64 Degrees & Rocky Patel Puro Cubano Robusto

March 6, 2010
Written by Pedro Martinez  

Photo: Rocky Patel Puro Cubano Robusto

This weekend is officially the 1st complete good weekend we’ve had in Richmond, VA this year, 2010. It there is a time to try a morning cigar it was today, Saturday. With a wonderful 64° F for highest it’s a no brainer to smoke that stoogie. I’ve just had a Rocky Patel Puro Cubano Robusto with a freshly grinded Rwandan coffee.

When I review cigars, I like to first of all, take wrapper off and try, as much as possible, to avoid searching information about it before hand and keep an open mind. These techniques are critical in order to provide and neutral and fair review of the cigar that’s usually tampered by the marketing identifications of the product such as stickers, ring label or any other publications.

Ring wrapper designs, just as wine bottle labels, influence the experience of the cigar by informally setting guidelines and expectations that can hinder the aficionado’s open-minded approach to enjoying the cigar.

I have to command myself for learning to master the lighting of the cigars. It took me a while to fully understand the importance of lighting the cigar properly. The excessive amount of heat and the exposure of the fire to the tip of the cigar during the lighting process can give the cigar a bitter, burn flavor. It can take away that initial taste of the leafs and sweetness of the wrapper, at times during the first inch of the smoke.

Once my R.P. was lit and I took a couple of puffs, I could quickly indentify that I wasn’t smoking an average cigar. The creamy and mild Maduro flavors were immediately recognizable. For this cigar been considered a Robusto, I was really expecting a little more kick, but that wasn’t the case.

Rocky Patel Puro Cubano Robusto is a great cigar for the newbie that is ready to jump to the second level of tasting. It is a quality cigar that would make the weekly menu and it goes down tremendously well with Rwandan coffee or Café Cubano. This cigar, however, it’s not worth the price. I have had better sticks for the same price. But regardless of what I think, I’d suggest everyone to try them since we all have different taste development levels.

Anyway, I’m really happy for this weekend. Sunny, warm days always put a smile on my face and lift my spirit. As I type this notes, I’m looking at my yard and the lawn mower, and telepathically telling the mower and the yard tools—“Sorry guys, but aint’s doing shit today. I’m going to relax enjoy this beautiful weather.” Did I mention that it’s not even 10 o’clock yet?

I like to remind you, my readers, that I don’t do technical cigar reviews. I like telling a short story or share some of my experiences, briefly. For great in-depth cigar reviews of this cigar, check out:

• Stogie Guys
• Bluenote Cigars

I like to encourage my friends to stop by their local cigar shops, but if you like to do your shopping online, check out my friends at Cigars Direct, the one-way ticket to fine cigars. If you can’t find what you need, they’ll look for it.

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