Rocky Patel Decade Cigars

- Rocky Patel has said that after ten years of breaking into the cigar...more

Rocky Patel has said that after ten years of breaking into the cigar business, dealing with all the trials of getting the right tobaccos, making the right deals, getting the right torcedors, and overcoming all the other hurdles it took to being the new guy on the block, he finally came up with the right blend to commemorate the past decade with Indian Tabac. And what a decade it has been. After coming out with his Indian Tabac Super Fuerte, his first successful trial at blending a full bodied cigar, he felt confident enough to put his own name on his cigar. Then, after such greats as the entire Edge line, the Sungrown line, and the two massive successes of the Vintage 1990 & 1992 blends, the Renaissance and the entire line of private labels, he finally felt he had come up with the best blend on which to put the Decade label. Apparently, the cigar world felt just as strongly about it as well. The torpedo Decade received a 95 rating from Cigar Insider; one of the highest ratings ever, given the fact that such a relatively short time was given till its inception. In truth, the cigar took twelve years to come out, but Mr. Patel wanted the extra time to make sure he had the right blend to call the Decade. Upon first look at the Emporer, you can?t help but notice how deep the rich brown wrapper leaf is, smooth and veiny. It?s a solid roll, but not too hard to prevent the perfect draw, which it obviously does have. The outer wrapper smells of perfect grassy, barnyard aroma, rich leather, reminding me of a mahogany bookcase. The filler smells a little like smoked ribs and roasting coffee beans. The initial cut was perfect. The cap stuck to the blade, possibly from a little overhumidifying. Initial lighting was very good, at first the taste was of sweet vanilla beans and cacao nibs. The draw was almost perfect with barely a little tightness. The first few inches had a taste that reminded me of the great smoked T-bone steak, and just a hint of an oatmeal raisin cookie. The burn was just a little uneven, but not surprisingly it worked itself out. The draw was consistent, easily allowing enough smoke to fill your mouth and give you the proper amount of its intended taste, but not too much as to be sucking through a straw. The first ash fell off unnoticed by me at about an inch and a half to 2 inches. The middle two inches was what really did it for me. All the subtle nuances coming together, being heated enough to bring out the very best that an RP could give you. Smoking this part of the cigar was a real pleasure, bringing thoughts to mind of the tobacco barns where the leaves are fermented, the tables where they are brought together for the final roll. This was truly one of the better cigars I have smoked; every part of it bringing nothing but pleasure. The wrapper ash was grayish white, the binder and outer filler ash were black, and the inner filler ash was pure gray. I was so wrapped up in the visuals and tasting nuggets that I barely noticed the second ash falling off at just over two inches. Unfortunately, given the climate I was forced to be in while reviewing, the head kept flaking off just a little, and finally gave way to the extremely low temperature and unraveled on me. If I had had another of these fine sticks, I definitely would have sparked it up. Like an old friend, I was sad to see it go. I will make sure to get a box of these on my next order, and I would wholeheartedly recommend this to any fellow cigar smoker, warning them to be prepared for one of the best smokes you will have in a long time. less

- i had 4 of them.all 4 burned consistently inside the wrapper,almost...more

i had 4 of them.all 4 burned consistently inside the wrapper,almost like wrapper was fireproof less

- I was given the Rocky Patel Decade Toro as a gift. I was told this...more

I was given the Rocky Patel Decade Toro as a gift. I was told this Cigar has a similar profile to the La Aroma De Cuba Edicion Especial. Which I love dearly. This one came in a beautiful ornate tube. This is celebrating there 10 year anniversary . This is a full bodied cigar with a Dark rich oily Maduro Wrapper. Strength: Full Bodied Origin: Honduras Wrapper: Maduro Shape: StraightSize 6 1/2x 52 I have viewed images of this cigar and most turn out to box pressed. The one I received was not. I am not sure why this one was different but it does not make it any less amazing. As mentioned before this cigar has a beautiful oily chocolate brown appearance. There were no soft spots on this cigar and the construction appeared solid with no stems or blemishes. The pre draw was a bit like coffee grinds. The draw was a bit tight which made it difficult to evenly light. I had to make some adjustments to even out the burn. The first few puffs gave off a very pleasant aroma. Sort of like raw chocolate beans and black cherry (WOW!). The first third produced thin smoke. Im guessing this is due to the tight draw. But the flavor kicked some serious ass. Chocolate. Tons of Chocolate and Cream. One hour in and I am only in the second third! I had to adjust the burn once again since I had trouble during the first lite. The second third became more complex; chocolate flavors were still at the forefront and black cherry, coffee and almonds soon came into the mix. By this time I already decided this is the best cigar I have tasted up to this point. I can say this tops the La Aroma De Cuba Edicion Especial. The draw opened up and I began to get nice thick plumes of white creamy smoke. The cigar continued to burn at a cool temperature. It is one hour and 45 minutes since I first lit up this cigar and I am now in the last third. The ash stays firm for three inches and would probably hold further if I did not ash it out of fear of dropping ash on my shirt. This is definitely a quality roll. all the wonderful flavors (Chocolate, Coffee, Black Cherry, Almond) remained and now I am getting a bit of Cedar wood. Usually I am not into this flavor coming in but it definitely worked out in this case. I cannot believe how slow this cigar burns. This is definitely a good cigar to sit back relax and enjoy life. Unfortunately I received a text message telling me I had to hurry downtown to meet with someone so I could not smoke this down to the nub which I am certain would be as delicious as the first part of the last third. I enjoyed this smoke as long as I possibly could before I had to part with it. Overall this cigar is amazing. Great construction and appearance and beautiful flavor profiles not to mention a wonderful burn time. If you have some time on your hands I recommend the Rocky Patel Decade Toro 6 1/2x52 with PorterHouse Oyster Stout or Southern Tier Chocolate Mokah. less

- I must say that i have been a Rocky fan for a very long time. But I...more

I must say that i have been a Rocky fan for a very long time. But I must tell you that this was with out a question! the worst Rocky I have every smoked. No taste, ash was bad and the burn down the side was scary. This is one Rocky i will NEVER smoke again. less

- really rich, smooth and flavorfull smoke. burning one now as i type....more

really rich, smooth and flavorfull smoke. burning one now as i type. however, it's eclipsed by it's brother, the edicion limitada. did a comparison taste test and the latter is that much better. if c.a. gives this a 95 rating i'd have to give the e.l. a 98! try it yourself. i think most would agree. and this coming from someone who is not a patel fan. only r.p. i ever liked before this was the sun grown (and to a lesser extent the patel brothers). less