Here’s a double cigar review, thanks to Super Bowl XLIV. I smoked two cigars while watching the nail biting match-up of the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts. The first review is of the Rocky Patel I-Press and the second is of a classic which has been in hibernation in my humidor for over three years, the Fuente Fuente Opus X Super Belicoso. Congrats to the New Orleans Saints on a historic victory!

Rocky Patel I-Press Toro
The Kick-off:
Keeping these short and sweet. At first glance this cigar looked tasty! The wrapper was shiny and dark like chocolate. The beautiful sharp box press was eye catching and the entire cigar smelled sweet like molasses. Upon lighting the cigar, a cedar, woody aroma filled the air. The cigar had good body and was well constructed. The first quarter was phenomenal like the game.

The 50-yard Line:
Gaining ground like a running back heading towards the 50 yard line, this cigar was burning nicely. Cocoa and cedar were very present and you could taste the sweetness of the blend on your entire palate. My mouth watered with every mouthful of smoke. I was heading towards the end-zone.

The End Zone:
Heading into the end zone, the cigar was coming along wonderfully, a cigar smoker’s fantasy. This cigar surprised me like a blind sided hit from a linebacker. Powerful, yet smooth. Dominant, yet refined. It burned with the finesse of quarterback leading the team into victory. A wonderful choice for an epic night. At just under $6 per stick and a size of 6 x 52, you can’t ask for more. An 8 out of 10!

Fuente Fuente Opus X Super Belicoso
The Kick-off:
Digging into my humidor like a center digging in for the hike, I grabbed an Opus X that had been in my humidor hibernating for about four years. It still had that cinnamon and nutmeg aroma at the foot which enticed me even more. The Rosado wrapper was just as silky as the day I purchased it, it had aged well! After clipping the head at an angle (a trick I learned about at the local tobacconist which is said to help figurado’s burn better), I was ready to enjoy my after dinner treat. At first light the air filled quickly with smoke and the aroma of nutmeg. My mouth had begun to experience the nice spices in the blend as well as the predominant notes of cinnamon and cedar. The burn was a little rough, as most Opus X are known to do, but evened out by the first quarter of the stogie.

The 50-yard Line:
Heading into the halfway point, the spices mellowed out and were replaced with more cinnamon and nutmeg flavors. Some coffee and cream notes were lingering in my palate, but not dominant. Roasted nuts had also made their way into the party and were well accepted! The burn was nice and smoke was thick. A well aged veteran. This classic smoke had impressed me yet again!

The End Zone:
Heading towards a certain victory, the cigar had developed nicely. The draw, burn and flavors ahd merged to create the perfect smoke for a great occasion. Although on the pricey side, $25 to be exact, this was one of those rare moments that a smoker breaks open his humidor for a rare, reserved treat. A most enjoyed moment! A 9 out of 10!

Happy Smoking!
Jorgie

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