Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 vs 1992 vs 1999: Which Should You Buy?
The Vintage series is the line that put Rocky Patel on the map, and twenty-plus years later it's still the most common "what's the difference?" question we hear at the counter. All three classic Vintages share the same idea - wrapper leaf aged for years before a single cigar is rolled - but they smoke very differently. Here's the honest breakdown.
Vintage 1990: the rich one
The Vintage 1990 wears Honduran broadleaf aged a remarkable twelve years. Expect cocoa, sweet earth and leather at medium-full strength with zero harshness - aging sanded every edge off. This is the Vintage for maduro lovers and evening smokes.
Vintage 1992: the balanced one
Ten-year-aged Ecuadorian Sumatra gives the Vintage 1992 its caramel-and-cedar personality. Medium-bodied, creamy, with a long sweet finish - it earned a 93-point score and it's the one our staff reaches for most. If you only try one Vintage, make it this.
Vintage 1999: the mellow one
The Vintage 1999 uses Connecticut shade wrapper aged seven years - buttery, golden, toasted-almond smooth. It's one of the best true mild cigars money can buy, and our default recommendation for new smokers who want quality without strength. (More beginner picks in our mild cigar guide.)
Don't forget 2003 and 2006
Two later additions round out the family: the Vintage 2003 in rare aged African Cameroon (toasty, gently spiced) and the Vintage 2006 in Mexican San Andrés (dark chocolate at medium strength).
The quick answer
- Full flavor, dark and rich: Vintage 1990
- Best all-rounder: Vintage 1992
- Mild and creamy: Vintage 1999
- Can't decide: the Vintage Robusto Sampler puts all of them in one box
King Corona carries every Vintage vitola - singles, 5-packs and boxes, shipped fresh from our humidor.
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