According to Rocky Patel himself, this cigar is supposed to sit on the lighter side of medium. Well, that is definitely not the case for the Robusto vitola. This stick is a proper medium to medium-full-bodied smoke, and it packs a real punch. I highly recommend not smoking it on an empty stomach. Although strong, the cigar is beautifully balanced. Its underlying earthiness carries a pleasant bitterness without ever becoming too harsh. It’s rich in espresso, dark roast coffee, and woodiness where oak dominates the palate. It starts intense and complex right from the beginning and continues to progress in strength, finishing with a surprising nuttiness and a hint of caramel sweetness at the end of the final third. This cigar has aging potential, which will only help to further marry these flavors and develop its complexity. This could easily become a 10 out of 10 with some time in the humidor, and I will definitely be adding a box to my collection.

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