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Quick Smoke: San Cristobal Quintessence Belicoso

17 Feb 2018

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.”

Another line in the collaboration between Ashton and cigar master Don José “Pepín” Garcia, the Quintessence quickly announces its heritage with a nice pepper blast. That dials back after about an inch as a fruity sweetness comes forward. The two flavors shift dominance throughout the rest of the Belicoso (6.5 x 54), joined on occasion by wood and leather. The smooth Ecuadorian Habano wrapper covers Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos. As you’d expect from a Pepín-produced cigar, performance is excellent. There’s a lot to like about Quintessence—the Robusto was Cigar Journal’s 2016 cigar of the year—especially with a price tag under $10. (By the way, if you’re curious about the differences between belicosos, torpedos, and pyramids, check out this page from StogieGuys.com friend Doc Stogie.)

Verdict = Buy.

–George E

photo credit: Ashton

2 Responses to “Quick Smoke: San Cristobal Quintessence Belicoso”

  1. Stan Walker Sunday, February 18, 2018 at 12:46 am #

    I’ve yet to smoke the Quintessence, but I think I have a couple in my humidor. Really like the Revelation line a lot and they are one of my go to cigars. I’ll have to roll out the Quintessence and see how it smokes.
    Thanks for the quick smoke review.

  2. George E Sunday, February 18, 2018 at 11:28 am #

    Stan – When you get a chance to smoke one, let us know what you think.