Quick Smoke: El Triunfador No. 2 Robusto

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.”

I really enjoy the Lonsdale in this blend, which I reviewed back in March 2011. But I continue to find the Robusto (5 x 48) to be less than spectacular. For some reason, this vitola in the Habano Ecuadorian-wrapped line doesn’t have the sweetness or the balance of the Lonsdale, leaving the main profile of dark coffee, pepper, and leather to be too singular and sometimes bitter. I have all the respect in the world for Pete Johnson and Tatuaje, but I don’t consider this El Triunfador to be worth the $7 it retails for.

Verdict = Sell.

–Patrick A

photo credit: N/A