Quick Smoke: Don Pepin Garcia Series JJ Maduro Selectos
26 Jun 2010
Each Saturday and Sunday we?ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”
When I reviewed the Series JJ Belicoso back in December 2008, I found it to be somewhat disappointing. I’ve kept a Selectos (5 x 50) in my humidor since then to determine how the blend would perform after 18 months of aging. Not much had changed. The full-bodied flavor of dry wood, leather, and black pepper remained – nice but lacking in balance – and the physical properties were still below average for a $7-8 cigar. While I don’t dislike this Nicaraguan puro, it just isn’t quite my cup of tea.
Verdict = Hold.
photo credit: Stogie Guys
Even thought Pepin is very well known these days, many of his cigars just don't do it for me at their prices. What is even more disappointing is that his son's recent releases of Reloba and the cigar with his name on it, Jaime Garcia, are both lacking in flavor.
I am now wondering if Jaime just doesn't have the palate that his dad has. My Father is a good cigar, but he was constantly checking with dad on how it was, so that was not really his own creation from a taste perspective.
Most of Pepins cigars aren't bad, but just not as interesting as others for their price, IMO.
I recommend the Serie JJ, but tastes differ. With respect to the comment though, I don't think you'll find many people saying the Jaime Garcia Reserva lacks flavor. Another good cigar.
Dave, I have tried a few of the Relobas (Sumatra Wrapper) and they were just terrible in taste to my palate. I thought someone was playing a joke and re-banded a known cruddy cigar on me…
As for the cigar with Jaime's name on it, I will admit that the two I tried were right when we got them. Maybe they needed time to settle down for their true character to show.
Just my 2 cents.
Mighty — haven't tried either of La Relobas, but just picked up a Habano. I'm not expecting greatness given the price, but I hope it's better than your experience with the Sumatra.
you have an add for the drew estates Liga Privada No. 9 on this blog post, but I can't find those things anywhere! any ideas?