The trend of releases honoring the Chinese New Year has grown immensely, especially in the last couple of years. So, it is no wonder that a producer as big as Rocky Patel presented his interpretation. But, compared to the other brands launching such a cigar, Rocky Patel does things differently.
The Rocky Patel Year of the Dragon 2024 blend comes in three sizes: Robusto (50 x 140 mm – 5 ½”), Robusto Grande (52 x 140 mm – 5 ½”), and Toro (52 x 165 mm – 6 ½”). Each of the sizes is destined for a different market. The Robusto is an international exclusive, the Robusto Grand is a Duty-Free exclusive, and the Toro is a US exclusive.
They all share the same blend. Namely a Mexican San Andrés wrapper over two US-grown binders, one of which is a Broadleaf, and fillers from Honduras and Nicaragua. The Toro is limited to 6,000 10-ct boxes, and they are produced at the Tabacalera Villa Cuba S.A. in Estelí, Nicaragua.
Underneath the large band is a dark and rustic Maduro colored wrapper. The filling is generous, as there is no give when squeezed, and construction is good. The draw is a bit on the tighter side.
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Size: 52 x 165 mm (6 ½)”
- Wrapper: Mexican
- Binder: USA
- Filler: Honduras, Nicaragua
- Price: $ 35 | € –
Rocky Patel Year of the Dragon 2024 Toro: the cold draw brings aromas of hay and spices to the palate. Once lit, the cigar opens with roasted coffee beans, earth and cocoa.
Further into the first third, a black pepper note, along leather, is added to the coffee, earth and cocoa. There is also a subtle nuttiness present in the background. The strength is a solid medium (3/5).
The leather and black pepper take over as the main flavors in the second third, while the earth and coffee notes have moved to the background. A balsamic aroma takes the place of the cocoa. The strength remains unchanged.
In the last third, the balsamic note becomes more dominant as the black pepper intensifies. The earth and coffee combination is still present in the background. Strength has increased to a medium-full (4/5)
Overall, the Rocky Patel Year of the Dragon 2024 Toro is a flavorful and balanced smoke. The profile is complex and the aromas interchange their place with one another throughout the smoke. Ther is also a perceptible evolution present—a Year of release that does not have to hide from other, more established, releases.