a nice oily sheen. Seams are tight. And only minor veins visible

I do the sniff-o-rama and detect big amounts of cocoa and spice and leather. Also, the Oscuro wrapper doesn’t have that phony looking jet black coloring. It is close to dark chocolate brown. Very pleasing to the eye.

I punch it and light it up.

Smoke billows from the foot. And what is unusual for most Patel brands is that I get a big blast of pepper after only a few days in my humidor. Immediately, following this spiciness is some mild cocoa with a dollop of creaminess. And some mocha java..Yeah Daddy-O. The cocoa ramps up quickly. And almost overpowers the spiciness…which is making my eyes water. I love that. A tear just fell down my cheek while typing…how sweet of me.

The cigar wastes absolutely no time in getting down to business. I’d say this is a big jump for the Patel brand. Such explosive flavors so early in the resting process are just amazing and welcome.

The char line is good, not perfect, but more than acceptable.

As I say good bye to the first third, a hazelnut component becomes apparent. And with the cocoa and the creaminess, this could be spreadable on your kid’s bread: Nutella…if you’ve never tried it, go for it…it’s delicious and decadent. I ate a lot of it while living in London in the 70’s. The poor musician’s perfect meal.

The body has maintained the classic medium in body throughout the smoke.

And now I get a sweet profile. Not sure what it is as it just started. So I close my eyes and puff away. I can’t get it.

The spiciness is on full speed ahead. My sinuses are clear.

The second third basically contains components of red pepper, creaminess, cocoa, mocha java, hazelnut, and some sweetness.

As the last third begins, the stick gets very earthy and rich. Very well balanced. The creaminess, cocoa and nuttiness have morphed into one flavor. The last third is where the stick shows off. Again, I wish taste-o-vision was invented because it is almost impossible to describe the way the flavors join together and become so complex that I hardly recognize it from the first third.

The sweetness is driving me crazy trying to discern what it is. It’s just not sweet tobacco. It is something by itself. The cocoa and creaminess have their own special sweetness but it’s not this. Banging my head against the wall will come later.

The spiciness continues to get stronger without making the cigar harsh or bitter…or increasing the body of the stick.

And then I get it…the sweetness; It is slightly tart but fruity sweet….a very mild pineapple. I know that seems crazy, but that’s the flavor.

This is one helluva’ cigar. Really. The price point is more than equitable. The price range makes it easy to pick up a couple, a 5 pack or a box. I checked the Patel web site and they don’t have the cigar on it yet. So no more info can be gleaned.

I have an empty stomach and this cigar just goes down nicely. I am definitely going to buy some for myself. This cigar is way too good to ignore.

In summary, this is a really great cigar. I did not know what to expect. And I am blown away by its character, flavor profile, earthiness, richness, and being so well balanced…not to mention, it smokes like a dream.

Don’t deprive yourself of this treat from Rocky Patel.

Categories: CIGAR REVIEWS