The Remarkable Journey of Rocky Patel: From Law to Cigar Industry Leader
In 2022, the Rocky Patel “Sixty” cigar was distinguished as the No. 1 cigar in the free world by Cigar Aficionado, a significant accolade considering the publication evaluates around 700 cigars annually. What makes this ranking even more intriguing is that reviewers are unaware of the cigars’ identities during the tasting process.
A Lawyer’s Precision in Cigar Making
Rakesh (“Rocky”) Patel, the brand’s president and CEO, attributes his cigar-making success to several factors, notably the meticulousness he developed during his legal career. Patel notes, “From the time you plant a seedling in the ground to the time you get a cigar in the box takes four to five years,” emphasizing that the quality results from 300 different hands involved in the process.
He draws a parallel to the legal profession: “Attention to detail is crucial. When you are reading a document or drafting a pleading, you must be very precise. You have to be perfect.”
Unexpected Path to Success
Patel’s journey into the cigar industry is an unlikely one. Born in New Delhi and raised in Mumbai, he migrated to the United States in 1974. After completing high school in Green Bay, Wisconsin, he attended the University of Wisconsin and then went to law school in Los Angeles, seeking to avoid the rigors of the workforce.
Balancing law studies with work—he attended Southwestern Law School during the evenings—helped him develop a strong work ethic. At a Beverly Hills law firm specializing in entertainment and product liability, Patel discovered his passion for cigars. His first experience smoking a cigar occurred at the Grand Havana Club, which later led him to invest in the struggling Indian Tabac Cigar Company.
Turning Challenges into Triumph
Initially faced with skepticism about breaking into a historically traditional industry, Patel took charge of Indian Tabac, renaming it Rocky Patel Premium Cigars in 2003 after instituting stringent quality control measures. Nearly three decades later, the brand is set to release a special “30th Anniversary” cigar and boasts impressive sales figures—about 30 million cigars sold annually in nearly 100 countries.
Recognition and Ongoing Achievements
Along with the “Sixty,” other Rocky Patel offerings have also received high marks from Cigar Aficionado, including the “Conviction,” which was rated No. 7 in 2024 and priced at $100. The publication praised it for delivering an outstanding experience, stating: “We found the Conviction brilliant, a medium-to-full-bodied cigar that’s a superb performer, delivering an opulent core of cocoa powder and dark chocolate flavor.”
Legal Expertise in the Cigar Industry
Patel’s dual background in law and business continues to serve him well. With operations in Nicaragua and Honduras, as well as his headquarters in Naples, Florida, he remains actively involved in contract reviews and legal negotiations. He states, “About a half hour before this interview, I was reviewing contracts. The legal education helps in many, many different parts of what we do.”
Challenges Against Regulatory Measures
Patel has played a key role in legal challenges against various FDA regulations impacting the cigar industry. He describes proposed regulations as “de facto prohibition,” emphasizing that compliance could cost his business $80 million and severely affect the premium cigar market. Success in court recently affirmed the lower court’s decision against arbitrary FDA measures regarding premium cigars, labeling them as lacking consideration of evidence showing reduced health risks compared to other tobacco products.
Conclusion
Reflecting on his journey, Patel’s experience in a tumultuous business environment further solidified his resolve. His early trips to Honduras were marked by challenges, yet they shaped his resilience and innovation in the cigar industry. As he navigates both legal complexities and market challenges, Patel remains a testament to how diverse experiences can lead to success in unexpected fields.
