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.

Cupido Criollo Corto 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 Estelí. 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.