Rocky Patel Sun Grown Robusto Review

[Rubix^3]

Rocky Patel
Sun Grown
Robusto
5 1/2 x 50

Description:
"The Rocky Patel Sun grown features a five-year-old Ecuadorian sun grown wrapper, and seven year Dominican and Nicaraguan filler tobaccos delivering a smooth complex smoke. This full bodied line is meant for the seasoned aficionado who can handle a punch, lingering body and full finish." --cigar.com



Review:
I purchased a 5'er of these about 6 months ago and sampled one after a week of rest and found it to be very bitter in flavor, so I have let them rest, smoking one every couple of months to see how they would fare with age. After finishing off #4, its time for a review.

Construction is excellent, the burn a bit uneven, and the draw border-lined on the tight side, but loosened up while smoking.

Initial flavors were very charred and overcooked tasting leaving an unpleasantly bitter aftertaste. After about 1/4, the cigar warmed up a bit and softened in flavors, revealing a complex tasting smoke with notes of espresso, cocoa, and a long woody finish.

After about 1/3, some intermittent spicy notes joined the finish, but unfortunately those charred flavors returned as well, and while they would subside at times allowing the cigar to really shine, they never went away completely. Eventually, the cigar got bitter to the point surpassing my patience threshold and I put it down.

This blend shows a lot of promise, and if those bitter notes weren't in the way, I know I would really sing praises. As it is after smoking 4 of these with up to 6 months additional aging, I don't think I will be purchasing more any time soon.

[holmes711]

Thanks for the great review Eric. I'm a big fan of Rocky Patel but I may skip these.

[Juicestain]

Thanks for the write up. I've got a 5er of these sitting in my humi for about a month and was thinking of lighting on up. After hearing your thoughts I'm going to let em sit a little longer before giving 'em a try.

[baba]

I have some of these cigars. I like the blend - it is not expensive. The problem I have with Rocky Patel, is rolling problems. I do not know how many I have had to throw away. So - I will not be buing any more. If they can't roll them right - I won't spend my money on them

[Statureman]

I had a sun grown toro in my humidor for about a year and a half before smoking. I thought it smoked good and tasted good. Looking at reviews for this it seems they are not that great when they are "young."

[baba]

I do have to say - RP does come out with some pretty nice blends. The las test blend, Renaissance is excellent.

[Carpe Diem]

Thanks for the review.

The RP Vintage 1990 seconds are a "go-to" cigar for me. I`ve been wondering about the RP Sun Grown, but I`ll now pass on them for the time being.