There’s always something deeply gratifying about smoking an ultra-premium cigar. Maybe it’s simply to live your best life - YOLO and all that. Or perhaps it’s just to resound that you’re worth it after a hard day’s work. Whatever the reason, an ultra-premium cigar once in a while is a must-have. In a bid to reward yourself, what are some of your all-time primo smokes? As you ponder, let me introduce you to the latest choice stogie from Rocky Patel; the Rocky Patel White Label.

Why Rocky Patel White Label?

Every year at the Annual PCA (Premier Cigar Association) Convention and Trade Show, Rocky Patel presents 3 new lines. Usually they will be accompanied by a variation of new vitolas for existing lines and/or new gear. 
But this time round, there was a bit of secrecy around one of the cigars which sparked intrigue. Rocky Patel released Rocky Patel Disciple, Rocky Patel Sixty (on account of his 60th birthday) and our subject of today Rocky Patel White Label.

We know and love Rocky because he never does anything just because. Rocky Patel White Label is an exquisite premium stogie that was 10 years in the making. So it makes perfect sense that Rocky would take more than a moment to ruminate over an ideal name. Even though the White Label name had potential to cause controversy, Rocky did it anyway. This is the intro on the website.

For over 10 years Rocky tried to find the perfect name and brand to go along with this amazing composition of Nicaragua’s finest, when it dawned on him that no design or label would ever truly showcase the complexities hidden within. True inspiration can only come from a place of artistic expression — that’s when Rocky had an epiphany: the White Label.

What was the intrigue all about? White Label is also used by cigar hefties like Davidoff and Montecristo. Rocky Patel, the company was all hush as they waited for the trademark they filed for opposition to clear which it did. Now that you know, let’s discuss this stick.

About Rocky Patel White Label

The story of this cigar is the showcasing of a true love of the art. Rocky Patel White Label is a combo of fillers from the Jamastran Valley in Honduras, some choice fillers from Nicaragua, and one more undisclosed blend. The binder is a Nicaraguan leaf while the wrapper is a splendid Connecticut Shade leaf grown in Connecticut River Valley around Hartford.

Now, the tobacco in this cigar has been aged 10 years. Also, the wrapper is double fermented and aged 7 years. Most Connecticut Shade wrappers are grown in Ecuador and usually carry a basic grassy candela vibe. A Connecticut Shade grown in Connecticut is not only rare but premium. It carries a mouth-watering toffee sweetness with a splash of citrus goodness.

No wonder Rocky said, “It’s Connecticut with a slight attitude. It does have some of those creamy notes to it, with a lingering sweetness, but it’s got some richness too.” “To put it plainly, we’ve never created a cigar with a more breathtaking palette than the all- new White Label by Rocky Patel... It’s as simple as that.”

RP White Label comes in 4 vitolas with a 5th coming soon. They are; Robusto (5x50), Sixty (6x60), Toro (6.5x52), and Churchill (7x48). The 5th vitola, a Half Corona will be released sometime this year. This cigar is in the $19 to $21 range and is the priciest stick in the Rocky Patel portfolio.

Tasting Notes Prelight

This is a beautiful cigar. I went with a Robusto for the review. The wrapper is a light tan mustard-hue leaf with visible veins and an impeccable triple cap. I don’t usually discuss the band, but boy, this rose gold on a white background is breathtaking. In addition to the name, they’ve included information about the wrapper, factory, and aging on the band.

The aroma off the shaft suggests peanuts, barnyard, chocolate, cedar, and a little dried fruit. I may have picked whiffs of pepper off the foot but they were very faint. Cold draw gave me dried fruit, toasted nuts, fleeting vanilla notes, oaky nuances, and chocolate.

First Third

My White Label Robusto opens with bold earthy notes, toasted nuts, red pepper spice, hay, and an emerging creamy note at the back of the palate. There are so many flavor notes to pick apart in these first few puffs. Which is why I have to allow the cigar to settle. After a few draws, a delicious creamy note dominates the front of the palate. Beneath it are sizzling citrus notes, nuts, hay, and an undeniable meaty nuance. There’s an absolutely delightful long finish enveloped in sweet toffee. 

When I Retrohale, an exquisite but fleeting mint savor whizzes past me. It’s so fluid and subtle that you can’t help but chase it. The construction on this baby is rock solid. Even though the ash is a little flaky it doesn’t fall. It’s a perfect milkshake draw crowned by a razor sharp burn.

Mid Third

It’s in the mid third that I notice the billows of smoke emanating from this stogie. The truth is, smoke output was top-notch all through and I just wasn’t paying attention. But now that we’re talking about the smoke, it’s not the heavy cotton mouth-like feel. It’s thin, light, silky, and wispy smoke.

In the mid third a creamy buttery cake flavor sets in. Nuts, citrus, hay, and implicit sweetness take a back seat. The meaty note adapts a pork-like disposition. Red pepper comingles with cedar, dry herbs, and toasted nuts to create an interestingly enjoyable camaraderie. The long sweet toffee finish becomes short with roasted coffee, orange peel essence, and a certain sourdough tartness appearing at the very end.

The overall experience is very smooth and creamy. I have no complaints about the burn line, smoke, draw, or construction whatsoever. Finally I can definitively speak about the body. Flavor is full at this point while the strength is medium to full.

Final Third

I knew I was in the final third when everything began to intensify. The nutty flavors mature to a full-on peanut butter creaminess while the dry fruit notes that had gone obscure come back as full floral piquancy. Orange bitters combine with earthy tones and brand new leather to create an interesting base. Dancing all over my palate are notes of roasted coffee, cedar, hay, white pepper, and cream. That elusive mint note comes in clean and flashy. Flavours are popping all over and strength is a solid medium to full. My White Label Robusto went for a little over an hour. It was worth every minute.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a greenhorn or an aficionado, an ultra-premium smoke must deliver both on time and value. Rocky Patel White Label did not disappoint at all. From the construction to the flavor profile; it is a cigar worth having. Stash a few in your humidor for that special occasion.