The Rocky Patel Hamlet 25th Anniversary Sixty stands as a hefty 6x60 parejo celebrating master blender Hamlet Paredes' quarter-century in tobacco. This Nicaraguan-made smoke combines Ecuadorian Habano wrapper with Pennsylvania Broadleaf binder and Central American fillers, offering medium-bodied enthusiasts a commemorative experience priced at $209.90 per 20-count box.
The initial draws reveal roasted nuts and cedar with a faint white pepper tingle on retrohale. Combustion starts evenly, producing medium smoke output that coats the palate without overwhelming. The 60-ring gauge feels substantial yet comfortable, burning slightly faster than expected given its girth.
At the halfway mark, earthy espresso notes emerge alongside caramelized sugar sweetness. The Pennsylvania Broadleaf binder contributes a distinctive dark fruit undertone - think black cherry reduction sauce. Some testers reported occasional tight draws requiring relights, though our sample maintained ideal airflow throughout.
The last third intensifies with leather and baking spices while retaining core sweetness. A faint mineral quality develops near the nub, common in Nicaraguan puros. Smoke time averaged 85 minutes, with nicotine strength remaining approachable for medium-bodied smokers.
Hand-rolled at Rocky Patel's TaviCusa factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, these cigars showcase the boutique facility's capacity for blending diverse tobacco origins. The combination of Pennsylvania Broadleaf binder with Central American fillers creates a distinctive texture - dense smoke with slightly dry finish that pairs well with aged rum or coffee.
