Rocky Patel DBS With Larceny Barrel Proof

I’d been eagerly waiting for a few months to try the Rocky Patel DBS. After letting it rest for a few months in the humidor, I couldn’t hold off any longer and decided to light it up on a Friday evening, pairing it with a glass of Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon.

The 5x50 Robusto has a distinctive appearance, decked out with three separate cigar bands—a bit of the usual “glitz” you’d expect from Rocky Patel. While it’s not as over-the-top as the A.L.R. 2, the deep brown Mexican San Andrés wrapper is still about half-covered by the bands.

The “DBS” stands for “Double Broadleaf Selection,” likely referring to the dual Nicaragua and Pennsylvania Broadleaf binders, or perhaps the Honduran and Nicaraguan Broadleaf fillers. From the start, I got a hit of black pepper that quickly mellowed into wood and earthy flavors, all complemented by a creamy sweetness on the finish. As the cigar progressed, cocoa and nuts joined the mix, making for a rich and evolving flavor profile. The draw was a little more resistant than I prefer, but there were no burn issues throughout.

For my pairing, I chose the Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon, specifically the Batch B522 at 123.8 proof. When I first opened this bottle a couple of years ago, I found the proof a bit sharp but still enjoyable. While I personally prefer the newer Batch B523, the B522 offers flavors of brown sugar and cinnamon, with a hint of sweet bread. It finishes with warmth, pepper, and spice, and the bold flavors of the cigar helped to balance out the intensity of the alcohol.

Overall, the Rocky Patel DBS was a thoroughly enjoyable smoke. Despite its $20 price tag, I’d consider buying more for special occasions. It was a perfect companion for a laid-back fall evening.

Cheers!