Stogie Reviews: EO Cubao Maduro No. 5
5 Oct 2009
I have to admit I was a little disappointed when I smoked my first cigar from the new Cubao Maduro blend. Though I knew not to expect the spice of its natural sibling, I was unprepared for the difference the wrapper would make.
The Ecuadorian broadleaf maduro wrapper truly transforms the taste of the Nicaraguan binder and filler. My initial impression was that the Cubao Maduro was a little too bitter, too rough, and lacked the notes I typically associate with maduros.
Now, however, after quite a few more No. 5s (6.125 x 50), I’ve come to enjoy the cigar for what it is—not what it isn’t. And what it is, first and foremost, is its own cigar. Despite sharing names and innards with the original Cubao, they taste like completely different blends.
This Erik Espinosa, Eddie Ortega, and Don Pepin Garcia creation from EO Brands is a meaty, leathery, heavy-duty smoke not to be taken lightly. It requires attention, not only to appreciate its taste and aroma, but also for its practicalities as well.
The dark, thick wrapper, for example, can create a challenge keeping the cigar lit and burning evenly. Let it begin to burn down one side and you’ll experience a different cigar without the wrapper fully engaged. Yet the Cubao Maduro is also easy to overheat if you draw too frequently.
Rolled out at this summer’s IPCPR Trade Show, these cigars are not as widely available as the original Cubao blend or EO’s popular 601 line. I bought a box at an event in a local shop. The per-stick price appears to be around $6-8.
All in all, I have to say I prefer the original Cubao. I gave the No. 6 four and a half stogies when I reviewed it over a year ago. For me, this new blend isn’t quite at that level, so the EO Cubao Maduro No. 5 earns four stogies out of five.
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photo credit: Stogie Guys
I haven’t yet tried onr. It looks from those rich heavy cigars that after dinner!!
Thank you George
A fuller bodied version of the natural? Wow, I’ll need to eat a big meal before thrying this.
Yes, I'd say it is an after-dinner smoke.