In 1996 he returned to Hollywood, CA to found his own cigar business, which was renamed Rocky Patel Premium Cigars in 2002. Today, the brand is a leading cigar manufacturer of premium handmade cigars. What’s more, their  cigars have become as much about the man as the handmade smokes he crafts—both have garnered a huge following amongst cigar smokers and cigar aficionados alike.

In 2003, they debuted the Vintage Series of cigars into the premium handmade cigar market.  Comprised of premium quality aged Honduran tobaccos and with a production of just 250 cigars per day, the Vintage Series of cigars still consistently breaks the 90-rating in Cigar Aficionado magazine.  Indeed, when it debuted, the Vintage Series set the bar for the premium cigar brand’s other superior handmade cigar offerings.  To this day, every cigar is thoroughly inspected. The result?  A top-quality, reasonably priced cigar that is enjoyed by all cigar-smoking palates. 

Today, less than 10 years since the Vintage series first debuted, the brand is one of the most sought after cigar brands thanks to their first-class quality and reasonable pricing.  Dedicated to perfection and the art of cigar-making, Their cigars are all put through a rigorous quality-control process to ensure each and every cigar-smoking customer—whether lover, novice or pro—enjoys a superior, flavorful product.

Apart from the owner’s inspiring story, what sets this brand apart as a modern-day brand for cigar lovers, is the fact that the company does not own a plantation, instead preferring to work with a combination of tobacco farmers in Nicaragua, Honduras and the Dominican Republic.  What this translates to for the consumer is that the final product has been crafted from the best tobacco to fit that particular cigar’s palate.  When selecting the tobacco for a certain cigar product, both initial stages are considered—growing and aging—before tobacco blending and cigar-rolling takes place.  This is true for each and every one of Patel’s cigars and is what makes each of them so unique.

As any cigar connoisseur can tell you, their cigars come in a wide variety of flavors and finishes. Some of our favorites include: 

The Sun Grown Cigars 

A longstanding favorite, the Sun Grown cigars are very full bodied and feature a robust, bold smoke with a mix of deep flavors that include white pepper, molasses, and roasted espresso, with a hint of sweetness.

The Decade Cigars 

The Decade are a medium to full body smoke with a signature blend of flavors that include dark spice, black cherry, roasted coffee, and a dash of pepper. The Decade is an extremely well balanced smoke that features a long, full finish, along with a lingering, satisfying sweetness.

Rocky Patel Premium Cigars: Milestones, Accolades and Awards

 The Vintage Series received "Best of the Best" accolades from the Robb Report.

 The Vintage 1990 Robusto was rated 92 by Cigar Aficionado.

 The Vintage 1992 Torpedo was subsequently rated 90 by Cigar Aficionado.

 In 2008 the Decade cigar achieved a classic 95 rating in Cigar Aficionado.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get Rocky Patel cigars?

For a premium selection of Rocky Patel cigars, your first and foremost destination is Gotham Cigars. As a leading online retailer, Gotham Cigars offers aficionados an extensive array of Rocky Patel cigars, ensuring you have access to the latest blends and timeless classics.Our platform provides a seamless and convenient shopping experience, allowing you to explore the rich variety that Rocky Patel has to offer. From the comfort of your home, dive into the world of exquisite flavors and impeccable craftsmanship that define Rocky Patel cigars.

Are Rocky Patel brand cigars considered to be of high quality?

Rocky Patel utilizes the finest Nicaraguan Ligero tobaccos and has perfected the art of making the finest cigars over decades. This dedication shows in the outstanding quality and skillful craftsmanship of Rocky Patel cigars.

One noteworthy example is the Rocky Patel Nicaraguan, adorned with an exceptionally dark brown wrapper, rich in oils from head to foot. The wrapper, a lustrous Habano leaf, exudes smoothness, with a few medium-sized veins adding character. The cigar feels solid and rock-hard in the hand, displaying a flawlessly constructed exterior. This attention to detail is emblematic of the superior craftsmanship found across the Rocky Patel lineup. 

The  exquisite Rocky Patel Sixty Sixty cigar is meticulously crafted by Tabacalera Villa Cuba S.A. (Tavicusa) in Nicaragua. With dimensions of 6" by 60 ring gauge, it features a filler, binder, and wrapper all sourced from Nicaragua, imparting a medium-full strength profile. The wrapper hails from Mexico, contributing to the overall complexity and flavor richness of this exceptional cigar.

Are Rocky Patel cigars good for beginners?

Rocky Patel cigars are indeed suitable for beginners, particularly those who favor milder blends. With a diverse range of options, beginners can explore different flavors to find cigars that align with their taste preferences. One notable choice is the Rocky Patel Sixty Sixty, which holds an impressive rank of 2 and boasts an outstanding rating of 96. Additionally, some of the vintages, like the Rocky Patel Vintage 1999, priced at $18.00 per stick, debuted back in 2006. This particular vintage was blended to introduce Rocky Patel cigars to beginners and fans of milder blends. If you’re familiar with the 95-rated Rocky Patel Decade and 96-rated Rocky Patel Sixty, Rocky Patel Vintage 1999 is less spicy and less intense. It features a golden-blond Connecticut Shade wrapper leaf embracing a nutty blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan Ligero long-filler tobaccos, aged for eight years.

What are the best Rocky Patel cigars?

Determining the "best" Rocky Patel cigars is subjective, but several have received notable acclaim. The Rocky Patel Vintage series boasts well-aged tobaccos for a refined taste, and certain vitolas within the Vintage line have earned high ratings, with some achieving 90+ ratings.

The Sun Grown series is celebrated for its rich, flavorful profile, with the Sun Grown Maduro receiving attention for its robust and complex character. Ratings for specific sizes within this series often surpass the 90-point threshold, indicating high-quality craftsmanship.

The Rocky Patel Decade is another standout, known for its exquisite Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper and premium tobaccos. Several vitolas in the Decade line have achieved impressive ratings, making it a consistent favorite among enthusiasts.

While not all blends may have secured a spot in Cigar Aficionado's Top 25, many Rocky Patel cigars have received 90+ ratings, demonstrating the brand's commitment to delivering exceptional smoking experiences across various lines. It's recommended to explore reviews and ratings for specific sizes and blends within these series to find the perfect Rocky Patel cigar for individual preferences.

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