An Evening with Rocky Patel

Last night saw the opportunity to head on over to my local cigar shop Stogie's where a fund raiser was being held to help the victims of the May floods here in Nashville. As part of the evening, Rocky would be there to discuss his cigars, sign stuff, raffle stuff away and then musician Phil Keaggy would wrap the evening up with some great live music. I had seen the e-mails about the event but quite honestly it had slipped my mind until a friend of mine suggested we go to which my wife and I asked Grandma to watch the kids while we slipped out for some time for us.

I'm not much of a "star struck" person, I have some friends who like to drop names of who they've met or know, but for the most part I don't care as I see them as people just like you and I. I was impressed with how down to earth Rocky Patel was. He was so low key in fact, it almost seemed as though he was uncomfortable playing the role of a quasi celebrity. We spent several minutes discussing cigars, tobaccos and his factory in Nicaragua and his monthly trips there. I knew he took folks from the US down for tours of the factory and fields and suggested I join him on one of those trips.

We talked a little bit about the blending and selection process and spoke also of some of his competitors and their offerings. All in all it was a pretty cool evening, and of course once the band started the house started rocking as songs by The Beatle's and Stevie Wonder and others were played. Of course being seated only 10 feet from the band meant it was loud, but there wasn't a single foot that was tapping or a hand clapping in the place so I'd say everyone was having fun.

I was fortunate enough to get a RP cigar box my buddy Tony gave me signed by Rocky Patel, and again I cannot emphasize how humble and gracious a man he truly was. To be honest I can't really say I am surprised by this fact, I think that is part of what makes enjoyment of cigars so great, a common bond if you will.

I did get a chance to enjoy a Rocky Patel 1961 last night and a review will be posted in the next few days. I have a few other RP cigars still to smoke in the humidor so keep checking back as I get them smoked and reviewed. Hey, its a tough job but someones got to do it!

Until we smoke again.