Rocky Patel,friend or foe? - Page 2

skullnrose · 04-15-2009, 10:51 PM

I'm smoking Rocky Patel TAA Signature Series not a bad smoke reminds me of a OWR. I give all his cigars a shot but haven't found many that I'd buy a box of.

04-15-2009, 10:53 PM

I've never understood the dislike of any company for making different varieties. RP and Gurkha get the worst wrap on the boards for having too many varieties. As soon as a brand starts to branch out it's not long before the comparisons to the above 2 start and its all "downhill from there" in the eyes of some. Is it not possible for a company to make many kinds of their product to try and reach the largest group of customers? I buy potato chips from a company that makes about 20 different varieties. Since they make barbecue should I not buy the regular chips from them and just find a company that makes plain chips?

For me most of the enjoyment of this hobby is trying new cigars and revisiting old friends to see if they taste the same.

As for the RP brand, many I like some I don't but honestly never had one I threw out.

Chas

Jbailey · 04-15-2009, 10:55 PM

My fav from the RP line was the Olde World Reserve maduro torpedo. Started not to like the RP line when I was smoking a Decade and had my lips turn black from the dye in the wrapper. Wasn't happy at all about that!

04-15-2009, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skullnrose

I'm smoking Rocky Patel TAA Signature Series not a bad smoke reminds me of a OWR. I give all his cigars a shot but haven't found many that I'd buy a box of.

I got one of these the other day. Glad to hear they are reminding you of the OWR I like those.

big a · 04-15-2009, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChasDen

I've never understood the dislike of any company for making different varieties. RP and Gurkha get the worst wrap on the boards for having too many varieties. As soon as a brand starts to branch out it's not long before the comparisons to the above 2 start and its all "downhill from there" in the eyes of some. Is it not possible for a company to make many kinds of their product to try and reach the largest group of customers? I buy potato chips from a company that makes about 20 different varieties. Since they make barbecue should I not buy the regular chips from them and just find a company that makes plain chips?

For me most of the enjoyment of this hobby is trying new cigars and revisiting old friends to see if they taste the same.

As for the RP brand, many I like some I don't but honestly never had one I threw out.

Chas

Couldn't have said it any better myself. Out of the RPs i have had, a couple i really like and one or two i didn't care for. I keep track and move on, just because i had one RP i didn't like doesn't mean i woln't smoke them later on.

icehog3 · 04-15-2009, 11:24 PM

Only Rocky Patel I have ever liked was an Olde World Reserve.

That being said, I would consider Rocky a "friend". He loves cigars, loves cigar smokers, and makes cigars that many of my friends enjoy.

groogs · 04-15-2009, 11:53 PM

I like a few of Rocky's smokes, I just think he pumps out to many blends that are sub par. I wouldn't say I consider him a foe, because he is a fellow cigar enthusiast and that goes a long way.

scoot · 04-16-2009, 12:21 AM

The only cigar of his I smoke with any regularity is the Edge Maduro Missile. That said, the Edge is a nice smoke for what it is, and, as said previously, extremely well put together.

Regardless of those who are critics of the volume or quality of the blends he produces, Rocky's zest for the industry and his amazing work ethic certainly make him a "friend."

jaycarla · 04-16-2009, 01:03 AM

I give him a thumbs up!

Decade, Edge Corojo, Olde World Reserve, and the 1990 Vintage. The other 50, not so much.

04-16-2009, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChasDen

I've never understood the dislike of any company for making different varieties. RP and Gurkha get the worst wrap on the boards for having too many varieties. As soon as a brand starts to branch out it's not long before the comparisons to the above 2 start and its all "downhill from there" in the eyes of some. Is it not possible for a company to make many kinds of their product to try and reach the largest group of customers? I buy potato chips from a company that makes about 20 different varieties. Since they make barbecue should I not buy the regular chips from them and just find a company that makes plain chips?

For me most of the enjoyment of this hobby is trying new cigars and revisiting old friends to see if they taste the same.

As for the RP brand, many I like some I don't but honestly never had one I threw out.

Chas

I think a lot of people are pushing for a "Do one thing and do it well" rather than "try to do everything and hit or miss."

It'd be nice if you could pick up any RP/Gurkha blindly and in the first few puffs go, "Yup, that definitely has that Gurkha/RP flavor." Unfortunately they've stretched their blend catalogue so far to reach every single possible consumer that it's nearly impossible to associate the cigar to the blender beyond the band.

Don't get me wrong, I have liked the few RPs I've tried. I also keep a box of Cuban Blend maduros in my stash.
I just think the hobby is possibly getting a bit worn thin by these overzealous blenders/companies.

Mirrorlure7m · 04-16-2009, 01:33 AM

I enjoy smoking alot of Rocky's cigars. The Decade , Edge and Renaissance are my favorites.

marge796 · 04-16-2009, 01:57 AM

I am fan of RP and his cee-gars.

Chris.....

04-16-2009, 02:15 AM

I enjoy his Decade and OWR. But I love the Sun Growns...

Bax · 04-16-2009, 03:14 AM

Never really got into his stuff. The few I tried weren't to my tastes.

Tio Gato · 04-16-2009, 04:47 AM

I think that I have a bias against anything RP because for years I had smoked a lot of really bad Indian Tabac cigars. Nice boxes and hype couldn't help these cigars, they were just lousy.
It seemed, IMHO, that Rocky finally decided to blend a better cigar and put his name on it because he finally made something he could be proud of. That's OK, good for him and his business. I guess when I see RP's at the store I can remember that IT bad taste and I just pass up the RP's.

Catfish · 04-16-2009, 05:36 AM

Patels are some of my favorites. Namely, the Edge series and the Sun Grown. Not to mention, RP seems to be a good promoter of his product. A top quality web site and he's active in cigar smoker's rights activities.

People like that I'm proud to support.

longknocker · 04-16-2009, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taltos

He has some great blends and so does Pepin. You need to smoke what you like and smoke what you like. I like a whole bunch of the stuff that Rocky blends and smoke a bunch of them but I prefer the blends coming out of Oliva. Both Rocky and Pepin create more new blends than there are whores in New York City Times Square but their good ones are worth smoking. I suggest the Vintage series and the Edge series for Rocky and the Black and Blue for Pepin.

I agree with you completely, Paul!

duckmanco · 04-16-2009, 07:01 AM

I'm a fan, if not for the fact that he pushes so hard to keep taxation at a minimum, and fights hard for our passion as cigar smokers. On to his smokes, I love the OWR maduro, Sungrown, and ITSF as a great value smoke. All of these blends are available at rock bottom pricing as 2nds that look/smoke/taste just like 1sts IMO, and for that my wallet likes him too.

Starchild · 04-16-2009, 07:19 AM

I think RP is good for the industry in general. I really enjoy his Sun Growns and Vintage 90's. I'm big on getting the best bang for my buck, so the 2nd and x-out versions of these are right up my alley

I think it's great to offer these as an option for people who don't necessarily need a fancy box or band.

kaisersozei · 04-16-2009, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sodomanaz

I just think the hobby is possibly getting a bit worn thin by these overzealous blenders/companies.

I hear what you're saying, but for me the hobby is about variety. Finding new sticks, testing things out, discovering new flavors--that's the biggest reason why I smoke cigars. There are more blends out there than I'll ever get around to smoking, but I'm more inclined to try something new from a brand where I have already enjoyed a few different lines: RP, DPG, and Oliva fall into that category.

On the other hand, I can appreciate a company that just produces a few lines but does that very, very well: Padron comes to mind, as well as some of the new boutique players who don't have a ton of lines on the market, like illusione & Esencia.

I guess I just like experimenting. It's the same with me & beer. Over the years I have bought (or brewed) a huge variety of beer, but I also usually keep a 6 pack of Sierra Nevada or Victory on hand for when I want just that.

If someone like Rocky helps enhance my enjoyment of the hobby by producing good quality, enjoyable cigars, then I consider him a friend.

04-15-2009, 10:51 PM	#21
skullnrose Ashes,ashes,all fall down Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Scott Posts: 799 Trading: (16)	Re: Rocky Patel,friend or foe? I'm smoking Rocky Patel TAA Signature Series not a bad smoke reminds me of a OWR. I give all his cigars a shot but haven't found many that I'd buy a box of.

04-15-2009, 10:53 PM	#22
ChasDen Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Rocky Patel,friend or foe? I've never understood the dislike of any company for making different varieties. RP and Gurkha get the worst wrap on the boards for having too many varieties. As soon as a brand starts to branch out it's not long before the comparisons to the above 2 start and its all "downhill from there" in the eyes of some. Is it not possible for a company to make many kinds of their product to try and reach the largest group of customers? I buy potato chips from a company that makes about 20 different varieties. Since they make barbecue should I not buy the regular chips from them and just find a company that makes plain chips? For me most of the enjoyment of this hobby is trying new cigars and revisiting old friends to see if they taste the same. As for the RP brand, many I like some I don't but honestly never had one I threw out. Chas

04-15-2009, 10:55 PM	#23
Jbailey Brewcifer Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dave Location: Madison, WI Posts: 5,212 Trading: (17)	Re: Rocky Patel,friend or foe? My fav from the RP line was the Olde World Reserve maduro torpedo. Started not to like the RP line when I was smoking a Decade and had my lips turn black from the dye in the wrapper. Wasn't happy at all about that! __________________ "Sent to spy on a Cuban talent show first stop- Havana au go-go." Field Marshall Douche Bag.

04-15-2009, 11:24 PM	#26
icehog3 Admiral Douchebag Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Tom Location: Clermont, Kentucky Posts: 71,257 Trading: (60)	Re: Rocky Patel,friend or foe? Only Rocky Patel I have ever liked was an Olde World Reserve. That being said, I would consider Rocky a "friend". He loves cigars, loves cigar smokers, and makes cigars that many of my friends enjoy. __________________ Thanks Dave, Julian, James, Kelly, Peter, Gerry, Dave, Mo, Frank, Týr and Mr. Mark!

04-15-2009, 11:53 PM	#27
groogs Have My Own Room Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Grant Posts: 1,945 Trading: (62)	Re: Rocky Patel,friend or foe? I like a few of Rocky's smokes, I just think he pumps out to many blends that are sub par. I wouldn't say I consider him a foe, because he is a fellow cigar enthusiast and that goes a long way.

04-16-2009, 12:21 AM	#28
scoot Still Watching My Back Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Pat Location: Philadelphia Posts: 142 Trading: (0)	Re: Rocky Patel,friend or foe? The only cigar of his I smoke with any regularity is the Edge Maduro Missile. That said, the Edge is a nice smoke for what it is, and, as said previously, extremely well put together. Regardless of those who are critics of the volume or quality of the blends he produces, Rocky's zest for the industry and his amazing work ethic certainly make him a "friend."

04-16-2009, 01:03 AM	#29
jaycarla Mossy Hoosier Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Jay Location: Carmel, IN Posts: 828 Trading: (7)	Re: Rocky Patel,friend or foe? I give him a thumbs up! Decade, Edge Corojo, Olde World Reserve, and the 1990 Vintage. The other 50, not so much. __________________ “I bet Eli doesn't even have one touchdown today, ... I'm the best Manning" -Peyton Manning

04-16-2009, 01:33 AM	#31
Mirrorlure7m Twitter: @Mirrorlure7m Join Date: Apr 2009 First Name: Joel Location: Southwest FL Posts: 287 Trading: (9)	Re: Rocky Patel,friend or foe? I enjoy smoking alot of Rocky's cigars. The Decade , Edge and Renaissance are my favorites.

04-16-2009, 01:57 AM	#32
marge796 It Just Doesn’t Matter!!! Join Date: Feb 2009 First Name: Chris Location: Topeka KS Posts: 1,624 Trading: (28)	Re: Rocky Patel,friend or foe? I am fan of RP and his cee-gars. Chris..... __________________ “Don’t talk to me about naval tradition. It’s nothing but rum, sodomy and the lash.” -Sir Winston Churchill

04-16-2009, 02:15 AM	#33
shortstory5 Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Rocky Patel,friend or foe? I enjoy his Decade and OWR. But I love the Sun Growns...

04-16-2009, 03:14 AM	#34
Bax C A P S...CAPS CAPS CAPS! Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Tim Location: Ringgold,GA Posts: 2,173 Trading: (70)	Re: Rocky Patel,friend or foe? Never really got into his stuff. The few I tried weren't to my tastes. __________________ I'm the most interesting man in the world... but only if you find stupid stuff really interesting.

04-16-2009, 04:47 AM	#35
Tio Gato Uncle Kitty Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Jeff Location: Casa Grande, AZ Posts: 2,075 Trading: (11)	Re: Rocky Patel,friend or foe? I think that I have a bias against anything RP because for years I had smoked a lot of really bad Indian Tabac cigars. Nice boxes and hype couldn't help these cigars, they were just lousy. It seemed, IMHO, that Rocky finally decided to blend a better cigar and put his name on it because he finally made something he could be proud of. That's OK, good for him and his business. I guess when I see RP's at the store I can remember that IT bad taste and I just pass up the RP's. __________________ "You stink like cigars Uncle Kitty!" Said my Boo age 3. "Kid, take care of your family and the hell with anyone else" My Grandpa Bubba.

04-16-2009, 05:36 AM	#36
Catfish ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ MO FUGGA! Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: David Location: Lakeland, Fl. Posts: 1,707 Trading: (24)	Re: Rocky Patel,friend or foe? Patels are some of my favorites. Namely, the Edge series and the Sun Grown. Not to mention, RP seems to be a good promoter of his product. A top quality web site and he's active in cigar smoker's rights activities. People like that I'm proud to support. __________________ 1: It's ALWAYS Loaded. 2: Do Not Point It At Something Unless You Mean To Destroy It. 3: On Target, On Trigger. Off Target, Off Trigger. 4: Be Sure Of Your Target And What's Behind It.Join The NRA

04-16-2009, 07:01 AM	#38
duckmanco Can't stop whats coming Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: that forsaken stretch of wood they call Whiskey Grove Posts: 404 Trading: (10)	Re: Rocky Patel,friend or foe? I'm a fan, if not for the fact that he pushes so hard to keep taxation at a minimum, and fights hard for our passion as cigar smokers. On to his smokes, I love the OWR maduro, Sungrown, and ITSF as a great value smoke. All of these blends are available at rock bottom pricing as 2nds that look/smoke/taste just like 1sts IMO, and for that my wallet likes him too. __________________ "...Ain't no dark till somethin' shines..."

04-16-2009, 07:19 AM	#39
Starchild SERENITY NOW! Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Andre Location: Fernandina Beach, Fl Posts: 553 Trading: (11)	Re: Rocky Patel,friend or foe? I think RP is good for the industry in general. I really enjoy his Sun Growns and Vintage 90's. I'm big on getting the best bang for my buck, so the 2nd and x-out versions of these are right up my alley I think it's great to offer these as an option for people who don't necessarily need a fancy box or band. __________________ Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time - Steven Wright