This year marks the 30th anniversary of Rocky Patel’s work in the cigar industry. Continuing in his established tradition, Rocky Patel has introduced a new line of cigars to commemorate this milestone. The Rocky Patel 30th Anniversary was unveiled at the PCA and is expected to ship sometime in August. It will be available in three sizes: Robusto, Toro, and Sixty, with retail prices ranging from $17 to $19 respectively. For this review, I am smoking the Robusto.

• Wrapper: San Andres
• Binder: Double Nicaraguan binder, aged 7+ years
• Filler: Honduran, Nicaraguan, aged 5+ years
• Size: Robusto 5 1/2 x 50 box pressed

The cigar features a smooth, matte dark chocolate brown wrapper. It is box-pressed and has a solid draw, with barnyard notes on the cold draw. Upon lighting, the cigar reveals notes of chocolate, cherry, cream, earth, and coffee. It is smooth with white and red pepper in the retrohale, which is very strong. There is no spice on the palate. The finish is cedary, creamy, with a black cherry sweetness. The burn is straight with a very thin burn line and white ash that is firm but falls before an inch. The cigar is medium-bodied and medium in strength, though I anticipate it will progress to medium-plus.

As the cigar progresses, it becomes earthier and more coffee espresso-forward, with less sweetness and dark unsweetened cocoa. It remains very smooth, and the burn continues to be even with lots of smoke. The finish is oaky, earthy, creamy, and smooth.

In the final third, the cigar presents notes of charred oak, earth, and dark espresso. The retrohale is very strong with black pepper and oak, but there is not much spice on the palate. The burn has been nearly perfect throughout. As predicted, it increased in body and strength to medium plus.

The Rocky Patel 30th Anniversary Robusto is impressive. Its construction is excellent, and it is well-balanced and nuanced, highlighting its well-aged tobaccos. Lighting up this cigar is not just blowing smoke; it is a pleasurable experience, especially for lovers of San Andres blends. If you enjoy the Conviction, Emerald, or The Year of the Snake, you will find the 30th Anniversary Robusto thoroughly enjoyable. Highly recommended.