The Rocky Patel Olde World Robusto Maduro is an intriguing offering from boutique manufacturer Rocky Patel. Rocky Patel is as famous for his background as he is for his distinctive cigars. Rocky Patel founded his company in the 1990s during the cigar boom. But while most of those companies have long since vanished, Rocky Patel has become a star to stand alongside cigar mega corporations. His Olde World Robusto Maduro is an exemplary cigar showcasing the elaborate flavor blends he is so renowned for concocting.
This cigar measures 5.5″ x 54 and features a Maduro wrapper from Costa Rica and Nicaraguan filler and binder. The Olde World Maduro also comes in Toro and Torpedo sizes. The wrapper is oily and smooth, dark and mottled in color. Even though the cigar is lightweight, you can feel that it is firmly packed without any soft patches. The prelight smell is that of woody earthiness.
This cigar burns evenly and offers a pleasant draw which produces large volumes of thick, cool smoke. The earthy, woody flavor which was evident on prelight immediately comes into focus and blends into a creamy base. This is just the start of the experience though. Notes including nuttiness, leather, and even a bit of fruit add complexity as the smoke progresses. Towards the last third, this smoke takes on a whole new character, developing a flavor of espresso and dark chocolate.
This is certainly a cigar which offers some surprising twists and turns, all of them interesting and enjoyable. Priced in the $6.00-$10.00 range, this is a wonderful cigar for those who enjoy exciting, flavorful blends. There’s a bit of a kick at the end with the nicotine, but this isn’t an overpowering cigar. Set aside some time for this one; you’ll get a good hour and fifteen minutes out of it.