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Rocky Patel Vintage 1990

Cigar Review: Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 Torpedo

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The following review is another from Charlie Freeman, a New York City-based cigar enthusiast who, in his relatively short smoking career, has demonstrated an amazing ability to discern quality product and help others find the perfect cigar for them. You can read his first review of the Padron 1964 Anniversario Diplomatico Maduro here.  You can also read my review of the Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 here. 

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It’s a pleasantly mild Friday evening. I recline into one of the many comfy chairs at Cigar Inn’s brand new Upper East Side location on 334 East 73rd, coming face to nub with a cigar that has proved itself to be a most polarizing blend. The Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 line has garnered both love and contempt among cigar smokers with very little middle ground. Our own Matthias Clock knows of this story firsthand, having reviewed the ’90 Churchill years before. So why review it again? Because the Vintage 1990 is like a great mystery; it’s an unusual cigar that rightfully deserves to be looked at from more than just one angle. Thus, I’m taking on the Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 Torpedo this evening.

Blend Specifics

Wrapper: Honduran Broadleaf
Filler: Dominican/Nicaraguan
Binder: Nicaraguan
Dimensions: 6.25 x 52
Vitola: Torpedo Box-pressed

Appearance & Construction

Upon removing this handsome medium-bodied stogie from the cellophane I am immediately struck by the precision of its box-pressed construction. There are almost no detectible flaws in its shape. The edges are so pronounced that I’m almost afraid to touch it, lest I get my fingers cut. I also find that this torpedo is packed to the brim. This stick has no flexibility whatsoever, being able to hold its form no matter what. So what does this entail for the smoke experience? Let’s find out.

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The Smoke and Its Flavor

And we’re off! The first couple of puffs come easily enough, with some thick smoke to match. Unfortunately, this easy puffing does not last very long. Soon enough, the draw becomes gradually more resistant and constricted. This makes puffing a more laborious process as the smoke clouds get thinner.

All the while I find my every other thought being centered around whether or not the stogie is going to go out. Not exactly the kind of thing you want to be thinking about when you’re trying to relax. Fortunately, the draw begins to breathe much more freely as I approach the nub, ensuring an easy and comfortable finish.

While the draw leaves much to be desired, the flavor is a worthy consolation. Upon lighting up, I am greeted by a lovely touch of cinnamon, which stays at the forefront for the first few puffs.

In the main section the cinnamon takes a back seat to another, more earthy taste that I can’t quite put my finger on. I continue to the last quarter of the stick and I’m still trying to figure out this mysterious flavor. Even in hindsight I haven’t a clue what that flavor was, except that it drew a picture of hickory wood in my mind with every puff.

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The Final Verdict

At the end of the day, I can easily see why the ’90 has garnered such mixed reactions in the market. The draw was a noticeable struggle, and I also lost part of the wrapper on the nub. Yet, the flavor was quite satisfying. And unlike with the ’90 Churchill, the ’90 Torpedo’s flavor didn’t change based on how quickly or slowly it was smoked, and its structural integrity held throughout, allowing for the Torpedo to be enjoyed in its entirety. Thus, the final verdict is as follows: If you like a hard draw and an earthy flavor and are willing to put up with losing part of the wrapper because of how hard you have to puff, this is the cigar for you. As for me, I don’t always smoke the Rocky Patel Vintage 1990. But when I do, I prefer the Torpedo.

Final Grade: B+

Tips for a Perfect Smoke Experience

No medium to full-bodied cigar is complete without dark chocolate and a cup of coffee, and the Vintage 1990 Torpedo is no exception.

  • Order of Procedure: 2-3 puffs, one bite-sized piece, one sip of coffee
  • Espresso in particular will do the trick best.
  • As with the ’90 Churchill, don’t take any chances. You are advised to smoke this torpedo slowly and fully to get the best flavor.

Cigar Review: Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 Churchill

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The Rocky Patel Vintage 1990

There is no way around it: this is a controversial cigar.  A brief glance around the online cigar community indicate that some people love this cigar (Barry at acigarsmoker gives it a 93), and some people are lost as to what makes it so special (one Puff user called it “a total disappointment”). Beyond dispute, however, is the consistent acclaim that this cigar has received from a variety of online and in-print reviewers – one reason I was so excited to smoke this cigar. I have to say, though, that after smoking four of these I can identify with both camps. Read on to find out why, and also to find out how you can enjoy this cigar more, perhaps even as much as the critics have.

Blend Specifics:

  • Wrapper: Honduran broadleaf Maduro
  • Binder: Nicaraguan
  • Filler: Dominican and Nicaraguan

Some obvious problems with the cap

Construction & Appearance:

This cigar comes in a beautiful, semi-pressed shape that is incredibly comfortable in the mouth.  Paired with the incredible scent of caramel, nuts, and cherry, I have to consciously stop myself from chewing this cigar like a candy bar when I put it into my mouth. It’s just that good. Construction is ok; there are a few blemishes near the cap, and the wrapper cracked. Unfortunately, when I applied a straight cut, the wrapper decided to split and fray, as you can see in the pictures above and below. This is uncharacteristic of Rocky Patel cigars, but I’ve had the same problem with this cigar more than once. The draw is firm, which is a reminder of the Rocky Patel tradition of excellent packing.

This is one of the most attractive, best smelling cigars out of the cellophane that I know of. Unfortunately, smoking this cigar did not reflect this.

The crack on the back became very noticeable

Taste & Smoke Characteristics:

The first third of this cigar is mild to medium bodied and opens up with a few distinct flavors. Dominant is a woody, salted nut taste (roasted nuts in smell). Behind those two flavors is a really wonderful, mild sweetness. The flavor profile is complex and complete, much like Velvet Cigar’s Bowery.  My only complaint in the first third of this stick is that the smoke volume is a bit low. I also notice that this is not a cigar to rush. In fact, in order for it to consistently taste as good as other reviewers describe, it must be smoked slowly. Heating up the tobacco too much degrades the flavor pretty dramatically. The flavor moves from cool, woody, rich, and sweet a sort of fermented saltiness that is very dissatisfying.

At about two thirds, it remains clear that this cigar needs to be smoked slowly. Every time I puff more than one or two times a minute, the unpleasant taste returns. Smoked slowly, the cigar is excellent. The woody flavor has hints of coffee and caramel, and the smooth smoke has a creamy texture.

Unfortunately, the last third of this cigar confirmed which side of the RP Vintage 90 debate I fall on: the dissatisfied side.  In spite of trying to smoke this cigar slowly, the final third of the cigar became (with multiple sticks) harsh and acidic.  Twice I lost my patience and put the cigar down.

I let this stick go early

Conclusion:

If you want to enjoy this cigar, you must smoke it slowly. After some experimentation and observation, the tobacco in this cigar seems to be especially vulnerable to a hot ember.  The fact that this cigar is so high maintenance pushes it into the realm of the ‘less enjoyable.’ There were also some consistent construction issues, which is out of character for Rocky Patel, and surprising to see in such a famous blend.

All of the hype aside, I can’t give this cigar an A rating (the equivalent to a 90% or above). The cigar is consistently frustrating, produces less than ideal smoke, and the taste oscillates between heaven and hell. Don’t take my word for it though – I’m new to the cigar reviewing world, and others have loved it. Give this stick a try – just don’t buy a box before you do.

Do you have comments or suggestions? Let me know – I’d love to know more about this stick.

Overall Grade: B