Rocky Patel 15th Anniversary
Today I’m firing up the new Rocky Patel 15th Anniversary which is scheduled to be released nationwide on July 30, 2010. A big thanks goes to Patrick Vivalo for sending me the two samples I had for this review. The 15th Anniversary comes from Rocky’s new Nicaraguan factory, which also makes the 1961. This cigar features an Ecuadorian grown Habano wrapper and Nicaraguan filler tobacco.
Name: 15th Anniversary
Company: Rocky Patel
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Jalapa, Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Price: $9.50
Comes in: Box of 20
Vitola: Robusto (5 x 50)
Pre-Light
Both of the samples had a dark, semi oily wrapper, that were absent of any major veins. In addition to the tangible oils, I also noticed an almost rough texture to the wrapper. Construction appeared to be great since I was unable to detect any hard or soft spots in the bunching and the cap was nicely applied. The only flaw I was able to find was a small pin hole in the wrapper, which could have easily happened during shipping. The aroma coming off the wrapper was a combination of a musty barnyard with a hint of chocolate sweetness. I took a few sniffs of the foot and found the amoma to me much less pungent with nothing more than a classic tobacco aroma. After snipping the end I took a few pre-light draws which coated the tip of my tongue with black pepper. Now for the fire.
Final Thoughts
The Rocky Patel 15th Anniversary is not your typical Rocky cigar. I say this because Rocky’s newest creation has a Nicaraguan flair that I can’t remember being in any of his other cigars. This stick was full of spice that was most heavy through the retro-hale but did present itself at different times on my palate. In addition to the spice I picked up on a combination of earth, espresso, and chocolate which really kept my mouth watering through the first two thirds of the cigar. However, things took a bad turn about halfway through the final third. The cigar began to taste sour in such a way that made me think the cigar may require some additional aging. Then again I was pretty deep into this cigar by the time this issue presented itself, so perhaps it’s a non-issue. Either way I think it’s worth mentioning.
All in all I thought the RP 15th Anniversary was a good stick, I just wasn’t wow’d. And although these two were freebies, I can honestly say I’d open up my wallet to purchase a handful or two. It’s my belief that only a bit more aging will make this an even better cigar.
If you’d like another opinion on the Rocky Patel 15th Anniversary you can check out Jerry’s post over at Stogie Review or Tony’s review at Casa Fumando.
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Comments
Great review man, I agree 100%. Good cigar, but not stellar. I would like to see what age does to these sticks though. Thanks for the link!
Very good review Chris…I picked up a couple sticks yesterday and smoked one last night…damn that was an excellent smoke!!! I started out pairing it with just water and about half way I pulled out the Grand Marnier…yummy combo. I will be adding the 15th Anniversay to the humi for some aging and then light up again!
Great review…I smoked RP 15yrs Anniversary Corona Gorda. It was not really spicy like you Robusto size. It has some spices, note of the coffee, strong note of the tobacco and note of the creamy. It was medium in strength. I like the size and favors in the cigar. It would be really good cigar if they’re ageing the cigar for another six months…..
Smoke this yesterday under the shade of my P2V. I like it a lot, but I’m a big fan of Nicaraguan cigars. I liked the flavors and it was very well constructed. While smoking it, it reminded me of the Padron 40 Year. Very similar in flavor and strength at a third the cost.
Well done RP!
highly dissapointed, i was expecting more for that price, i will not open my wallet again for 15 th ….
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Nice review Chris, I am anticipating this cigar quite a bit. Listening to what the flavor profile is it is right up my alley!! My boss said he met you guys at Cigar Expo and said something about Brian and you coming to South Jersey to our shop(Seagars)..looking forward to meeting you after watching so many of your reviews! Feel free to email me if you would like.
-Adam