The Rocky Patel Premium Cigar Company is a manufacturer of cigars, founded by Rakesh "Rocky" Patel. The company is currently based in Bonita Springs, Florida.
History
Born in India on the 26th February 1961, Rakesh "Rocky" Patel introduced the Indian Tabac blend in the mid 1990s. Rakesh was originally a Hollywood attorney who represented several actors, including Arnold Schwarzenegger and Gene Hackman. Patel was exposed to cigar smoking by spending time with the actors between takes. This led to an interest in the industry. He subsequently sold his legal practice and spent five years in Honduras working and learning the cigar trade, including field and barn work. In 2002, the company changed its name from Indian Tabac to Rocky Patel Premium Cigars. In 2003 Rocky Patel launched the Vintage 1990 and Vintage 1992 cigars. The Vintage Series received "Best of the Best" accolades from the Robb Report. The Vintage 1990 Robusto was rated 92 by Cigar Aficionado, and the Vintage 1992 Torpedo was subsequently rated 90. As of 2006 Rocky Patel Premium Cigar Company's annual sales exceeded $25 million. The company manufactured 16 million cigars in 2007. In 2008 the Rocky Patel Decade cigar achieved a classic 95 rating in Cigar Aficionado. The Decade marked the 10th year of their business. In 2010, Patel opened a lounge called BURN inNaples, Florida. The lounge is for cigars, premium spirits, house music and entertainment. Two additional establishments opened in 2018 in Pittsburgh and Oklahoma City, with two more to open in 2019 in Indianapolis and Atlanta.
Production
All materials for Rocky Patel cigars are purchased from growers and produced in factory space in El Paraíso, Honduras leased from Nestor Plasencia. The company owns a factory and plantations in Esteli, Nicaragua
Cigars
Cigars produced by the Rocky Patel Premium Cigar Company range from the inexpensive to the premium. In addition to Rocky Patel brands intended for retail, the company produces several private label cigars for retailers.
