Rocky Patel Winter Collection (2020)

Once upon a time, Rocky Patel had a seasonal release cigar line that covered all four seasons of the year. That "time" was 2008. The first Winter Collection release in 2008 was a collaboration with AJ Fernandez. The Winter Collection line was released a second time in 2012 as a limited edition. This current Winter Collection was released in July 2020 and can be easily found at most retail outlets that carry Rocky Patel Cigars. 

The current line can be found in traditionally accurate sizes such as a Corona, Robusto, Toro, and Gordo. The Corona is the cheapest option and will cost around $8 USD and the Gordo being the most expensive at around $12 USD. Much like the last Rocky Patel cigar I review (The World Smoking Championship), this cigar features a San Andreas wrapper that is stuffed with tabacco from Honduras and Nicaragua. 

Wrapper: Mexico

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Honduras and Nicaragua

Length: 5 1/2"

Ring Gauge: 50

Size: Robusto

The Smoke: The cigar feels well made when held in my hand. There is some firmness to it when it is squeezed. The San Andreas wrapper is a dark chocolate hue and feels very oily. The wrapper has a velvety texture too. The cap came off with the help of Xikar Xi2 Cutter. Pre-light draw is good and has a solid black pepper flavor note. Once lit, the black pepper continues and has some leather and earth that compliment. Like the World Championship line, this cigar is fairly one dimensional in the flavor department. The three dominate notes of pepper, earth, and leather are about the only three I get during the life of the smoke.

The burn rate of the cigar is even, and the draw remains excellent from beginning to end. The ash is tightly packed, and the cigar creates an ample amount of smoke. The body and profile of this cigar is medium strength and the 5 1/2" Robusto created an hour-long smoke session. The Rocky Patel Winter Collection (2020) is another solid, if not mundane, Rocky Patel offering.

The Score: Buy a Single