This box-pressed beast from Rocky Patel comes loaded with a 60-ring gauge and 6-inch length, packing Nicaraguan and Honduran fillers wrapped in an oily Costa Rican maduro leaf. At about $11 per stick in 20-count boxes, it's a solid choice for medium-strength smokers who like their cigars thiccer than a Snicker.
First Third: Heavy espresso notes hit immediately with a burnt caramel sweetness. The maduro wrapper shines through with that characteristic molasses undertone - think dark roast coffee with two raw sugar cubes.
Middle Third: Transition to cedar wood and roasted almonds. Pepper sneaks in around the retrohale without overwhelming, while the smoke output doubles - keep your fan on medium speed.
Final Third: Leather and mineral earthiness emerge. The nicotine kick becomes noticeable at this point (about 75-minute mark), though the caramelized sugar aftertaste keeps it approachable.
Rolled at Rocky's Nicaraguan TaviCusa facility (7 million cigars/year capacity), these get box-pressed after rolling using traditional methods. The maduro wrappers undergo 18-month fermentation - you can actually smell the molasses sweetness through the cellophane.
Pair with an oaky chardonnay to accentuate the wood notes. Use a punch cutter instead of straight guillotine - the 60-ring needs proper airflow. Let rest 3 weeks after delivery for optimal oil distribution.
