In today’s review, we’re revisiting a brand that hasn’t shown up on the pages of Polski Aficionado quite as often lately. Let’s take a closer look at the Rocky Patel DBS Robusto.
I’ve always had a soft spot for Rocky Patel cigars. I’ve smoked enough of them to know that this house is all about depth of flavor and rich, engaging aromas. With such a diverse portfolio, there’s something for just about every palate. A few Patels have really stood out to me over the years – cigars I look back on with genuine fondness – like the Grand Reserve and the Disciple. I also have great memories of the Sun Grown; there was a stretch when it was my everyday smoke.
Even though I try to keep an eye on the market and the steady stream of new releases, this particular cigar somehow slipped right past me. If I hadn’t received it specifically for review, it probably would’ve taken some random twist of fate before it ever landed in my hands. Honestly, my real interest in it didn’t kick in until I saw Piotr Siwiński’s reaction when he heard I was planning to smoke it. It’s on his list of cigars to try, and we often recommend sticks to one another – so his reaction was the nudge that made me pull it out of the humidor sooner rather than later.
Rocky Patel DBS Robusto
The DBS line is a fascinating project. As usual when prepping for a review, I had to do a bit of reading. Let’s start with the somewhat enigmatic acronym itself — DBS stands for Double Broadleaf Selection. In this case, the Broadleaf component comes from two different regions: the United States (specifically Pennsylvania) and either Nicaragua or Honduras, depending on the source. The line is a fairly bold experiment, introduced only recently in 2022.
DBS cigars are rolled with a Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper, a binder made from a blend of Nicaraguan (or Honduran) tobacco and Pennsylvania Broadleaf, and a filler mix of Nicaragua and Honduras. The line comes in three vitolas:
- Robusto (5 1/2 x 50),
- Toro (6 1/2 x 52),
- Sixty (Gordo, 6 x 60).
In today’s review, I’ll be sharing my impressions of the Robusto.
A few technical notes
The cigar I’m reviewing today is a Robusto, measuring 5 1/2 inches in length (just under 14 cm) with a 50 ring gauge. Slightly longer than average but still very much a classic Robusto in terms of thickness. That extra half-inch, combined with the dark wrapper, actually makes it appear a bit slimmer than it really is. Visually, it makes a strong impression. With its trio of bands in black, gold, and orange, the cigar has a decidedly ‘luxury’ look to it.
The Cut
Before opening the cigar, I give it a thorough once-over to prime the senses. The dark, matte wrapper smells exactly the way it looks – rich notes of chocolate, earth, a bit of barnyard, and maybe a touch of coffee. I decided to go with a V-cut for this one. The cold draw is good overall, though I do have a few minor reservations. Flavor-wise, the unlit cigar offers cocoa, coffee, and a hint of wood – a clear preview of what seems to be an intense smoking experience.
The Smoke
I warm the foot thoroughly with a jet-flame lighter and bring it to life with a few short, gentle puffs. I set the cigar down for a moment to let it settle, then dive into the first draws. It greets me with a coffee note touched by a bit of milk – the milk showing up more in the texture of the smoke than in the actual flavor. There’s some wood in the mix as well, along with a clear hit of cocoa. After a moment, that milky coffee note shifts toward something closer to toffee. Cream joins the profile too, giving the cigar a smooth, rounded character, though a faint pepper tingle lingers on the finish. I also pick up a bit of earth in the aftertaste, adding some welcome depth. As the cigar develops, a pleasant sweetness rises to the surface and takes the lead. It’s only near the final stretch that the profile turns decisively dry, bringing in wood, dark chocolate, and earth.
Strength & Body
Strength sits in the medium-to-full range, with the cigar really leaning toward full only as it approaches the end.
Aroma & Smoke
Smoke output is generous – thick, aromatic clouds with a pleasing, creamy sweetness on the nose.
Construction & Burn
Burn performance is clean and even. The ash is firm, compact and – for lack of a better word – good looking.
Final Thoughts on the Rocky Patel DBS Robusto
My experience with this cigar is best summed up by the note I jotted down at the end in my notebook: ‘a very flavorful cigar with a full, satisfying profile.’ It truly delivered a generous amount of flavor and aroma, with intensities that never felt shy. The construction was spot-on, letting me fully enjoy a quiet moment to myself, and the thick clouds of smoke after every puff were enough to put a smile on my face. I’d gladly smoke it again – even in the same vitola.
This review was made possible thanks to Szymon Kwiatkowski from Premium Cigars, who provided the cigar.
If you enjoyed reading this, let me know! Drop a comment or share the post – every bit of support helps others discover my cigar reviews and smoking tips. If you prefer to listen, I co-host a podcast with Piotr Siwiński called „Spotkanie z Dymem” („A Meeting with Smoke”) – currently in Polish, though who knows what the future holds? You can also find me on Instagram, where I share a slice of my cigar life – and a bit more. I always welcome a good conversation. That’s how great connections start – and they often go far beyond just cigars.
Stay smoky!
Mateusz Krzywiecki, @mateusz.krzywiecki, Polski Aficionado, @polskiaficionado
