Rocky Patel vintage 1990

Given the darkness of the cigarwrapper I was suprised by how mild this cigar really was. It was very tightly wrapped and the ash did not fall off for a good 2 inches. I did not like the lip taste after the first few minutes, but nothing a good Bud Light could not overcome. I smoked this one first from my selection because it did not come in any kind of celophane cover and I did not know how dry it might be before I got it. It was just fine however.

The Rocky Patel web site at www.indiantabac.com describes this cigar this way:

1990 Vintage

Mild to medium bodied, this blend of rare aged tobacco has a perfect balance of flavor, complexity, and richness. A very smooth earthy smoke with notes of cedar and a light espresso flavor. In pursuit of the finest tobacco's the world has to offer, Rocky Patel uses this 12 year old Honduran Broadleaf wrapper along with a 5 year filler and binder that will satisfy every smoker from novices to the most discriminating of aficionados. The Vintage received "Best of the Best" in the Robb Report and scored a 92 in Cigar Aficionado.

I am not sure of the price since this one was a gift, but I probably would buy a box of 20 that they come in.

Gar Vino's

Stopped by Gar Vino's - Cigars - Fine wine - Gifts store while I was visiting my daughter in Lady Lake, Florida. The address is 1081 Canal Street, The Villages, Florida, 32162 or www.Garvinos.com. My wife and daughter picked up a selection of cigars from the store as well as a Don Salvitori humidor. They were given a selection of mild cigars for me to try. I will log what I think as I smoke them. I had a nice little travel case for my cigars to use when I play golf, and was glad to get a little humidor so I can keep the cigars fairly fresh. I like the humidor, however I had a little trouble trying to calibrate the hygrometer, but I think I finally got it right. Gar Vino's is a nice little shop with its own smoking room. They did have a nice selection of wines and gifts related to cigars and wine. It is located in the very scenic Lake Sumpter Landing. A lot of little cottage shops in a previously historic area from the 1890's. Of course that area is a huge retirement community and everyone rides around on their cutomized golf carts. Considering it is currently 80 degrees on New Years Eve, I am ready to retire and head that way.