Cigar Weekly

Deeg · 01-15-2006, 01:54 PM

The cigar: RP Sungrown Seconds robusto (5.5" x 50)

Accompanied by: Johnnie Walker Black

If you've read my other posts you know one of my many quests is to find a cigar that's similair in profile to the VSG line. I bought a sampler of these more than anything because I enjoy most of Rocky's cigars, and they seemed like a good deal.

Appearance-wise, it was impossible to tell this was a second (and that's true of the entire sampler). Wrapper was a gorgeous deep reddish-brown - oily, with few veins. No imperfections in the wrapper or cap were apparent. As with all Patels, the roll appeared tight as a drum.

The intial flavor impression, even pre-light, was sweetness. Then, a few puffs in, the cigar began to assert itself. I'm no fan of grand taste descriptors (hints of aniseed, oil of maleluca and bubblewrap, etc.) but what I picked up was a classic sungrown pallete - some cedar, leather, and a bit of dark chocolate. This continued for the first inch or so, at which point the cigar mellowed into an ultra-smooth, rich balance. I would not describe this as one of those powerhouses so popular these days - definitely medium-bodied and rich in flavor, but no dizziness or light-headedness.

Construction-wise, once again, it was impossible to tell this was a second. Even with a slightly uneven light the cigar burned slowly and evenly, with a perfect draw. I find Patels offer a generous volume of smoke but, due to their tight roll, smoke very slowly - and this "second" was no exception. The cigar lasted an hour easily, with a slightly flaky ash that held on for at least two inches without being tippled.

On balance, a wonderful smoke - not a VSG, sure, but frankly I enjoyed it more than a '92 Vintage Patel I paid four times as much for. The chocalate sweetness was more subdued, with cedar and leather more at the forefront. I like a bit more pepperiness ideally, but still thoroughly enjoyed the taste experience. I'd give this cigar an 87, and at the price it's a tremendous bargain.

01-15-2006, 01:54 PM	#1
Deeg Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: San Francisco, CA USA Posts: 249	Rocky Patel Sungrown Seconds Robusto The cigar: RP Sungrown Seconds robusto (5.5" x 50) Accompanied by: Johnnie Walker Black If you've read my other posts you know one of my many quests is to find a cigar that's similair in profile to the VSG line. I bought a sampler of these more than anything because I enjoy most of Rocky's cigars, and they seemed like a good deal. Appearance-wise, it was impossible to tell this was a second (and that's true of the entire sampler). Wrapper was a gorgeous deep reddish-brown - oily, with few veins. No imperfections in the wrapper or cap were apparent. As with all Patels, the roll appeared tight as a drum. The intial flavor impression, even pre-light, was sweetness. Then, a few puffs in, the cigar began to assert itself. I'm no fan of grand taste descriptors (hints of aniseed, oil of maleluca and bubblewrap, etc.) but what I picked up was a classic sungrown pallete - some cedar, leather, and a bit of dark chocolate. This continued for the first inch or so, at which point the cigar mellowed into an ultra-smooth, rich balance. I would not describe this as one of those powerhouses so popular these days - definitely medium-bodied and rich in flavor, but no dizziness or light-headedness. Construction-wise, once again, it was impossible to tell this was a second. Even with a slightly uneven light the cigar burned slowly and evenly, with a perfect draw. I find Patels offer a generous volume of smoke but, due to their tight roll, smoke very slowly - and this "second" was no exception. The cigar lasted an hour easily, with a slightly flaky ash that held on for at least two inches without being tippled. On balance, a wonderful smoke - not a VSG, sure, but frankly I enjoyed it more than a '92 Vintage Patel I paid four times as much for. The chocalate sweetness was more subdued, with cedar and leather more at the forefront. I like a bit more pepperiness ideally, but still thoroughly enjoyed the taste experience. I'd give this cigar an 87, and at the price it's a tremendous bargain.