Rocky Patel ALR Second Edition

When it comes to cigars everyone is looking for "special editions" or "limited releases", but forget to look at the tried and true blends from those companies that keep this cigar industry going forward.  When it comes to the cigar industry in general and fighting back against those in Washington DC who want to kill our ability to enjoy a fantastic stick, Rocky Patel has been at the front of the pack leading a charge for our right to enjoy these premium luxuries, like the ALR Second Edition reviewed today.

If you remember there was a first edition (yes we carried it), that came out in 2018. But Rocky believed he could make it even better, making an entirely new blend and stashing them away for 2 years after being rolled. This blend actually was rolled and stowed away before the release of the first edition, with all the delicious goodness just chillin' together aging next to one another making for what is purely an incredible smoking experience. 

Starting with the bands, this cigar just says "I'm classy". The traditional band being diamond shaped with copper foil and embossing and the secondary band actually being more like a sheath for this elegant craftsmanship that features a cream background, elegant font type and ornamentation in the same copper foil.

Cold Draw:

After giving the head of this cigar a light cut, you're treated to a great easy draw that has moderately sweet notes of chocolate, earth, natural tobacco, and a touch of leather. Oh remember not to cut off precious smoking time from your cigar.  Our preference is the straight cut and you only need to take off a sliver the thickness of a sheet of paper.

Light it Up... Light it Up... Light it Up:

A delicious blend of cedar notes hits you right from the get go, but not an ambush considering the cold draw flavors. The unsweetened cocoa and a touch of peppery spice continue the experience with more sweetness and notes of chocolate that are being amplified with every puff. The "sweetness" takes a back seat in the final third leaving the unsweetened cocoa and "pepper" notes still hanging in for a wonderful finish. 

Construction:

The Aged-Limited-Rare Second Edition just looks like it belongs in the humidor of the rich and famous. Every stick we've seen just looks perfect. No corners were cut here making this cigar and with the demand still high in the industry, we can honestly say there's brands that have cut major corners on quality. Rocky Patel for sure isn't one of them. 

Final Thoughts:

A beautiful Nicaraguan blend that puts the notes of earth and chocolate forward with plenty of cedar and pepper to back it up in the Nicaraguan department. Even those that might think they can't handle this rich Nicaraguan blend would be surprised. Don't skip this stick. You never know until you try for yourself!

Take the time and relax with our favorite size, the 6.5 x 52 Toro. Rated 94 by Cigar Aficionado Magazine and coming in at the #5 spot on the 2019 Top 25 Cigars of the Year list.