The 'Pepin' Garcia & Friends Cigar Review Odyssey

Mr. Ed · 08-17-2010, 09:00 PM

So I've hit a bit of a dry spell lately in my cigar smoking experiences and I've decided to tackle a fun, new, and exciting adventure.

I have enjoyed the cigars blended and rolled by Don Pepin, Jose Garcia, or DPG for three years now. We all know he makes myriad brands and we love him (or hate him) for it.

I will endeavor to review as many of his marcas and the vitolas contained within to the best of my ability. I will try to update once a week (maybe more maybe less depending on time and other conflicts).

I decided to start off fresh and smoke a cigar that I have never tried before:

El Triunfador No. 4

Initial Impressions: This was a svelte robusto with a beautiful dark natural wrapper that was very smooth, no bumps. The cigar was made with a triple cap. This cigar had a very pungent pre-light aroma that was very savory. This cigar was firm to the touch, no soft spots.

Smoking:This cigar had an excellent draw with a good volume of smoke. The wrapper did not crack or unravel from start to finish. The ash was firm and a marbled gray color. which stayed on for nearly half the smoke! The only issue that I encountered was that the cigar smoked a little hot at first, so I had to smoke it more slowly. Otherwise, this was a fine smoking experience.

Taste:I would describe this as a medium bodied cigar. The taste was smooth from start to finish, no trace of harshness or unpleasant flavors for the entire smoke. While smoking I got a very nice quality tobacco flavor that had some woodiness to it. There was a very pleasant mild spiciness to the flavor as well (unlike some of the other Pepin spice bombs). The finish throughout most of the smoke was mild and spicy, it only became fuller in the last third of the smoke. I could also get some hints of sweetness, but this woody-tobacco flavor predominated along with a mild and spicy undertone. The cigar gave off a very pleasant aroma while smoking.

Conclusion: A perfectly constructed cigar, as are almost all Tatuajes, which never seem to have any issues. The flavor was very pleasant, but straightforward. Not necessarily a bad thing, but at this price point I would expect some more complexity. While the taste may not have been complex, I found it enjoyable. Overall, a very good smoking experience!

Pictures: (They're Thumbnails)

08-17-2010, 09:00 PM	#1
Mr. Ed A horse is a horse... Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Ed...duh Location: THE Burgh Posts: 499 Trading: (6)	The 'Pepin' Garcia & Friends Cigar Review Odyssey So I've hit a bit of a dry spell lately in my cigar smoking experiences and I've decided to tackle a fun, new, and exciting adventure. I have enjoyed the cigars blended and rolled by Don Pepin, Jose Garcia, or DPG for three years now. We all know he makes myriad brands and we love him (or hate him) for it. I will endeavor to review as many of his marcas and the vitolas contained within to the best of my ability. I will try to update once a week (maybe more maybe less depending on time and other conflicts). I decided to start off fresh and smoke a cigar that I have never tried before: El Triunfador No. 4 Initial Impressions: This was a svelte robusto with a beautiful dark natural wrapper that was very smooth, no bumps. The cigar was made with a triple cap. This cigar had a very pungent pre-light aroma that was very savory. This cigar was firm to the touch, no soft spots. Smoking:This cigar had an excellent draw with a good volume of smoke. The wrapper did not crack or unravel from start to finish. The ash was firm and a marbled gray color. which stayed on for nearly half the smoke! The only issue that I encountered was that the cigar smoked a little hot at first, so I had to smoke it more slowly. Otherwise, this was a fine smoking experience. Taste:I would describe this as a medium bodied cigar. The taste was smooth from start to finish, no trace of harshness or unpleasant flavors for the entire smoke. While smoking I got a very nice quality tobacco flavor that had some woodiness to it. There was a very pleasant mild spiciness to the flavor as well (unlike some of the other Pepin spice bombs). The finish throughout most of the smoke was mild and spicy, it only became fuller in the last third of the smoke. I could also get some hints of sweetness, but this woody-tobacco flavor predominated along with a mild and spicy undertone. The cigar gave off a very pleasant aroma while smoking. Conclusion: A perfectly constructed cigar, as are almost all Tatuajes, which never seem to have any issues. The flavor was very pleasant, but straightforward. Not necessarily a bad thing, but at this price point I would expect some more complexity. While the taste may not have been complex, I found it enjoyable. Overall, a very good smoking experience! Pictures: (They're Thumbnails)