Rocky Patel

Conviction

When Rocky Patel named his ultra-premium cigar Conviction, it was as much a statement of his confidence as an effort to brand an incredible cigar. Patel knew that a $100 per cigar price tag would raise some eyebrows but he also knew that if he compiled a tobacco blend made from the absolute best, his Conviction would be impossible to deny. Scoring an incredibly high 94 rating from Cigar Aficionado, the smoke itself is a combination of San Andres Mexican wrapper, a double Nicaraguan binder and filler tobacco also from Nicaragua. The tobacco underwent an old style fermentation process called tericos, in which the tobacco is wrapped in palm tree bark. Aging the tobacco in tericos gives the smoke an irreplaceable richness and an extremely decadent aroma that cannot be achieved otherwise. Only a handful of artisans in the world still practice the art of tericos aging, which makes the Conviction stand out all the more. Only two batches of rollers from Patel’s factory were allowed to work on the project as he limited access to his most experienced hands. Much of the tobacco was grown on Patel’s own farmland. Some of it had been kept by the brand’s founder knowing he would one day use it on a special project. Thus, the total availability of this cigar is extremely limited, with much of the run having already been snapped up by those who couldn’t resist the opportunity to try this award-winning cigar. Presenting a cigar of this magnitude was no small feat. The Patel company offers each of these 6.5x52 box pressed toros in a rectangular tubo that is copper/gold in color. The box that contains the 10-count of cigars also acts as a humidor. Indeed, cracking this open is like getting access to a gold reserve. Like buried treasure, there is a distinct glow to these cigars—and that’s before we even get to the taste. Unctuous, deep flavors of black pepper, earth, wood, honey, chocolate, caramel and baking spice come through in waves while smoking the conviction. To say this is an unconventional experience is an understatement. Think Tiramisu. A French cream puff. And while we would normally provide some pairing advice for these cigars, the Conviction was meant to stand alone. Shop JR Cigar now for your own chance to own a piece of cigar history. If you are searching for an experience unlike any you’ve ever had, there’s only one place to turn. Like Patel, it’s time for some Conviction.