It’s been awhile since I’ve posted a cigar review, but as I type I am smoking one so pleasant that I felt inspired to tell you about it.

The cigar in question is the Rocky Patel Fusion. It’s got a gorgeous royal blue label, but that didn’t convince me up front. You see, I’ve had two other Patels, the Vintage 1990 and the Royal Vintage, neither of which I thought were great shakes. So I pulled this stick out of the humidor with some trepidation, expecting it to once again let me down.

I lit it up and took a few disheartened puffs, thinking I would just get this particular smoke out of the way. Then I suddenly realized I actually enjoying the experience. It was closely akin to the Graycliff I had tried, loved, and written about.

The draw was almost perfect, just the tiniest bit too stiff, and the smoke production was downright flawless. The smoke was smooth, and evenly flavored, not at all harsh or choking. “Buttery” was the term I used when describing the Graycliff and this cigar almost matched it.

As I say, this is the first Patel I’ve tried and enjoyed, so the brand doesn’t have much credit with me. Therefore, I probably won’t be trying any new Patel lines, but if I happen across any Fusions, I won’t have to think twice about grabbing them.