Cigar:            Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 Toro

Size:             50 x 6.5"

Country:          DR

Wrapper:          CTBL, Hon, E

Binder:           DR/Nic

Filler:           DR/Nic

Flavor Strength:  Medium

NicotineStength:  Medium

Date Received:    2005-08-15

Suspected Age:    16 months

Vendor/Price:     Gift of SkyhawkXP, ASC - Thanks!

Beverage(s):      Water, Dead Guy Ale

Smoke time:       2 hours

Date:             2005-08-16

Posted to ASC:    2005-08-16

Overall:    Nice cigar.  Well constructed with a nearly perfect burn.  Leather, aromatic wood, and coffee.  Flavors intensified throughout smoke, and the major note wove nicely among the three flavors.  Finish was dry, then slightly sweet.  Clearly a damn fine cigar, and I'd gladly smoke another, however, for me personally it somehow lacked the "Wow" factor.

Ambience:   Seattle Daniel's lounge.  J & G & J in attendance.  J smoked a Habano R&J Deluxe Cedros #3, G smoked a Montesino Sungrown, and I smoked the Rocky.  The little woman drank G&Ts.  Bad news from the staff at Daniel's.  They are going to start strictly enforcing their "cigars, only after 10 PM" policy, effectively killing the Cuban Tuesday tradition at Daniel's.  It was a nice run.  The wait staff is wonderful and gorgeous, but we ain't going back.  The search for a new home ensues ... Luckily, as a fall back position I just bought a house with a perfect man cave basement - just need to order a pool table.

Appearance: Very attractive cigar.  Severe box press at foot easing and swelling toward the head.  Dark, streaked wrapper with medium veins, nicely sets off the dark maroon with gold lettering band. 

Cut & Prelight:   Nice cut.  Somewhat restrictive draw.  Sweet and spicey aroma with a lip tingle. 

First third:      Thick mellow smoke from the first puff.  White ash.  Leather and aromatic wood, then later coffee.  Some walnut or maybe pecan.  Mild and slightly sweet finish.  Ashed at 1"

Second third:     More leather, wood and coffee.  Finish lengthens and drys.  Good even burn despite the severe box press.  Long finish is slightly sweet. 

Third third:      Still more leather, aromatic wood, and coffee with a dry finish.  Aromatic nub.  Mild nicotine buzz.