Rocky Patel and Macanudo are two well-respected names in the cigar industry, and we have two of their selections to review today. Up next are reviews of the Rocky Patel Renaissance Robusto and the Macanudo Vintage Maduro 1997 Toro.

Rocky Patel Renaissance Robusto

Rocky Patel’s Renaissance line is just one in many of the brand’s lines that has received high ratings from critics. Introduced in 2008, many say that the Renaissance bears a strong resemblance to the Edge Sumatra. Considering the fact that I enjoyed the Edge Sumatra in the past, I have some high hopes for the Renaissance. Let’s see if it lives up to the hype.

The Renaissance Robusto measures 5 x 50. Rocky Patel offers the line in two other sizes: the 6 x 52 Toro and the 7 x 48 Churchill. The cigar’s filler and binder both consist of premium Nicaraguan tobaccos. The wrapper is of the Ecuadorian Sumatra variety, and it has been aged for four years. Strength-wise, the Rocky Patel Renaissance is labeled as being medium to full-bodied.

Rocky Patel cigars usually have an attractive appearance, and the Renaissance Robusto is no exception. The large band near the head really catches my eye with its ornate graphics and gold accents. The band features the Rocky Patel name and logo plus the Renaissance moniker. The back of the band has the initials MZ stamped onto it in honor of Mark Zimenski, the husband of one of Patel’s employees who lost his life in a motorcycle accident. The cigar itself has a beautiful reddish-brown wrapper that shines under light thanks to its oily texture. There are some minimal veins present, and the Robusto appears to be well-packed with tobacco. The cap is not the neatest I have seen, but it passes the test. The cold taste is of mild spice, while the aroma is sweet.

After the Renaissance Robusto lights with ease, it exhibits a solid overall burn. It does act as if it wants to stray a bit but manages to correct itself. The draw is just right, and the gray ash is solid. No touch-ups are needed thanks to the self-correction, but one re-light is necessary.