Rocky Patel 1961 (Robusto 5x50)

I mentioned in a previous post about meeting Rocky Patel at my local cigar shop Stogies. One of the great things about an event like the one we attended was that EVERY cigar by Rocky Patel was available, most in the various size offerings which makes for not only a great selection, but also the ability to find the size that you like and be able to enjoy it.

I was excited to try the RP 1961 in the Robusto 5x50 size. It is a cigar I have read about and have friends who have smoked but not one up to this point I had had a chance to try. After making my purchase which included the 1961, a Patel Bros. cigar that I'll review in a later post along with a free RP cigar I along with my wife and friends we were with found a table and set out to enjoy a great evening of music, friends and cigars.

Sadly my lighter bit the dust this evening, the ignitor refuses to ignite so a little bit of frustration set in when I had to go searching for a light, but thankfully cigar folks tend to be friendly folks and a guy at another table lent his lighter so we could get our fun started.

One of the first things I noticed, and have noticed on all Rocky Patel Cigars is just the tremendous level of detail to attention that went into the cigar when it was rolled. Perfectly balanced, the wrapper is flawless showing no stretching or tearing, and no soft spots at all on the cigar. The level at which Rocky Patel himself obsesses over the cigars is amazing and shows when one goes to smoke one of his creations.

Once lit and upon first draw, the 1961 shows a pretty full bodied flavor, immediately spicy but not harsh. The smoke suggests a spicy, peppery note to it, almost with an essence of Cayenne Pepper, but one that is not overwhelming at all. The cigar exhibits no bad flavors, however I would certainly argue that this is not a cigar for folks who don't like a little spice in their smoke.

Strong, but not overpowering the 1961 settles in for a great smoke that continues to develop the spicy notes while finishing smooth and clean without any residual aftertaste. I would definitely suggest this cigar to someone looking for a strong defined smoke, however this is not one I would probably bring out for those not experienced in cigars or who aren't looking for that strong defined flavor. Offering this cigar to someone not looking for that strong experience would be in my opinion a disservice to the 1961 as well as to your friend.

Just a few smoking notes that I will clarify when I smoke this cigar again. First off I did notice a pretty uneven burn. I found myself reaching for a match to keep the cigar burning even. I know the cigar was lit evenly because I am stickler for detail and that is something that drives me nuts with my adult ADD. Secondly, and most likely as a result of the cigar not burning evenly I ended up with some hot spots on the cigar as the inner filler burned quicker than the wrapper. Again I will make note of this when I smoke this cigar again and see if it was the environment or that particular cigar.

I will say this, uneven burn and hot spots aside I will smoke this cigar again. To prove my point I purchased another one to take home and smoke. Spicy and full bodied the 1961 serves as a great contrast to another RP cigar I smoked a few weeks ago, the Decade. For me what made this cigar excellent was the balance and the flavor development. I pretty much smoked this cigar down to the nub at one point burning my finger when I caught the leading edge of the wrapper. If time had permitted I would have loved to follow up that cigar with something mellower like the Decade, but sadly our time quickly drew to a close and the need to meet up and get the kids fell upon us.

Of course having the completed 1961 leaving long for another smoke only lends itself to the enjoyment the next cigar I light up will offer. If you get a chance I encourage you to give the RP1961 a smoke, just be warned that it is spicy, but in a great way.

Until we smoke again.