Since this is my first post on KOTF, some style notes are in order before I start. My reviews may seem familiar in style and form since I am a product of my environment and have been surfing the cigar blogs for a while. A big “thanks” to all in the cigar blogosphere that have helped shape my presentation style.
Taste in cigars is such a personal thing, I don’t try to rate anything. Just describe and recommend. Hope you find my posts informative, accurate and fun! Don’t be shy, let me know what you think (as if I thought you wouldn’t).
And now …
Cigar Stats
Brand Owner: El Rey de los Habanos, Inc.
Tabacalera: Tabacalera Cubana (TACUBA)
Model/Vitola: Don Pepín García Black Edition “Cuban Classic” 1979 (Robusto)
Size: 5.0 x 50
Wrapper: Nicaragua Corojo 99
Binder: Nicaragua Habana
Filler: Nicaragua Habana
Other sizes available
- 1950 6.0 x 52 (toro)
- 1973 6.0 x 60/48 (figurado)
- 1977 5.5 x 38 (petit lancero)
- 1970 5.0 x 54 (belicoso)
- 1952 4.25 x 40 (perla)
(Each size in the line is named after a year that has been a milestone for the García family)
Introduced late in 2006, the Don Pepín García Black Edition is the newest and most affordable blend in the amazing trio of cigars that make up the Don Pepín García line. The Black Edition is also referred to as the “Cuban Classic” for its striking resemblance to old time Cuban cigars. It is made in Pepín’s factory in Esteli, Nicaragua and like the Don Pepín García Blue label and the Don Pepín García Serie JJ, it is a Nicaraguan puro using Pepín’s famous Corojo 99 wrapper. The cigar is medium to full-bodied, carrying that now classic Pepín flavor. He always manages to get very different flavor profiles using all Nicaraguan tobacco. Each cigar he produces has its own unique characteristics that prove his blending genius. The Don Pepín García Cuban Classic shows once again that he doesn’t strive to produce just a good cigar – he always blends the best. José “Don Pepín” García is on fire producing some of the finest Cuban style cigars outside the island.
Bottom line up front …
If this is truly a “Cuban Classic” I can’t wait to have cubans available to me (without the threat of legal action). This cigar is smooth and creamy with a little bite and a nice crisp finish. Although not as complex as the Blue or White, the flavor is special and consistent from start to nub. Definitely holds a place in my regular rotation.
Pre-light
A smooth caramel-colored Corojo wrapper and a beautiful Cuban triple-cap common to JDPG stogies. Construction is solid with very nice draw. An almost sweet aroma from the wrap and a little barnyard from the foot. The band is nicely done and is removed very easily without effect on the cigar. I have used both punch and cutter and would suggest the punch on this one but be careful whichever you choose. The wrap on this guy is quite fragile.
The Smoking Experience
The foot toasted and lit easily. Overall the burn was good but somewhat inconsistent from one stick to another requiring a touch-up once in a while. Certainly not troublesome though. Draw was very good. The ash was light gray and held on well to about two inches each time. This cigar puts out allot of smoke.
Starts with the typical JDPG bang for about a half inch then softens to a creamy base flavor of toasted cedar and rich coffee with notes of bittersweet cocoa, nuts and black pepper. The aftertaste and aroma are sweet and pleasant. During the last third I always detect a little caramel on the nose.
Most I’ve read have this as a full-bodied cigar. I would call it medium to full-bodied. Definitely has a kick but not a barn burner. Great with a Guiness Stout or Patron tequila.
My take ….
I enjoy these smokes immensely and will always keep some in the humi. My only problem is I smoke em’ when I get em’ and haven’t been able to get any age on mine. Oh well!
MSRP comes in at $6.00 per stick. My local B&M has them for $5.85 a stick. Online they run $4.80 per stick if you buy a box ($95.95/20) and $5.60 if you get a 5ver. Medium price point but worth it in my book.
Like it … Very much
Buy it again … Absolutely
Recommend it … Yes
What others are saying about the Don Pepín García Black Edition “Cuban Classic” …..
26 December 2006 – Matt’s Cigar Journal
Don Pepín García Cuban Classic Robusto 5×50
20 April 2007 – Uncle Moneybag$ of Leafy Times
Don Pepín García Cuban Classic Robusto (5 x 50) (See, not everyone likes em’)
27 April 2007 – Michal of CigarPass
Don Pepín García Black “Cuban Classic” Perla 1952
Publications
29 June 2007
The Cohiba Club
The Many Faces of Don Pepín García
Wikipedia on Don Pepín García Cigar Brand
Wikipedia on José “Don Pepín” García
Just look at all these cigars José “Don Pepín” García has had a hand in …
(Listing from Clubstogie’s Glacierman)
Not a new brand, but a new vitola: the DPG Blue Label Firecracker
El Rey de los Habanos (Miami)
Don Pepín García Blue Label
Don Pepín Serie JJ
Cabaiguan
Tatuaje
Tatuaje Nuevitas
Padilla Miami 8/11
Padilla Signature 1932
Vegas Cubanas
El Rey los de Habanos
Nacionales W (Cigar King / Phatash)
Sancti Spiritus (Cigar King / Phatash)
Havana Soul (Cigar King / Phatash)
Hirsh y García (Cigar King / Phatash)
Habana Leon (Cigar King / Phatash)
Cuban Diplomat (Cigar King / Phatash)
Cuban Diplomat Corojo Rosado(Cigar King / Phatash)
Top Shelf Signature Select (topshelfcigar.com)
Trahan – (Cigar Merchant, Georgia)
Rey Miguel – (Black Cat Cigar Company)
Sam’s GS Stash – (Black Cat Cigar Company)
Tabacalera Cubana (Pepín’s Nicaraguan factory)
Don Pepín García Black Label
EO Brands 601
Tatuaje Havana VI
Tatuaje Series P
Old Henry (Holt’s)
Padilla Edicion Especial Achilles (Cigars International)
Legends Pepín García – Yellow Label (Cigars International)
Troya Clasico
Cigar.com Corojo Label
Exclusivo Verocu
Holt’s Connoisseur Selection
Fumadores
Ashton San Cristobal
5 Vegas Miami (yes this is made in Nicaragua)
Tabacalera Tropical (Nicaragua)
It is believed Pepín created these blends:
JFR
Condega
Nicarao
Rio Tabac Alpha Series R – (Rocky’s Cigars)
Nicaragauan Heirloom (now discontinued)
Aganorsa
… lucky7
“It has always been my rule never to smoke when asleep,
and never to refrain when awake.” (Mark Twain)
Cigarfan.net 
So the kid steps up to the plate for the first time, and he hits one out of the park! Great review. Makes me want to fire up a Pepin right now… guess I better wait till after dinner though.
Cheers!
It’s special feeling to put a review out there. Thanks for the opportunity!
Smoked my first today. Wow! Great flavor, burn was perfect, never got throughout the 45min. it took to smoke. This is the best cigar I have smoked in a while. BTW I let mine sit for over 1 year in my humidor. If I knew it was going to be this good it never would have made it that long.
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