Meet the Rocky Patel Vintage 2006 San Andreas Robusto - a box-pressed parejo wrapped in oily Mexican San Andres maduro. This 5.5"x50 stick packs Nicaraguan filler leaves from Esteli's volcanic soil, offering medium strength with enough complexity to satisfy experienced smokers. The vibrant orange band pops against its coffee-bean colored wrapper, aged 11 years before rolling at RP's TaviCusa factory.
First Third: Initial draws release bittersweet chocolate nibs and oak char. The dense smoke carries espresso ground notes with faint maple syrup sweetness on retrohale. Burn line stays razor-sharp despite the box-press shape.
Middle Third: Transition brings baking spices - think nutmeg and allspice. Undertones of roasted almonds emerge, mixing with the persistent dark cocoa base. Ash holds firm in 1.5-inch segments.
Final Third: Leather and black pepper spike through the sweetness. Nicaraguan fillers show their earthy muscle without overwhelming bitterness. Perfect draw resistance throughout, though nicotine buildup suggests slow pacing.
Hand-rolled at TaviCusa factory in Esteli, this 2006 Vintage series represents RP's first major Nicaraguan production. The facility uses traditional pilones for tobacco fermentation, contributing to the cigar's smooth combustion. About 200 pairs of skilled hands work on each box, evident in the consistent cap construction.
