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Cigar Review: Rocky Patel 1961 Robusto

2 1 4.5k
Photo from hondurascigar.com

Tonight I reviewed the Rocky Patel 1961. This blend was created to commemorate the year Rocky Patel was born, and I found it to be a medium bodied smoke. Music tonight consisted mainly of hip-hop and alternative/rock: Kid Cudi (“Day and Night”), Kanye West (“Love Lockdown”), John Mayer (“Neon”), Jay-Z (“Run This Town”), Gym Class Heroes, and Flyleaf. Not my usual mix, but I found it to be necessary to have some interesting music on to balance out this decidedly uninteresting cigar.  I didn’t have my camera, or even my phone on hand so I ended up using a friend’s Macbook to get some shots.

Specifics

  • Wrapper: Habano (Ecuador)
  • Binder: Honduran
  • Filler: Nicaraguan

Appearance & Construction:

Fair. The rich brown of the habano wrapper is attractive, and the double-label is, after closer inspection, very detailed and attractive. “1961” is prominently displayed, and below it is a dark red band with the Rocky Patel logo displayed in black.  Aside from that, this cigar is far from exceptional. It had a hard time holding an ash, and the construction needed touch ups multiple times. Draw was a bit too loose, which is surprising because in my experience Rocky Patel cigars are generally very solid when it comes to delivering a very comfortable draw.

Smoking Characteristics & Taste:

The first third of this stick is hard to describe, mainly because I spent most of the first third trying to gather a discernable flavor profile. The main flavor is a natural tobacco taste, a bit of spice, and a hint of sweetness. Pleasant, but not very notable. On a positive note, this cigar produced large plumes of very smooth smoke consistently throughout.

The second third of this stick is a bit more satisfying. Still the natural tobacco flavor, but a very noticeable cocoa flavor that is very enjoyable. A few minutes later the cocoa becomes more of a semi sweet—not unenjoyable, but kind of sad. The final third of this cigar was more of the same story. Natural tobacco and a bit of cocoa.

Conclusion: B-

Not a bad cigar, per-se, but this really seems like a RP cigar trying to be the Patel Bros Next Generation (a GREAT cigar). I’m not going to be rushing to pick up more of these anytime soon.

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Cigar Review: Rocky Patel Famous Signature Robusto

3 1 4.3k

The Rocky Patel Famous Signature is a joint venture between Rocky Patel, Amilcar P. Castro, and Famous Smoke Shop.  I got this cigar as part of the Amilcar Perez 12 cigar sampler, which I would highly recommend looking at and buying. This cigar is generally described as a medium-full bodied cigar, though I found it to be full bodied.  While reviewing this cigar, I gave blind tasting a try – lights off, so I could get a better sense for the taste. Music for this smoke was a mix of Pink Martini, Frank Sinatra, and Putumayo: Cuba – definitely an album to give a listen to and explore. For other great music to listen to while smoking, check out the Aspiring Gentleman’s article series Music to Imbibe In.

Specifications for this blend:
Binder: Mexican
Filler: Nicaraguan
Wrapper: Habano
Appearance and Construction:
Fair. A few noticeable veins. The label, in my opinion, is not very attractive. There are a few minor blemish. On an upnote, the draw is, as is usually with Rocky Patel cigars, excellent. The wrapper is dark brown – a bit lighter than the image you will find on Famous Cigars.
The cigar review notepad
Smoking Characteristics and Taste:
1/3: This cigar kicks off with a pretty good deal of spice, though it is initially medium-full bodied.  Opening tastes are spice, black pepper, and natural tobacco. Certainly not the smoothest cigar, but I enjoy the spice and the complexity.
2/3: The spice pulls back for a minute or two, but is back stronger than before–a bit too much for me, honestly. This cigar reminds me a bit of the Perdomo Habano, though I think the Habano is a bit more well-balanced.  The spice continually builds and even becomes a bit acidic. I hope it backs off a bit.
3/3: By the last third of this cigar, I’m starting to really feel the tobacco. This is really a cigar to take slow. Smoke it too quickly and the smoke will heat up. The heat ended up becoming a pretty big problem, so I let the cigar rest earlier than usual.
The innovative dress-shoe cigar holder
Conclusion: C+

This isn’t a bad cigar, but it definitely isn’t my favorite flavor/strength profile. Main flavor notes here are natural tobacco and black pepper behind it. If this is a flavor profile you are interested though, this cigar is definitely worth a try.  I’m definitely a much bigger fan of the Vudu and the Patel Bro’s Next Generation (you can find that reviewed here).
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The Cigar Inn: Two Fantastic NYC Locations

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The counter at the 1st Avenue Location

The Cigar Inn, with two locations in Manhattan, manages to have an atmosphere that is incredibly sophisticated and extremely friendly.

My first stop today was the 1st Ave. location of Cigar Inn, where I spoke with Bill Sakih, the owner.  This smaller store and lounge, which can hold about 15 customers at a time, has been around since the mid-90s.  Soft jazz was playing in the background, as two small groups of men seated on leather couches chatted about sports and current events-the regulars as Billy called them.  “This place is really friendly, a place where people create friendships.  The regulars go out to dinner, take trips, plan golf outings…”

The Cigar Aficionado Lounge

In addition to the large walk-in humidor with an impressive selection, the store sells all sorts of products for men: ties, cufflinks, shaving supplies, money clips and watches.  Additionally, Cigar Inn is a great place to shop for smoking accessories: pipes, ashtrays, lighters and cutters.

If you’re looking to buy a humidor though, your best bet is to head to Cigar Inn’s other location on 2nd Ave. near 54th St., which has been open for about 2 years. The humidor selection is top notch.  They also carry all of those various products for men, with the bonus of having a fully functioning barbershop.  You have to call ahead for an appointment.

Billy was quick to boast that the 2nd Ave location has the only lounge and humidor that is endorsed by Cigar Aficionado magazine.  The lounge is magnificent, with leather couches and armchairs, flat-screen televisions, great natural lighting, and plenty of space.   And the humidor is, or course, fully stocked with one of the best selections in New York.

After chatting for a while, I asked Billy what he was smoking these days, and he handed me a La Aurora, his current favorite.  “On the house,” he said.  I’ll definitely be back to let him know what I thought.

Long story short: both Cigar Inn locations are fantastic spots to smoke a cigar. As soon as you get a few hours free, drop by one of Cigar Inn’s two locations, kick back in a lounge chair, and enjoy a good cigar. You’ll be glad you did!

The Cigar Inn (2nd Ave) Humi

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Update:  I tried that La Aurora.  It was really complex.  It began really solid, and mild.  As I got further in, it became really spicy, with more of a medium flavor.  The last third was a little harsh.  (That might just be my tendency to smoke a cigar down too far.)  But, it was a really interesting smoke.  I’ll definitely try another La Aurora.

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Cigar Review: Patel Bro’s Next Generation Robusto

3 3 4.8k
Patel Bro’s Next Generation Robusto

Tonight I smoked a Patel Bros Next Generation that I recently purchased in the Rocky Patel & Amilcar Perez 12 cigar sampler for just $20. So far I’ve had two: the Vudu and tonight the Next Generation. I wasn’t planning on reviewing this cigar until I started smoking it and was completely blown away.

Here are the specifications for this blend:

Binder: Honduran

Filler: Honduran

Wrapper: Habano

Appearance and Construction:

The habano wrapper, as described on Famous-Smokes is a rich brown with a reddish hue.  There are very few noticeable veins, the texture is smooth, and the cigar is packed firmly, but not tightly. After clipping the cigar using a straight cut, the draw is perfect. The label is sharp and attractive.

Great construction – I only ashed this cigar twice

Smoking Characteristics and Taste:

 

This cigar produces thick smoke, and throughout the hour-long smoke I found that it didn’t burn hot.  Construction throughout the smoke was completely flawless. What I found to be most compelling about this cigar, though, were the distinct tastes that were noticeable in the medium bodied smoke. The cigar kicked off with a bit of spice, and tastes of wood, coffee, and dark chocolate. Very rich and very enjoyable.  The second third of the cigar took on more woodiness and a bit of leather.   In the final third, the spice really drew back to a sweet woodiness.  I wouldn’t have minded returning to the first two thirds, but I was still enjoying the cigar immensely.

It was a shame to put this cigar down.

Conclusion: A

This was, hands down, a great cigar that I would highly recommend. Perfect construction, great taste—a great experience. Pick some of these cigars up sometime.  I would highly recommend checking out the 8-cigar sampler for just $15. You can find that here.

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Event Recap: FTNYC “Fall Smoke” #2 at Caballeros Cigar Lounge

3 0 3.1k

You’ve never met a friendlier bunch of guys than Jose, Mike, Richie and the rest of the crew at Caballeros Cigars, the sight of the most recent FTNYC event, on November 12th.  I’d never been to Caballeros, and I’m willing to admit I wasn’t too thrilled about the long train ride into Brooklyn.  Long story short: I’d make the ride over and over.  This place is great.

The event began at 8pm.  I arrived a little early, and asked Richie where I could buy a bottle of wine.  He pointed me toward the liquor store a few blocks down and said, “Tell them Richie from the cigar store sent you.  They’ll give you a good price.”  It’s that kind of neighborhood.

I started the night off with a Santa Ana, one of Caballeros signature homemade cigars.  Jose and Mike both showed me around the humidor and helped me pick out the perfect smoke.  Its flavor was in the medium-to-full arena, and it had a rich taste that I loved.  And it was great to hear about the family’s history – that definitely made the experience of smoking my Santa Ana even more satisfying.

Throughout the next few hours, in addition to the FTNYCers who stopped by, it seemed that half the neighborhood showed up to say hello.  People brought booze, and snacks.  A few locals came by with coolers trying to sell us food.  (Sean, how was that empanada?)  Cigars, Rum, Salsa music, even a little dancing – what a fun atmosphere!

Some of the highlights of the evening include:

•Jose showing us his baseball bat cigars.  What a great idea for having the guys over for a game, or for welcoming a new baby boy.  What’s next?  Football cigars, hockey stick cigars?

•All sorts of strange liquor.  I wish I had been paying attention to the names of things because there were several drinks I’d never seen before.  There was a bottle of pink, carbonated something-or-other that got passed around.  Someone filled a vodka bottle up with special herbs from the Dominican Republic, and made this delicious special brew.  Another bottle had this thick, egg-noggy dessert beverage, with rum, I think.  And beer, wine and brandy.  Everyone was happy to share.

•FTNYer Sarah was mesmerized by Janise, Anthony’s wife, dancing around the store to the beat of the pumping Latin music.

•Mike showing off his brand new tattoo.  I wish I had gotten a picture.  He’d gotten it that day, and pulled down the bandage to show us the arch-angel Michael on his forearm.

By the time I left, 4 hours after arriving, I’d met some new friends, reconnected with a friend I hadn’t seen in a few years, smoked two cigars, and managed to sample about 5 new drinks.  It’s a pretty easy call to say that this 2nd event at Caballeros was a great success.

Check out the painting!

Caballeros Cigars is located at 1048 Wyckoff Avenue in Ridgewood, NY.  You can contact them at info@caballeroscigars.com

If you’re interested in joining the list, and attending an FTNYC event, drop Matthias an email at matthias.ftnyc@gmail.com

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