Curivari introduced 9 new cigar lines at IPCPR 2017.
This cigar was reviewed blind (no bands) by a panel of at least 4 reviewers. They did not know what they were smoking beforehand. The scores are an average of all the reviewers' scores with outliers removed. All of our cigars reviewed are shipped to the panelists with Boveda packs to ensure optimal smoking experience.
The Epitome has Nicaraguan wrapper, binder and filler and comes in boxes of 10. The vitolas are: 546 (5 5/8 x 46) $11, 550 (5 x 50) $12, 650 (6 x 50) $13, 654 (6 1/4 x 54) $15, 748 (6 3/4 x 48) $12.50.
Vital Stats:
Vitola: Robusto
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 50
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Plasencia Cigars
Blender: Andreas Throuvalas
Number of reviewers: 5 – John A. (John A.) Mickey T. (irratebass) David F. (dfafjf) Steve (ThaGreatWazoo) Ryan H. (Ryan H.)
Price: $12.00
Age: 7 Months
Release Date: August 2017
Contributed by: Curivari Cigars
Initial Impressions
Appearance: 94
“Nice brown wrapper. Visible seams and slight stem line detected.” –David F. (dfafjf)
Aroma: 89
“On the nose are notes of nuts, light roast coffee and cream. From the cold draw are flavors of creamy sweetened orange zest.” –John A. (John A.)
First Third
Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“Cold draw has a nice open and i’m still getting that cherry, it’s more of a black cherry, plus some walnut and wheat. I can’t stop just cold drawing it. First few puffs after lighting it and I am getting that black cherry which coats my tongue, however the cigar is making my throat really dry, but gonna refuse to drink anything during this review. Ash fell off quite quickly, the cigar is medium full at best with some black pepper and wood.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
“Very full and spice heavy. Black pepper walnut and oak. Ash is very weak and falls within first inch. Kinda taste like a dark beer or something ferminted its a good sour flavor like dark beer or thick red wine.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)
“The second third continued on a good note. The profile was still sweet with a little spice. Cocoa and coffee were still in the lead. The smoke and aroma was delicate, but delightful and filled the air nicely. The ash was very white and flaky, but held on for a good amount of the smoke.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
“As I get into the second 1/3, the strength and body increases a bit more but still a bit mild overall. I like the increase of strength as there is a tiny bit of spice coming through but nothing overpowering. So far this cigar is leaving me wanting a lot more.” –David F. (dfafjf)
“Last third settles to more of a earth profile with still a little black pepper spice.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)
“In the final third the black cherry returns and mixes with the wood and pepper. Really interesting flavors.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
Overall Impressions
Draw: 93
“Great draw, no issues whatsoever.” –John A. (John A.)
Burn: 94
“On point with the burn with a little bit of waves.” –John A. (John A.)
Construction: 90
“The overall build and feel were nice. The wrapper had smooth lines and a clean looking cap. The look was of a well-made cigar and the overall feel was crisp and nice.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
“This one was a miss for me. The entirety of the smoke was full of bitter char, must, and saltiness was a complete set off for my palette. Definitely not a blend I would personally smoke again.” –John A. (John A.)
“This was a very good cigar with lots of interesting flavors to keep my attention. It was a medium to full in strength. Had lots of black cherry, wood, pepper/spice as well.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
“I enjoyed the cigar but can’t say I loved it. Very one dimensional, missing complexity, and too light for my taste. I did enjoy the bready notes found throughout the cigar but that was really the main flavor coming through and left me wanting something mixed in.” –David F. (dfafjf)
“I enjoyed this cigar during the early afternoon with a nice cold beer. It paired rather well. The notes coming in were very nice and filled the air with a smooth aroma. This cigar is worth the buy and a little rest will put this right in its wheelhouse. Enjoy these.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
“A box worthy stick in my opinion. Was very complex with some transitions, and good flavor” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)
Smoking Time (in minutes): 61
Reviewer
Apr
Aro
1/3
2/3
3/3
Draw
Burn
Const
Ovr
All
John A.
93
90
83
78
75
95
93
92
78
Mickey T.
97
88
90
90
90
92
95
90
90
David F.
95
92
92
92
92
95
95
95
92
Steve
88
90
90
90
88
90
85
88
90
Ryan H.
93
88
90
92
88
90
93
90
90
To view the complete scores and notes, click here.
"This was a very good cigar with lots of interesting flavors to keep my attention. It was a medium to full in strength. Had lots of black cherry, wood, pepper/spice as well." -Mickey T. (irratebass)
