Rocky Patel · Vintage 1990
New WorldEverydayRocky Patel Vintage 1990 Robusto
Rocky Patel's mellow, aged-Broadleaf classic — a smooth medium-bodied Robusto built on a 12-year-old Honduran Broadleaf wrapper, balanced and easygoing.
The short answer
The Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 Robusto is a balanced, medium-bodied smoke — a Honduras robusto with a Honduran Broadleaf wrapper. Expect cedar, toasted nuts, and coffee. Critics rate it 90/100.
Flavor profile
Earthy · Roast · Sweet · Spice
Critic ratings
Cigar Aficionado
2004
90/100
Scores as published by each reviewer. Casa DNC aggregates third-party ratings; we don't score cigars ourselves.
The verdict
The Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 Robusto is a balanced, medium-bodied smoke from Rocky Patel's Vintage 1990 line. It's a Honduras (New World) robusto wrapped in Honduran Broadleaf at 5.5 in × 50.
On the palate, expect cedar, toasted nuts, and coffee, leaning earthy. Plan on roughly 60 minutes from light to nub.
It's well regarded: Cigar Aficionado rated it 90/100 in 2004. It pairs naturally with coffee, aged rum, and porter. If you're newer to cigars, this is a safe, enjoyable pick.
The Vintage 1990 is named for the year its wrapper tobacco was harvested: a Honduran Broadleaf leaf aged roughly twelve years before it ever reaches a cigar. That long rest is the whole point — the wrapper has softened in strength while gaining complexity, which is why this one earned a 92 from Cigar Aficionado and two appearances on its Top 25 list. This is the 5.5 x 50 Robusto.
What it tastes like
Over a Nicaraguan binder and a Dominican-Nicaraguan filler, the aged Broadleaf gives an elegant, mellow smoke: cedar and toasted nuts, a soft coffee note, sweet earth, and just a touch of spice. It sits at medium body and leans toward the smoother side — refined and balanced rather than bold.
Who it's for
This is a forgiving, anytime cigar — approachable enough for someone still building up to fuller smokes, polished enough to keep experienced palates happy. The Broadleaf wrapper is a maduro-style leaf, so our Maduro vs Connecticut note is worth a read, and the cigar strength guide helps place it.
Log it in the Casa DNC app and compare it with its Ecuadorian-wrapped sibling, the Vintage 1992 Robusto.
Curious how it stacks up? See Cuban vs Nicaraguan cigars.
Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 Robusto — frequently asked
- Is the Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 Robusto a good cigar for beginners?
- It's a good next step. Medium-bodied cigars are fine once you've enjoyed a few milder ones and want more flavor and depth.
- How strong is the Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 Robusto?
- The Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 Robusto is Medium-bodied. Strength is about body and nicotine rather than flavor, so eat something first and take it slow if you're sensitive.
- What does the Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 Robusto taste like?
- Expect cedar, toasted nuts, and coffee, leaning earthy. Tasting notes are a guide — your palate may pick up more or less.
- What is the Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 Robusto's rating?
- Published critic scores: Cigar Aficionado 90/100 (2004). Casa DNC aggregates third-party ratings and doesn't score cigars itself.
- What pairs well with the Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 Robusto?
- It pairs well with coffee, aged rum, and porter. As a rule, match the drink's intensity to the cigar's medium body.
- How long does it take to smoke the Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 Robusto?
- Plan on about 60 minutes for the robusto — longer if you smoke slowly, which keeps it cool and tasting its best.
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Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 Robusto head-to-head
See how Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 Robusto stacks up against similar cigars — strength, flavor, and ratings.