Blind Cigar Review: George Rico | S.T.K. Miami Zulu Zulu Mas Paz Edition Connecticut

Cigar Info

Gran Habano Cigars announced the official release of its long-awaited latest edition of a very popular cigar to join the S.T.K. lines manufactured in Miami at G.R. Tabacaleras Co. in April last year.
The new Mas Paz Edition of the Zulu Zulu is being made in our own factory in Little Havana, operated by George Rico. George is collaborating with the artist, “Mas Paz”, to design the new packaging for this project, with a percentage of the sales of this new project going towards a non-profit organization that will fund renovations for La Casa de la Madre y el Niño, an orphanage in Bogotá, Colombia.

Federico Frum, the Colombian-born street artist that goes by the name, “Mas Paz”, was himself adopted from La Casa de la Madre y el Niño when he was only a year old. He grew up in Arlington, Virginia and received his formal training in art at George Mason University. After designing for several large companies in New York City, he decided to embark on a six-month journey throughout South America that forever changed his path. Frum now travels the world using his art to inspire and transform neighborhoods in the U.S. and developing world. He is a strong advocate for youth, working with kids in local schools and community centers to teach art and raise funds to promote art education. Frum’s highly recognizable “Mas Paz” murals can be found worldwide, always themed with a positive universal message. You can find out more about Mas Paz at maspaz.co.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Corona Gorda
Length: 5.6″
Ring Gauge: 46
Country of Origin: U.S.A.
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Nicaraguan Habano
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: G.R. Tabacaleras Co.
Blender: George A. Rico
Number of reviewers: 4 – Gregg (McGreggor57) Stefan (Stefan) Craig (WyldKnyght) Matt C. (Big Matt)
Price: $8.75
Age: 1 Year
Release Date: May 2015
Contributed by: Gran Habano Cigars

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 89

“A light velvety wrapper with nice pigtail covers a blemish free cigar.” -Gregg (McGreggor57)

Aroma: 88

“Prelight the aroma off the cigar and foot itself presents a very inviting vanilla, hay and fermented tobacco. Post light is a sugary tobacco smoke that fills by backyard.” –Matt C. (Big Matt)

First Third

Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“The anticipated blast of pepper did not disappoint and remains present in some form for the entire third. A nice mix of grasses and cedar eventually develop providing a respite from the spice.” -Gregg (McGreggor57)

“Vanilla, citrus, grass and multiple wood undertones excite the palate immediately. The retro is sugary cream with no harshness. The strength is easily a mild-medium with a ton of complexity. The finish is very clean as no particular notes stick to my palate, which is really nice for where this profile is going. Cream and nuts on the exhale enter the mix and the vanilla, citrus and grass- take the back seat.” –Matt C. (Big Matt)

Second Third

Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Regardless of cadence, this cigar seems to burn quickly. Near the midpoint the pepper fades into the background. While the predominate flavors are hay and grass there are occasional notes of chocolate, coffee and light toast. Just enough to create a bit more dimension.” -Gregg (McGreggor57)

“A significantly better showing during the second third, with more focus as flavors of hickory smoke join the earlier dry wood and nutty hints, followed by a touch of cream and by mild anise flavors. Medium-strong now, while still light-to-medium-bodied.” -Stefan (Stefan)

Final Third

Flavor: 88
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“The final third introduces harshness, underneath which there are new charcoal-like notes. The profile has certainly turned darker, with cocoa bean flavors overtaking the vanilla oak. Close to the nub there is a faint herbal component similar to thyme. Had the smoke been smoother this could have been an interesting finale, but since it’s not I decide to put the stogie out before it reaches the nub.” -Stefan (Stefan)

“The one thing I can say, was this stick was consistent in flavor, a dry leafy flavor with lots of pepper, same as the first two 3rds” -Craig (WyldKnyght)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 90

“No really issues with the draw, if anything a little to loose.” -Craig (WyldKnyght)

Burn: 93

“The burn was excellent from start to finish.” –Matt C. (Big Matt)

Construction: 88

“Despite a seemingly thin wrapper there was not lifting or unraveling One of the better constructed cigars I’ve smoked in a while.” -Gregg (McGreggor57)

Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Overall Experience: 89

“The draw, burn and construction were outstanding for this beautiful looking cigar. The flavors, while not in my wheelhouse, were solid and well balanced for the first two thirds. The returning cedar and spice near the end came close to becoming harsh. This cigar might benefit from additional rest. Give me another one, however, and I will gladly smoke it.” -Gregg (McGreggor57)

“The harshness of the last third was a deal breaker for me, though the weak first third also didn’t help.” -Stefan (Stefan)

“Overall this was a good smoke, not something I would chase down, but would smoke again if I had it.” -Craig (WyldKnyght)

“Overall, I do not have any complaints about this cigar. It had a mild-medium profile throughout the experience so I would definitely recommend smoking this as a first cigar of the day. This cigar would do very well in the European market and if it isn’t already available to our friends across the ocean, I would suggest the manufacturer of this blend to do so. If the price is right, I will be grabbing 10 of these for my personal stash.” –Matt C. (Big Matt)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 73

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Blind Cigar Review: George Rico | S.T.K. Miami Zulu Zulu Mas Paz Edition Connecticut