Smoked: Rocky Patel Sun Grown Maduro Lancero

Smoked at: Wetherington, Ohio

Rocky Patel Sun Grown Maduro Lancero features Nicaraguan filler and binder covered in a black soft Connecticut Broadleaf maduro wrapper with tight seams and no really visible veins.

Charred oak, hickory, pepper, spicy, earthy, sweet creaminess/caramel, espresso. dried fruit (raisins?), and a chalky, peaty minerality. Wood, earth and pepper dominate the flavors by the final third, although the other notes remain more as backdrops. On a few puffs I taste a flavor reminiscent of eating a Chinese egg roll. It’s a full bodied cigar but not as overwhelmingly powerful as many full bodied sticks can be. Strength is medium-full to medium.

Over the years, I have smoked the Rocky Patel Sun Grown Maduro in several vitolas. For me, the lancero is the best tasting, best experience. My only issue with lanceros in general is keeping them lit. This one was no exception but the flavors of the RP SG Maduro are worth burning through a gallon of butane.

The Starward Lagavulin-Finished Single Malt Australian Whisky is an excellent find by my friend Bob. It\s aged in red wine casks and then in Lagavulin casks. Bob found it in Illinois at Binny's if anyone's interested in procuring a bottle - around $130.