Let's kick things off with the Rocky Patel Vintage 1992 Sumatra Sixty - a 6x60 parejo that'll cost you about $12 per stick ($239.40/box of 20). This Honduran-made torpedo sports an oily Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper aged for a solid decade, wrapped around Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers. The "Vintage" in its name ain't just marketing fluff - this blend's been racking up accolades since its debut, including a 92-point score from Cigar Aficionado and a spot in their 2015 Top 10 list. Perfect for medium-strength seekers who want complexity without throat punch.
First Third: The cold draw teases roasted almonds and cedar. Initial puffs deliver a creamy mix of cashew butter and faint white pepper, with smoke production that's generous but not overwhelming. The 60-ring gauge feels substantial without being cumbersome, burning evenly right out the gate.
Mid Section: At the halfway point, the Sumatra wrapper really starts singing. Dark chocolate shavings mingle with espresso foam texture, while a caramelized sugar sweetness keeps things grounded. Watch for occasional flashes of cinnamon - subtle but present enough to keep your palate engaged.
Final Stretch: The last third amps up the earthy tones without going muddy. Leather and mineral notes emerge, balanced by persistent burnt sugar undertones. While nicotine strength remains moderate, the flavor concentration might have lightweights tapping out early. Pro tip: pair with an oat milk latte to extend the sweet notes.
Rolled at RP's El Paraiso factory in Danli, Honduras since 2017. This modern facility handles everything from tobacco sorting to boxing, using Cuban-trained torcedores. The secret sauce? Jalapa leaves for citrus-sweet combustion and Estelí tobacco for that earthy foundation. Their QA process is brutal - expect near-flawless construction across boxes.
