Stogie Reviews: Rocky Patel Sun Grown Torpedo
Thursday, August 31st, 2006In 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.
This faired much better than the Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve, eh?
I was on the fence about picking up a five pack of these, but not anymore. After reading this review, it sounds too good to pass up.
Sounds great- I have been a fan of the Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 and 1992 so these are solid as well I’m sure. Great value too.
Enjoyed your review of one of my favorites. After smoking a box of these, I would add that each cigar I smoked had a very nice hint of sweet carmel through the second third. The nose on this one is quite pleasant as well.
Fine smoke, full of flavor but not overwealming. Having never had a Rocky Patel, I was very pleased with this cigar and bought 2 more for the road. Construction good, good burn and aromatic.
These are my favorite of the Rocky Patels so far. They almost always burn perfectly. I always feel satisfied after this cigar, has enough strength without being bitter or tasting like burnt leather.
So far I never had a Rocky Patel that tasted bad, including his CI Legend, Vintage 1990 & 1992, Edge and his OSG.
My next Rocky Patels to try are the Olde World Reserve & Cuban Blend, both getting a little age in the humidor as we speak.
[...] Rocky Patel Sun Grown Torpedo [...]
I would love to try these, based on this review. Where did you find a five pack for $4 a stick?
Thanks.
Since I’ve had a few of these over the past week, I thought I’d chime in with my own impressions.
Simply put, Rocky Patel Sun Growns are spectacular. I never had any problems with construction, and — as the review states — the flavor is full and smooth but not overwhelming.
i love most of the rocky patels i’ve tried. i smoked the big 6×60 about a month ago. the band stuck to the wrapper, which was disappointing because it started to unravel. but the smoke, flav, draw and aroma were top shelf. the burn needed a little evening out here and there. but it’s definitely worth buying a box at a time.
I’m smoking a toro now which has been sitting in the humi for several months now. I am so far very impressed with the quality of this product. Smells nice for the women and maybe they’ll lit one up, too. Lots of mocha jamoca flavors. 3 fillers from different countries and a Equadorian wrapper. Nice.
I don’t know how old all these tobaccos are that he uses, but they have some age on them. It’s a very smooth, but full flavored smoke. I don’t know how much they cost now, but I will be checking it out.
[...] The Stogie Guys will tell you about the Torpedo [...]
Spoil yourself and smoke one of these. Better than any Cuban I have ever smoked. As far as aging goes, how much better can this get? Its like wanting a lamborghini to go 300mph instead of 250mph.If you can wait to age it go ahead, meanwhile Ill smoke mine.
One of my favorite smokes of all time. I’m not saying they’re better than a Padron 45, but considering you can get a half dozen of these for the price of one hammer, I’d say it’s one of the best deals out there. Kinda surprised you liked it so much and combined with the value you didn’t give it a 5 stogie rating, but glad you enjoyed them none-the-less.