Rocky Patel 15th Anniversary Toro

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.

- Sean

El Rey del Mundo Panetelas Largas (Vintage)

Size: 28 X 175 (6.9")
Shape: Slim Panetela
Filler: Cuban
Binder: Cuban
Wrapper: Cuban
Smoking time: 1 hour
Box date: Early 1980's
Beverage: Red Racer Pale Ale

El Rey Del Mundo cigar reviews are not widely found on the internets, likely reflecting the minor market share of this Cuban export. Indeed, only three cigars remain in the lineup for this brand and all of these appear to fall within the mild to medium range, a body and strength profile that smokers (and the market) seem to have tended to move away from in recent years. But thanks to the generosity of the guys at Cuban Cigar Net, we were gifted two Vintage, early 1980's Panetelas Largas for this review.

Both cigars had a slight box press, which is unusual for a cigar this slim. In fact, I can't recall ever smoking anything this slim before (save for a cigarette). Both specimens were very firm when squeezed, with milk chocolate-brown wrappers and a dry sheen to them. Pre-light aromas were of old wood and tobacco, and the pre-light draw revealed the same. Lighting with just one match, the first few puffs were surprisingly medium in body with coco on the palate and ample cedar on the finish. However, we had to be careful of not puffing too greedily, as we were quickly met with some bitterness and harshness when the cigar burned too hot. After the first third, we both noted that the cigar seemed to lack the characteristic and difficult-to-describe taste that accompanies well-aged cigars. In fact, as we progressed into the second third, I noticed that the taste reminded me very much of a strong cigarette, lacking the finesse and flavourful balance of well-aged Cuban tobacco. The body became decidedly full, with a surprising increase in nicotine noted in the final third. Some chocolate and toasty notes came through the background, but were difficult to identify behind the unpleasant taste of dried tobacco. We let the cigars come to a distinguished death in the ashtray.

It's always a cool experience to smoke a cigar that approaches my own age, the El Rey del Mundo Panetelas Largas exemplifies the futility in aging a cigar that likely had little going for it to begin with. While we appreciate the gift and the novelty, I can only award the El Rey del Mundo Panetelas Largas with two Fidels out of five.

- Carlton