"I think this may actually be a great cigar right in my profile if it wasn't for the construction issue I ran into making the final third harsh. The opening of sweet cedar and baking spice warmed up the blend wonderfully. The transition into a heavier dark chocolate and more black pepper was very enjoyable. Sadly the final third turning into a more harsh pepper and burnt coffee wasn't too good. I'd absolutely try this blend again though cause I feel like the final third would be wonderful if it just wasn't for the harshness due to the relights and draw problems." -Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
"I loved the flavor of this blend despite the few issues I ran into while smoking it.
The earthy graham cracker flavor with a hint of opening chocolate set the tone. Then the introduction of the cinnamon and baking spice put the flavor into a unique and delicious experience. I smoked it until I couldn't hold it and wished it had been a longer cigar.
I'm hoping a future trial of whatever this stick is would not have the opening draw and ending burn issues I ran into." -Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
"Shockingly to me, I loved this cigar. I'm not a huge box-pressed cigar fan and this one is so thin worried me but it smoked wonderfully and the mouthfeel was not as harsh as expected. The flavors were complex and kept me interested the entire time. Starting with a red pepper blast that then settles into a smoky cedar and leather flavor. Complex baking spice and some surprise floral notes make this cigar stand out. I will absolutely seek out more of this stick in the future." -Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
"For a cigar that looked odd from the get-go and had a highly unpleasant cold draw, it performed very well and acted overall like an “ordinary” cigar. Hooray! I liked the portfolio of flavors presented by this cigar throughout the smoking experience and, coupled with the excellent construction, I’d certainly smoke it again. " -Matt Cade (CadeTNCC)
"A very boxable cigar some hiccups but it is a handmade product and in my opinion worth a little coin to enjoy. I do wonder how they would age seems like a prime candidate for the experiment." -Ryan H. (Ryan H.)
"On one hand this cigar is a master class on how to roll a cigar but it falls short in providing a good smoking experience in my book. I feel like it would benefit from some rest time. I would love to revisit it after 30, 60, or 90 days to see if it could push out some of the sharper flavor profile. Only time will tell. " -Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)
"This was a rich earthy coffee cigar with side flavor notes or cabinet spice, cherry stone fruit, and nutty flavor. The cigar has a strong mouthfeel that coats the palate. Huge smoke bomb of a cigar producing a ton of smoke. Retrohale was at first super spicy red pepper and cinnamon and then calms down towards the end of the smoke." -Chad M. (Chad Tchad)
"Listen this will not be the most complex cigar you ever smoked. That being said it hit on a flavor profile and executed it well. Everything was balanced from start to finish. This makes me want to reach for another. To me, it feels like the perfect morning cigar. It will complement a cup of coffee well. Grab a few and give it a shot. Enjoy" -Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)
"This was an enjoyable cigar. The flavors were a nice mild to medium and never overpowering. The construction was very good and added to the overall smoking experience. " -Quinn (quinnpins269)
El Artista has announced a followup to their 2016 success Big Papi by David Ortiz: The Slugger Big Papi by David Ortiz. It will make its debut at the IPCPR trade show later this month.