CRQuarto
Brrraaaiiinnnsss.....
- Joined
- Jan 29, 2009
- Messages
- 1,850
El Triunfador
Size: 7 1/2 x 38 rg Lancero
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Strength: Mild - Medium
Today I got my wish to finally try the El Triunfador by Pete Johnson, rolled by Pepin Garcia in Miami. I had let these rest for about a week in the humidor, but I couldn't wait any longer so my herfing buddy Shant and I grabbed some Coca Cola, the sticks, our tools of destruction and headed outside. I had heard that these were referred to as "The Ghost Stick", but on googling it I couldn't seem to locate any such reference, nor could I see why it would be called that. I will say though, that on the customary inspection I was predictably impressed with the construction and appearance of the cigar. As was stated in my review of the Tatuaje Especiales, I have come to expect a certain level of perfection from the hands of Pepin Garcia, and this cigar delivers. The Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper is toothy, almost sandpaper rough, glistening with oils and finished flawlessly with a triple seam pigtail cap. The foot was well bunched, and on punching the head I found a perfect draw that revealed a musty tobacco flavor accentuated by the strange taste of...tea leaves? That is a first!
I decided to forgo the lighter today for a much simpler approach of lighting with a match, and despite the slight breeze that was blowing within seconds the cigar was putting out billowing clouds of aromatic, sweet smelling smoke. I immediately was surprised by the straightforward taste of black tea, coupled with sweet tobacco and what I could have sworn was honeysuckle. I have never tasted either tea or honeysuckle in a cigar before, at least that I can remember, and that I could pick up both of these flavors so effortlessly was truly a delightful experience. The finish was rich with the taste of leather, and lasted long on the palate, again a delightful experience. At this point Shant was asking me how much a box of these was, and I agreed that it was in our best interest to secure a good supply of what was obviously a new favorite. This cigar was absolutely wonderful!
As the cigar progressed into the second third the flavors were becoming even more profound, while a butterscotch tone was beginning to make itself known. The medium gray ash was being revealed by a nice sharp burn, and held strong until let go every inch or so. The draw was performing perfectly, producing a large volume of smoke that I could not help but take small whiffs of. I was amazed at the fact that the taste and the smoke let out of the nose was very light on the peppery notes that I associate with anything rolled by Pepin. I honestly can say that this cigar was perfect in flavor profile, and that the mild strength was actually perfect for it as well.
Once I reached the final third, the strength had progressed into a light medium, and the flavors showed no intention of wavering. Absolutely zero bitterness or harshness were present all the way to the nub, and the cigar burned cool as a cucumber. I can say with certainty that this cigar has become a new favorite, and if you haven't tried one, you need to. I can only hope that when Pete finally releases the new El Triunfador line that it is as good, despite that he has said the blend for each of the sizes will be completely different. I pray that he keeps releasing these so I can keep them a staple in the humidor. Thank you Pepin for rolling a killer cigar as usual, and likewise to Pete for brainstorming something delicious! :love:
Size: 7 1/2 x 38 rg Lancero
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Strength: Mild - Medium
Today I got my wish to finally try the El Triunfador by Pete Johnson, rolled by Pepin Garcia in Miami. I had let these rest for about a week in the humidor, but I couldn't wait any longer so my herfing buddy Shant and I grabbed some Coca Cola, the sticks, our tools of destruction and headed outside. I had heard that these were referred to as "The Ghost Stick", but on googling it I couldn't seem to locate any such reference, nor could I see why it would be called that. I will say though, that on the customary inspection I was predictably impressed with the construction and appearance of the cigar. As was stated in my review of the Tatuaje Especiales, I have come to expect a certain level of perfection from the hands of Pepin Garcia, and this cigar delivers. The Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper is toothy, almost sandpaper rough, glistening with oils and finished flawlessly with a triple seam pigtail cap. The foot was well bunched, and on punching the head I found a perfect draw that revealed a musty tobacco flavor accentuated by the strange taste of...tea leaves? That is a first!
I decided to forgo the lighter today for a much simpler approach of lighting with a match, and despite the slight breeze that was blowing within seconds the cigar was putting out billowing clouds of aromatic, sweet smelling smoke. I immediately was surprised by the straightforward taste of black tea, coupled with sweet tobacco and what I could have sworn was honeysuckle. I have never tasted either tea or honeysuckle in a cigar before, at least that I can remember, and that I could pick up both of these flavors so effortlessly was truly a delightful experience. The finish was rich with the taste of leather, and lasted long on the palate, again a delightful experience. At this point Shant was asking me how much a box of these was, and I agreed that it was in our best interest to secure a good supply of what was obviously a new favorite. This cigar was absolutely wonderful! As the cigar progressed into the second third the flavors were becoming even more profound, while a butterscotch tone was beginning to make itself known. The medium gray ash was being revealed by a nice sharp burn, and held strong until let go every inch or so. The draw was performing perfectly, producing a large volume of smoke that I could not help but take small whiffs of. I was amazed at the fact that the taste and the smoke let out of the nose was very light on the peppery notes that I associate with anything rolled by Pepin. I honestly can say that this cigar was perfect in flavor profile, and that the mild strength was actually perfect for it as well.
Once I reached the final third, the strength had progressed into a light medium, and the flavors showed no intention of wavering. Absolutely zero bitterness or harshness were present all the way to the nub, and the cigar burned cool as a cucumber. I can say with certainty that this cigar has become a new favorite, and if you haven't tried one, you need to. I can only hope that when Pete finally releases the new El Triunfador line that it is as good, despite that he has said the blend for each of the sizes will be completely different. I pray that he keeps releasing these so I can keep them a staple in the humidor. Thank you Pepin for rolling a killer cigar as usual, and likewise to Pete for brainstorming something delicious! :love:
