Stogie Reviews: Cupido Criollo Corto
13 Mar 2008
Finding wonderfully blended and constructed cigars that won’t put a dent in your budget is a top priority for me. That’s why it gives me such pleasure to review the Cupido Criollo.
Like J.L. Salazar, Don Kiki (Brown and White), La Carolina, Cabinet Selection, and Cameroon, this is another fine, under-priced Cuban Crafters product from the fields of EstelÃ. It is made with a criollo wrapper and Cuban-seed habano long leaf binders and fillers.
The Corto vitola sports a unique perfecto shape with a slight box press, and measures four and ½ inches with a 56 ring gauge at its widest point. With a metallic, Valentine-inspired band, a near flawless wrapper, and a distinctive form, this is the kind of gorgeous cigar that makes you really appreciate the fine art of rolling tobacco.
Establishing an even light is as easy as touching a flame to the tiny foot. I am immediately greeted with rich coffee and wood flavors and a smooth, nicely rounded spice.
At its widest girth, the flavor is well-balanced and medium-bodied with a slightly bitter finish. It picks up down the narrow stretch, but never becomes harsh or hot. The smoke is cool, abundant, and floral.
The physical properties are also impressive. It is a great joy to watch the firm, finely layered ash build off the foot in the cigar’s unique shape – I only ashed once during the 45-minute smoke. The burn starts and remains fairly even to the nub, and it stays lit even when left neglected. The band removes easily and without incident.
These flavor and construction characteristics were completely consistent for the six Cortos I smoked for this review. Amazing, especially since they sell at the low price of $65 for an individually numbered box of 25 ($2.60 per stick). Only 9,000 boxes are manufactured each year.
I am convinced this is one of the best sub-$3 cigar experiences I’ve ever had. If you like criollo tobacco and don’t have a lot of time, this should be your new everyday smoke. I give the Cupido Criollo Corto four and ½ out of five stogies.
[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here. To purchase this cigar from a StogieGuys.com affiliate, click here.]
photo credit: Stogie Guys
Patrick Ashby
Co-Founder & Editor in Chief
Patrick Semmens
Co-Founder & Publisher
George Edmonson
Tampa Bureau Chief
I bought a box of the Kiki Brown Labels on your recommendation, and they were simply fantastic — exactly as you described. Sounds like I need to make a Cupido purchase…
I think the secret is out that great cigars can be had for under $5 apiece, and I hope the industry at large begins to take notice. I, too, bought a box of Don Kiki Brown Labels at your recommendation, and was not disappointed with my purchase. If the Cupido is anything like the DK Brown Label, it may have to be my next box buy.
It's getting harder and harder to justify spending $100+ on a box of premium cigars these days when such compelling, infinitely less expensive sticks are out there.
Also, it's worth mentioning that I've had nothing but positive experiences with the Cuban Crafters customer service department. They're polite, helpful, and proactive. (In my case, I'd ordered a box of DK Browns off their website and made a few typos in my shipping address; I got a call from Cuban Crafters about 20 minutes after placing my order, just to make sure my address was actually what they thought it was).
These are great people making great product. And no, I'm not on the Cuban Crafters payroll. 🙂
I learned today that the Cupido Criollo Corto earned a whopping 9.3 in the upcoming (Spring 2008) issue of Smoke Magazine.
I bought one of these Cupidos at a local "cigar lounge"- it was the cheapest stick in the place. Mine is about 7 X 50, and its still in my humidor… I've been curious, so I thought i'd see what others are saying. Jon N.- I'm glad to hear that the secret is out regarding cheap smokes. I spent 10 years working in a cigar store, and with a half-off discount I managed to never beco
me a cigar snob. Your message has been preached by me for many years… It never endeared me to my bosses but I place a high value on integrity.
I recently got a box of the Cupido Criollo Corto as a XMas gift from my wife. I have always used your reviews as a quality source of information when considering a cigar that I have never smoked before. The work you do here is truly appreciated. When I received the cigars I was very excited. Upon opening the box and looking at the date I was even more thrilled to see they were made on my birth date, this made the box collectible for personal reasons alone. The review written her was spot on except for one key point and that was the burn. For all of it's wonderful traits every single stick in the box needed constant attention. I kept my cutter and torch close at hand for each smoke. All of them tunneled and the wrapper never kept up with it's counterparts. I tried everything at my disposal from smoking them slower, faster, you name it I tried it. As I said, a wonderful cigar on all other points but I should not have had to work so hard to enjoy and this has left me reluctant for a second go round regardless. Thank You for all of your valued hard work.
Dave L.
I have to agree with Cuban Crafters service. Its is above many of the other online retailers. I have had nothing positive experiences.
You guys should try Flor de Oliva. Famous-smoke private blend.
Just got my bundle and smoked 2. I think they are great. $1.75 with box of 20.
I just ordered cupido criollo and will compare.
Purchased a box of these about 10 years ago. I smoked through them all and was surprised that I never heard more about the Cupido brand. A unique yet enjoyable flavor profile, which I always attributed, perhaps wrongly, to the criollo. Based on your review, I will have to pick up more more. Can anyone suggest an online outfit from which to buy these?