2024's Number 4 Cigar of the Year--Rocky Patel ALR

Cigar Aficionado selected the Rocky Patel ALR Second Edition Toro as it’s number 4 cigar for 2024. I am pleased to say, my good friend Ben Lilly had this stick available at his lounge, Cigar Exchange [see Gallery Section] and I got to smoke it in August of this year. I found it to be a good stick with lots of flavor.

This cigar has been a consistent favorite in CA, placing as number 5 in 2019 and number 4 in 2023. It was originally made in 2016 and all of the sticks have been laid down to rest for a period of two years before they are released to the market. Thus, the ALR designation as it stands for Aged Limited Rare. They make a small quantity each year and I hope you are successful in locating one for your enjoyment.

The nose impression I got was barn floor, which is a pleasant aroma to me. Upon lighting, I found the cigar to be a medium to full and it improved as the enjoyable experience continued. It was pleasant to experience the notable change as the smoking process unfolded.

The wrapper is a Mexican San Andres, which I find to be to my personal liking. The binder is Nicaraguan from the Estelí and Condega areas, as is the filler. They are rolled in the Rocky Patel factory in Tavicusa, Nicaragua.  

Over the past couple of years, I have also enjoyed the Number 6 and the Fifteenth Anniversary cigars from Rocky Patel. Back in 2023, I noted the Fifteenth Anniversary to be a bit strong for my liking but rated it slightly higher when I tried another a month later. It makes me want to go grab another to see how it stacks up since I am sure my personal taste now finds a bit more strength to be more than acceptable.

Of course, it would be hard not to just pick up another ALR and enjoy it instead. I hope you have an opportunity to try the one.