by Hayward Tenney
Today I have the privilege of reviewing a cigar that I once smoked frequently, but which has since fallen off my radar screen in favor of more full-bodied fare. The Rocky Patel Rosado sports an Ecuadorian Rosado leaf that serves to temper the muscular contents tightly packed within, including a core blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican longfillers and Dominican binder.
I'm impressed by the look of this cigar. Its simple band looks classy against its blushing Rosado leaf. The head is perfectly capped, and the wrapper has some small veins with no noticeable flaws. It reminds me somewhat of the Partagas Spanish Rosado.
Once clipped, its cool and flavorful draw sends me back in space and time, and I recall why I loved this cigar so very well. There is an earthy and spicy aroma on the light, and it starts off in the mild-medium body range. After about 1", it settles into medium-bodied, where it will remain.
I notice into the second third that the aroma seems to be constantly evolving, keeping things interesting. I detect nutmeg and spice, and complex earthy flavors with a medium finish. The burn line is razor thin the entire length of the cigar.
I guess my only complaint is that toward the very end, it took some coaxing to stay lit. I can't recall this in my previous experiences, so this could be a function of an overly moist humidor. There's certainly enough here to intrigue the most seasoned palates, though as a truly medium-bodied cigar, I suspect it won't be full-bodied enough for some.
Appearance: 9
Construction: 9
Burn: 9
Draw: 9
Aroma: 10
Flavor: 9
Final: 9.0
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