The Light Up:
This cigar was made in commemoration of Rocky Patel’s birth year of 1961. This medium to full-bodied cigar was masterfully blended with a diversity of tobaccos. The final result is a smoke that’s rich with chocolate and cocoa notes, slightly spicy yet creamy. The Rocky Patel 1961 is the inaugural brand coming out of Rocky’s newest cigar factory in Nicaragua called Tabacalera Villa Cuba. The cigar had a gorgeous, silky Habano wrapper from Ecuador which complemented the Honduran binder and Nicaraguan fillers. At first puff, you can tell the cigar had some strength, but it was balanced enough not to bite your palate. You notice the chocolate and cocoa right away with a creamy aftertaste. A hint of spiciness is present, but not overwhelming.

The Mid-Stick:
Nearing the midway point, the cigar never strayed too far away from perfection. The wrapper had a enticing aroma which struck your senses like a blow from a heavyweight boxer. POW! Cocoa, chocolate, spice, and citrus flavors were noticeable and ever so delightful! The strength had now gained some ground. New flavors joined the party, almond and coffee. A pronounced sweetness was also present and made my mouth water. Heading towards the band and past the midway point, the cigar was burning nicely and had developed into one a hell of a cigar.

The Finish:
Once removing the band, I was pleased to be able to venture further. My palate was still tingling with excitement even though the peppery notes that were first present had dissipated into ash. The body was now in full effect and the blend had developed nicely. Burn, perfect! Aroma, appetizing! I had again ventured into smoker’s heaven. Although a little bitter at the end, Rocky had impressed me again! Verdict: go look around for one and add some to your collection. A well deserved 91!

Happy Smoking!
Jorgie

The Light Up:
At first glance, this cigar is very well constructed. Although a little veiny, the gorgeous Sun-Grown Maduro wrapper shines like the sun with natural oils. The cigar smelled great and I was anxious to get started. Box pressed cigars have always been a favorite of mine, I guess they’re just a more natural fit for me. Using my Xikar cutter and Xtend lighter I began my mission, to sit and enjoy this treat. I’ve smoked this particular Perdomo before the re-blending and I must say at first draw, this cigar was much better than it’s cousin. After the first quarter of the cigar, the complex blend began to emerge.

The Mid-Stick:
After about 20 minutes into the experience, my mouth was exploding with flavor. Chocolate, cedar and earth tones seeped out of the foot of the cigar catching my senses and creating a plethora of smoke which captured my attention faster than a model in a Ferrari. I was on the path to yet another fantastic smoking experience. Although mostly medium-bodied, this puppy did kick into overdrive a few times proving that it wasn’t a true medium-bodied smoke, but a much fuller and potent mix.
The burn was even, lot’s of smoke in the air, the perfect moment!

The Finish:
Nearing the band, this beauty never once neared the point of harshness. Most cigars at this point tend to fizzle out due to reasons that are easily overlooked. I have smoked a few cigars down to a nub(no brand relation) and this was one of them. At a size of 5 1/2″ x 54 this was a powerhouse blended to perfection like your favorite scotch. The price wasn’t bad either! Hell at $5.50, you just can’t go wrong! Price, flavor, strength, construction, need I say more? Run out and get your own and see for yourself! A strong 90!

Happy Smoking!
Jorgie

The Light Up:
Here’s my first cigar review and boy did this cigar surprise me! I walked into Corona Cigars the other day and grabbed this off the shelf. The cigar was beautiful and shiny like a new car! The wrapper was very oily and smelled wonderful. I was determined to get the full experience, so I took a seat in their lovely lounge and proceeded to smoke. I must admit, I haven’t smoked an Alec Bradley cigar since the original Trilogy came out, which has been quite sometime. Not because I wasn’t a fan, but because I was unfamiliar with the product, so I stuck with what I knew (as most of us do). I’ve seen their impressive ratings and decided to give it a try. The cigar started out with a bang! My first mouthful of smoke was intense with woody and creamy aromas floating around my palate, brushing against my tongue exciting my senses. The cigar was definitely a lot stronger than I had expected, thus putting me into a more euphoric state. The burn started off a little uneven, but straightened out with a little encouragement.

The Mid-Stick:
The Corojo 2006 wrapper grown in Trojes, Honduras was burning nicely. Half way through the cigar I was experiencing what most of us do with a great cigar, wonderful aromas of cedar, with a hint of chocolate like a hershey’s kiss. Other scents made their way out and into my nasal passage. At the point of no return, the cigar was burning nicely and I can now experience the full effect of the tried and true blend. I can tell this was blended for the experienced smoker as the cigar was very complex in nature.

The Finish:
Once to the band (as we all have had to make this decision before with a great cigar) I decided to keep on going. The cigar had maintained it’s complexity and strength from beginning to near end. I was still getting mouthfuls of smoke and the taste and aroma were still there, never once dwindling down the path of failure. I was impressed! At $11.75 and with the natural torpedo size of 6″ x 52, this was worth every cent! I loved the box pressed feel and look and would definitely add a few of these to the collection. Definitely not for the novice smoker! My overall opinion, go out and experience one for yourself! I give this cigar a well deserved 91!

Happy Smoking!
Jorgie