The blend for Rocky Patel Decade was developed to celebrate RP's 10th anniversary in the cigars industry. The deep and rich Honduran cigar is wrapped in the silkiest, smoothest Sumatran tobacco. This cigar is creamy and coats the palate with a slightly fruity flavor and a nutty finish. Rocky celebrated with a bang when he blended
this one!!
STATS:
Rating: 95
Profile: Medium Body
Wrapper: Sumatra
Shape: Toro
Length: 6.5
Gauge: 52
Country: Honduras
Filler: Honduras
Binder: Honduras
Box-pressed: varies
Price (Box of 20) - $245.99
(per stick) - $12.30
First Impression:
I'm a fan of Rocky Patel, and I would've expected nothing but the best from the former lawyer. This cigar has a nice toothiness to it, and yet the wrapper was oily and supple. The aroma is earthy, very close to a mushroom and cedar.
Pre-Smoke Ritual:
I allowed the cigar to rest in the environment where I would smoke it for about an hour, this was itself acclimated, and it limited splitting.
Lighting, Draw, and Burn:
The light was ok; however, not great. The wrapper wouldn't caramelize to the binder.
This will occur from time to time in almost every manufacturer, especially if the binder has a higher humidity than the wrapper.
Flavor:
Notes of cedar, earth (again mushroom-like), black cherry, and a nutty finish with a hint of spice, but I can't tell what kind of spice.
My Preference:
2 weeks rest in the humidor. Cut made with a punch. Single flame torch was my source of fire.
Final Thoughts:
This is a moderately priced cigar, a dependable stick with value. I would recommend a few of these in your humidor when you want something with consistency. This isn't my number 1 Rocky Patel cigar, but it's definitely a go-to!
Remember, try everything; form your own opinion!! You might find something you love in the process!
As always, live the life of the LEAF, and there is never a bad time for a great cigar!