Rocky Patel has be added another jewel to its unofficial “crown” series: Sapphire. According to Patel, Sapphire is not only richer and stronger than Emerald, but a higher-end smoke due to slightly older tobaccos.
Rocky Patel Sapphire consists of a Mexican San Andrés wrapper and Nicaraguan filler from Estelí, Jalapa and Condega. In between are two binders: one from Estelí and the other from the Jamastran Valley in Honduras. With the exception of the wrapper, all the tobacco in this blend was grown on farms owned by Patel.
Patel says that the tobacco in Sapphire is older than the leaf in its predecessor, Emerald, which makes it slightly more expensive. The fillers are six to seven years old amounting to a cigar that’s supposed to be medium-to-full in body.
The profile delivers notes of coffee, caramel, and chocolate with a signature lingering sweetness. From the first draw, the Sapphire is smooth, flavorful, and lacks the harsh pepper or spice commonly associated with Nicaraguan tobacco. The draw features a core of espresso and roasted coffee beans, quickly followed by a rich, caramel-like sweetness from the San Andrés wrapper and a creamy finish. It sits on the “fuller side of medium” strength-wise, making it a complex but well-balanced smoke that won’t overwhelm the palate.
Made in Nicaragua at Patel’s Tavicusa factory, Sapphire comes in four sizes: Robusto, measuring 5 1/2 by 50 ring gauge; Toro, at 6 1/2 by 52; a 6-by-60 aptly called 60; and a Corona Gorda that measures 6 by 46. They all come in polished, gem-shaped boxes of 20. Patel says that Sapphire is intended to be a retailer exclusive.
Come see what is new to the humidor.
