The Rocky Patel Number 6 Robusto sits comfortably in your hand with its classic 5½" x 50 parejo shape, priced at $168 for a box of 20 sticks. This Honduran-Nicaraguan puro earned its stripes by claiming the No.9 spot in Cigar Aficionado's 2020 rankings. I've been testing one that's been resting in my humidor for six weeks - the dark corojo wrapper feels slightly oily with minimal veins.
The cold draw gives cedar with baking spices. Upon lighting, white pepper hits the nasal passage while the palate gets roasted nuts and a creamy texture. Smoke production is average - about 1 cloud per 45-second puff.
At the halfway point, the pepper mellows into leather notes. Coffee grounds emerge with a distinct graham cracker sweetness. Ash holds firm in 1-inch segments. Watch for slight canoeing if smoked too fast.
The last third introduces dark chocolate bitterness balancing the sweetness. Some grittiness develops in the throat after 50 minutes. Recommend nubbing at the 1-hour mark before tar buildup intensifies.
Rolled at Rocky's El Paraiso factory in Danlí, Honduras since 2017. This 30,000 sq ft facility processes tobacco from seedling to packing. Their quality control shows in the Number 6's consistent combustion - only 2 relights needed during my session.
