Rocky Patel Twentieth Anniversary Toro

Rocky Patel Twentieth Anniversary cigars were first released in 2015, on the actual 20th anniversary for the cigar brand and manufacturer. These cigars are still commonly found at brick and mortar stores along with most online retailers and cost about $9 USD per stick about 5 years after their release. They can be purchased in a Toro, Robusto Grande, Lancero, or Rothchild sizes and shapes with all of them being box-pressed. I think I have a few of the Lanceros rolling around in my tupperdor, but this review will be focused on the Toro size. The cigars originate from Honduras and are put together using mostly Honduras tobaccos with some tobacco from Nicaragua used as filler.

Wrapper: Honduras

Binder: Honduras

Filler: Honduras and Nicaragua

Length:  6"

Ring Gauge: 52
Size: Toro

The Smoke: The cigar feels solid and well rolled. The label features a vibrate gold circle and edging that make this feel like a cigar worthy of the price point. Further inspection reveals some minor leaf splitting above the label and it appear the label has been slightly rubbing the cigar as there is some minor leaf cuts below the label too. None of these cuts caused me concern and they did not in any way, shape, or form become detrimental to the smoking experience.

The Honduran wrapper also has some veins and felt oily to the touch. I used my Xikar V cutter for this one. It cut through the cigar's cap with ease and the toasting of the tobacco commenced. The draw was open and easy to pull. The lit cigar has a nice white and silky smoke that hung onto the palate. The flavors provided were notes of wood, coffee, and some musty earth. As the smoke aged, additional notes from cocoa and pepper joined and lasted through the end of the smoke. 

Near the last 1/4 of the stick the smoke turned slightly from its creamy ness to something a bit harsher. Some of the flavors dissipated as well. I think the open draw caused the cherry to become too hot which is the cause for the diminishing returns.

The cigar retained its construction during the hour and fifteen minute session. Overall, I think the smoking session was decent if not accounting for the price point. For me, this cigar and the experience it provided was probably something more along the lines of a $6 to $7 cigar.

The Score: Buy a pack of 5