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Cigar Review: Don Pepin Garcia, Blue

Size: 6X50, Generosos

Wrapper: Corojo Oscuro

Filler: Nicaraguan

Strength: Medium-Full

Price: Box of  25, $175

Grade: 9.0

I was extremely excited to have the opportunity to review this smoke from Don Pepin Garcia.  As one of the premier cigar makers in the boutique arena, Don Pepin’s smokes are very well respected and, as a guy who loves a good hearty smoke, I was pumped about getting this one fired up!

Pre-light, 1.8:
The first thing I noticed was the Cuban style triple cap that was perfectly constructed and the Don Pepin Garcia label which was a cool blue color with the American flag on it. I know this line is produced in Miami so it was nice to think of this cigar as American in origin. The wrapper was smooth but did show some veins toward the head of the cigar.  The weight of the cigar was good and it was firm but not too tight. The oscuro wrapper was dark and very inviting in appearance. The cigar cut well and the pre-light draw was heavy on spice with a few sweet tobacco notes on the finish.

Burn, 1.7:
This Nicaraguan puro toasted and lit very evenly and the first draw produced a mouthful of tasty smoke.  The draw was just right but did tighten up towards the end of the smoke. The medium grey ash held at 1 inch intervals and could have possibly gone longer, but I myself do not enjoy having ashes all over my shirt. The smoke burned well through the first 2/3 and only required a slight touch up at the beginning of the 3/3. The actual smoke was very aromatic but kind of yellowish in color.

Flavor, 2.8:
In my opinion, this is where Don Pepin’s blends really excel. The flavor of this smoke was excellent.  The first draw was heavy on spice, namely pepper, with some leather on the back. As I made my way through the first 1/3, this trend continued but I also picked up some sweetness and hints of cocoa. The cigar transitioned nicely into the 2/3 and, instead of strengthening, it instead mellowed out and became somewhat creamy. The flavor profile was a sweet tobacco and leather blend with some spice on the long finish. Once we hit 3/3 the smoke heated up and the flavor profile of the 1/3 seemed to return, but with less pepper than before. I was a little surprised by this smoke—I was expecting it to be a full bodied smoke but it was not as heavy as I anticipated, which is not a bad thing but just surprising in the way it developed.

Overall, 2.7:
I really enjoyed this smoke.  The flavor profile was excellent and kept me on my toes in anticipation of the next draw. The highlight for me is the consistency of Don Pepin Garcia’s product. If you pick one of these up you can almost be assured it will be a good smoke and, at around seven bucks a stick, that is not a bad deal. Whether it be his own brand or a stick he has produced for another maker, I look forward to my next Don Pepin Garcia smoke.

(Total: 9.0)