Sunday, March 16, 2008


Rocky Patel Original Sun Grown
Size: 6.2 x 52
Wrapper/Filler: Honduran
Price: $2.22

I bid on a 5-pack of these cigars on CigarBid.com after reading the following story about their origin:

In 2002, Rocky Patel began making his Sun Grown blend. The manufacturer for this cigar was the UST factory in Honduras, which is now owned by General Cigar Company, makers of big-name brands like Macanudo and Punch. Around 145,000 cigars were produced just before the project was put on hold in order to fully introduce the Vintage series. After focusing on the Vintage, Rocky went back to making the Sun Grown, but in Nestor Plasencia’s El Paraiso factory. Long story short, Rocky needed to unload the UST cigars, and we were there to help... These cigars will never be produced again.

At times, I guess I'm just a sucker for the concept of "limited edition" and "once in a lifetime", although I knew full well the real reason Rocky stopped production at UST probably had to do with poor quality or high cost.

I tried the first ‘OSG’ while sitting on the back porch, watching the movie Pathfinder on my laptop dvd. It began with lots of cedar flavors, that progressed slowly into earthy, nutty flavors with liberal spicy, peppery notes. Razor-sharp burn, decent draw. Medium body, with a sweet aroma and a mild finish. Despite being chilly that night, I was very impressed with the cigar.

I smoked the next one during a poker game, gifted two to friends, and finished the 5-pack on a lazy Sunday afternoon with friends. Unfortunately, the others did not live up to the impression of the first one. They were ok, but seemed milder and never developed those spicy flavors near the end.

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