El Centurion by Don Pepin

El Centurion cigar, 5” 50 gauge.

This was given to me as part of a trade, and from looking at it’s appearance I was pleasantly surprised. It had reasonably large jagged veins compared to other cigars but apart from that it looked magnificent, a lovely dark-ish brown wrapper and a nice scent to match. I read that it is a Don Pepin production and is mainly a Cuban seed cigar.
Immediately it smelled like a Cuban, with a nice dark chocolate, warm coffee heavy scent almost welcoming me to commit arson.
It initially struck me as being pretty heavy without being too dense (plugged) and although it seemed to have been box pressed it still had a good amount of give in it and was quite springy. A nice fancy band adorned it making the image complete.

After punching it once it gave a perfect pre-draw, just perfect! A chocolate taste was left on my lips and the only CC cigar I’ve really had that happen with to this extent is RyJ PC’s. Man I was looking forward to the next bit…


After toasting it to and giving it a nice solid light, I was left with a spicy full bodied taste, but after the first inch or so the spices subsided and left a mainly cedar taste, but it was good and my gut feeling was that I had a really good “midway” cigar heading my direction. I started with a slightly uneven burn and regardless of touch-ups this continued throughout the entire cigar but it was consistent and I didn’t let that put me off.

I received a little fruity and sweet taste in the first inch or so, but this didn’t last long and the spicy, mild, amazing draw remained. Mellow, smooth, almost cooling on the mouth came to mind.
It burned reasonable fast for its size, and after getting into the 2nd inch or so I started getting what I was looking for, a more rich, chocolate-coffee taste. There was a slight earthy/ mushroom taste there but the sweeter tastes beat them down. The smoke was a lovely orange colour which I perceive to be from the better tasting cigars for some reason.

The tastes continued most of the way down but gave way to a slightly walnut taste mid-way and then the creamier, richer tastes started coming along too, this was turning into a fine cigar by any (CC) standards.

After getting into the bottom 1/3rd there was no “overspice” taste that NC’s generally leave me with and I’ve got to say that so far this has been my best NC to date…the good times just kept on coming, and kept getting better!

The final pic says it all, a real finger burner.

I’d recommend this cigar to anyone who likes anything above mild, even strong taste loving smokers will appreciate the creamy daytime-smoke that this has to offer. Enjoyed to the max!

[shilala]

The bands are awesome. I'd smoke one just to look at the band.
I think I have one or two of these nuggets. Gonna have to get after it.
Thanks for the review!!!

Originally Posted by shilala

The bands are awesome. I'd smoke one just to look at the band.
I think I have one or two of these nuggets. Gonna have to get after it.
Thanks for the review!!!

After looking at your Humi pictures I wouldn't be surprised if you have one or two of every nugget rolled

Great review by the way. I have one in my humi and it's been resting for about 9 months. About time to give it a shot.

[shilala]

Originally Posted by Waynegro1

...I wouldn't be surprised if you have one or two of every nugget rolled

Every time I think I'm getting close I find out about something else.
It's brutal.
I refuse to take up any more room for cigars, that's why I share so many. Plus I like giving away cigars more than I like to smoke them. If I ever ran out I'd be missing out on a lot of fun.

[Scottw]

This is in my top 3 sticks, I absolutley love them and am salivating over your review. Nice work!!!

[MikeyC]

Originally Posted by Scottw

This is in my top 3 sticks, I absolutley love them and am salivating over your review. Nice work!!!

These are one of my favorite cigars. Absolutely the best Pepin blend IMO. I saw a review on some blog recently of these and Pepin was quoted in it saying he feels these taste like an aged Cohiba (CC). Can't say I've ever had one, but if they taste like an El C then they must be good.

[Jbailey]

Got an assortment left, recently smoked a robusto and churchill. These guys got better from last year. The rest will have to wait awhile.

Great review

[elderboy02]

I just had one of these and I found your review to be spot on. It is a very good cigar

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by Jbailey

These guys got better from last year.

I hope so, Dave. These are not one of Pepins best, imo. Little return for the money you have to shell out for them. Havn't had one in a while. I am always dissapointed when I revisit the box.

[Yazzie]

Absolutely love these. Picked up 4 boxes in 07 and am smoking through these quickly