The Rocky Patel Hamlet 2020 Gordo stands out with its beefy 60-ring gauge and 6-inch parejo shape, packing medium-strength flavors in a box of 20 cigars priced at $236.70. This Nicaraguan-made stogie features an oily Ecuadorian Habano wrapper hugging Honduran binder leaves, combining with fillers from both Honduras and Nicaragua to create what regulars call "the dessert smoker's delight."
First Third (0-30min): Dark chocolate notes hit immediately with burnt caramel sweetness. The San Andrés wrapper throws cedar spice that lingers on the tongue.
Middle Third (30-60min): Transition to roasted coffee bean and almond skin bitterness. White pepper emerges through nose exhales while maintaining creamy texture.
Final Third (60-90min): Mineral saltiness cuts through accumulating tar. Leather undertones merge with walnut oil slickness, requiring frequent purges after the 75-minute mark.
Rolled at Rocky's Nicaraguan factory TaviCusa, these showed perfect draw resistance after 30-day humidor rest. The triple-seam cap held firm until nub stage. Box code 23-TVC-8 indicates August 2023 production batch.
