2021 Cigar of the Year Countdown (Coop’s List): #5 – Rocky Patel Quarter Century Robusto

“The Rocky Patel Quarter Century was simply an amazing cigar experience in terms of flavor – and it all came together perfectly in the Robusto format. The cigar delivered an excellent balance and synergy of flavors on the palate. After I smoked each one of these, I wanted another.”

Wrapper: Mexican San Andres
Binder: Honduran
Filler: Nicaraguan, Not Disclosed
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacalera Villa Cuba S.A. (TAVICUSA)
Robusto: 5 1/2 x 50
Price: $12.50

Sponsor: No
Samples Provided for Initial Review: No
Review: Rocky Patel Quarter Century Robusto (6/8/21)
Appearances on Countdown (By Year/Company): 6 (2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2020, 2021)

Coming in at #5 is the Rocky Patel Quarter Century Robusto. Rocky Patel loves commemorating milestones, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or some other event. Last year was a big one as it was Rocky’s 25th anniversary in the cigar industry. As the name indicates, Quarter Century is a cigar that commemorates that milestone. It brings Rocky Patel into the Top 5 on our Countdown for the first time.

The Rocky Patel Quarter Century is highlighted by a San Andres wrapper over a Honduran binder and fillers consisting of Nicaraguan and undisclosed tobaccos. The cigars are aged two years after rolling, with tobaccos aged ten years before that. The San Andres tobaccos being used by Rocky Patel have been exceptional, and the one used on the Quarter Century is no exception. The Robusto measures 5 1/2 x 50, and production comes from Rocky Patel’s TAVICUSA factory in Nicaragua.

The Rocky Patel Quarter Century Robusto delivers notes of milk chocolate, earth, natural tobacco, cedar, fruit, and white pepper. These flavors start out medium-bodied before progressing to medium to full in the second half. This is countered by medium strength.

While this is Rocky Patel’s first Top Five cigar Cigar on the Countdown, Rocky is no stranger when It comes to this list. The is the sixth year that there has been a Rocky Patel cigar on the Countdown. It also is the second TAVICUSA cigar, joining Micky Pegg’s All Saints St. Francis. Nicaragua continues to dominate the Countdown. Of the 26 cigars unveiled thus far, this is the 19th one from Nicaragua.