Tasting Note

More than 10 years ago Rocky Patel put out a line called the Rocky Patel Sun Grown. Since then, it's become one of his staple brands, but it wasn't until last year that he decided to create a maduro version.Unlike the original line, which is still made in Honduras, the new version is made in Nicaragua at Patel's TaviCusa factory. It's also rolled in a dark, Connecticut broadleaf wrapper. This new interpretation was dubbed the Rocky Patel Sun Grown Maduro, and the Robusto is a great representation of the full-bodied blends coming out of Nicaragua today.The first Sun Grown was a dark cigar to begin with, but this more modern version has sured the original in every respect—it's darker, it's stronger and it's more complex. The cigars are also trunk-pressed, giving them an attractive appearance that hints at the bold blend of Nicaraguan tobacco under the broadleaf wrapper—and they harmonize beautifully, imparting earthy, nutty notes and bittersweet chocolate with the sweeter properties of the wrapper.Astute observers will notice the new packaging as well. Both band and box have their own unique design to adequately give these cigars their own identity.