Rocky Patel Mulligans Sand Trap Staff Review
When you’re in search of reliable, affordable cigars that you can whimsically indulge in, Rocky Patel’s golf-themed Mulligans franchise belongs at the top of your radar. In my man cave, I’ve dedicated multiple coolerdors exclusively to storing my rotating cast of Mulligans bundles over the years, and today I offer my honest opinion of Sand Trap, a Cuban-sandwich gem drafted in three glorious sizes. I’m smoking the Putter, a 5-by-50 Robusto.
Rocky Patel Mulligans Sand Trap cigars come in orange-and-brown cigar bands packaged in a standard 20-count bundle. Rocky created Sand Trap from a cinnamon-brown Sumatra wrapper leaf over a genuine blend of short and long-filler tobaccos from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. Once I’ve selected an exemplary Robusto from a fresh batch and fully slipped the cellophane off, a provocative bouquet of leather, gourmet coffee, and spice emanates from the cigar’s foot.
After effortlessly slicing the cap, an excellent balance of tangy and spicy taste barrels through the cold draw as I pucker my lips in anticipation of the flavor to come. The Sand Trap charms my taste buds from the first moment I toast the foot of the Putter with my trusty Jetline torch lighter. A delectable profile of leather, nuts, and wood develops with hints of brown sugar in an approachable smoke I could easily enjoy in the middle of the day.
I wouldn’t say Sand Trap is an unassailable top-shelf jewel; however, the taste and aroma beg the question: Where does Rocky come up with enough tobacco to churn out savory bundles of Mulligans cigars, starting around a paltry three bucks apiece? Holt’s has been Rocky’s top outlet for his favorite side projects for decades, and Rocky possesses a seemingly bottomless supply of fine tobacco to accommodate his relentless ambition as a blender. Customers write to us every week declaring their allegiance to Mulligans cigars. I don’t know another cigarmaker who could match Rocky’s production pace.
As the second phase of the Putter gets underway, a steady succession of hickory, raisin, and pepper continues after roughly twenty-five minutes. Sand Trap displays consistent density and airflow, avoiding noticeable bitterness or hotness. Despite containing some short-filler tobaccos, the cigar performs like a Formula 1 car, leaving a firm gray ash at the foot that I’m free to tap into the ashtray at my leisure, versus brushing a flaky pile of embers off my lap, as other Cuban-sandwich cigars tend to do at times.
Once I’ve got the cigar band off, the final stretch culminates with a chewy profile of cocoa, coffee, and molasses, with supporting notes of dark fruit and spice. Sand Trap isn’t an overly complex cigar. It’s on the basic side if you want to compare it with other premiums. However, when you factor in the deeply discounted price we’re allowed to charge for these glistening bundles, I fully encourage you to procure a batch of your favorite size explicitly to smoke while you’re shoveling snow this season.
Rocky Patel might as well proclaim himself the official ‘King of Cuban-sandwich Cigars.’ I’ve indulged in practically every blend he’s created over the past thirty years, and Sand Trap is yet another yard ’gar that puts cigars that cost four times as much to shame.
Until next time, long ashes to you!
