Rocky Patel Platinum Review

3/23/2014

Cigar: Rocky Patel Platinum
Size: Robusto, 5.5”x50 (box-pressed)
MSRP: $10.30
Strength: Medium-Full
Wrapper: Habano Oscuro
Origin: Nicaragua

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Prelight: The Rocky Patel Platinum has an extremely dark and oily wrapper with slight tooth. The wrapper itself gives off a strong floral aroma while the foot is chocolate and cedar. The glossy band is simple, yet eye-catching. I clipped the cap with a double guillotine and the cold draw is woody and just a bit on the tight side.

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1/3: Immediately, black pepper burns in the retrohale. There is also the dusty and spicy taste of cedar. The chocolate that was smelled in the prelight is non-existent. Just like the other RPs I have reviewed, the burn starts out wavy, however this cigar is not as bad as the others. The flavor and strength definitely seems closer to the fuller side of the scale.

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2/3: In the second third, the strength seems to lessen, creating a smoother smoke. The amount of smoke is, again, impressive. The black pepper taste has gone away and I’m left with only cedar. I expected this much after the other RPs I have had, as this seems to be Rocky’s preferred flavor for his blends. I anticipate another one-note, wood stick. The burn corrects itself a bit.

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3/3: The final third was a (pleasant) surprise. Finally, I am getting some flavor evolution. Leather and earth overtake the cedar. A bitter-sweet note of grass also joins the party, and on a few puffs, I tasted what seemed to be mint. The burn got a little wonky at times, and a few touch ups were necessary, but worth it for the change in flavors.

Overall: When compared to the Vintage 1990 and the Royale, this is my favorite RP cigar. If only the complexity I found in the final third was throughout the entire cigar, I would dare say this was in my top ten, period. With some age (two or three years) this cigar could be a complex and smooth cigar. If you have the room and patience, pick this up and give one a try every six months or so to find that sweet spot.