Tasting Note

It's been eight years since Rocky Patel released his 15th Anniversary cigar, but Patel decided to give it a new release of sorts this year. The blend didn't change, but the packaging did, with adjustments to the box (both inside and out) and the band, which has a bit more metallic luster, so while it's not a new cigar, it has a new appearance. Unlike many Rocky Patel cigars, which are made in Honduras, this line is made in his Nicaraguan factory, which he owns with partner Amilcar Perez-Castro, who oversees the operation. The Ecuadoran wrapper that covers this cigar combines with the Nicaraguan tobacco on the inside to produce a medium-to-full-bodied smoke redolent of nuts, chocolate, oak and vanilla.