Espinosa Las 6 Provincias ZDT (Pre-Release) – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

This year at the annual PCA trade show, in preparation for fall, Espinosa Premium Cigars introduced the fifth addition to its Las 6 Provincias line, the ZDT, a tribute to Pinar del Río in western Cuba, renowned for its premium cigar tobacco. The blend for ZDT, short for Zona de Tabaco, features a Nicaraguan corojo wrapper, and Nicaraguan binder and fillers. It comes in just one size, a 6 1/2 x 48 short Churchill vitola. Like the rest of the line, it is produced at the San Lotano Factory in Ocotal, Nicaragua. Note: the line was originally supposed to be called the PDR (which is reflected in the pictures), for Pinar del Rio, but was later changed to ZDT because of trademark issues with the PDR Cigar Company.

In line with Las 6 Provincias‘ unconventional packaging, the ZDT cigars are presented in a ceramic jar adorned with artwork by Eden Gutierrez, depicting the cigar-making process. The Las 6 Provincias line, which started all the way back in 2018, pays homage to the original six provinces of Cuba through art and cigars. La Habana, Matanzas, Las Villas, and Camagüey have already been honored, setting the stage for one more province, Oriente, the sixth installment.

The Las 6 Provincias ZDT is priced at $18.00 MSRP per cigar or $360 for the 20-count ceramic jar. Production numbers for this version are undisclosed.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Toro
Length: 6 1/2″
Ring Gauge: 48
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: San Lotano AJ Fernandez
Blender: Erik Espinosa, Hector Alfonso Sr.
Number of reviewers: 5 – John A. (Bostoneo) Mickey T. (irratebass) Alan (Eulogy) Quinn (quinnpins269) Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
Price: $18.00
Age: 5 Months
Release Date: November 2023
Contributed by: Espinosa Cigars

Initial Impressions – Espinosa Las 6 Provincias ZDT (Pre-Release)

Appearance: 94

“I like the box-pressed shape and that it has a very large cap. The seams are almost invisible with a soft chocolate brown wrapper.” –Alan (Eulogy)

Aroma: 93

“The main aroma on the cigar at the wrapper is heavy compost with a really nice barnyard smell. At the foot the cigar is sweet and dessert-like with caramelized sugar notes.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

First Third

Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“The flavors are interesting but they’re not very cohesive. Notes of citrus, leather, baking spice, dry tobacco, and mild pepper are all nice but muddled. The draw is a little tight but isn’t killing the experience.” –Alan (Eulogy)

“Salt, spicy chocolate cake on the cold draw very interesting. This is a spicy cigar. It’s like eating a spice cake type of spice. It’s also very salty. The spice really stays with me…it lingers on. There are also some cream and ground coffee notes. It’s very good so far. The strength is definitely a medium-strong. The creaminess really helps balance it from being a full on full strength cigar so far.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

Second Third

Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“In the middle portions, I’ve really not seen much of a change. Still getting some of the light pepper and dark earthy compost notes on my palate. The smoke, however, has changed in texture and I’m picking up a very nice oily sensation which keeps it on my palate longer and allows me to enjoy those flavors longer. Through the nose the smoke is still slightly peppery and just about perfect for me.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

“The floral notes during the first have completely faded away, as did most of the baking spice sweetness. The ash has become very flakey and is not holding on for long. The profile has shifted more to an earthiness with a side of graphite/mineral to it.” –Quinn (quinnpins269)

Final Third

Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“Smoking into the final third, a bump in body & strength occurs while oak and vanilla flavors begin to become more prominent. Moving further in, flavors become richer with a syrupy sweet finish. The final bit sees a small transition into dark chocolate and malt notes with baking spices on the finish, simply a delicious end.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

“Into the final portion, the creaminess has faded entirely along with the sweetness I was getting initially. Now I have much more of a lightly charred wood with some black pepper. Through the nose, the pepper has increased sharply yet it is still very tolerable, and enjoyable.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Overall Impressions – Espinosa Las 6 Provincias ZDT (Pre-Release)

Draw: 93

“This cigar had an almost perfect draw from the initial puff. Absolutely no complaints from me as I’m getting tons of smoke and the cigar has required no relights or other special attention.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Burn: 93

“Great burn, I believe there was only one touchup required.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

Construction: 94

“Looks great and I liked the box-pressed shape. The body was firm to the touch, the seams were perfect, and the cap was huge and well applied.” –Alan (Eulogy)

Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Experience Overall: 91

“Overall, this was a solid performing stick in terms of construction and complexity. Perfection in the draw, burn, and construction categories made this stick a dream to smoke on the technical aspect. Wonderful medium-bodied flavors ranging from leather, cream, and Brazil nuts to malty chocolate notes kept me on my toes with each puff. I would smoke this cigar again, over and over when I want to feel fancy as this sample just made me feel relaxed. Grab this one and smoke it!” –John A. (Bostoneo)

“Overall this was a very good cigar. There was just enough spice cake spice as well as coffee and cream to keep my interest. There was even a moment when my lips were tingling, but that sensation didn’t wear out its welcome. I enjoyed this beautiful box pressed cigar that I would definitely grab a fiver.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

“The profile wasn’t quite in my wheelhouse but I can see how some people would love it. It looks great with its box-pressed shaped and perfect wrapper but I wish the draw was better. I would smoke it again but I’m not sure I would go out of my way to get another.” –Alan (Eulogy)

“Coming out of the gate I really dug this cigar. The profile started out very nice. The baking spices mixed with the floral notes gave for an interesting experience. I wish they would have continued farther into the cigar. Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable smoke. Bonus points for me were the Lonsdale vitola. It is one of my preferred sizes of cigars. ” –Quinn (quinnpins269)

“This is a very pleasant cigar to smoke. The flavors initially were really nice sweetness with some deep layers as well as a little bit of pepper. As it progressed it grew gradually stronger, yet still was firmly in the medium to slightly above, medium in strength and body. I would highly recommend to anyone who likes a flavorful and slightly stronger cigar.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 76

To view the complete scores and notes, click here

Espinosa Las 6 Provincias ZDT (Pre-Release) – Blind Cigar Review