Gran Vida by Rocky Patel
Today I’m firing up a cigar that was generously given to me by Scott Regina, owner of Emerson’s Cigars. This is the Gran Vida Maduro which is made by Rocky Patel for Emerson’s Cigars. This cigar features a dark and oily Pennsylvania Boradleaf Maduro wrapper which heightened my interest even before receiving the package.
When I initially looked at this cigar i noticed the dark wrapper, but secondly I noticed just how heavy it felt in my hand. Now I’m not sure if a cigars weight has any real bearing on the flavors or burn performance, but I can tell you that It’s something that generally peaks my interest. There were a few prominent veins on the wrapper that I would describe as common for many PA Broadleaf wrappers. Overall this cigar looked and felt to be well constructed. Pre-light aroma was full of barnyard and earth, with just the slightest sweetness at the foot. After snipping this head I took a few pre-light draws which seemed a bit tight, but yielded a blast of black pepper.
Once I added fire to this equation I was surprised at what I found.
Name: Gran Vida Maduro
Company: Rocky Patel
Made in: Honduras
Wrapper: Pennsylvania Broadleaf Maduro
Binder: Honduran
Filler: Nicaraguan and Panamanian
Price: $112.50 per box
Comes in: Boxes of 20
Vitola: Robusto (5″ X 50)
I like this cigar because it’s bold and full-bodied. I think the combination of flavors and construction made for a nice smoking experience that would be best enjoyed after a heavy meal and/or paired with a Stout or IPA. I’d suggest picking up a five pack unless you don’t have the stomach for a big full-bodied stick.
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Comments
Another day, another Rocky Patel “exclusive” blend for some online or B&M retailer. I’m thinking you could smoke an RP blend every day for most of the year now and never smoke exactly the same one twice. Regardless of your feelings for this particular one (which actually does sound interesting) it seems like Rocky is doing his very best to put quantity above quality and dilute the value of his name.
Nice travel humi! And, yeah, that stick is DARK!
“earthy barnyard.” heh.
The bird squawks in the background are bringing me back to my (rural) youth…
mmm… dark chocolate.
Heh: you said “nice tight ash.”
So… what other tabaks use US-originated ‘baccy? Connecticut, Penn, …?
As a fellow fan of the PA broadleaf wrapper, I’ve had the Diesel, Patel Bros., & 5 Vegas Triple-A. I’ll definitely have to give the Gran Vida Maduro a try!
It is a great review of the Gran Vida Maduro made by Rocky Pate. It is a must try cigar if my local cigar shop has it. I like a full and smooth body cigar…
I have to agree with the poster above in that I am generally not a RP fan, but I do like the PA Broad leaf wrapper-ed cigars I have had so far so I might actually order a 5ver of these. Thanks for the review.
Thanks for the review. Sounds like something I might be interested in. I’ve been impressed with the PA broad leaf wrapped cigars I’ve had in the past.
Same as Steve and Jim (also the PA wrapper comment). Thanks for the review Chris. 5’er might be coming my way.
Good review. I will check the Emerson Cigars website for the Gran Vida cigars. I like the Pennsylvania broadleaf wrapper too. Keep them coming and keep on smoking.
Nice look at this cigar. I think it might be a bit much for me, but if I ever get the chance, I will burn one down anyway :)
Mike
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Damn, does Rocky ever stop? Is there enough tobacco in the world to produce all the cigars Rocky makes? Geez – Usually I’m not interested, but that PA Broadleaf Decade sounds sweet. THis house blend sounds ok. Wouldn’t hunt one down though
A great review and a very appealing cigar. It seems like the Pennsylvania broadleaf is the latest thing in wrappers and I have had it once but was not impressed. I will have to try a few of these to see if a different blend of filler improves the taste.