New Don Pepin Blends

[Hank Koestner]

I enjoyed a new Cigar from 601, blended by Don Pepin, called the Cubao. I tried the torpedo, and it was excellent. This is a full bodied cigar, though, and not for the faint of heart. But the flavor is deep, rich and complex despite the strength. Also, There is a new blend from Aroma de Cuba called Edition Especial, which is also excellent. Not as strong, but great flavors.
Also, look for Tabacco Baez, and another blend called My Father, both from Don Pepin. I have not tried these 2 yet, but will soon, and let you know what I think. The Cubao needs a full flavored rum, I like Appleton 12 or 21, ED15 or 21, with it so far. The ED 12 was nice with the Aroma de Cuba, as was Pampero. cigar.gif

[tym2relax]

Hi Hank, good to hear about this. I'm a big fan of the green and blue so I have to try the Cubao.

[Alan]

I've had the pleasure of tasting a few Don Pepin cigars and find them very good cigars. I am a Cuban snob but these were enjoyable.

[Torpnubber]

Eddie Ortega is on a roll. I love the 601 Oscuro and the 601 Habano.
I sampled the Cubao and although a nice smoke, I don't think they stand up to the aforementioned blends.

I'm concerned about Pepin's ever increasing brand production. Most of it is coming from the TACUBA factory in Esteli. Obviously, the reason he cut ties with Ernesto Padilla is that he wanted to cash in on production with Robert Levin at Ashton/Holts, Pete Johnson at Tatuaje, his ever expanding brands, and to a lesser extent EO/601.

In addition to the brands Hank mentioned, there is also the Tatuaje Monster Series, El Triunfador, La Riqueza, and the expansion of Pepin's Vegas Cubanas brand.

I love the flavor of his blends, I just hope he doesn't stretch himself too thin

[Hank Koestner]

Good point. I wonder how he can keep up with all the blends he is blending.
The El Truinfador is delicious, and I always keep a few 601 reds in the humi.
The La Riqueza is also excellent. Tonight I tried the My Father blend from Pepin, and it is a departure from his usual style. Very creamy with hints of wood and lots of nuts. I would recommend this for all to try, just to compare it to his usual style. I liked it quite a bit. More subtle.