Don Pepin Garcia Black Label - Cuban Classic Robusto

J

JGIORD

Gorilla
Cuban Classic Robusto
5 x 50
Price - $5.60

Another attractive cigar from Don Pepin. The wrapper is darker and smoother than the Blue label, but proves to be a bit fragile. It has a dull sheen to it with a well applied triple cap. Bunching is typically uniform and solid. The band is similar to the Blue label, but only in black followed by a second ring with Cuban Classic written on it.

Prelight draw is a bit too easy, but the initial light provided a voluminous amount of smoke. This cigar is earthier than the Blue Label, without the peppery kick, but it does has a spicy finish. Immediately you can tell that this cigar is no where near as complex as the Blue label. Its more straight forward “in your face” with an earthy tobacco and spice flavor. The aroma is spicy and a bit stingy.

The finish is an earthy woody flavor with a definite spicy kick, but not overbearing and not too strong.

Past the first third and the cigar remained very consistent, without complexity. The flavor is enjoyable, not VSG like, but earthy and spicy but feeling like it packs more meat to it. There is just a whisper of sweetness on the tail end of the finish. The burn is straight and the cigar produced a solid medium gray ash.

Smoke volume is excellent even with a slightly loose draw. I can’t help but feel that this isn’t in the same league as the Blue or White label in terms of complexity of flavors. I’m reminded of the Padilla Habano, but on steriods. Definitely a superior cigar to the Padilla but similar profile....stronger and more pronounced. The aroma is straight forward and doesn’t offer the bouquet of changing scents you get with the other Pepin smokes.

Entering the last third, I needed to give it a touch up to even out the burn, no biggie but seems like a consistent trademark for Pepins. The flavor has remained consistent throughout. Into the last third, I started getting some cedar notes. This is a solid full bodied, med-full strength cigar. Enjoyable, but not as complex as the Blue or White label.

If you like Don Pepins, which I do, I would find this cigar to be a nice change of pace to a steady diet of Blue and White labels. Not my go to stick but by no means a slouch.
 
Thanks for the review! The one I've had was spicy and delicious all the way through. I actually liked it just a bit more than the blue label. But neither compare to the White label I had last night.....it was silky sex!
 
There are many reviews of these popping up nowadays, keep em coming, they are a fine smoke and it is always interesting to me to see other's evaluations of them.
I also like the Padilla signature 1932 series. I see similarities in construction and somewhat in taste to the Black Label; both very fine cigars.
 
I think you nailed it. Due to the naming and the fact that DPG knows his stuff I anticipated this cigar being a more flavorful cigar. But it was more reminiscent of a Padilla Habano than a say.... Habana Leon. Nice review... thanks.

I still really enjoyed it as well.... I'm thinking about trying to do a few DPG box splits. I definitely need to augment my collection with some more of his sticks for the long term.
 
Have tried a few Pepin Black labels and am slightly disappointed. Not as good as Padilla Miamis. Taste less complex. At the moment I like the White, then Blue, and lastly Black label. In fact the Black label is not as good as say a JDN Antano.
 
dunng said:
Thanks for the review on my favorite stick! :ss
Click to expand...

:tpd:

My fav stick....for now. As they always seem to change.

Got a box of the belicosos at CBid......I like this size even more than the robusto, but both hit the spot for me. The larger ring belicosos seem to tone down the strength a bit so that it has a bit more mellow, rounder taste IMO. I too prefer them over the blues. Whatever, blues or blacks, they are both yummy.
 
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