• The Rocky Patel 1999 Vintage showcases the oldest true Connecticut shade-grown wrapper on the market. This iconic cigar is a mild cigar producing silky smoke. Truly one of the finest cigars on the market today. A must have for any humidor.
• 5.5 x 50
• Robusto
• Honduran

With the success of Rocky Patel’s Vintage 1990 and 1992 series, Rocky released the Vintage 1999 Connecticut. Containing a mixture of the traditional 8 year old Dominican and Nicaraguan long leaf ligero, the Vintage 1999 is presented in a well-dressed, beautiful 7-year-old Connecticut shade grown wrapper. The result is a milder cigar, slightly spicy with buttery soft notes of earth and wood with salty hints.  The mildest offering by Rocky Patel, the Vintage 1999 is a premium cigar perfect to pair with your morning cup of coffee or a light cocktail.

After a long morning of deep sea fishing, there’s nothing like docking my boat and enjoying a seafaring drink and a cigar. I’ve been told that my version of the Bloody Mary is the epitome of a day at sea.  While vodka is rarely paired with cigars, my sweet, salty and slightly spicy Bloody Caesar is light but hearty enough to pair with a Vintage 1999 Robusto.

My Bloody Caesar -  Serves 4

3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning

3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

24 ounces Clamato juice

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

1 teaspoon freshly grated, or bottled horseradish (optional)

6 ounces vodka

1 lemon quartered  

4 celery stalks

Place 3 tablespoons Old Bay in a thin layer in a small dish or shallow bowl. Take empty serving glasses and moisten their rims with a lemon wedge. Dip rims in celery salt to coat. Shake off excess. In a pitcher, mix lemon juice, Clamato juice, Worcestershire, hot pepper sauce, pepper, remaining Old Bay, horseradish and vodka. Stir. Pour into glasses over ice and garnish with lemon and celery stalks.

Fare thee well!