"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.)
"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.)
(Tamboril, DR) - Today Tabacalera El Artista released details about a limited edition ‘Big Papi by David Ortiz’ humidor. Each is adorned with David Ortiz’s autograph and filled with Big Papi by David Ortiz cigars, part of the remaining original production run from 2013. “We wanted to memorialize the first batch of cigars David blended,” says Radhames Rodriguez, President of El Artista Cigars, “so we built eight exquisite 100-count humidors to house the remaining 800 cigars”.
(Tamboril, Dominican Republic) - Today the President of El Artista Cigars, Radhames “Ram” Rodriguez announced the first boxes of Big Papi by David Ortiz began shipping this week from Doral, FL. The much anticipated cigar line makes its way onto hundreds of retail shelves this week, fulfilling IPCPR 2016 pre-orders. The first boxes shipped Monday morning, and El Artista expects thousands of boxes to reach retailers by Friday. Mr. Rodriguez stated, “The response from retailers and consumers has been overwhelming. We get calls every day.”
"This cigar surprised me since there weren't any real aromas coming off of it before setting it ablaze. The cigar gave me plenty of cream, nuts, coffee, and chocolate. The big surprise/winner here was the crackerjack flavors I got on the finish.....it's subtle but it's there. The second half of this cigar opened up with a bit more earth and dirt flavors, but it never got harsh or hindered the cigar in any way. I am very curious to see what this is. I would definitely pick up a fiver and retry it again before committing to a full box purchase. Give it a go, and see if you get the crackerjack too." -Mickey T. (irratebass)
July 13, 2015 (Hoboken, NJ) – The Master Blends Cigar Company with Tabacalera El Artista will showcase their highly anticipated boutique brand, Manolo Estate Hand Rolled Cigars, at the 83rd Annual IPCPR Convention & International Trade Show in New Orleans, Louisiana from July 17 -21 in booth #15229.
"This cigar was a very enjoyable smoke on a Tuesday night. The aromas and flavor profile were quite enjoyable and pleasant to the palate. The lack of spice or pepper up front was unconventional due to the color and makeup of the cigar, however, it led to a surprising smoke and "on the edge of your seat" experience waiting for what was next to come. The cigar never truly changed complexity and stayed the same throughout, but again, the flavor profile was enjoyable so it did not hinder the overall outcome. I would suggest at least giving this cigar a chance and seeing if it fits your style. For me, I like a stronger maduro with a lot of pepper forward, but this is a nice change of pace to clean out the palate and enjoy some sweet, citrus flavors and aromas." -Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
"This cigar hit all of my sweet spots in terms of flavor. Peppery, leathery, with hints of scotch whiskey toward the end. I'd happily invest in a few more of these to see if I could get some with a more consistent draw. I bet this would be a tremendous smoke if that issue was ameliorated. " -John I. (John I.)
"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)
El Artista has announced the third blend in the Buffalo TEN series, Buffalo TEN Connecticut. The original Buffalo TEN was...