Rocky Patel Rosado

I purchased a 5-pack of the Rocky Patel Rosado in the Robusto size (5 1/2 X 50) from Cigar Monster, and they arrived this week safely. This is my first internet purchase of cigars and my first experience with the Rosado, but so far I am impressed with both.

The cigar is made from long aged Nicaraguan long filler, blended with Dominican long filler and binder, finished with a cloud filtered Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper. There are a few noticeable veins in the wrapper, but not so many as to be offensive.

After toasting the foot, the light takes quickly and easily. The draw is noticeably smoother than the RP 1999 Vintage, and the ease of the draw makes for a calm smoke. The initial draw seems to relay a good deal of spice, but this initial flavor tapers to a toasted nut layered with leather and woody undertones. A sweetness runs through the smoke, a trait that last to the final draw.

From that original draw, I sensed that this should be a slow smoke with careful draws, and my assumptions ring true as an overdraw creates excessive heat and a bitter flavor. Allowing the coal to remain cooler creates a much more pleasant smoking experience.

The second 3rd of the stick shows a rich complexity opening up, and a faint flavor of dark coffee on the fringes. The stick is a solid medium strength throughout, and is highlighting the beautiful early fall afternoon. The subtle spice continues to play through the pallet, but is far from overpowering and adds nicely to the blend.

As the cigar comes to completion, the toasted flavors begin to intensify, as does the leather and wood. This special label cigars are a joy to experience, and will have a place in my humidor.