The 15th Anniversary Corona Gorda has an attractive appearance and seems to have solid construction. The pressed shape and the triple cap look to be perfect, and the dark, oily wrapper is enticing. There are very few small veins that are noticeable. It also feels firm to the touch with no soft spots. Two silver bands adorn the body. They look out of place in terms of their color, but you at least know you are smoking a Patel 15th Anniversary. Prior to lighting, this Corona Gorda has a spicy aroma and cold taste.

The burn of the 15th Anniversary Corona Gorda is nearly flawless. There are couple touch-ups necessary, but that's about it. The draw is excellent, and the white ash is solid.

If you've smoked Rocky Patel cigars before, you may not be used to the strength of the 15th Anniversary. It's definitely as strong as Patel promised, and not meant for beginners. The cigar begins with a good kick of pepper and lets you know right away that you could be in for a spicy challenge. The spice continues into the second-third and remains dominant. The final third introduces notes of leather and cedar to give the cigar a change of pace. There's not a lot of complexity, but there is plenty of strength.

Is the Rocky Patel 15th Anniversary one of the better cigars from the brand? Probably not. Then again, Patel has produced a ton of quality lines in the past, so that's not too much of a knock against the company. If you love strong cigars, the 15th Anniversary will be right up your alley. As stated, only experienced smokers should try it, as the 15th Anniversary is probably too strong for novices. The cigar comes in boxes of 20, and a single sells for around $9. That's a bit more than some of Rocky's cigars, but if you are willing to try something new from the brand that packs a lot of punch then go for it.

The Rocky Patel 15th Anniversary Corona Gorda earns a rating of three out of four stars.