We’re living on the edge in our latest review as we take an in-depth look at Rocky Patel’s The Edge Habano. The sixth blend introduced to the popular Edge series is sometimes called the “Nicaraguan Edge” due to being the first (and only) stick in the line-up made entirely from Nicaraguan tobacco.
The Edge portfolio has proved to be a success in Rocky’s ever-growing cigar portfolio, which largely includes cigars notable for their stripped-back look and intentional lack of marketing behind them. The first Edge cigar was released in 2004 and packaged naked in 100 roughly hewn count boxes without a cello or cigar band in sight. Retailing for just $5 each, The Edge was an instant hit with full-bodied, full-flavored connoisseurs.
The no-frills character soon spilled into new vitolas, new varieties, and other incredibly intense and flavorful smoking experiences — one of them being this punchy Nicaraguan puro. Let’s see how it fared in our exclusive Rocky Patel The Edge Habano review.
Brand Overview
It was 1990 when Rocky Patel’s passion for cigars ignited. Working in Los Angeles as an entertainment and product liability lawyer, we have his cigar-smoking friends of the time to thank for introducing him to the magic of a premium stogie. They persuaded him to join the Grand Havana Club in LA as one of its founding members.
Five years later, the Hollywood attorney-turned-cigar-entrepreneur launched the Indian Tabac Cigar Co. in partnership with Phillip Zanghi. The brand debuted at the RTDA trade show in Cincinnati the following year, with their vibrant, gutsy packaging a welcome relief for a tired industry in need of fresh ideas.
Customers flocked to this innovative, high-quality product, but it needed Patel’s relentless drive to establish it as a premium brand. Pouring his product into the marketplace and cutting no corners when visiting retailers, Patel shared his enthusiasm for cigars with as many people as possible, which he continues to do to this day.
In 2003, Patel made a calculated decision to move away from the Indian Tabac brand, focusing instead on plugging authentic premium cigars through his name. Renamed Rocky Patel Premium Cigars in 2006, Patel now dedicates much of his time to production and blending in his constant quest for cigar nirvana. However, he still affords time for his loyal customers to meet the man behind their favorite smokes.
Meticulously hand-rolled in Honduras and Nicaragua, Rocky Patel cigars sell by the millions yearly. With a catalog containing more than 100 lines of cigars, they offer a large variety of smokes with sought-after blends and unwavering quality.
Cigar specs
- Country of Origin: Honduras
- Strength: Medium
- Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano
- Binder: Nicaraguan Habano
- Filler: Honduran/Nicaraguan Habano
- Sizes Available:
- The Edge Habano Gran Robusta (5.5 x 54)
- The Edge Habano Toro (6 x 52)
- The Edge Habano Torpedo (6 x 52)
Cold draw
Dressed in a dark and oily Habano seed wrapper, there’s a rustic edge to the cigar’s look with several visible wrapper seams and plenty of veins on display. The cool sea-blue band denotes the Habano variety, while sweet cedar and leather aromas flooded my nostrils as soon as I pulled it from the unadorned black wooden chest.
The head clipped nicely, and I took a few pre-light draws to see what the Edge Habano offered before I put fire to foot. This turned out to be bold and distinctive with a mix of hay, wood, and cedar spice, perhaps owing to the aged long filler tobaccos from Esteli, Condega, and Jalapa.
Flavor profile: first third
Once lit, there were notes of black cherry, hickory, cedar, and leather, as well as dashes of black pepper to accent the exceptionally earthy and woody start.
The retrohale delivered an ever greater boost of pepper that gently tickled the nose. The spice then dialed back in the closing puffs of the opening third as some subtle cocoa, and caramel sweetness came to play.
Flavor profile: second third
All cigars in the Edge line are built first and foremost on rock-solid consistency, and the Habano is no different, as I discovered in the middle. The leather and wood notes turned richer, while earth, cedar, espresso, and black pepper crept in and out of the profile.
There is still some spice on the retrohale, but it’s not overpowering. So far, it’s been an enjoyable smoke with consistent and delicious flavors and a filling, sweet finish.
Flavor profile: final third
There was a thick creamy texture to the smoke in the final third. The ever-present leather became dominant, but was ably backed up by earth, cedar, baking spice, and cocoa. There’s still a rich woody “tang” lurking underneath the indulgent profile, which balanced beautifully with the overriding leather and creaminess.
Conclusion
Even though the Habano didn’t take me to the edge in terms of complexity compared to other cigars in the range, it delivers a delightfully rich and consistent flavor profile at a price that’s too good to turn down.
Earning an impressive #7 spot on Cigar Aficionado’s coveted Top 25 cigars of 2015, pick up your box of 100 Rocky Patel’s The Edge Habano Toro Tray for $711.25 from cigars.com today.
