Brand: Rocky Patel
Line: Vintage 1992
Vitola: Robusto 5 1/2″ x 50
Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Dominican & Nicaraguan
Body: Medium-Full
Strength: Medium
Box Price: $116.95 (Box of 20) Buy it now.
Description: As I looked through my index recently, I realized I’ve never reviewed the Rocky Patel Vintage 1992. This was very surprising to me because these were one of the first boxes I had ever purchased. It had been at a local cigar event that I had gotten it, complete with Rocky Patel’s signature on the box. I decided it was time to delve to the bottom of my humidor to pull out one of my old favorites.
No need to spend much time talking about the construction. A very well put together cigar that has all the characteristics you look for in a premium smoke. The wrapper is finely veined with a nice boxed press look to it. The feel is firm and the draw has just a touch of resistance.
Right off, this cigar starts with a heavy coffee flavor, a hint of cream, and a bit of earthiness. After a few minutes it picked up some black pepper that left the tongue tingling, but still a predominate coffee flavor. Mid-way through, however, the burn was razor sharp as the flavors started to change. I spent the rest of the cigar asking myself, “What the heck am I tasting now?”, but in a good way. I noticed a mixture of molasses, coffee and woodiness about halfway through that changed near the end of the cigar taking on some more nutty tones. I would have to say that overall this cigar has a predominately coffee flavor, with subtle changes in the accompanying notes.
Verdict: I’ve loved these cigars since I first tried them and still enjoy them today. Every time I smoke one of these, I’m impresses in new ways. I don’t put much faith in Cigar Aficionado, but in regards to this smoke, they weren’t wrong when giving the Rocky Patel Vintages high marks.
Similar Cigars: The Vintage 1990 is slightly smoother, but if you what something with a real kick to it the EO 601 Blue Label.
Popularity: 40% [?]
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I had the opportunity to try one of these a few weeks back and would agree with your assessment, right up to “razor sharp” part. I definitely noticed a sharp change in flavor about half way through. I wasn’t all that crazy about the second half though, but overall it was a good smoke.
I might need to clarify that a bit better. But basically I meant the burn was pretty much perfectly even all the way around.
I also have to agree that I think the cigar lost something in the last half, but was still a really good smoke in my book.
Gentlemen- I respectfully disagree. The 1992 was a good/solid smoke and far better smoke than the 1990. The best RP smoke is the Olde World. You have to give that a try.
I’ve smoked the OWR and enjoyed it, I haven’t had a chance to review it yet. That will have to be one of my next reviews.
Anyone have any thoughts regarding the Rocky Patel 1992 Torpedo SECONDS?
http://www.cigarsinternational.com/prodDisp.asp?item=CB-K3A6552-15&cat=17
I haven’t tried them myself, but the price is reasonable, and my guess is that they’d be very enjoyable.
I just smoked the toro version, and it was pretty good. I would agree that it did peter out a bit halfway, or at least smoked lighter. But if I wasn’t paying rapt attention to it, it wouldn’t have bothered me.
http://apokalyptichumidor.blogspot.com/2007/12/rocky-patel-vintage-1992-maduro.html
Thanks for the link Jimbob. I’m going smoke a 90 I’ve got sitting in my humidor soon. It is one of those cigars I just keep meaning to get to, but never quite get around to it. They aren’t bad, but I definitely think the 92 is the better smoke.
I loved this cigar. I thought it was full bodied, with a taste that lingered on your tongue. I smoked it with a very hoppy red ale. They went great together.
The cigar burned very nice, and had a rather easy draw.
Finally, I really liked how the smoke came off and clung to the cigar. It was so beautiful *sniff*.
{ 4 trackbacks }