Stogie Reviews: Rocky Patel Sun Grown Torpedo
31 Aug 2006
In early July I said that a review of the Rocky Patel Sun Grown Torpedo was coming. Now, after nearly two months and dozens of emails, here it is:
Rocky Patel’s reputation for quality cigars has been growing for years because of his consistent quality and smooth, rich tastes. With that in mind I poured myself a rum and Coke and lit up this 6 and 1/4 by 52 ring gauge rounded torpedo. (In hindsight it may have paired better with a glass of port.)
The five-year-old Ecuadorian wrapper was not as dark as many sun growns, but its silky, medium brown sheen was pleasing to admire with its Rocky Patel signature twin red bands. The wrapper had only a few small veins and no soft spots.
Before lighting up, the cigar gave sweet hay notes, but that would soon change. Immediately after being lit, the cigar quickly started to produce an uneven burn (though this occurred in only one of the three that I smoked). Fortunately, the cigar righted itself almost immediately and, after this initial problem, it maintained an even burn to the end.
From the first puff, I could tell that this would be a full, smooth cigar. It had deep creamy mocha flavors with hints of almond and macadamia nuts. These tastes proved consistent throughout, and the cigar had a tight, white ash that held firm for a full inch and a half before falling off. One small disappointment: While I wanted to smoke this cigar down to the nub, it seemed to go out slightly prematurely.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this stogie. It is one of those far-too-rare cigars that is full flavored but not at all overwhelming. Its creamy nutty flavors will be appreciated by both cigar novices and experienced Stogie Guys alike. I suggest you smoke this after a fine steak dinner.
And since I got a five pack of these for less than $4 a stick, it also was a great value. For such great value and flavor, I enthusiastically give this cigar four and 1/2 out of five stogies.