Losing some love for Pepin lately

borndead1 · 01-27-2019, 04:39 PM

Had a couple of nasty My Father lanceros, a really bad Cuban Classic, and I just snuffed out my first La Duena. Has production taken precedence over quality? The tobacco in all three of these cigars tasted...un-fermented? I dunno...I got a harsh chemical/ammonia taste in all three. And not just toward the nub, which isn't uncommon. I mean an inch or two into the cigar.

Bad luck? Am I the only one?

kelmac07 · 01-27-2019, 04:46 PM

Can't comment on the newer My Father stuff (as I haven't tried a bunch), but I still love the old JJ Series Maduros (from 2008). One of my top five smokes ever.

Also still enjoy the Cuban Classic, but again, still smoking 2008/2009 stock, haven't bought any of these in over ten years.

Mark...were these all recently purchased sticks? Or older sticks?

Tio Gato · 01-27-2019, 05:17 PM

Aging does wonders for DPG smokes. If you're getting ammonia the cigar needs a long nap. Ammonia is a natural byproduct (their waste) of the predominate natural bacteria. At some point their own waste is too strong for them to survive. A secondary bacteria becomes active and their diet is the ammonia. Thankingfully their waste has that sweet dried fruit favor that makes for a great smoke.

Let them rest and look for the sweet smell of raisins, prunes and dried cherries on the foot.
You'll be happy you let them snooze.

Remo · 01-27-2019, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by borndead1

Had a couple of nasty My Father lanceros, a really bad Cuban Classic, and I just snuffed out my first La Duena. Has production taken precedence over quality? The tobacco in all three of these cigars tasted...un-fermented? I dunno...I got a harsh chemical/ammonia taste in all three. And not just toward the nub, which isn't uncommon. I mean an inch or two into the cigar.

Bad luck? Am I the only one?

I haven’t smoked a lot of Pepin lately but I am with you, the newer smokes have definitely fallen off. The older stuff that Mac mentioned are delicious!!

shilala · 01-27-2019, 06:26 PM

General took over those DPG blends a couple years after Mac cornered the market.
They all turned to poop immediately.
I can remember Vinnie bought me a couple boxes of DPG Maduro’s, Pepin rolled.
They were beyond comprehension good. Ethereal.
I don’t know what or if Pepin still rolls.
I just know the blends I enjoyed and my thoughts of the brand became worthless back around 2010-11.
I still cry at night sometimes.
It was such a beautiful time.

elderboy02 · 01-27-2019, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shilala

General took over those DPG blends a couple years after Mac cornered the market.

??? link?

icehog3 · 01-27-2019, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elderboy02

??? link?

patty??

Tio Gato · 01-28-2019, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by icehog3

patty??

I see what ya'll did there! Well done Tom.

shilala · 01-28-2019, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elderboy02

??? link?

Link this.

Wharf Rat · 01-27-2019, 07:04 PM

I used to love the old Vegas Cubanas and Blues. Can’t say I ever got on board with the My Fathers. If I had to buy a newer Pepin cigar, it’d be a Flor de Antillles. Guess I’ll have to try the new VGs for fun.

gomeitsmybday · 01-28-2019, 05:43 AM

ahhh this is a bit concerning for me...as of this moment i have 2 boxes of blues, 1 box black and 1 box JJ in the humidors!
i recently got into DPG after smoking a 5er of both black & blue...all of them were pretty good but 2 out of each 5 pack were *stunning* so i figured maybe it was more on my end for not having them in the right rh zone..ftr they only rested about 3-4 months before smoking, so definitely still young-
but yeah those 4 amazing DPG sticks i had were SO flavorful that i just had to stock up on more of this brand...im hoping that when i get to around to smoking them, that the odds are better than 2/5 :/
and while we are on the topic of DPG, what rh do you guys keep them at? maybe they taste better at a specific rh zone...ive come to realize some brands are finicky like that.

CigarNut · 01-28-2019, 08:07 AM

I really like the DPG Cuban Classics and used to smoke them quite a bit -- I have not had one in a year or so, but I hope that they have not gone to sh!t with the other DPGs...

Beagleone · 01-28-2019, 09:38 AM

Pepin is still rolling some, but he has largely turned over the children. Jaime is handling the operations in Nica, Janey is handling the business side here in the US. Pepin is still blending and with the help of Pete Johnson, they are still making strides in market. I believe they made some expansions to the operations in the last year or two, so it may be growing pains that have caused recent issues.

Shilala - General only wish they could take over My Father, that would mean getting access to the Pete's lines as well, and that isn't going to happen anytime soon.

Razorhog · 02-11-2019, 02:10 PM

This talk of DPG cigars going downhill is disconcerting. I've just got to a point in my life where I can afford some of them!

For instance I got a Flor de las Antillas in a trade a couple weeks ago. Smoked it and immediately bought a box, it was sooooo good. My mouth is watering just thinking about them. Going to let them rest awhile.
Having said that, I was very much looking forward to trying other My Father blends. I did have a La Oferta lancero a while back and it started out great but ended up not being very good.
I've heard people like Jaime's Reserva Especial, and was thinking of trying to find a 5'er.

RevSmoke · 02-11-2019, 03:16 PM

I miss some of the sizes that used to be available too. DPG Black perlas were my favorite in the line, fantabulous.

The JJ Maduros were excellent. I haven't had a problem with them, but I buy them on sale, and them put them away as I smoke the older ones. I have not had problems with them.

TXRebel · 02-16-2019, 03:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RevSmoke

I miss some of the sizes that used to be available too. DPG Black perlas were my favorite in the line, fantabulous.

Miss those Perlas as well, they were an excellent short smoke.

The camaro show · 02-11-2019, 03:28 PM

I guess this explains the blue I had last week It was terrible and only got worse. Looks like the other is taking a nap!

oldforge · 02-15-2019, 01:04 PM

Earlier this week I cracked open a box and smoked a five year old JJ natural.

It took my breath away--amazing.

I haven't bought any new Pepins in the last few years--so can't comment on the current quality.

hammondc · 02-15-2019, 02:00 PM

Man.....those old blues........

gomeitsmybday · 02-17-2019, 11:28 AM

I hate to have to lend further credence to this but last night I tried to smoke one of my Pepin Blue Invictos and it was just...well, just not good. Had to stop about halfway...granted, they've only rested in the humi for about 3 months, but a few memorable DPGs I've had before rested for about the same amount of time and were stunning...
Plus, there was a pretty gnarly stem at the cap :/ hoping this was just a fluke however, and will be giving the rest much more time in the humi...

01-27-2019, 04:39 PM	#1
borndead1 Ayatollah of Rock n Rolla Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Mark Location: Lancaster, CA Posts: 1,345 Trading: (7)	Losing some love for Pepin lately Had a couple of nasty My Father lanceros, a really bad Cuban Classic, and I just snuffed out my first La Duena. Has production taken precedence over quality? The tobacco in all three of these cigars tasted...un-fermented? I dunno...I got a harsh chemical/ammonia taste in all three. And not just toward the nub, which isn't uncommon. I mean an inch or two into the cigar. Bad luck? Am I the only one? __________________ None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free.

01-27-2019, 04:46 PM	#2
kelmac07 Resident Maduro Whore!! Join Date: Apr 2009 First Name: Mac Location: Newport News, VA Posts: 27,322 Trading: (218)	Re: Losing some love for Pepin lately Can't comment on the newer My Father stuff (as I haven't tried a bunch), but I still love the old JJ Series Maduros (from 2008). One of my top five smokes ever. Also still enjoy the Cuban Classic, but again, still smoking 2008/2009 stock, haven't bought any of these in over ten years. Mark...were these all recently purchased sticks? Or older sticks? __________________ Dom in the MLB thread "I could probably get you to wear a Yankee hat for a Maduro!"

01-27-2019, 05:17 PM	#3
Tio Gato Uncle Kitty Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Jeff Location: Casa Grande, AZ Posts: 2,075 Trading: (11)	Re: Losing some love for Pepin lately Aging does wonders for DPG smokes. If you're getting ammonia the cigar needs a long nap. Ammonia is a natural byproduct (their waste) of the predominate natural bacteria. At some point their own waste is too strong for them to survive. A secondary bacteria becomes active and their diet is the ammonia. Thankingfully their waste has that sweet dried fruit favor that makes for a great smoke. Let them rest and look for the sweet smell of raisins, prunes and dried cherries on the foot. You'll be happy you let them snooze. __________________ "You stink like cigars Uncle Kitty!" Said my Boo age 3. "Kid, take care of your family and the hell with anyone else" My Grandpa Bubba.

01-27-2019, 06:26 PM	#5
shilala Dear Lord, Thank You. Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Scott Posts: 13,721 Trading: (252)	Re: Losing some love for Pepin lately General took over those DPG blends a couple years after Mac cornered the market. They all turned to poop immediately. I can remember Vinnie bought me a couple boxes of DPG Maduro’s, Pepin rolled. They were beyond comprehension good. Ethereal. I don’t know what or if Pepin still rolls. I just know the blends I enjoyed and my thoughts of the brand became worthless back around 2010-11. I still cry at night sometimes. It was such a beautiful time. __________________

01-27-2019, 07:04 PM	#10
Wharf Rat I'll get up and fly away Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Bob Location: Florence, SC Posts: 786 Trading: (7)	Re: Losing some love for Pepin lately I used to love the old Vegas Cubanas and Blues. Can’t say I ever got on board with the My Fathers. If I had to buy a newer Pepin cigar, it’d be a Flor de Antillles. Guess I’ll have to try the new VGs for fun.

01-28-2019, 05:43 AM	#11
gomeitsmybday Feeling at Home Join Date: Aug 2018 First Name: Michael Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 945 Trading: (5)	Re: Losing some love for Pepin lately ahhh this is a bit concerning for me...as of this moment i have 2 boxes of blues, 1 box black and 1 box JJ in the humidors! i recently got into DPG after smoking a 5er of both black & blue...all of them were pretty good but 2 out of each 5 pack were stunning so i figured maybe it was more on my end for not having them in the right rh zone..ftr they only rested about 3-4 months before smoking, so definitely still young- but yeah those 4 amazing DPG sticks i had were SO flavorful that i just had to stock up on more of this brand...im hoping that when i get to around to smoking them, that the odds are better than 2/5 :/ and while we are on the topic of DPG, what rh do you guys keep them at? maybe they taste better at a specific rh zone...ive come to realize some brands are finicky like that.

01-28-2019, 08:07 AM	#12
CigarNut Fck Cancer! Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Michael Location: Clermont, Florida Posts: 18,042 Trading: (111*)	Re: Losing some love for Pepin lately I really like the DPG Cuban Classics and used to smoke them quite a bit -- I have not had one in a year or so, but I hope that they have not gone to sh!t with the other DPGs... __________________ Need Beads? Need Five Finger Bags? 2 of 3 Requirements for use of the CA Rolodex: 100 posts/ 60 day membership/ participation in trade (trader rating). New members can be added at any time.

01-28-2019, 09:38 AM	#13
Beagleone Feeling at Home Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Between here and there Posts: 830 Trading: (18)	Re: Losing some love for Pepin lately Pepin is still rolling some, but he has largely turned over the children. Jaime is handling the operations in Nica, Janey is handling the business side here in the US. Pepin is still blending and with the help of Pete Johnson, they are still making strides in market. I believe they made some expansions to the operations in the last year or two, so it may be growing pains that have caused recent issues. Shilala - General only wish they could take over My Father, that would mean getting access to the Pete's lines as well, and that isn't going to happen anytime soon. __________________ Whoever said "laughter is the best medicine" didn't have gonorrhea.

02-11-2019, 02:10 PM	#14
Razorhog Feeling at Home Join Date: Jul 2009 First Name: Beau Location: NE Arkansas Posts: 600 Trading: (4)	Re: Losing some love for Pepin lately This talk of DPG cigars going downhill is disconcerting. I've just got to a point in my life where I can afford some of them! For instance I got a Flor de las Antillas in a trade a couple weeks ago. Smoked it and immediately bought a box, it was sooooo good. My mouth is watering just thinking about them. Going to let them rest awhile. Having said that, I was very much looking forward to trying other My Father blends. I did have a La Oferta lancero a while back and it started out great but ended up not being very good. I've heard people like Jaime's Reserva Especial, and was thinking of trying to find a 5'er.

02-11-2019, 03:16 PM	#15
RevSmoke Ain't Never Gonna Leave Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Todd Location: Northcentral woods of Wisconsin Posts: 6,849 Trading: (51)	Re: Losing some love for Pepin lately I miss some of the sizes that used to be available too. DPG Black perlas were my favorite in the line, fantabulous. The JJ Maduros were excellent. I haven't had a problem with them, but I buy them on sale, and them put them away as I smoke the older ones. I have not had problems with them. __________________ Todd__ "Smoke what you like, and enjoy it!"

02-11-2019, 03:28 PM	#17
The camaro show Adjusting to the Life Join Date: Nov 2018 First Name: Chayse Location: West Virginia Posts: 497 Trading: (1)	Re: Losing some love for Pepin lately I guess this explains the blue I had last week It was terrible and only got worse. Looks like the other is taking a nap!

02-15-2019, 01:04 PM	#18
oldforge Still Watching My Back Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Porcupine Quillage, CT Posts: 248 Trading: (0)	Re: Losing some love for Pepin lately Earlier this week I cracked open a box and smoked a five year old JJ natural. It took my breath away--amazing. I haven't bought any new Pepins in the last few years--so can't comment on the current quality.

02-15-2019, 02:00 PM	#19
hammondc Moar Padrons! Join Date: Aug 2010 First Name: Chip Location: Senoia, GA Posts: 2,625 Trading: (17)	Re: Losing some love for Pepin lately Man.....those old blues........

02-17-2019, 11:28 AM	#20
gomeitsmybday Feeling at Home Join Date: Aug 2018 First Name: Michael Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 945 Trading: (5)	Re: Losing some love for Pepin lately I hate to have to lend further credence to this but last night I tried to smoke one of my Pepin Blue Invictos and it was just...well, just not good. Had to stop about halfway...granted, they've only rested in the humi for about 3 months, but a few memorable DPGs I've had before rested for about the same amount of time and were stunning... Plus, there was a pretty gnarly stem at the cap :/ hoping this was just a fluke however, and will be giving the rest much more time in the humi...