Cigar Review: Rocky Patel Vintage 1999 Connecticut Robusto

 

 

Cigar: Rocky Patel Vintage 1999 Connecticut Robusto
Binder: Nicaraguan
Wrapper: Connecticut
Tobacco: Dominican/Nicaraguan
Length: 5 1/2
Ring Gauge: 50
 
I am a creature of habit. Once I really like something, I own it and live with it every day until I get tired of it. So with cigars there are very few I specifically seek out. The first stogie that fell on my must smoke list was the Rocky Patel Vintage 1999 Connecticut. As a new smoker I was big into milder cigars and I heard great things about this stick.
 
The Rocky Patel Vintage 1999 is made with one of the oldest Connecticut shade wrappers is touted as a mild cigar that offers real flavor and complexity. Most mild cigars are light smokes, so when I heard about this cigar and its flavor profile I was very excited. 

 

Upon taking it out of the cellophane wrapper, I was taken aback by some construction issues. There are visible cracks at the head and foot. No bueno. Minus the fractures, the cigar looks good. The wrapper is a golden tan color with no noticeable veins and the seams are tight.

Bandwith:

As with Rocky Patel’s other vintage lines, this cigar is double banded. All white and gold lettering. For me this band is very quiet and unassuming; not a keeper in my opinion.

 

Opening:

I didn’t have a punch so I had to go with the standard guillotine cut. When I cut the cigar the crack unraveled further which was disappointing. After toasting the foot, I take my first draw and I am welcomed by a good pull of smoke. I am getting a taste of some nice cream. This cigar is very smooth and leaves a pleasing flavor on my palette.
 
Seconds:

As I get deeper into this cigar, I am really enjoying the flavor profile. I am still getting a great buttery taste with each exhale of smoke. This cigar has some character for a mild smoke. Some mild cigars are really bland, but the tobacco here has a crispness to it. The burn is great too. The ash is pretty much solid and holding on strong.

 

The Finish:

As I round third base, I am faced with more issues with the wrapper. The crack on the head has fully unraveled which really puts a damper on any smoking experience. I push forward and remove the bottom band and to my surprise there is another crack in the cigar. Maybe it’s just my luck with Rocky Patel cigars?

 

Nevertheless I am really liking this cigar. It isn’t complex or deep but the flavors are consistent and very enjoyable. The creamy body is a perfect morning cigar to compliment a nice cup of coffee.

 

The Verdict:

While I did have some issues with flaws in the wrapper, I still enjoyed my time with the Rocky Patel Connecticut Vintage 1999 Robusto. It was a very smooth but flavorful smoke. Novices looking for a mild body cigar under ten dollars should definitely try this out. Just be reminded to always carefully inspect each cigar before purchase.  

 

3.5 out of 5 crowns