Rocky Patel Vintage 1992 Robusto

[Sancho Fuente]

This stick was ugly, pure and simple. It was a second, so I expected that, but it made me want to vomit, not smoke it. However, I cut it with my Xikar Xi3 Spectra and lit it with my cheap butane lighter. The pre-light draw was promising, nice and light, with a ‘barnyard’ aroma that normally means a good experience was on the way. WRONG!

I had a hell of a time lighting this thing. Toasted the foot like normal, but it just wouldn’t light. The cold, about 36 degrees worth, probably didn’t help though. The first couple draws were horrible tasting, stale smoke and um . . . crap maybe. I was hoping it would disappear and it did thankfully.

About a half inch in, I had one good draw that tasted like nothing I had ever smoked before. A ton of flavor, cedar with a little pepper, and a hint of leather. Maybe I’m just reaching for tastes trying to make my self feel better about this stick. However, it didn’t last. It never went back to the original smoke taste, (thank God), but it just tasted like nothing. This dog-rocket extinguished itself about a 1/4” later, and I didn’t even bother with a relight. I couldn’t take it anymore.

People rant and rave about these things, but I don’t see why. Honestly, the worst example of a ‘Premium’ cigar I have ever had. I am a newbie to cigars, but I know how to light and smoke one. My palette may not be super refined yet, but this was crap. I have four left, along with 5 1990’s but they may be going in some bombs if the next ones aren’t better. I am hoping that this was just a bad sample, maybe one that they dropped in some fresh doggie poo or something.

On the plus side though, it left my hand smelling like chocolate!

 

[bmd34202]

It's great how people have totally different opinions on cigars, that's what makes the world interesting.

I love those 1992's and have never had a bad one yet. Maybe that one was just a dud.

 

[Mr Peat]

I really dont like the 1992 Vintages. I never have and I've smoked them with an open mind. But I do love the 1990 Vintages but at this point, any RP wouldnt work for me after smoking over a 100 since Sept 2005. It does make me wonder how the sticks was stored from whoever you got them from and how you handled them as well. I never had a RP Second and probably wont, but for it to be that bad? Hmmm...Things that make you go hmmm. :laugh:

 

[Sancho Fuente]

I'm going to have to try one that isn't a second. They say they are seconds for cosmetic reasons, but I don't know. The prelight aroma and draw were extremely good, so I might have just gotten a dud.

Oh, and I have them in a humi at ~65% RH and got them from a reputable online dealer. The other cigars I got with them have been great so far. (SP, C.A.O., AF)

 

[Mr Peat]

I'm going to have to try one that isn't a second. They say they are seconds for cosmetic reasons, but I don't know. The prelight aroma and draw were extremely good, so I might have just gotten a dud.

They are seconds due to cosmetic reasons. Just remember this...RP Vintages are made by General Cigars. Thus, their quality control isnt the best. Each roller averages 500 cigars a day. :0 I would say try some that are not the Seconds and give them a shot.

 

[Ginseng]

The RP92's have never done it for me either. The ones I've had weren't as bad as this...just didn't light my fire.

The dealer/distributor told me to expect it to taste like a PAN but with less complexity. I'd have to say no way to that.

Wilkey

 

[Wurm]

I do know that the european version of both the 90 & 92 taste alot different than the American releases of the same smoke. Different tabacco blend and wrapper. The Euro Vintages are milder.

I don't know if Mr. Peat smoked the 1990 euro I sent him but he can also tell you there is a big difference in just how the cigars look.

 

[Mr Peat]

I do know that the european version of both the 90 & 92 taste alot different than the American releases of the same smoke. Different tabacco blend and wrapper. The Euro Vintages are milder.

I don't know if Mr. Peat smoked the 1990 euro I sent him but he can also tell you there is a big difference in just how the cigars look.

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Yeah I smoked it already. Umm yeah..It tastes different alright. It was also lighter in color which is no surprise. I'm not a big fan of the EMS style cigars, but i will still smoke them if I get a chance. Generally while I am in Europe. They do lack many things we are accustomed too and take for granted in a cigar.

 

[Wurm]

I do know that the european version of both the 90 & 92 taste alot different than the American releases of the same smoke. Different tabacco blend and wrapper. The Euro Vintages are milder.

I don't know if Mr. Peat smoked the 1990 euro I sent him but he can also tell you there is a big difference in just how the cigars look.

[snapback]258942[/snapback]​

Yeah I smoked it already. Umm yeah..It tastes different alright. It was also lighter in color which is no surprise. I'm not a big fan of the EMS style cigars, but i will still smoke them if I get a chance. Generally while I am in Europe. They do lack many things we are accustomed too and take for granted in a cigar.

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That is very true, but as far as the 1990s go I like the European blend more than the American. But both are good, just different.

Speaking of which, I think I'll go fire one up

Take care.

 

[typan]

While I didn’t have any construction/burn issues with the RPV 1992 that I had, I’d have to agree with the statement “but it just tasted like nothing” as the stick that I tried had very little taste to it. I had bought it from my local shop, so I don’t think storage was an issue. My tobacconist was surprised at my experience (they sell a lot of them), so perhaps there is some variance in the line … I suppose I’ll try again since you have to smoke more than one of a line to really judge it.

 

[Ginseng]

Hi Typan,

Welcome to CP. Please feel free to drop in and introduce yourself in the New Member Introductions forum. :thumbs:

Wilkey

 

[Mrepp]

Hrm maybe its just me but you mentioned that you used a cheap butane lighter which might have attributed to the stale taste these types of lighters can rune a good cigar from what I’ve found. I got a batch of 92 seconds myself and threw em in the humi,They’ve been there about 8 months and by far better tasting in just the small amount of time. I’d give it a second chance.

 

[PuroEsq]

This stick was ugly, pure and simple. It was a second, so I expected that, but it made me want to vomit, not smoke it. However, I cut it with my Xikar Xi3 Spectra and lit it with my cheap butane lighter. The pre-light draw was promising, nice and light, with a ‘barnyard’ aroma that normally means a good experience was on the way. WRONG!

I had a hell of a time lighting this thing. Toasted the foot like normal, but it just wouldn’t light. The cold, about 36 degrees worth, probably didn’t help though. The first couple draws were horrible tasting, stale smoke and um . . . crap maybe. I was hoping it would disappear and it did thankfully.

About a half inch in, I had one good draw that tasted like nothing I had ever smoked before. A ton of flavor, cedar with a little pepper, and a hint of leather. Maybe I’m just reaching for tastes trying to make my self feel better about this stick. However, it didn’t last. It never went back to the original smoke taste, (thank God), but it just tasted like nothing. This dog-rocket extinguished itself about a 1/4” later, and I didn’t even bother with a relight. I couldn’t take it anymore.

People rant and rave about these things, but I don’t see why. Honestly, the worst example of a ‘Premium’ cigar I have ever had. I am a newbie to cigars, but I know how to light and smoke one. My palette may not be super refined yet, but this was crap. I have four left, along with 5 1990’s but they may be going in some bombs if the next ones aren’t better. I am hoping that this was just a bad sample, maybe one that they dropped in some fresh doggie poo or something.

On the plus side though, it left my hand smelling like chocolate!

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Don't buy the seconds! Not only are they sub-par but stored by these bulk-sellers in less than desireable conditions. Pure and simple you got what you paid for.

People do not rant about "seconds" they rant about the real RP Vintage cigars. You did not have a "premium" cigar you had a "second" and you now know why they are seconds.

You may want to re-think sending these out in "bombs". Proper "bomb" manners dictate that you do not send out crap. Trust me you will get trashed here and on any other board if you send out doggie-rockets.

While I appreciate the review it should not be taken as a review of the real RP Vintage. Try the real thing and you will see/taste/smell the difference.

The "real" RP 90's and 92's are great. I prefer the 92's myslef but that is my preference.

 

[Sancho Fuente]

Hrm maybe its just me but you mentioned that you used a cheap butane lighter which might have attributed to the stale taste these types of lighters can rune a good cigar from what I’ve found. I got a batch of 92 seconds myself and threw em in the humi,They’ve been there about 8 months and by far better tasting in just the small amount of time. I’d give it a second chance.

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The lighter I use has Colibri fluid in it though. I have never had a problem with it before. I thought that the fluid is what would impart tase if it was sub-par. I also have a zippo with a z-insert and a Colibri Affluence, I use them most of the time when I can smoke inside.

And to JAEwing, I will have to get out to try the real ones. And about the bombs, I meant actual bombs, like the exploding kind. I am new to this forum, but am on another one and have sent/recieved/participated in a few bombs/passes/splits so I know how that works. If you say the 1992s are better, then I will try to get out this weekend and get a real one and post a review. I don't know what I was thinking when I bought these. :angry:

 

[PuroEsq]

Hrm maybe its just me but you mentioned that you used a cheap butane lighter which might have attributed to the stale taste these types of lighters can rune a good cigar from what I’ve found. I got a batch of 92 seconds myself and threw em in the humi,They’ve been there about 8 months and by far better tasting in just the small amount of time. I’d give it a second chance.

[snapback]259789[/snapback]​

The lighter I use has Colibri fluid in it though. I have never had a problem with it before. I thought that the fluid is what would impart tase if it was sub-par. I also have a zippo with a z-insert and a Colibri Affluence, I use them most of the time when I can smoke inside.

And to JAEwing, I will have to get out to try the real ones. And about the bombs, I meant actual bombs, like the exploding kind. I am new to this forum, but am on another one and have sent/recieved/participated in a few bombs/passes/splits so I know how that works. If you say the 1992s are better, then I will try to get out this weekend and get a real one and post a review. I don't know what I was thinking when I bought these. :angry:

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I am not positive but I think it is not so much the fluid but that the "torch" style burns off all lighter fluid and therefore no bad flavor is imparted on your stogie.

I have been sooooooooooo tempted to try second in the Edge, Sun Grown and Vitage lines since I see them offered. I have done some research and read reviews like yours and even for the low cost I cannot justify the cost.

Let me know what you think of the 92's. If you don't like them it very well could be just differing tastes between you and me.

 

[Jeffro600]

I have been sooooooooooo tempted to try second in the Edge, Sun Grown and Vitage lines since I see them offered. I have done some research and read reviews like yours and even for the low cost I cannot justify the cost.

I LOVE RP Sungrown Seconds...IMO, they dont deserve the "seconds" title. Other than being unbanded, they look, feel, weigh and smoke identical to their more expensive counterparts. Cant for the life of me figure out why these are seconds??? I bought 100 of the Robustos a few months ago and have probably smoked 40-50 of them...not a bad one in the bunch.

Same goes for the Edge's....fantastic bargain! Cant say much about the vintage seconds though...those didnt sit well with me at all.