With the release of Cigar Aficionado’s “25 Best Cigars of the Year 2012” I thought I would give some information on two of the top ten cigars that are available here at ABC. One of these top-ranked cigars that ABC carries (Rocky Patel Fifty Robusto) currently has a very limited supply, though, so get to them quickly! Here at ABC, we strive to bring the top cigars in the industry to our guests. Many of these limited edition cigars may only be sold in our top cigar stores, but that
doesn’t mean that you can’t get a great quality stick in even our smallest neighborhood locations.

Cigar Aficionado’s #3: Romeo by Romeo y Julieta Piramide

 A great cigar from Altadis U.S.A. Inc., this cigar was one of our most anticipated arrivals from the cigar show this year. As stated in the review from Cigar Aficionado, this Romeo is a departure from previous installments. Most cigars in this family use an Indonesian wrapper, but for this new cigar they chose an Ecuadorian Habano-seed leaf that really beefs up the flavor profile. This is a medium-to-full bodied smoke that is as complex as it is robust. This pyramid is a 6 1/8 by 52 ring gauge, which is quite the departure from the 60s that seem to be all the rage these days. For all of you “bigger is better” folks, rest easy, as Romeo by Romeo y Julieta comes in the big sizes you demand. This “classic Cuban pyramid size” is the one that received the highest marks. Smokers will be delighted to taste the flavors of “black and red pepper spice, savory leather flavor, and sweet
impressions of raisins and dried fruit.”

Cigar Aficionado’s #8: Rocky Patel Fifty Robusto

Right when you open the box you know you have found a jewel, literally. The box looks like someone got a “bedazzler” for Christmas and went to town on the cigar box. If the jewels grab your attention, then the taste and flavor of the cigar will keep you coming back for more. This is a full-bodied smoke loaded with many “complex flavors that range from coffee and coconut to blackberry and licorice.” This cigar has an Ecuadorian Habano-seed Oscuro wrapper with a Nicaraguan double binder, along with Nicaraguan filler. As expected, this is a very robust cigar and one of the more pricey offerings from Rocky Patel. This is a great cigar and I would suggest buying a few of these.
Smoke one now and set a few aside for aging in your humidor.

Stay tuned for a selection of Cigar Aficionado’s best bargains from 2012 that we carry here at
ABC.

To view the full list of Cigar Aficionado’s “25 Best Cigars of the Year 2012” check out their article here.

Long ashes,

Chris Gwaltney

Chris is an ABC Fine Wine & Spirits regional manager in Jacksonville. You can follow him on Twitter @chrisgnole