Size: 52 × 6.5"
Shape: Toro
Filler: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuador
Smoking Time: 1.5 hours
Beverage: Eagle Rare Bourbon
[Editor's Note: We did not have the foresight to take a photo of the cigar before the review]
The Rocky Patel (RP) 15th anniversary cigar line was, as the name of the cigar implies, produced to commemorate the 15th anniversary of RP cigars. Despite Rocky's successes in the cigar world, a certain disdain seems to exist amongst many of the serious cigar smokers in our local cigar club for RP cigars. When I first began smoking cigars several years ago I greatly enjoyed many of the RP lines including the 1992, the Edge, the Old World Reserve, and especially the Decade. Over time my cigar preferences have changed and matured and I must admit I tend to prefer Cuban cigars over the majority of those produced for the American market (with the exception of pretty much anything produced by Padron and Tatuaje). Even the Decade, a cigar which I once considered one of my all-time favourite cigars, seemed pedestrian and unidimensional the last time I lit one up. However, every cigar should get a fair chance in the forum of tobacco judgement, especially cigars ranked in the top 25 of the year by Cigar Aficionado magazine (although that really means very little in my opinion).
The RP 15th anniversary Toro is a gorgeous looking cigar with a deep chocolate wrapper with a few noticeable think veins. Like many of Patel's cigar lines the 15th anniversary boasts a box pressed look...one I quite enjoy. However, I did find the gun metal double bands boring and tasteless - a description I would later equate with my overall impression of the cigar itself.
After clipping the cap I sampled the cold draw and detected an interesting bouquet of sherry and dried fruit. Using several matches I lit the cigar and sampled the first few puffs which were...well, fairly tasteless with some sweet honey and chocolate flavours making brief appearances in the background. However, after this initial disappointment I was greeted with notes of pepper, apple wood, and leather. The cigar became fairly strong as I powered my way through the first and second third, but the subtlety and complexity that I have come to expect from top-tiered cigars was simply missing. Overall this cigar was another American market disappointment and I ended up switching to a H. Upmann Magnum 46 in order to salvage the evening. The RP 15th anniversary was a waste of time and I am only able to grant it a meagre 1 Castro head out of 5.
After clipping the cap I sampled the cold draw and detected an interesting bouquet of sherry and dried fruit. Using several matches I lit the cigar and sampled the first few puffs which were...well, fairly tasteless with some sweet honey and chocolate flavours making brief appearances in the background. However, after this initial disappointment I was greeted with notes of pepper, apple wood, and leather. The cigar became fairly strong as I powered my way through the first and second third, but the subtlety and complexity that I have come to expect from top-tiered cigars was simply missing. Overall this cigar was another American market disappointment and I ended up switching to a H. Upmann Magnum 46 in order to salvage the evening. The RP 15th anniversary was a waste of time and I am only able to grant it a meagre 1 Castro head out of 5.
- Sean
How long have you been doing reviews? That's a real slap in the face to Rocky switching to a H. Upmann of all things. This is the first review I have read from The Friday Cigar and it will be the last. I'm truly disappointed in your reviewing abilities.
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteThanks for trolling our site. We always welcome cowards here! As you can see, it's our passion to slap people in the face whenever possible. In fact, we pride ourselves on it!
Warmly,
The Friday Cigar