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Stogie Reviews: Rocky Patel Fusion Natural Churchill

24 Jul 2007

After two huge hits with his Vintage 1990 and 1992 lines, Rocky Patel was on top of the cigar world. So how do you follow up such successes? Combine them, of course!

Rocky Patel Fusion Churchill The Rocky Patel Fusion is a combination of his 1990 and 1992 lines featuring the same Honduran Connecticut broadleaf wrapper as the 1990, while using the Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper from the 1992 as a binder. Inside the seven inch by 48 ring gauge Churchill is a mix of Nicaraguan, Honduran, and Cameroon tobaccos blended at Patel’s Honduran factory.

This particular vitola retails for around $8 per stick, but it can be found online for closer to $5 (I purchased a five pack online for $19). After clipping and lighting this classically-shaped Churchill with its dual purple band, I was greeted with a firm but not too difficult draw, as well as a complex flavor profile.

The cigar has exceptional balance, with a hint of spice and subtle chocolate notes. As it progressed, the Fusion produced an earthy flavor that started a little bitter but had a subtle sweet finish.

Construction on the Churchills is good but not great. The burn was even on every stick I tried, but I found the ash was unstable and often fell off well before it grew to a full inch.

Given that it is a combination of two of my favorite cigars, it should be no surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed it. However, I think that ultimately the Vintage 1990 and 1992 lines are both better than the Fusion. Despite being both earthy and balanced, the Fusion lacked the full, rich earthy flavor of the 1992 and the perfect balance and floral elements of the 1990.

Still, while not as fantastic as the cigars that make up its parts, the Fusion is still a very good cigar that earns an impressive four out of five stogies .

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here .]

–Patrick S

Tags: cigars

5 Responses to “Stogie Reviews: Rocky Patel Fusion Natural Churchill”

  1. sungrown Tuesday, July 24, 2007 at 5:00 am #

    Nice review. Fusion is a tasty cigar. Heavy in the hand and well built. After burning through a healthy share of these cigars, I think the trick is, do not expect a fusion of the '90 and '92 flavors. Rather, enjoy it as a unique smoke. I notice it has a creamy character, with toasted wood flavors and a bold earthiness. Didn't pick up on the chocolate.

  2. Sam Tuesday, July 24, 2007 at 6:06 am #

    I agree- the 90 and 92 are better. I happen to think the Sun Grown is also better

  3. Patrick S Tuesday, July 24, 2007 at 7:04 am #

    Sam-

    I would agree that I find the Vintage Sun Grown better than the Fusion, although that cigar is more hit or miss…. people either really like it or don't.

Trackbacks and Pingbacks

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