Rocky Patel Vintage 2003 Cameroon

Chemnitz

Okay, this is my first review here, but I felt I had to do it. Rocky Patel doesn't seem to be held with the highest esteem in these parts, so I was a bit dubious about trying this Vintage 2003. Quite surprised, I thought it deserved this little write-up.

Quick review: Pretty bloody good!



Detailed review: I love Cameroon wrapped cigars and have been trying to work my way through the different ones that are out there. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much from this RP, but right from the start it was a positive experience.
Size: Robusto (5.5"x50).The look of the cigar was okay, nothing too special, but nothing bad either.
The cigar cut and lit nicely. The initial draw was great - exactly what I like from a good Cameroon - toasty, nutty flavors with a little bit of sweetness. There was plenty of thick smoke and the draw was just right.
It quickly settled into a nice smooth experience. Some vanilla and cedar wood flavors were present in the first half. What really impressed me was the construction - look at the photo - it burned perfectly start to finish. And I never had to relight it. Also, it produced three nice long ashes.
The last half wasn't quite as good as the first, with some slightly harsher tones coming in. It was still good and I'm thinking that if I aged it longer than 4 months this might be improved.

Anyways, this RP Vintage 2003 was just about everything I look for in a good Cameroon wrapped cigar. It went well with an afternoon coffee while I sat enjoying the Texas sunshine. I would definitely buy more of these, especially to see how they improve with a year or two of aging.
Thanks for reading! Chem

First Warrior

Thanks for the review. I like Cameroons also.

kaspera79

The Vintage 2003 is one of my favorite from R.P. I would smoke that one any day. I actually like these better without the aging.

0patience

As a cameroon fiend, the Vintage 2003 is what I consider the best RP cigar they make.
The only other cigar of RP that I liked better was the Summer Collection Cameroon, but sadly they are hard to find anymore.

wahooschock

Loved the rps ive had. Have to add this to the list

Krieg

I bought a box of these and only have a few left. I find that RPs initial releases are pretty good, but as time goes on, the taste changes. I still have a RP summer blend 2008 and a Winter Blend 2009. Those were really good too.

Chemnitz

Have any of you Cameroon lovers tried the new RP Decade Cameroon? Assessments?

kaspera79

Krieg:

I bought a box of these and only have a few left. I find that RPs initial releases are pretty good, but as time goes on, the taste changes. I still have a RP summer blend 2008 and a Winter Blend 2009. Those were really good too.

As I recall, that Winter Blend 2009 is almost identical to the 2003 Cameroon.. Or should I reverse that comparison ?

jj20030

love most rp's ive tried thanks for the review will try to get a couple, usually keep, decade, 1990 and 92 in stock

Krieg

kaspera79:

Krieg:

I bought a box of these and only have a few left. I find that RPs initial releases are pretty good, but as time goes on, the taste changes. I still have a RP summer blend 2008 and a Winter Blend 2009. Those were really good too.

As I recall, that Winter Blend 2009 is almost identical to the 2003 Cameroon.. Or should I reverse that comparison ?

Not sure how...Winter Blend 09 had a Penn Broadleaf wrapper for one. Blend was more full bodied. The 2012 Winter blend isn't too bad.