Cigar Review: Rocky Patel Sun Grown Maduro Robusto

Rocky Patel Sun Grown Maduro Robusto - Named 2016 #2 Cigar Of The Year (Rated 95) by Cigar Aficionado

By Jamie Stevens

• Strength: ●●●●○ Medium-Full
• Size: 5 x 50
• Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf, Maduro
• Binder: Nicaraguan
• Filler: Nicaraguan
• Origin: Nicaragua
• Shape: Robusto
• Rating: 94
  
  

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Introduction

On this sunny and chilly afternoon, I am smoking the second cigar out of Cigar Aficionado's #2 Cigars of the Year Sampler by Cigar Place: the Rocky Patel Sun Grown Maduro Robusto. I find this cigar stunningly appealing with its black, red, white, and gold band featuring the signature RP initials. The cigar has a dark Connecticut broadleaf wrapper with Nicaraguan tobacco, which blends perfectly together. I feel extra bundled up as the weather seems to be getting increasingly colder quickly. I can't believe how fast the time has gone this year and that Thanksgiving is right around the corner. I am very excited, I admit, to eat a large amount of mashed potatoes and deviled eggs (my favorite).

The First Half of the Cigar

The first half of the cigar brings out both chocolate and leather notes. There is a bit of a spice on the retrohale, but it is not overpowering. There is also an added sweetness, and it reminds me of butterscotch hard candy. The sun is very bright at this point, and I am struggling to see past my patio. I ended up taking down most of my patio decor due to the impending Winter weather. Towards the end of the first half the leather notes disappear some while the spice increases. There seems to be a calm in the air, like everyone has decided to avoid the outdoors and stay inside to watch football for the afternoon.

The Cigar Flavor

The second half, there are way more chocolate notes, and is very smooth as well. I really enjoy the second half so far way more than the first. I feel like there is a complexity with the flavors that balance really well together. The spiciness is also not too much as to drown out the other notes. Once the leather notes are completely gone, there is an introduction of Earth tones that give more of a "woody" flavor. I will say the draw and burn of the cigar has been quite perfect as well, even with a slight breeze in the air and getting distracted by a phone call from Mom. The last ten minutes of my smoke introduce both coffee and chocolate again. I really enjoy the sweetness and spiciness that is laying off of each other. I wouldn't necessarily call this a full-bodied stick; more on the medium side, I believe.

Overall, this cigar is a must-try and great if you're on a time restraint (smoked in under an hour). The flavors are perfectly balanced and showcase both the Connecticut broadleaf wrapper and Nicaraguan tobacco so well.

About the writer Jamie Stevens
Jamie Stevens is a cigar enthusiast who has contributed both as an influencer and reviewer for close to ten years. She lives in historic York, Pennsylvania, where she works for her local government as a leader involved with the coalition on homelessness. When not working, she enjoys outdoor activities (hiking, kayaking, etc.) and spending time with her family. She appreciates all kinds of cigars, from mild-bodied all the way to the stronger, full-bodied cigars. She enjoys both the higher-end sticks and the ones on the more affordable side. You can find her on Instagram as Cigareyes717, where she has over 16.3 followers!

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