CI Legends: Don Pepin Garcia

[MikeyC]

I decided to burn one of these sticks today because I had never had one before and they are featured on JoeCigar.com today. It's a great deal and if I liked it I had planned to bite on the JC deal. I originally bought this cigar from the devil site as a part of a "Pepin sampler" which I went after because when I joined CS I heard a lot about Pepin and decided to see what all the hype was about. The sampler has been resting in my humi for about 6 weeks or maybe a little longer. I already smoked both Pepin Blues from the sampler and enjoyed them immensely. On to the review . . .

Maker: Don Pepin
Filler: Habano, Nicauraguan
Wrapper: Nicarauguan Corojo
Size: 5.7" x 54RG

Pre-light: Like all Pepins I've seen this was a well constructed cigar. It had a nice firm feel with no soft spots. The wrapper is an earthy tan/brown color and is smooth like velvet. Veins were visible throughout the wrapper but they were small and did not largely protrude. I gave the cigar a snip with my Acid double guillotine and took a draw. There was a definite earthy flavor with a tobacco flavor. On a side note, I just traded away my Xikar and am already regretting it. The cut of the Acid DG was terrible. I'm waiting for the next Palio group buy though.

First third: The cigar lit right up. Immediately, there was plenty of velvety smoke. Near the end of the first 3rd, I did have to correct the burn as it was uneven. Intially, I tasted some strong cedar flavor and some light leather along with some spiciness. The spiciness began to build and after the first 1/4" all I could taste was spice and pepper.

Middle third: During the middle of the cigar, all I could taste was spice and pepper. Each puff was like taking a shot from a Tabasco bottle. It was so spicy I contemplated tossing the cigar. In the interest of doing a review though I soldiered on. Near the end of the middle 3rd, I again corrected the burn as one side was burning noticeably faster.

Final third: Throughout the last 3rd, I was correcting the burn quite a bit. The spiciness/pepper continued but every so often would fade a little and I would taste a little cedar. Towards the end of the last 3rd, the wrapper did unravel a touch but not enough that I would really knock the cigar for it.

Comments: I didn't really enjoy this cigar. I'm not a big fan of really spicy food or cigars. I do like spice, but I much prefer a more complex flavor. In this cigar, the flavor was absolutely dominated by the spice and I would rather see additional flavors come through to complement the spice. I would rate this cigar as medium bodied. There was no end to the plumes of smoke throughout and the draw was maybe a little on the easy side for my taste. A "V" cut might have solved that issue, but probably would have intensified the spicy flavor even more. If you like a lot of spiciness this is the cigar for you. If you're like me and would prefer a more complex cigar look elsewhere. It's a real shame for me because the Pepin name is so well thought of and my experience was that this is really a very boring cigar.

[massphatness]

Nice post. I just picked up a 5'er of Legends but haven't received them yet. Maybe we can compare notes at NERF 2008.:ss

[MikeyC]

Nice post. I just picked up a 5'er of Legends but haven't received them yet. Maybe we can compare notes at NERF 2008.:ss
Looking forward to it! :ss

[dantzig]

I haven't smoked any of these yet but it sounds like it might be very good cigar to let rest for a while. I recently had a DPG Black with a year on it that was smooth and creamy yet spicy in a more complex way that didn't just knock the teeth out of my head :ss

[bobarian]

I bought a box of these from the Devil a while back. But I had gifted all but 6 before I tried one. Not a bad smoke, milder than most Pepins, but still had the pepper and spice profile. I think your review was pretty accurate, it sounds like Pepin's may meet your current flavor profile. Maybe try the JJMaduro, its a bit sweeter than most Pepins. Stay away from the Old Henry's which are like Pepins on HGH!:ss

[DennisP]

I haven't found these too spice. Not my favorite Pepin though, especially since I prefer thinner RGs. My main complaint on the two I've smoked is they seem loose on the draw.

[Ratters]

Nice review. :tu I like a peppery and spicy cigar, but there do need to be some of those flavors there. I was gifted one by Bob but haven't tried it out yet. Maybe I'll let it rest awhile and see how it does in a couple months.

[Glacierman]

Thanks for your review. I might actually get around to trying one of these some day.


Stay away from the Old Henry's which are like Pepins on HGH!:ss

Love these! Mild to medium on my palate. Yummy sticks.

[tedrodgerscpa]

Thanks for the review.

Funny, but these are today's Joe Cigar specials (10 for 27.99). I picked them up because I haven't had em yet.

Now, I DO love a swift kick of pepper, so I'm looking forward to them now. After all, I'm sooooooo close to pulling the trigger on a box of Old Henry's, cause the price CAN'T be beat!

[MikeyC]

Funny, but these are today's Joe Cigar specials (10 for 27.99). I picked them up because I haven't had em yet.

It's not a coincidence. ;) I smoked this cigar today to decide if I wanted to buy more from Joe Cigar. I thought I would put up my review so people could have a better idea of the flavor profile of the cigar to help them decide if they wanted to buy. I decided to pass. However, I'm going to put my other yellow label down for a sleep to see if it improves with age.

I'm not saying I don't like spice in a cigar. I'm just saying I like to have other flavors to go with the spice. The cigar I smoked had no other discernable flavors. Hopefully some age will fix that.

[Blue_R]

Good review. I can't disagree with anything in the review.

I bought a box about 8 months ago and all of them are now gone. They are a good golf 'gar but not my favorite Pepin. The flavor seemed to be hit and miss with the box I got. Some seemed to have very little flavor and others were spot on.

[MarkinCA]

Nice review MikeyC. I agree with some of the other posters that the DPG Legend will most likely get better with a little age on it. I like the cigar myself, one demensionable it may be, its a nice basic smoke. Let me know if you if you want to get rid of yours:D

Now, those Old Henry's sound like the ticket to me...:cb

[Texan in Mexico]

It's not a coincidence. ;) I smoked this cigar today to decide if I wanted to buy more from Joe Cigar. I thought I would put up my review so people could have a better idea of the flavor profile of the cigar to help them decide if they wanted to buy. I decided to pass. However, I'm going to put my other yellow label down for a sleep to see if it improves with age.

I'm not saying I don't like spice in a cigar. I'm just saying I like to have other flavors to go with the spice. The cigar I smoked had no other discernable flavors. Hopefully some age will fix that.

How would you compare it to an RP 92?

[MikeyC]

Nice review MikeyC. I agree with some of the other posters that the DPG Legend will most likely get better with a little age on it. I like the cigar myself, one demensionable it may be, its a nice basic smoke. Let me know if you if you want to get rid of yours:D

Now, those Old Henry's sound like the ticket to me...:cb
I think I'll hide it under my other cigars for a while and see if it improves. I only have one more anyway.


How would you compare it to an RP 92?


It's been a while since I've had an RP 92. However, if memory serves me the two cigars are totally different.

[BagfullofPings]

If you are a Pepin Whore, this is a great inexpensive fix. :ss

[Fire It Up]

thanks for the review.. I just got a 5'er from the devils site and haven't tried one yet. I do like some spice to my cigars but not overly done. If it has any flavors of the Miami 8&11 that I'm smoking right now, i'll be happy!!

[yazzie]

Thanks for the review Mike. I love the DPG Black's, Blue's, and the JJ Natural. The only Pepin I don't like is the JJ Maduro (Too sweet for me):tu

[tedrodgerscpa]

Well, finally got around to firing up a CI Legends yellow

While it's no fighting cock, I'd put it in the 'boating category'. I woudn't cry if it hit the water prematurely, and not a bad $2.79 stick. However, it's currently at the bottom of my 'favorite Pepins' list

[JGIORD]

I went through a fiver, but had a very different experience with them. I didn't find them spicy, more muted flavors with constant burn problems, like yours. Minor cedar with just a hint of spice, medium bodied and strength.

Believe it or not these were my least favorite Don Pepins.

[MikeyC]

Believe it or not these were my least favorite Don Pepins.
It seems flavors experienced with these cigars differed from person to person but the above sentiment was pretty universal.

[smokin5]

I just tried my first CI Legends Yellow Label this afternoon after work.
I received it from StogieGuy (thanks!) in October, so I I figured it was time. It was OK, but nothing to jump up & down about. It reminded me of a stronger Padilla Hybrid; or a Perdfomo Reserve Cameroon only sweeter. In fact, it seemed to leave this sweet syrup-like film in my mouth as I progressed, so I paired it with a Jim Beam rye whiskey on the rocks to counter & compliment the sweetness with a bit of sharpness in the rye. Very little if any change to it as I went, except the initial bit of spice faded. After 1-1/2 hours I put it down with about 2 inches to go. As I said, it was OK, but I don't see me running out for more anytime soon (shrug).

[TRULORDD]

I just tried my first CI Legends Yellow Label this afternoon after work.
I received it from StogieGuy (thanks!) in October, so I I figured it was time. It was OK, but nothing to jump up & down about. It reminded me of a stronger Padilla Hybrid; or a Perdfomo Reserve Cameroon only sweeter. In fact, it seemed to leave this sweet syrup-like film in my mouth as I progressed, so I paired it with a Jim Beam rye whiskey on the rocks to counter & compliment the sweetness with a bit of sharpness in the rye. Very little if any change to it as I went, except the initial bit of spice faded. After 1-1/2 hours I put it down with about 2 inches to go. As I said, it was OK, but I don't see me running out for more anytime soon (shrug).

As I expected from Pepin. It was pretty darn good. i just ordered the Legends Sampler, Cant wait for it to get here.

[Bax]

Nice review, looks like the Legends are turning out to be good cheap smokes.

[awsmith4]

Just smoked my first one (gifted graciously by Dantzig) and I have to respectfully disagree with the thumbs down. Sure the spice fades but that is stated on CI's site. But even without the initial spice this stick smoked great and had good flavor to the nub. It is no comparison to the DPG Blue or tats but is a great smoke for the price point.

[roarknumber1]

I actually really like this cigar. Everytime it comes up as a daily deal on CI me and everyone else in my office (those who smoke) jump on it. I wouldn't pay full price on it, but in my opinion, it's one of the best cheap smokes out there.

I ordered a box of the grey (cusanos) on the other hand and found them to be pretty bland.

[MikeyC]

Just smoked my first one (gifted graciously by Dantzig) and I have to respectfully disagree with the thumbs down. Sure the spice fades but that is stated on CI's site. But even without the initial spice this stick smoked great and had good flavor to the nub. It is no comparison to the DPG Blue or tats but is a great smoke for the price point.
Actually, if you read my review (the first post in this thread) you'll see the reason I gave it a thumbs down was because the cigar had too much spice. It never faded the whole way through. Each puff was like taking a swig from a Tabasco bottle. I have another one in my humi though and I'm hoping some age will mellow it a bit.

[awsmith4]

Actually, if you read my review (the first post in this thread) you'll see the reason I gave it a thumbs down was because the cigar had too much spice. It never faded the whole way through. Each puff was like taking a swig from a Tabasco bottle. I have another one in my humi though and I'm hoping some age will mellow it a bit.

Sorry I got your opinion mixed with another I read, I really was trying to respectfully disagree.

[jkorp]

bleh... Bland bland bland!

If you are a Pepin whore you will be very dissapointed with these. Besides the fact that it's bordering on jaw breaking with a 54rg, it did not scratch the Pepin itch.

I was hoping for a cheap smoke to get my Pepin fix, but I figured out it doesn't exist. IMO, your best bet for a cheaper satisfying DPG is the Black, OH or 5 Vegas Miami.

[MikeyC]

Sorry I got your opinion mixed with another I read, I really was trying to respectfully disagree.
Exactly how I read your post. I was just correcting your statement about why the cigar had received a "thumbs down."

[rawlic]

bleh... Bland bland bland!

If you are a Pepin whore you will be very dissapointed with these. Besides the fact that it's bordering on jaw breaking with a 54rg, it did not scratch the Pepin itch.

I was hoping for a cheap smoke to get my Pepin fix, but I figured out it doesn't exist. IMO, your best bet for a cheaper satisfying DPG is the Black, OH or 5 Vegas Miami.

What about Fumadores from Holt's? Mixed filler, but I've heard good things.

-Chuck

[jkorp]

What about from Holt's? Mixed filler, but I've heard good things.

-Chuck

I've not tried the Fumadores yet, but I have heard good things about them. Something in my mind won't let me pay that price for 20 mixed filler. It's not that it's too much but when I can spend a little more and get 25 JLP or PLPan or DPG Black PC's.

[rbcarmy]

Great review! If i dont get of-line soon i will end up buying a box. I tried my first Pepin just the other day and i am hooked:ss

[BirthdayBoy]

Partly based on this review I just received 18 of these things from CI as parts of various samplers. Amazingly, they were not too wet on arrival, and I'm almost through with the first one. That review was dead on. Luckily, I'm a big fan of spicy cigars, but there sure isn't much else showing through the spice other than a rather mild sweetness. For now, I'm a fan, but the other 17 are scheduled to be smoked over the next week or so... Hopefully I won't get bored.

[donp]

It seems flavors experienced with these cigars differed from person to person but the above sentiment was pretty universal.

While I haven't tried one of these yet, I have one I just got in a sampler, and will get at that in a month or so; Pepins smoke better (IMO) with some extended rest in the humi.
For the most part though, I will smoke just about anything by Pepin because I believe the man can't make a bad cigar. Yet, he is probably capable of making a line of cigars on a lower scale of quality than his typical products. Hell, I like the Old Henry a lot but, I don't think it's as good as his Tats, or Padillas or his Blues or his Classics etc. etc. etc. :ss But I wouldn't put one out prematurely.

[44MAG]

OK, lets think bout this for a minute... DPG for 2-3 bucks a stick. I'm done thinkin ..... sign me up.:cb

[Isombitch]

Like Pepin's other Corojo/criollo blends, they are designed to be smoked and stored at no more than 65% RH. I like to get them a bit drier and quickly douse the wrapper under the spigot and towel dry. This brings out the flavor and insures an even burn.

[Dgar]

I like to get them a bit drier and quickly douse the wrapper under the spigot and towel dry. This brings out the flavor and insures an even burn.



I must say, I have never heard of this, actually putting the cigar under a spigot??? even for a quick douse, but hey if it's working for you, thats all that really matters.

I received a Legends Pepin blend yesterday as a gift and I'm looking forward to giving it a try. I've smoked quite a few Pepin Blends, but this will be a first.