Don Pepin Series JJ

[Anthony]

Today I learned the difference between a good cigar and a *great* cigar while smoking the Don Pepin Series JJ Belicoso. This was my chosen 4th of July smoke, and my first Pepin.

I wanted to smoke something special, and I figured this was a fitting smoke, especially with the patriotic band:

Prelight:
Great construction, almost no veins in the smooth, silky, light brown wrapper. The thing I immediately noticed was the WEIGHT of this cigar in my hand.
The draw was firm, but not too tight, and tasted of cedar and spice (cinnamon? nutmeg?).

The smoke:
Lit very easily. Initial flavor was a bit peppery/spicy, but mellowed out quickly to a light woody flavor with a mild cedar aroma.
The flavor was very consistent throughout the first half of the cigar, and as it entered the second half started to have a more nutty flavor like toasted almonds, and a bit of leathery aroma along with the cedar.

As I got down toward the last inch or so, it started to get a bit spicy again, but it was also burning hot. The wrapper also began to split... didn't matter as I was basically down to a nub anyway.


Wow, what a great cigar! This was full-bodied and flavorful, yet very mellow and 'creamy.' Definitely a very smooth smoke.

I will definitely be looking for more of these for the humidor!

 

[Anthony]

For those of you that are familiar with this cigar, I'd like to know if I'm on target with this review or need to refine my tastes better, as I'm still new to tasting/reviewing cigars. Thanks!

 

[theorangeman]

For those of you that are familiar with this cigar, I'd like to know if I'm on target with this review or need to refine my tastes better, as I'm still new to tasting/reviewing cigars. Thanks!

Very nice review and glad you enjoyed your smoke. My experience with JJ's is similar to what you described, particularly about what you stated...

"Lit very easily. Initial flavor was a bit peppery/spicy, but mellowed out quickly to a light woody flavor with a mild cedar aroma"

That's one of the reasons why I tend to choose other Pepins before this one. I wish that initial bold flavor continued longer but as you mentioned, it mellows out pretty quickly.

 

[theorangeman]

For those of you that are familiar with this cigar, I'd like to know if I'm on target with this review or need to refine my tastes better, as I'm still new to tasting/reviewing cigars. Thanks!

Very nice review and glad you enjoyed your smoke. My experience with JJ's is similar to what you described, particularly about what you stated...

"Lit very easily. Initial flavor was a bit peppery/spicy, but mellowed out quickly to a light woody flavor with a mild cedar aroma"

That's one of the reasons why I tend to choose other Pepins before this one. I wish that initial bold flavor continued longer but as you mentioned, it mellows out pretty quickly.

 

[tsmckenney]

I smoked the same cigar yesterday. I agree with your review, although I've never had a Tat or Pepin with a tight draw, but that can happen to any stick. The JJ is a great smoke. Thanks for doing it justice with this review.

 

[Keystone_Raider]

Good cigar. Great review!

 

[jfields]

For those of you that are familiar with this cigar, I'd like to know if I'm on target with this review or need to refine my tastes better, as I'm still new to tasting/reviewing cigars. Thanks!

Nice review Anthony!

I have never had the Belicoso, but I have had the Salamone and my experience was the same, mild and cedar notes. With the hints of nuts.

 

[Rob_k]

one of my favs! nice review.

 

[MiamiCubano]

Good review and fairly spot on, though keep in mind that reviews are subjective, so everyone will have a slightly different take on the same stick. That said, yours is in line with what I have experienced with this stick, though I've never had one with a draw that was anything other than smooth.

You should try the Blue Labels now. A bit of a step up flavor wise, but not by too terribly much. But enought that it makes the Blues my Pepin stick of choice.

 

[BlindedByScience]

....You should try the Blue Labels now. A bit of a step up flavor wise, but not by too terribly much. But enought that it makes the Blues my Pepin stick of choice.

I couldn't agree more. Now that you've had the JJ I agree with MC that you should really dig a blue label. One of my current fave "go to" sticks...... :thumbs:

Regards - B.B.S.

 

[StogieFarts]

I smoked my first Blue Label yesterday in honor of the 4th, and it was pretty tasty. The wrapper started to split the more I got down to the final 1/3 of the cigar, but that could be due to the high humidity and temperatures outside when I was smoking it. I do recommend that you try one if you get a chance. I now need to try the JJ Series to see how that stacks up.

 

[Smoking Mex]

Quickly becoming one of my favorite smokes.

 

[Anthony]

Thanks for all the feedback guys! I really appreciate all the comments. Now I just have to save up some $$ and buy some more Pepins.