Stogie Reviews: Rocky Patel Edge Missile Corojo

After creating a huge hit with his Vintage series, Rocky Patel followed up that success with the Edge line. The unbanded cigars (though last year it was announced that a band around the foot would be introduced – as pictured) came in a rustic wooden cabinet of 100 that featured a prominently displayed warning: “Professional Smokers Only. Smoke While Sitting Down.”

This review is of the smallest cigar of the line – the 5 inches by 48 ring gauge “Missile” figurado. The line also features Toro and Torpedo sized cigars, both measuring 6 inches by 52. The Missile is usually available for about five dollars or less per stick when bought individually.

This particular stogie features a rough corojo wrapper with an oily sheen and a few bumpy veins. Pre-light, earthy chocolate notes were apparent. Overall I think the classic “naked” look is nice and, while I haven’t yet seen the new “banded” edge in person, I’m inclined to think that change is unwarranted and possibly even a negative.

Given the reputation and marketing campaign trumpeting the edge’s full flavor, I chose a strong drink to accompany this cigar – a Dewar’s White Label Scotch on the rocks.

Upon lighting the cigar honey, spice, and earth flavors came through strong and clear. Additionally, a bit of cream was noticeable. The ligero tobacco was prominent, but I would still classify this as a well-balanced smoke.

The draw was a bit firm and the smoke was not particularly dense, but the burn was perfectly even and the packed ash was a salt-and-pepper gray.

Further into the cigar the honey and cream faded and some distinctly black pepper spice came through. Additionally, some muted herbal notes revealed themselves. At this point I would describe the cigar as having a “quintessential corojo” flavor profile.

Overall the cigar was enjoyable, but not quite as strong as advertised. This particular smoke seemed more medium- to full-flavored, surprising given that the Rocky Patel website says that the Edge “will leave the seasoned smoker weak in the knees.”

In the end the Rocky Patel Missile Corojo was tasty if not overpowering. Still it did warrant a stiff drink as accompaniment – I’d leave beer in the fridge for this one. (For a really “weak in the knees smoke” I would recommend the Joya De Nicuragua 1970.) Corojo lovers will be very pleased by the combination of above-average construction, balanced flavors, and favorable price, all of which earn this cigar three and 1/2 out of five stogies.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]

–Patrick S