Share
Another instant classic from Rocky Patel with a singular identity
Time and again, Rocky Patel has gone above and beyond expectations in each of their releases. In my hands I’m smoking a very exciting cigar – the Rocky Patel Sun Grown Maduro robusto.
Many fans of the brand know that the Sun Grown series has existed for several years, but this is the first time it has come in a maduro. This beautiful dark chocolate stick piggybacks on the original Sun Grown blend but adds a bit a punch when coupled with a maduro Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper.
Without any bias, I am in complete agreement with Cigar Aficionado’s ranking of this cigar as No. 2 in their Top 25 Cigars of 2016 as this full-bodied smoke was an absolute joy to review.
General Information
Rocky Patel Sun Grown Maduro Robusto
Country: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Vitola: Robusto (5 x 50)
Price: $8.75
Analysis
Off the initial light, I’m immediately hit with a pepper bomb – something I personally don’t find appealing in a smoke. However, the pepper died down after three or four draws and gave way to a wonderful blend of cocoa and wood with a light creaminess on the finish.
The transitions in this stick are stark, specifically from the first to the second third. Into the second third that creamy finish is replaced with a meatiness that is closer to a smoked tri-tip than to a grilled New York strip.
Almost into the last third the creaminess has come back and the bitter cocoa has receded into the background giving way to a sweet chocolate note that is quite delectable.
Sadly, every great smoke must come to an end. FInishing strong, the Sun Grown Maduro closes with a nuttiness that mixes perfectly with the previous flavors.
Of particular note was this cigar’s construction, which rivals some of the best in the business. The burn was incredibly even, the draw was superb and the smoke output was full.
Cigar construction nowadays have little to no faults, but this was on a different level. The Rocky Patel team should be incredibly proud of their work on this line both in terms of flavor profile and construction.
Boldness: 4/5 | Strength: 4/5
This cigar takes roughly 40-50 minutes to smoke and is a great choice as an after dinner cigar, perhaps after a leg of lamb with some mint jelly. The chocolatey, earthy and meaty notes would complement well with an Islay Scotch, such as Lagavulin 16.
This cigar is a great choice for a beginner to intermediate smoker as the flavors remain prominent on the palate and easy to discern.
Verdict
Overall, I would give this cigar a 9.25/10. Without a doubt, this cigar will have some space in my humidor and may be one of the only times I’ve agreed with the guys over at Cigar Aficionado. In my opinion, the price point, the robustness of flavor and the superb construction make this smoke a perfect addition to any humidor.
Thanks for reading.
Stylishly Yours,
Christopher Benedetto
He Spoke Style
Photography by Rob McIver Photo
