Assessment Updates will be posted on this web-site to: 1) Assess “pre-review” cigars that were not given a rating or score (typically pre-release cigars); 2) Provide numeric ratings to cigars previously assessed prior to the implementation of the numeric scoring system; 3) Provide a re-assessment and re-score of a previously assessed/score cigars. Today, we re-assess Rocky Patel Prohibtion San Andres. This was a cigar we did a pre-release assessment back in September, 2014.
Wrapper: San Andres Mexican
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Country of Origin: Nicaragua (Tabacalera Villa Cuba S.A)
Toro: 6 1/2 x 52
At the 2014 IPCPR Trade Show, Rocky Patel Premium Cigars launched four new cigar lines. One of those lines is called the Rocky Patel Prohibition. For the past few years, company President Rocky Patel has invested many time and resources in the crusade to defend cigar rights. The name of this cigar is a reference to the real threat of regulation now staring the cigar industry in the face. The Prohibition line consists of two distinct blends – one containing a Connecticut Broadleaf and another containing a San Andres Mexican. After having an opportunity to smoke a pre-release of the Prohibition San Andres back in September, we come back and revisit this cigar for this Assessment Update.
In addition to the San Andres wrapper, the Prohibition San Andres features Nicaraguan tobaccos for the binder and filler grown on Rocky Patel’s farms. The Prohibition has been released in one size for both the San Andres and Broadleaf versions – a 6 1/2 x 52 Toro.
For the most part, I found the production version of the Rocky Patel Prohibition San Andres to be in the same wheelhouse as the pre-release. The cigar started out with noes of earth, espresso, and white pepper. Early on, (like the pre-release) the espresso syrup note had a sweetness and coated the palate. I did find with this final version, the cigar took on more of an earthy and traditional black coffee note in the second half. Like the pre-release, the white pepper kicks in the final third. Overall I found less in the way of cream and nut flavors this time around.
From both a strength and body perspective, I found the Rocky Patel Prohibition San Andres to be medium to full. I found the final version to have more strength and body now. It is possible this could dial back slightly with some age.
The construction of this cigar was excellent. In particular, the final version delivered a near flawless burn and gets an “exceptional” rating.
Overall, when comparing the Rocky Patel Prohibition San Andres versus the Broadleaf, I found the San Andres one to deliver the better cigar experience by a significant edge. This is a very good offering by Rocky Patel and the product of his move toward vertical integration (using his factory and farms) is paying off.
Summary
Burn: Exceptional
Draw: Excellent
Complexity: Medium
Strength: Medium to Full
Body: Medium to Full
Finish: Excellent
Assessment: 3.5 – Box Split
Score: 92
References
Original Assessment: Rocky Patel Prohibition San Andres
News: Rocky Patel Prohibition
Price: $8.00
Source: Purchased
Stogie Geeks Podcast: Episode 111
Stogie Feed: Rocky Patel Prohibition San Andres (Pre-Release)
