Quick Smoke: Don Pepin Garcia Cuban Classic Robusto
20 Sep 2008
Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief take on a single cigar.
This corojo, in my humble opinion, does not rank as one of Pepin’s great creations. I enjoy the Robusto’s (5 x 50) taste, noting how it transitions from dry spice to cream to warm tobacco, but would appreciate more balance and less bitterness. The meandering burn also leaves something to be desired. For $6, I am neither regretful nor thrilled—I am, however, willing to trade my remaining stash of Cuban Classics for Blue Labels instead.
Verdict = Hold.
photo credit: Stogie Guys
Patrick Ashby
Co-Founder & Editor in Chief
Patrick Semmens
Co-Founder & Publisher
George Edmonson
Tampa Bureau Chief
The Cuban Classic used to be one of my favorite DPC blends, but in the past year or so I've found it to be extremely inconsistent. I've smoke some phenomenal Cuban Classics in the robusto size, and then I've smoked some spotty-at-best Cuban Classics. Either way, the blend still holds a special place in my heart. I just wish it could focus a bit more on quality control.
DPG, rather.
I gotta agree with the notion of trading in the Cuban Classic for Blue Label…or even a JJ Maduro! Garcia has made some wonderful cigars–and some not-so-great cigars. I would specifically point to Tatuaje Brown (great!) versus Red (good) versus White (forgettable). There are times I wonder what all the fuss is about.