These El Cobre cigars are a well kept secret amongst a small group of cigar aficionados who had the pleasure of tasting these fine Nicaraguan cigars. Word on the streets is that this blend, named after an old coppermine town in Cuba, was the private blend for Gilberto Oliva. I had the pleasure of smoking the
robusto,
torpedo and the
toro in the past and I remember that all were very full bodied, especially the toro that kicked my ass. This 7x48 churchill is at least two years old and it has a price tag of € 5,50 here in The Netherlands.
Image
I spot a very nice band underneath the cellophane. The wrapper is nice, oily and dark with a vein here and there. The wrapper has a leathery look to it. The construction feels a bit hard, but the predraw is fine. I taste a mild raisin flavor. When I release the cigar from the cellophane I smell a strong barnyard smell.
Image
I taste a full and strong coffee flavor with pepper. The coffee is the main flavor. After half an inch I also taste some wood and the pepper disappeared. After an inch and a half I also taste some herbs and the pepper returns, but milder than before. The coffee becomes a bit stronger.
Image
Halfway the coffee disappears, I taste wood and herbs with a pepper aftertaste. After ⅔ I only taste herbs with lots of pepper, but the pepper isn't sharp nor harsh. The final few puffs give herbs only.
Image
This cigar is full bodied and full flavored, but not as strong as the toro or the other vitolas. Or maybe I can take more nowadays. The smoke time is two hours and fifteen minutes. The draw is good, just like the burn. The ash is almost white and firm. I got plenty of smoke, but the smoke is thin.
Image
Would I buy this cigar again? I might, although I like the torpedo and robusto better.
Appearance: 8 / 10
Construction: 7 / 10
Draw: 7 / 10
Burn: 7 / 10
Smoke & ash: 7 / 10
Aroma first part: 7 / 10
Aroma second part: 7 / 10
Aroma third part: 8 / 10
[Reply]
Absolutely love them.
I read a story that they were called "the lobotomizer" when they initially released, and they apparently lived up to it. A total asskicker.
I find that they lose a lot of strength after a year or so in the humi, that might be why this one wasn't so tough on you, Ferdie. They're a lot better new, as long as they aren't real wet. Otherwise I dry them out for awhile and try to smoke them up fast.
:-)
If you guys like this one, you'd absolutely rock the
El Original Toro Maduro. It'll nail your brain to the wall for ya.
:-)
[Reply]
