My Father El Centurion
Thursday, August 15th, 2013In 2007, the El Centurion was released in limited quantities. If my information is correct, this release will be a regular production product, and the blend differs from the original. A friend of mine picked some of these up before I had the chance. His opinion was positive, to say the least. I was able to nab some at a My Father event Ed had not too long ago. Being a Don Pepin fanboi, I jumped at the chance to buy some.
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Sun Grown Criollo 98
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Size: Robusto 5.75 x 50
Price: Around $7.50
Pre-Smoke & Construction:
The wrapper was very rugged looking, almost like worn leather. The smell was a fairly strong barnyard (poop). As you’d expect, the cigar was solidly packed, with only minor inconsistencies. The draw had slight resistance, with a dark, earthy, leathery, and sweet flavor.
The burn required a few minor corrections, and the ash held for almost an inch and a half.
Flavor:
There was no buildup in the first third. I picked up dark chocolate and espresso from the first puff. Retrohaling revealed an easy pepper. The smoke feel was thick, and the aftertaste lingered for quite some time.
Much like the first third, the second third was earthy, with cocoa, espresso, and easy pepper. There was a floral background note, and a touch of cedar.
The last third kept the same flavors. The difference was in the delivery. Cocoa and coffee dominated the flavor profile. Pepper was up next, while wood and earth stayed in the background. The aftertaste left a tingle on the gums and lips, and lingered for at least thirty seconds.
Conclusion:
This was a very good medium bodied cigar. It has all the flavors and characteristics that I like. The biggest bragging point about the El Centurion is balance. It isn’t the strongest, or even the best, but, it has great balance. I’ll be smoking more of these without a doubt.
