El Rey de los Habanos by Don Pepin Garcia
Thursday, March 24th, 2011This cigar was Don Pepin Garcia’s first blend when he came to the United States. I obtained a couple recently while attending a Pepin event at St. Pete Cigar. I was first introduced to this cigar a couple years ago when Jerry treated Matt, Reg, and me to one. As always, I paired up with fine Florida tap water.
Wrapper: Corojo Rosado Claro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Size: Churchill 7 x 50
Price: Around $7.00
Pre-Smoke and Construction:
The wrapper was a little bumpy and toothy, with a few small to medium sized veins. The wrapper had a mild woody odor, while the foot had almost no smell at all. The cigar was pretty well packed with tobacco, and had a hard spot. This probably explains a draw that was on the snug side. The pre-light draw had a faint earthy/woody flavor.
The ash held for about an inch, and the burn required no corrections. The snug draw turned out to not be an issue and loosened up a little as I smoked.
Flavor:
The first third had good but simple flavors. Out in front was earthiness, some nuts, and a mild sweet woodiness. Through the nose there was an easy spicy pepper.
The second third kept the same earthy, nutty woodiness. The smoke became creamier and stuck to the inside of the mouth. The pepper I had in the second third turned into more of a sweet spice with a little kick. As this third came to an end, the dominant flavor was mocha-ish, but those core flavors didn’t go anywhere.
The last third pretty much remained similar as before. One difference was the sweet aftertaste that left a tingly sensation on the lips. At times the flavor profile was exactly like it was in the first third. Other draws were just like in the second third. It basically flip flopped between the two.
Conclusion:
This was a good medium bodied cigar. Jerry may have eluded to this in his review… It is simple enough for a beginner, but refined enough for a seasoned smoker to enjoy. There certainly is no WOW factor, but there is nothing bad to report here. I don’t see myself pursuing more of these, but I would recommend to anyone to try these and see for yourself.
