Rocky Patel for the most part, makes some damn fine cigars. I've been thrilled by the company named after this man's work, as it has brought a lot of excitement, to smokers looking for refined sticks at a reasonable cost. While some of their cigars cost a car note, the vast majority are at blue collar prices, and I am thankful for that. They provide a working guy and a man wearing cuff links to the office, a chance to kick back after their hours on the clock. Unfortunately the RP Cuban Double Corona is a loser, and I'd have to say at its best, its nothing but a "mere seconds" type of cigar. That's right, the tobacco and filler of premium cigars, that are leftover, and have to be used.

The appearance of this cigar, says it all. They are simply dark, ugly pieces of garbage. Yes, any maduro wrapper is supposed to have this appearance, but the Costa Rican one here, reminds me of what I experienced in Puerto Rico. Just like that island in paradise, Costa Rica has cigars. Wonder why they aren't popular in the mainland U.S.? They stink! This wrapper does not burn evenly, and the combination of tobacco blends not only makes for an aromatic hell on earth, but the flavor is downright gross. Its like smoking vinegar with its acidic notes, and I was not able to distinguish any flavor of value. Its a rough one alright, no smooth tones to speak of, and just a harsh cigar that will not be enjoyed by anyone.

It did hold up alright. I was not able to finish this 7x50 monster due to the stench factor. Simply put, I don't like to smoke pond scum. Yes the burn rate was uneven, but the cigar was able to take my beating it around, and the smoke volume was adequate. That might be a good thing, because while I prefer a cigar with ridiculous plumes of smoke, this one only gives you a dose of its pure nastiness.  You can chew on this one, and its not hard to cut and get fired up. That alone is good, but it does not make up for anything else with this cigar.

Sorry Rocky, but there's not one reminder of Havana here, other than perhaps that country's dictator. Also, that I can't have Cubans unless I go overseas. This is a $5 joke, and if you don't like someone, give them one of these. There face will contort, and the stench of this cigar's cheap materials, will linger with them for a long period of time. No matter how durable your smoking jacket is, it will not be able to deflect this aroma. I wish I could give this zero stars, but alas I'll give it one because I have to. This should be discontinued immediately by Rocky Patel, because they have worked too hard to be where they are. If anyone tries one of these, they will be dissuaded from trying another from this brand.  

Recommended: No

Cigar Name: Rocky Patel Cuban Double Corona
Cigar Rating: Don''t bother
Price per cigar ($US): 5