The Rocky Patel Special Reserve Sun Grown Maduro Sixty stands out with its chunky 60-ring gauge format - a fat 6-inch parejo that'll dominate your ashtray. This Nicaraguan-made stogie features an oily Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper cocooning Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos, delivering its full-bodied punch through triple-capped construction. Priced around $11.65 per stick in 20-count boxes, it's got serious presence for special occasions or when you need a two-hour smoke marathon.
The oily wrapper delivers immediate espresso bitterness with molasses undertones. Thick cream dominates the retrohale while the foot smoke carries burnt caramel sweetness. Draw resistance needs deliberate puffs to maintain combustion in this thick ring gauge.
Nicaraguan pepper spice emerges through the earthy core after 45 minutes. Chocolate malt notes develop alongside roasted cashews, though the broadleaf wrapper occasionally overpowers with mineral tang. Ash holds firm for 2-inch segments.
Last third introduces leather and damp soil flavors with increased nicotine buzz. Tar accumulates near the band, requiring purges to maintain flavor clarity. Pair with strong coffee to counterbalance the intensified bitterness.
Rolled at Rocky's TaviCusa factory in Estelí, these display typical Nicaraguan craftsmanship - dense bunching with visible wrapper seams. The triple cap peels cleanly but demands sharp cutter blades. While the 2016 CA#2 ranking still holds weight, newer batches show improved consistency in draw resistance.
