Master Don Pepin Garcia is visiting Cuenca Cigars
Next month, June 12 to be exact, we will enjoy the visit of one of my favorites cigars blenders, the Master Don Pepin Garcia is visiting Cuenca Cigars. We are expecting over 150 people from all over the states that have made hotel reservations in advance and a lot of local. Prior this year we had an event with My Father Cigar where Janny Garcia, John Rodriguez and Joaquin Saladrinas where the hosts. Due to the popularity of this event we have plan this one where we expect the Garcia Family.
As usual prior to the event we like to give it a try to some of the cigars we like from the brand. In this particular case, was a little complicated to choose and we have decided to post all three. Here it is, and from our talented friend from Texas, Bradley Nix, some of the thoughts he pointed when smoking some of the Don Pepin Garcia best sellers cigars @ Cuenca Cigars.
Don Pepin Garcia Vegas Cubanas Robusto (5x50) by Bradley Nix
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo
Binder: Nicaraguan Criolla
Filler: Nicaraguan Corojo and Criolla
Appearance/Construction/Pre-Light: Simple band and box, quite traditional. The cigar has a nice silky sheen, thin veins, and a beautiful Colorado brown shade. From head to foot the stick has great Pepin construction which I've learned is never sub par. The stick smelled of pepper and earthy tobacco.
The sticks were slightly uneven on the foot which appeared to have a bit of loose tobacco. The draw was effortless.
1/3 – Starts off rather mild-medium with notes of white pepper. A slight bitterness was noted on the second stick I smoked which was gone after about a ½” into the cigar.
The taste of crisp tobacco all the way from the thick smoke in the mouth to the retro hale was welcoming. The burn was a bit wavy which was ok. The loose tobacco on the foot probably attributed to this.
2/3 – The white pepper and crisp tobacco is still present with slight notes of leather and oak. The stick remains mild-medium bodied. However, a burn issue happened that needed correction at this point. After a minor touch up it was smooth sailing…
3/3 – Now a medium bodied stick during the finale. It is producing ample amounts dense creamy smoke and I found the sweet spot. The first two-thirds of the cigar were rather uneventful and a bit on the mild side for my palate but the finishing end was great. The same flavors were present but with a bit more punch.
Value: This stick is not “rare” or “over-hyped”. It’s one you could easily pass up while browsing due to the simple packaging and above average price tag. At 135.00-185.00 per box makes it a bit tough for me to want to purchase.
Final Thoughts: A good milder side of medium on my palate and this could be enjoyed all day with or without a meal before.
I wouldn't call this an everyday handmade based on the MSRP but if you can find a deal, grab a few and give them a shot. I prefer a richer blend but the crisp tobacco and white pepper make it interesting enough to want to continue puffing. El Rey de los Habanos Robusto (5x50) – Don Pepin Garcia by Bradley Nix (No longer been produced)
Wrapper: Corojo Rosado Claro Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Paired with: Flying Dog Raging Bitch Belgian IPA
Appearance/Construction/Pre-Light: Milk chocolate brown wrapper with a tad of oil shining on the wrapper. Zero soft spots or blemishes. The band is simple yet stands out over the Vegas Cubanas, possibly because of the “red” coloring on the brown. Construction was perfect as always with Pepin and I received a perfect draw after a quick cut with my Xikar. The aromas were barnyard, mild spices, and a touch of sweet coffee.
1/3 – Lit easily with a match (I lost my butane refill tank). The first notable experience was where is the Pepin upfront pepper blast? I was greeted with slightly sweet tobacco, leather, and cedar. This had a nice medium body and flavor. Although it started burning with a minor wave, it also corrected itself. The light gray ash appears flaky but holds all the way through the first third.
2/3 – Not much change in the mid section. One may call this one-dimensional or too balanced but I think if the flavor is great, why become more complex? The cedar and leather are more pronounced and the pepper is still faint but there. The ash is also hanging on, however my lap will probably be a mess soon.
3/3 – As expected, slowly this cigar picks up in richer flavors. The combination is pairing well with my Belgian IPA brew. I haven’t had any bitterness, the coffee aroma is wonderful, the nicotine is kicking a bit, and I am wishing it had a bit more length on it.
Value: At 115.00-125.00 MSRP, these seem like one of the best values from Don Pepin Garcia. The cigar has perfect construction, a great balance of flavors, and just enough nicotine to remind you its tobacco but not enough to give a headache.
Final Thoughts: I do recommend this cigar to the beginner and aficionado. The price point is perfect for what you get. My personal preference between this and the Vegas Cubanas would be for the El Rey de los Habanos. Before Cuenca sent me these sticks I had not heard much about them. I still do not see heavy marketing for these Pepin blends but they are worth trying out if you are a fan as much as I am. The more and more I am finding that Pepin touches, I find greatness. I hope as new blends are introduced, the quality never decreases on the past sticks I have found to be humidor worthy.
Don Pepin Garcia “Cuban Classic” (Black Label) – Robusto (5x50) by Bradley Nix
Wrapper: Habano Rosado Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Paired with: Sam Adams Imperial Double Bock, a world-class beer in my opinion. Perfect to compliment a great cigar.
History: The Cuban Classic was the first cigar manufactured at Tobacalera Cubano in Esteli, Nicaragua. Introduced in 2006. This stick scored a 92 rating from Smoke, Cigar Aficionado, and Cigar Insider.
Construction/Appearance/Pre-Light: The cigar seems a tad dry and lacks an oily sheen. Honestly, the both cigars I had felt a tad underpaked. They weren’t loose but they weren’t rock solid. The color consists of a creamy coffee color similar to a Colorado shade. The black label stands out, although simple, it has become quite popular where the blue and black labels are plastered on magazines and catalogs.
1/3 – Immediate dose of pepper and spice with oak and leather undertones. The cigar has a wonderful draw and perfect burn line. The ash is light grey and appears to not be flaky. A clean tobacco aroma following the retrohale. I am not reviewing a beer but I must say, it really doesn’t get much more perfect than this combination. The imperial bock is strong and sweet.
2/3 The body picks up in the medium-full range. I noticed that the smoke was so dense that it reminded me of the pictures of the Eyjafjallajokul volcano eruption. Yes, I had to look up the spelling on that one. My nose tingles when I retrohale which doesn’t promote me to do this frequently. This is one of my favorite DPG blends next to the Blue Label, My Father, and a newly tried El Rey de los Habanos so I do have experience with this particular stick. During the mid-section, I received lots of oak, coffee, earthy, and spicy notes.
3/3 – Pepin must not want his labels to magically fall off. The glue was like no other, it took quite a bit of work with some nose hair scissors to get these off. Near the nub, the body is full and the taste is rich. I get a bit of saltiness on my palate which isn’t bad. I had to refill my beer in the middle because the combination is perfect. The construction stayed perfect minus a bit of heat near the end which was a downfall of the underpacked feel. This stick finishes strong and lingers in my mouth for quite a bit after each puff.
Value: 125.00-175.00 per box is steep. Although, this is a great Pepin blend, for the same price I prefer the blue label or for 50.00 more the My Father. Is it worthy of trying, of course. It says Don Pepin Garcia on the label and just like anything else from this master, you will be able to get your pennies worth.
Final Thoughts: Unfortunately, it is so humid and hot outside, this stick got a bit uncomfortable to smoke. Although, this is typical of a late spring in Texas so I need to get out of my cool weather attire during my next reviews. I enjoy the Cuban Classic, its one of my favorites to have with something sweet in the late afternoons. I wouldn't have this blend in the morning or before a meal but it doesn't kick too hard. Overall, I still admire the Cuban Classic as much as I always have. I feel it has some aging potential and I have a 10-pack sitting back for the last 5 months and will give it a revisit after a year has gone by.
More Don Pepin Cigars from My Father Cigar Company:
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