Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief take on a single cigar.

At Famous Smoke Shop’s Cigar Expo, José and Jaime Pepin gave me this six inch by 49 ring gauge smoke, which they collaborated on to release at the 2008 IPCPR trade show. It features a deep, dark Ecuadorian habano rosado wrapper that practically oozes oils. Once lit, I find a well-balanced combination of rich earth, chocolate, and cedar, packaged in a medium- to full-bodied smoke. The construction is flawless, with an even burn that creates abundant, dense smoke. My Father leaves little wonder why it is the top tier of the Don Pepin Garcia-branded smokes; it is delicious and well worth the double digit price tag.

Verdict = Buy.

-Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys