Stogie Reviews: EO Cubao No. 4
3 Sep 2008
From Erik Espinoza and Eddie Ortega’s United Tobacco, the outfit that brought us the smash hit 601 Serie blends, comes a new highly anticipated cigar. Cubao, the Taino word for “where fertile land is abundant†or “a great place,†was recently introduced at this year’s IPCPR Trade Show in Las Vegas.
Like the older Green, Blue, and Red labels, Cubao has the advantage of the tried and true Pepin-blended, EstelÃ-made combination. The six vitolas are marketed as full-bodied with Ecuador Sumatra oscuro wrappers and Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos.
The robusto-sized 4 and 7/8 inch by 50 ring gauge No. 4 is oily, firm, and fragrant with an attractive band that blends into the wrapper and serves as a departure from the flashy bands of the 601s. Singles sell for about $6 and rustic boxes of 20 in the $130-150 price range.
After smoking over ten No. 4s between the two of us in the past several weeks, we’re convinced that cost is more than reasonable. We think you’ll agree from the moment you light up a Cubao, which predictably starts with a trademark blast of peppercorn that has become synonymous with Don Pepin Garica’s creations.
What we found most interesting about this blend is its unwavering balance. After the initial greeting of spice we found a variety of tastes including wheat, oak, and bread. While the profile is definitely medium to full, and while the flavor is consistent throughout, this balance keeps the smoke exciting and cool—never too spicy, too strong, or too harsh. Look for a slight increase of bitterness in the last two inches.
The mechanics of the stogie’s performance are also top-notch, probably superior to those of some cigars in the more expensive 601 blends (of which we are huge fans). We found even burns, moderate draws, and firm ashes across our array of samples.
All told, perhaps this is the best compliment we can give this new addition to United Tobacco’s lineup: This is the kind of cigar that makes you want to smoke one more right away, preferably another Cubao. So don’t hesitate putting the EO Cubao No. 4 on your “Must Try†list; we give it four and a half stogies out of five.
[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]
photo credit: Stogie Guys
Patrick Ashby
Co-Founder & Editor in Chief
Patrick Semmens
Co-Founder & Publisher
George Edmonson
Tampa Bureau Chief
I got a box of the No. 2's recently and smoked my way through them in no time. You're right, you can't put them down.
If all the back orders are any indication, there seems to be a lot of interest in these new cigars right now. That's why I thought I'd let you all know that StogieGuys.com is planning a review of the Cubao No. 6 (5.5 x 52) in the coming week or so. I look forward to reading George E's take on a different vitola in the blend.
Every EO cigars made by Don Pepin that I've had has been nothing short of fantastic. In my opinion they've been better than Don Pepin's own lines (Blue Black, JJ).
Are these sold here in the DC metro area?
You can go to the EO Brands Web site (http://www.unitedtobaccoinc.com/) and check the Retailer listing. If that doesn't get you anywhere, you can call EO in South Florida at 954-747-1113 to get details on the nearest B&M that carries Cubao.
This is my local shop which has a good rep with EO Brands and sells the Cubao online.
(You can delete the link if this is inappropriate)
http://thepartysource.com/cigars/cubaocigars
…ahh, I'll have to smoke a 601 green label when I get home and check them B&M here in Chattanooga later this week. I can't wait to try these.