With the manifold array of brands issuing from the factories of Jose “Don Pepín” Garcia, it is interesting to note that only six of them bear the imprint of the master’s name. Vegas Cubanas (by Don Pepín Garcia) is one of them.
Introduced in 2005, before the Pepín renaissance reached full bloom, Vegas Cubanas was just another “boutique” cigar from Miami’s El Rey de Los Habanos.
By contrast with the swooning that accompanied Tatuaje, Padilla Miami, and later on San Cristobal, Vegas Cubanas never really attracted that much attention. Perhaps because it’s a lighter-bodied cigar? Or because it is in relatively good supply? (When we all know that the power hitters and the “exclusive” limited editions are by definition better. Right?) In the retail shops I frequent this one is usually shunted off to the side, in the vicinity of the Tatuajes, Series JJ, El Centurion, etc., but never in the same spotlight.
So maybe they were trying to amp up the label a bit when El Rey de Los Habanos gave Vegas Cubanas a makeover in 2007: new box art, a new band, and cellophane. (Matt’s review shows the somewhat lackluster original band.)
Like most of Pepín’s blends, this one is a Nicaraguan puro. The wrapper is touted as “Habano Rosado Claro” and under the hood there’s a “Cuban Seed Corojo 99 blend.” Vegas Cubanas are available in six sizes:
Invictos - 5 x 50
Generosos - 6 x 50
Delicias - 7 x 50
Imperiales - 6.125 x 52
Magnates - 7.625 x 49
Coronas - 5.5 x 44
Early in my journey through the vast cigar wilderness I became partial to the toro size. I found that most draw problems could be avoided with a larger ring size, and a six inch cigar allows a little more room for development than a stubby robusto, so I gravitated to the toro, or corona grande, or whatever name is applied to a cigar with a 48 to 52 ring gauge and a length from 6 to 6 1/2 inches. Construction qualities have generally improved over the years, but I still like this size.
So the one I reached for was the Generosos. The wrapper on this cigar is an attractive colorado claro, with an emphasis on the colorado. It has a sleek appearance without being oily. A close examination shows a small amount of tooth, but not enough to overcome the overall smooth impression. The roll is solid and the head bears the classic cuban triple-cap we expect from El Rey de Los Habanos.
Once lit, the Generosos opens with a tannic woody flavor and a smattering of pepper. Compared to a blend like the DPG Blue Label, this one is a sweetheart. After half an inch or so, the tannins and the wood merge and morph into the smooth cocoa flavor that for me defines DPG’s lighter bodied cigars. The finish at this stage is lingering, but mild — just a slightly earthy aftertaste, and a grazing of a scratch on the back of the throat.
Into the two-thirds stage the smoke evens out and takes on a wonderfully creamy and smooth texture. If by “body” you mean the texture of the smoke, this is a full bodied cigar at this point. But it’s not powerful; it’s simply full on the palate, like a full bodied Sumatran coffee with cream: it sits heavily on the palate, but doesn’t overwhelm with nicotine.
The final stage of the cigar features a gentle transition from smooth cocoa flavors to a darker, earthier taste. Up to this point, the wrapper has not really distinguished itself. For most of the way the wrapper melds nicely with the rest of the blend, but in the last couple inches the wrapper contributes an aroma that steps out and shouts Twang! It’s a sweet, spicy, caramel inflected aroma that defies description, but you know it when it shows up at your door.
My only complaint, and it is a minor one, is that the burn was uneven throughout the length of this smoke. It wasn’t serious enough to affect the balance of the flavors, but it was just a tad annoying.
In the brick and mortar retail shops this cigar sells in the $6-7 US range. Boxes can be found for around $130 online, which is quite decent for a cigar of this quality. It compares favorably to the more expensive Troya Classico and Cabaiguan lines, though I’d have to say this one is a less complex experience than those.
From first light to last ash, Vegas Cubanas is an everyman’s cigar. It does not stomp on the terra like some of Pepín’s other blends; it steps lightly and sings a tuneful little ditty. It’s bound to please everyone, at one time or another, with the exception of those who insist on double ligero for breakfast. If I had to smoke nothing but these for a long time, I might get a little bored, but I’d be happy.
All of Ernesto Padilla’s year-branded cigars correlate to an event in the life of his father, the Cuban poet Heberto Padilla. The Padilla 1948 was named for the year in which Heberto’s first book of poems, Las Rosas Audaces, was published. Incredibly, he was only 16 years old at the time.
The 1948 follows the success of Padilla’s Signature 1932 — both are blended by Jose “Don Pepín¨ Garcia, though the ‘48 is produced in his Esteli, Nicaragua facility rather than in Miami. Four sizes are currently in production: robusto, churchill, lancero and torpedo.
If you know the cigars of Don Pepín, you will immediately recognize the sweet corojo that wraps the ‘48. The blend is, as usual, a combination of Nicaraguan criollo and corojo, but for me the wrapper is what seals the deal. While I like what Pepín has done with Connecticut Shade (in the 601 Black and the Cabaiguan Guapo) and maduro (in the Series JJ and the 601 Blue & Green labels) there’s still nothing like this Nicaraguan corojo.
The wrapper on the 1948 is a natural but dark looking colorado claro; not quite dark enough to reach colorado maduro, but there’s enough red in there to make it darker than the average colorado claro. It’s a little dry looking with significant veining. The foot is a little bit loose, but the rest of the cigar is firmly rolled. The head is flawlessly formed. There appears to be some lighter colored tobaccos, or very fine stems, at the foot; the head reveals the same thing after clipping.
Usually I find the strongest prelight scent to come from the wrapper of a cigar, but not in this case. The wrapper has a mild tobacco smell to it, while the foot has a stronger earthier scent. (Perhaps this is what I should expect from a foot.) There also seems to be something grainy about the scent, sort of like whole grain cereal, which can only mean one thing: this cigar is good for you!
The 1948 torpedo lights easily after a smooth clipping. The draw is good and the burn is mostly even: a little waver here and there, but it corrects itself and needs no supervision.
The first third is typical of most Pepin blends, but a little less aggressive. It starts up sweet and toasty with a touch of pepper on the tongue. Almost immediately the core flavors come to the fore: cocoa, caramel, and black pepper. It’s comparatively mild for a Pepin blend; it’s reminiscent of the Padilla Signature 1932, but not as intense. There is perhaps a little less complexity in the 1948, but it’s still a very engaging smoke.
Into the second third the pepper dies away and is replaced by a dry woody flavor. The cocoa persists throughout the duration of the cigar, but at this point the aroma also takes on a spicy sweet character. I’m detecting something like cinnamon… maybe. Whatever it is lends delicacy to the aroma without overtaking the basic bean flavors of the smoke.
The last segment of the cigar continues to sing the same sweet beany, mildly spicy refrain. I’m usually not one to nub a cigar, but I like this one well into the band region. And speaking of the band, I should mention there are two on this cigar: the additional one is a counterfeit control label that is discreetly placed below the Padilla band. Whether this is really necessary, I don’t know, but in any case it’s tastefully executed. (pssst… mister. I got them Piddillers you like. 49.99 a box!)
Overall, the Padilla 1948 torpedo turns out to be one of my favorite blends from the master of vanguard Nicaraguan cigars. It’s medium bodied, well constructed, smooth, and oh so tasty. If you’re really into the heavy Tatuajes and 601s, the’48 might not float your boat. On the other hand, if you’ve developed a craving for Pepin’s signature corojo but prefer the lighter side of life, this cigar is for you.
Retail prices ring up in the 8 to 10 USD range, which seems about average for upper echelon cigars these days. (Reasonably priced ones, that is.) It may not be an everyday smoke for the budget minded, but in this case you definitely get what you pay for… and maybe just a little bit more.
Of all the new cigars I’ve tried this year (new to me, that is) I think the 601 Connecticut Black Label is the most interesting. The juxtaposition of a creamy Connecticut seed wrapper with a spicy Pepin core blend is truly an epicurean experience. And even if it isn’t my favorite blend from the hands of Don Pepin, it demonstrates the manifold nature of his skill. Just when you’re ready to settle in for another welcome, but familiar smoking experience, he pulls out the rug and presents a new blend with its own distinguished and delicious qualities.
With years of experience as one of Cuba’s premier blenders and rollers, it should be no surprise that his talents are diverse. In some ways it seems more of a surprise that he has been able to both keep up with the demand, and at the same time create even more new blends with tobacco that is almost always from the same region. While other cigar makers feel it necessary to advertise their “six-country” blend, Pepin Garcia is happy with just…Nicaragua. And so far, so are we!
Corojo wrappers have been, and probably always will be, a mainstay for the primary Pepin blends, but this year he has been going to the maduro well with a little more frequency. The Series JJ Maduro, the 601 Maduro, and now the 601 Habano Oscuro. (Is it a mere coincidence that Habanos S.A. is now releasing maduros as well? Probably.)
The folks at United Tobacco Inc have gone to the dark side twice now with their EO 601 series — first with the 601 Maduro (Blue Label) and once again with the 601 Habano Oscuro (Green Label). The Greens were just introduced this year at the RTDA, and so far they have elicited nothing but praise from lovers of full bodied and rich tasting cigars.
The 601 Green is a Nicaraguan puro — filler, binder and wrapper all from farms in Nicaragua. Coming from Tabacalera Cubana this is a familiar formula, but the curve is in the wrapper: a deeply fermented Habano. Both Lucky7 and I were really impressed with the appearance of this toothy leaf: rich, oily, and shall we say, redolent of the pasture. Nice and smelly, the result of a thorough fermentation.
Five sizes of this blend have been released:
Trabuco (a whopping grand corona at 6 1/8 x 5
La Fuerza (5 1/2 x 54 robusto)
La Punta ( 5 1/2 x 52 perfecto)
Tronco (5 x 52 robusto)
Corona (5 x 42)
Construction
Construction qualities are good to very good; both of us noticed that the draw was very firm. Otherwise, this stick burns slowly with a good volume of cool smoke. The ash is light to medium gray with some black striations. I thought the ash was a bit crumbly, but I have to admit that I approached this cigar with caution and smoked it very slowly which may have had an effect on the burn in general. I found a mostly even burn, while Lucky7 had to apply the torch a few times to keep his ash in line.
Flavor
I found the Habano Oscuro to be a full bodied ride from the first puff. The introductory Pepin pepper is present in the first half inch, but it’s not overwhelming; just a nice wake-up call. Both of us noted coffee and anise as core flavors in the first third; Lucky found some wood in the mix as well.
Into the second third I got lots of chocolate and a bouquet of licorice liqueur — smooth, pronounced, but not aggressive. (Did I mention that I take this cigar slooooowly?) Lucky found toasted nuts and cherry, a “creamy sweet” aroma, and a medium-length dark chocolate finish.
In the last third Lucky7 noted a little burnt cocoa and “a noticeable pickup in strength; not harsh, just strong with a little bitterness.” And as I lay reeling on the floor I found that I had to concur with his final comment: “big nicotine buzz.” No kidding. Tronco means trunk (or log) in Spanish, but it also has a colloquial meaning with a pejorative connotation — something like dolt, or dimwit. Kind of like the way I felt when I finished this cigar. But in a good way, of course.
Conclusion
The 601 Habano Oscuro Tronco is a big-boned cigar with lots of flavor and a surprisingly friendly disposition. It is indeed quite powerful, but take a little time with it and it won’t leave you legless. A full stomach and a little courage are all that’s required for middle-weights like myself. And for lovers of full-bodied cigars, it’s pretty much mandatory. Just smoke it.
Box prices are around 150 USD, about $8-$10 retail. This seems about standard rate for Pepin blends these days. A bit steep, but worth it, as usual.
Cigar Stats Brand Owner:Peter Hassell Johnson - West Hollywood, CA Factory: Tabacalera Cubana, S. A. (TACUBA) - Esteli, Nicaragua Factory: Quality Control - El Rey de los Habanos - Miami, FL Model/Vitola: Cabaiguan Guapo - Limited Edition Size: 5.625 x 54 (robusto grande) Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut - Sun Grown Filler & Binder: Nicaragua
Original Cabaiguan vitola sizes available:
Petite Cabaiguan 4.5 x 32 (small panatela)
Robustos Extra 5.25 x 50 (robusto)
Belicosos Finos 5.5 x 52 (torpedo)
Coronas Extra 5.625 x 46 (grand corona)
Imperiales 7.0 x 47 (churchill)
The Guapo is the only “Sun Grown” size offered. It comes in cedar boxes of 20 without cellophane sleeves in a bunch surrounded by a grey satin ribbon and then wrapped in wax paper. The original Cabaiguans are packaged 24 to a box except the Petite which comes in boxes of 50.
The Guapo Experiment
I believe all Pepin fans are quite amazed at the number of cigars he is involved with either directly, as the brand owner himself or for other brand owners. Especially since he has only been at it for about 5 years after leaving Cuba. Pepin’s initial operation established in Miami has been quickly outgrown (discussed in the Serie JJ review) and as Pepin’s business partner and tobacco supplier, Eduardo Fernandez, hails from Nicaragua, it was only natural to set up the next facility there.The success of Tatuaje and Cabaiguan had a major impact on the decision to branch out. Consistency and quality are paramount to any real cigar success and I’m sure Pete Johnson, owner of those brands, enjoyed the control a small operation affords. But then there is the continuing need to create new and exciting products. To facilitate expansion, Pete and Don Pepin decided some production must move to Tabacalera Cubana, S.A. (TACUBA) but it would be necessary to test quality and consistency. Thus the Cabaiguan Guapo experiment was initiated. A limited-edition run of 50,000 cigars “totalamente hecho en TACUBA” and with quality control conducted at El Rey de los Habanos (ERDLH) in Miami. The Cabaiguan Guapo was the chosen guinea pig.
Cabaiguan Guapo (kah-bei-gWAHN goo-ah-poe)
The Cabaiguan brand is named after the purported Cuban home town of Maestro Tobaquero Don “Pepin” Garcia. Cabaiguan is the capital city in the municipality, of the same name, within the province of Sancti Spiritus, Cuba. The Guapo — Spanish for “handsome” — is a regular Cabaiguan on the inside with an Ecuadorian Sun Grown wrapper on the outside. Larger in ring gauge (54) than the others yielding some blending room. Unlike the original, it was rolled with a pigtail cap. It was pre-released to the market in September just before RTDA 2007.
Both Cigarfan and Lucky7 have sampled the Cabaiguan Guapo and the following review represents a combination of our observations.
Bottom line up front ….. The Guapo is definitely a little stronger than the original Cabaiguan but not by much. Probably a little strong for a breakfast cigar but certainly good any other time of day. Medium body with interesting flavor development through the first half and great aroma. Good construction yielding a beauty to look at as well as good draw and burn. Just a little pricey at $11 but a very good smoke.
Pre-light This cigar is quite the looker. It sports a smooth milk chocolate brown wrapper with a few veins and an abbreviated pigtail triple-cap just begging to be clipped. Construction is solid with no soft spots and it feels very nice in the hand. Aroma from the wrap is almost non-existent and the foot a grassy tobacco. Pre-light draw was fantastic with just the slightest resistance and a sweet tobacco taste. The aroma from the toasting foot really gets the juices flowing. Lucky7 tried both straight cut with a Xikar and a punch. The punch seemed to limit the ensuing heat towards the nub a little better.
The Smoking Experience Starts with a little bite then smoothes out quickly to a creamy base of toasty wood and bread with some spice and pepper on the nose. The wrapper imparts more spice than the regular Cabaiguan. Some notes of caramel and vanilla are evident in the first half. Second third ushers in a slight coffee flavor and the peppery edge on the nose subsides. Flavors leveled off at the halfway mark to a creamy sweet tobacco and remained that way to the nub without much additional development. Still a very pleasant smoke.The draw remained fantastic throughout. Burn line was a little bumpy at times but didn’t require the torch. Moderate volumes of smoke remain cool until the last third where it begins to heat up a bit. The ash is a medium gray and holds very well but flakes a bit. Initial ash nearly made the halfway mark and the rest made the nub. As an experiment Lucky7 tried ashing a Guapo every inch or so which seemed to improve flavor development.
Finish is medium in length with a light grassy aftertaste and it gets a little more toasty in the last third. Not much of a nicotine kick evident in this stick. Very easy going. Smoking time ran about an hour 15 minutes.
Our take ….. Lucky7: A very nice easy going smoke. It made for a successful experiment IMO. Quality and consistency were very good. Think it is probably a little too expensive at $11. Pepin makes some $6-$7 medium-bodied sticks that I would select over this one.
Cigarfan: The Tatuaje family resemblance is clearly evident in this Cabaiguan, but it’s also very distinct from its cousins. Not as powerful, but still very distinguished. To start with, it’s a beautifully constructed stick: solid with a velvety texture, though the wrapper looks light for a sungrown leaf. The burn throughout was good; overall this cigar exhibits very good construction. The flavors and aroma are everything we expect from Pepin and Tatuaje: lots of complexity, starting with his signature spicy opening. Later on we are treated to some interesting citrus flavors (which I always read about but rarely experience in a cigar) and varying shades of cocoa. I found a nice sweet maltiness in the last third. The underlying flavor is a mild woodiness that keeps an even steady beat without ever taking over, preferring to let the accents play the tune. Blending a mildish Ecuador Connecticut Shade with a toned-down version of the Tatuaje blend is an intriguing experiment. My suggestion is for everyone to sign up for guinea pig status. ASAP.
MSRP is $11 per stick. Best online price at the moment is Smoke Inn at $179.95/20 or $9 per stick. At Jack Schwartz Importers you can also buy singles for $10.25. This is a limited edition cigar so if you want to try one and can find them. Now’s the time.
Like it … Yes Buy it again …Probably not Recommend it …At least for a try
What others are saying about the Cabaiguan Guapo …..
Cigar Stats Brand Owner: El Rey de los Habanos, Inc. - Miami, FL Factory: Rosado Corojo - El Rey de los Habanos - Miami, FL Factory: Maduro Corojo - Tabacalera Cubana de Garcia y Fernandez, S. A. (TACUBA) - Esteli, Nicaragua Model/Vitola: Don Pepin Garcia Serie JJ (White Label) Belicoso Size: 5.75 x 52 (torpedo) Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo (Rosado & Maduro) Binder: Nicaraguan Criollo Filler: Nicaraguan Corojo & Criollo
Other vitola sizes available Rosado
Selectos 5.0 x 50 (robusto)
Sublime 6.0 x 54 (toro)
Salomon 7.25 x 57 (perfecto)
Maduro
Selectos 5.0 x 50 (robusto)
Sublime 6.0 x 54 (toro)
All sizes are offered in cedar boxes of 24 with the exception of the Salomon which comes in boxes of 5 - Rosado Corojo wrapped cigars are shipped naked and the Maduro with cellophane sleeves
El Rey de los Habanos (ERDLH) in Miami and Estelí
Being a lover of Pepin Garcia’s cigars, I follow events surrounding their production with great interest and, like many others, have a little concern about the volume of labels this man is producing. Not that I have experienced any degradation in quality but at some point, common sense would tell you something’s gotta’ give. There was some negative buzz surrounding new production at Pepin’s Tabacalera Cubana de Garcia y Fernandez, S.A. (TACUBA - co-owned by Garcia and Eduardo Fernandez) in Estelí, Nicaragua, which opened mid-2006. Most aficionados were concerned about maintenance of production quality and the availability of tobaccos but honestly, as a consumer, I have not detected any problems. Products are readily available (relatively speaking) and the quality seems to be improving IMHO. TACUBA will pump out 2 million-plus cigars in 2007 and the Miami facility, will achieve ~700,000. Jaime says, “The company will grow, but not at the expense of quality.” I believe him.
—Some of the cigars produced at TACUBA
Don Pepín García Serie JJ (White Label) Maduro
Don Pepín García Cuban Classic (Black Label)
El Centurion by Don Pepín García
EO Brands 601 (United Tobacco)
Tatuaje Havana VI (Pete Johnson)
Tatuaje Havana VI - Exclusivo Verocu (Pete Johnson)
Tatuaje Series P (Pete Johnson)
Old Henry (Holt’s)
Fumadores (Holt’s)
Holt’s Connoisseur Selection
Padilla Edicion Especial Achilles (Cigars International)
Legends Pepín García – Yellow Label (Cigars International)
Troya Clasico
Cigar.com Corojo Label
Ashton San Cristobal
5 Vegas Miami (yes this is made in Nicaragua)
Tabacalera Cubana Factory in Esteli, Nicaragua
Video — 10:56 minutes
A side note — Please do not confuse Tabacalera Cubana de Garcia y Fernandez, S. A. (TACUBA) owned by Garcia/Fernandez with Tabacalera Cubana Corp. (a cigar manufacturer) and Tabacalera Popular Cubana, Inc. (a cigar retailer) both of which are owned by Pedro Gomez and his sons Edel and Joel. Back in 2003, Altadis won a law suit against the Gomez family for violating Altadis trademarks by selling “Cuban replica” Montecristo, H. Upmann and Romeo y Julieta cigars. A federal judge ruled the Gomez’s were personally liable for the damages and awarded Altadis $900K. An expensive mistake. In addition, there is another factory in Estelí, Tabacalera Cubana Nicaraguense, S. A. (TACUNISA) also totally unrelated.
Pepin has been rolling cigars since the age of 12 and aside from 2-years in the military, has not stopped. He received the rank of Tabequero Maestro while rolling and blending cigars in Cuba. He can make just about anything out of tobacco leaves. He personally specializes in those extremely difficult large figurados called diademas or salomons. A torpedo head and supple curves as you get toward the foot, which has a big bulb then a small nipple. It takes a lot of cuts to make that work, and Pepin makes it look simple. He always seems to smile as he rolls. Watching him, you can tell he really enjoys what he’s doing. He trained rollers in Cuba, and now he’s training them in Miami and in Estelí.
Don Pepín García Cigar Rolling Demo @ RTDA 2007
Video — 2:27 minutes
El Rey de los Habanos Booth @ RTDA 2007
Video — 1:52 minutes
When Pepin Garcia left Cuba for Nicaragua, he worked with Fernandez in the Jalapa region, and then opened El Rey de los Habanos (Little Havana) in 2003. High ratings in Cigar Aficionado soon followed. But the Garcia’s could only do so much in Miami. Given the tiny factory had a total of 12 rollers, expansion was inevitable and I believe the addition of 36 pairs of rollers in the TACUBA factory learning from Pepin is a boon for cigar smokers everywhere. There are differences in rolling approach at the 2 factories. In Miami, the cigars are made by one person, who bunches and wraps. In Estelí, the bunching is done by one worker, the wrapping by another, thus the “pairing” of rollers.
To help bring TACUBA up to speed Pepin’s son, Jaime, now spends much of his time there: one month in Nicaragua, followed by a few weeks in Miami, then back to Nicaragua. His father does a similar rotation to ensure that one of them is at the Estelí factory on most days.
It’s amazing to think that, with so many cigar making operations out there collectively employing tens of thousands of rollers, probably 50-60% of the cigars I regularly smoke are made by the same 12 rollers in one tiny little factory in Miami and 72 rollers in one slightly bigger factory in Estelí. That’s right, I am a Pepin whore and proud of it!
Don Pepín’s Dream Cigar
In an interview Pepin was asked what tobaccos he would use to make his finest cigar. Would it be all Cuban? All Nicaraguan? He replied, “The wrapper would be Cuban. The binder would come from Nicaragua, as would two leaves of ligero filler. The seco and viso filler would come from Cuba. That cigar,” he says with confidence, talking about his dream smoke, “would score perfectly in anyone’s rating system.” Jaime Garcia claims, “Cuban tobacco is the best in the world, when worked properly. Nicaraguan tobacco is very close to the quality of the best tobacco in Cuba.” I think the Garcia’s tried to create that incredible “dream cigar” when they blended the Serie JJ, or come as close to it as possible sans the Cuban tobaccos.
It is arguable that Don Pepin is currently making some of the best smokes in the world today. His secret family recipe for blending and fermentation has been handed down generation to generation since his family’s beginnings in old Cuba. I for one am oh so glad he left the island. Thanks Jose for all these fantastic smokes. Keep em’ comin’ big guy!
Don Pepín García Serie JJ (White Label)
The Don Pepin Garcia Serie JJ, a medium to full-bodied Nicaraguan puro, was blended by Jose in collaboration with his son and protégé, Jaime—thus the name “JJ”. It debuted in 2005. The tobaccos are rich Nicaraguan leaf that rivals the flavor, character and experience of the finest Cuban cigars. Exquisitely made with the careful construction that has become a DPG hallmark. This amazing cigar, which Pepin proudly called “his masterpiece”, was one of the highest rated and top selling cigars of 2006/2007. Because it is so popular, he has blessed the cigar world with a delicious Maduro version of this world-class blend, released at this years RTDA in August. Although it is not the first Maduro created by Don Pepin, it is the first with his name on it.
Also a medium to full-bodied smoke (ERDLH calls it 3/4 to full); the Serie JJ Maduro is an exquisite cigar sporting a luscious Nicaraguan Maduro Corojo wrapper leaf. It is a smooth smoke building in complexity as it is enjoyed and the aromas are truly mouth-watering. I have mentioned to several buds that I think the Serie JJ Maduro could be serious competition for the PAM. Not quite as strong but has all the other attributes one looks for in a special occasion cigar and comes in at less than half the price.
Both Cigarfan and I have sampled the Serie JJ and the following review represents a combination of both of our observations.
Bottom line up front …..
Both the Rosado and Maduro versions of the Serie JJ are not to be missed for anyone who enjoys complex full-bodied smokes. These are some serious good smokin’. The core blend is clearly evident in both while the different wrappers impart a unique experience. Son magníficas y deliciosos!
The Serie JJ is said to be one of Don Pepin’s favorite smokes. It ranks up there for me as well!
Pre-light
Both the Rosado and Maduro appear a bit ruddy with a few veins but the construction is solid with no soft spots. The belicoso’s are beautifully triple-capped in a large swirl. There is a very small tooth over the entire wrap. Pre-light draw is excellent with perfect resistance and the belicoso feels balanced in the hand, like it belongs there.
Rosado
The wrapper is a light-brown Rosado Corojo which is not as dark as regular Corojo and is a bit creamier on the palate. There is very little pre-light aroma from the wrap though the pepper did tingle my nose, even unlit.
Maduro
A thick, oily dark-brown wrapper with a deep red hue in the background envelopes this stogie. The aroma from the unlit wrap is hay with a touch of barnyard. The pre-light draw leaves an ever so slight sweet taste on the lips.
The Smoking Experience
Both versions of the JJ toast and light very easily for a large ring gauge and draw is superb end to end. Both burned well with the burn line getting a little bumpy but self correcting.
Both exhibit lite bite for the first half inch and then hold medium strength until the halfway mark where they begin to ramp up. The last third of each fit squarely in the full strength category. Doesn’t make you dizzy though. The nicotine is not overpowering. Just enough to let you know that you have smoked a fine cigar!
Both had a good volume of cool smoke and time to nub was around an hour fifteen minutes. Each provides a long smooth finish with a pleasant aftertaste of dark coffee or mocha.
Ash on both is a light to medium gray and holds well. First ash for me would hold until about the halfway mark. The Maduro ash did a little flaking but nothing obtrusive. I did find it interesting that both cigars seemed to have better flavor if I kept the ash short. Unusual.
Rosado
Starts with a little pepper on the back of the throat and some sharp pepper on the nose. That lasts about 1/2 inch, and then warms to a creamy and smooth core of toasty wood and leather with very distinct notes of vanilla, cherry and cinnamon. Some hints of coffee and toasted nuts (maybe roasted cashews) in the second half. Aroma is of sweet tobacco and has a “Corojo twang of pepper” pretty much through the entire cigar.
Maduro
Start is similar to the Rosado but has a little sweet edge to it I attribute to the Maduro wrap. It settles into a darker earthy core flavor of sweet wood and bittersweet chocolate with notes of espresso and cinnamon. The flavor and aroma is so buttery you might think you were in the theater for a movie. The aroma from the Maduro wrap is remarkably strong—that’s one serious leaf. You may want to have a handkerchief close by for the aftermath. What starts as a little pepper on the tongue and the back of the throat continue through the entire cigar. Pepper really ramps up in the last third.
My take …..
I read that Don Pepin Garcia feels cigar aging is not necessary, in fact, he says Cuban cigar makers pitch product if it hangs around the humidor too long (love to dumpster dive in that neighborhood). I find that intriguing since I am sitting on about 350 Pepin sticks that just seem to get better and better the older they get!
Both Serie JJ varieties are top notch and near the top of my favorite cigar list. You won’t find me without some these in the humi unless I’m pushing up daisies and my wife has thrown them away or, perish the thought, Pepin stops making them.
Both Cigarfan and I are hoping a little age will temper the pepper in the Maduro version. I like a little pepper, but in moderation.
MSRP on the Corojo wrap is $210.00/24 or $8.75 per stick. MSRP on the Maduro wrap is $238.00/24 or $9.92 per stick. Best online price at the moment is Cigar Place at $149.99/24 or $6.25 per stick. A steal for this kind of quality. These cigars compare to stogies that cost 3 times as much in some cases.
Like it … Love them Buy it again … As many as I can afford Recommend it … Strongly
What others are saying about Don Pepin Garcia Serie JJ (White Label) …..
Tatuaje Series P cigars are economy selections from Jose Pepin Garcia’s Tabacalera Cubana in Esteli, Nicaragua. These are “cuban sandwich” cigars made with the same filler blend as Pete Johnson’s Tatuaje Havana VI, presumably with scrap tobacco from the same. These are Nicaraguan puros and are marketed as having 40% long filler and 60% medium filler. The wrapper is Nicaraguan Habano.
Construction is always an issue when it comes to sandwich or mixed filler cigars, and the Series P is not immune. Most of the cigars I’ve sampled in this series have been fine, but a few have had burn problems and a couple have split their wrappers in catastrophic fashion. From the price alone it seems a bit of a gamble — about 4 USD per stick local retail. Not your typical Pepin price mark, but it’s a reasonable wager for this cigar.
The size I chose for this review was the robusto P2. (These are also available in churchill, toro, and corona grande vitolas.) The wrapper is not a looker exactly, so you’ll want to judge this one for its personality rather than its superficial deficiency. The wrapper scent here is straight ahead cedar with a little bit of sweet grass on the prelight pull.
The P2 starts up with no nonsense medium bodied tobacco flavors and maintains that course pretty much to the end. The real attraction here is the sweet spicy aroma from the wrapper. It has a very carmelized kind of smell, almost like roasted marshmellows. After a couple inches some pepper arrives at the party, but for the most part it serves as a mild condiment over that simple sweet woody flavor. There isn’t much transition here, as Jerry noticed in his Stogie Review of this cigar. I have to agree with him that a big development isn’t really necessary here.
Like the Havana VI, this is a relatively mild blend for Tatuaje and Pepin. At times the smoke seems a little bit thin, but it’s flavorful and the wrapper imparts a delicate sweetness that is not easily found among cigars in this price range.
It’s really not fair to compare this cigar to the standard line Tats, so I won’t. Just remember that this is a bargain-oriented cigar made with the leavings from the big boys. The result is a ghostly palimpsest of the original work, but when the original is a Tatuaje, that may be just enough to seal the deal. For 4 bucks, anyway.
Click here for a short video (about 11 minutes) of the José “Pepín” García factory in Esteli, Nicaragua posted on YouTube by Cigar King. JPG demonstrates application of the famous cuban triple-cap.
Model/Vitola: El Centurion Emperadores (belicoso)
First Limited Edition 2007 Size: 5.50 x 52 Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano Binder & Filler: Nicaraguan Criollo 98 and Corojo 99
Other vitola sizes available
Guerreros 5.0 x 50 (robusto) MSRP $270/20
Gladiadores 6.5 x 52 (toro) MSRP $320/20
Inside Box Cover Artwork
Released at RTDA 2007, this is one of several new lines by the famed José “Pepín” García. El Centurion by Don Pepín García and the Don Pepín García Series JJ Maduro were added to the offerings from El Rey de los Habanos. The San Cristobal by Ashton, also released for RTDA, is a JPG creation. Due to the specially selected tobaccos, El Centurion is the first Limited Edition smoke made by Don Pepin Garcia under his own label and it is limited to a production run of 850 boxes per size. El Centurion was sold out by noon on the first day of RTDA.
Jose Pepin Garcia and Jaime Garcia Inspecting Tobacco Plants
(photo courtesy of El Rey de los Habanos, Inc.)
El Centurion is a Nicaraguan puro with filler and binder of Cuban seed Criollo 98 and Corojo 99 carefully selected and matured for 3 years under controlled conditions. The wrapper is a beautiful Nicaraguan Habano also aged for 3 years. At RTDA Pepin is quoted as saying, “El Centurion tastes like ‘old Cohibas’ and they are aromatic.”
Bottom line up front …..
This cigar is a masterpiece in every sense of the word. A medium to full-bodied smoke, it displays all the attributes aficionados look for from pre-light beauty and aroma, to draw, to clean burn, to flavor complexity and balance, to the bit of sweetness on the finish and in the olfactory senses. Only drawback is the price. I think once you try one, you’ll suck it up and shell out the bucks for a box!
Pre-light
A medium brown oily habano wrapper with very few veins surrounds this hefty 52 ring belicoso. The wrap is soft as a baby’s ass. Really! Construction is impeccable as you would expect from JPG and the stick feels solid although it is lighter than I expected. The aroma from the wrap is musky sweet tobacco with a hint of barnyard and earthy tobacco from the foot. Adorned with a very nice band befitting it’s name, the top of the band crests like a roman centurions helmet. As you look at the tobacco bunching at the foot end, there are swirls of two or three different color variations. My mouth was drooling in anticipation! Clip was clean and pre-light draw superb with a slightly sweet taste on the lips.
The Smoking Experience
Lighting this cigar is a breeze and I never went back to the torch. The burn line got a little bumpy at times but always self corrected. Draw was effortless through to the nub. The ash was medium gray and held on like gangbusters. First ash was almost at the midway point and the second with only the nub to finish. Smoke production is voluminous. Neighbors must have thought I had the barbeque stoked.
Starts with the typical JPG lite bite for about a half inch then really smoothes out to a creamy core flavor of rich coffee, toasted cedar and nuts with notes of cocoa, caramel and white pepper. A complex full-flavored cigar. It has a long spicy finish and the aroma is out of this world.
I would say this stick starts and maintains medium body until about the two-thirds mark where it begins to build in strength toward full at the nub. Certainly not overpowering in any way but probably good to have something on your stomach.
My take …..
Definitely top of the line JPG. He has out done himself. What a special cigar. This one takes a seat right up there with the Ashton VSG and Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve for me. Along with all those other Pepin greats of course!
MSRP rings in at a whopping $290/20. The online prices are running approximately $234/20 and $$62/5. Definitely going to hurt in the wallet department. Hey, quit your whining, get yourself a beer and an El Centurion, go out on the porch and relax! You will feel much better and you will forget all about your financial woes.
Like it … Loved it
Buy it again … Absolutely
Recommend it … Unequivically Yes
What others are saying about El Centurion by Don “Pepin” Garcia …..
On the Cigar Family Forum
From: Aashton
Date: 08/31/07 12:59 PM I smoked the Emperadores (belicoso) today. If you can find them, they are on the high end pricewise, but IMO unlike the San Cristobal, these are worth the dough. To me they are a bit of a taste departure from most of Pepin’s blends. I’ll leave taste descriptions to the aficionados but I can say it was quite complex and very very smooth. As you would expect, construction and burn was excellent. The wrapper was a Colorado brown with a suede feel to it. After lighting it took a few puffs, but when this thing hit it’s stride, it was nothing but pleasure. I would say upper med to full bodied and I probably won’t smoke these again in the A.M. It took me 34 years, but I finally found THE one!
Ashton has held the trademark for the San Cristobal name for over 20 years and thanks to José “Don Pepín” García they now have a cigar suitable for the name. Ashton’s first new brand - since the 2002 launch of La Aroma de Cuba.
Released shortly after RTDA 2007, this is the long awaited new line of cigars Ashton has been working on for 2 years. It has been reported the first years release will total 300,000 cigars but Ashton says they will not be limited like the VSGs, ESGs or even the Aged Maduro (open ordering). It is blended and rolled in José “Don Pepín” García’s TACUBA facility at Esteli, Nicaragua. The San Cristobal is a Nicaraguan puro using a dark Nicaraguan wrapper, slightly veiny and mottled with a rosado hue. The cigar is medium to full-bodied with a hint of that now classic Pepín flavor. He always manages to get very different flavor profiles using all Nicaraguan tobacco. Truly a genius, he is able to produce cigar after cigar with its own unique characteristics.
Some have expressed concern that the new Ashton-JDPG connection may indicate a change in the Ashton-Fuente relationship. This quote from vice president Sathya Levin @ Ashton posted mid-June 2007 on the cigar family forum online:
… Nothing has changed between us and the Fuente family. The Fuentes are our partners, as well as our dear friends. We wish that every cigar we sold was made by Fuente, but their production capacity is currently maxed out. Carlito is not an envious or vindictive person. He knows that in order for us to continue to grow, we need to have cigars manufactured outside of his factory. He gave us his blessing on this project.
The reason we chose Pepin is that we believe he is making some of the finest cigars in the world today. His breadth of knowledge regarding tobaccos and cigar making is truly astounding. You need not worry [about tobacco supply]! Pepin does indeed have oodles and oodles of aged tobaccos all ready to be rolled up …
Bottom line up front ….. A little young but this is another really special cigar from Ashton and José “Don Pepín” García. Perfectly balanced between strength and complexity of flavors. Exquisite construction, burn and a long smooth finish. Like many who waited anxiously for this release, I am ecstatic to finally have a box and can’t wait to try the other sizes.
I heard that Carlito Fuente was quite upset when the initial Ashton Estate Sun Grown (ESG) was released. He felt the cigar was not ready and, having purchased and smoked one right away, I have to agree. They were not ready. Those who spoke with José “Don Pepín” García at RTDA said he was very excited about this release but my IMO the San Cristobal, although a good smoke now, is pretty young and needs another 3-4 months to be really good. With a year or two, these are going to be phenomenal.
Pre-light
A dark brown oily wrapper with a few veins and a reddish hue envelopes this beautiful torpedo. I read that JDPG said the wrapper was maduro during a conversation at RTDA but Ashton doesn’t mention it in their information. Who are you going to believe? Construction is solid and the stick feels very nicely balanced in the hand. An earthy tobacco aroma from the wrap and the foot with just a hint of barnyard and pepper. It actually tingled my nose and drew a sneeze. The band is a work of art and when it’s time, is removed very easily with no effect on the cigar. I used my Xikar and the clip was very clean. Draw was easy with just a slight resistance.
The Smoking Experience
The foot toasted and lit easily. The burn line got a little bumpy at times but always self corrected without the torch. Draw continued to be very good through to the nub. The ash was very light gray and held on well to about two inches each time. This cigar puts out tons of smoke.
Starts with the typical JDPG bang for about an inch then smoothes out to a core flavor of dark earthy espresso, dark chocolate and toasted cedar with notes of nuts, vanilla and black pepper over the length of the cigar. Definitely what you would call a full-flavored, full-bodied cigar. The finish is long and the aroma is special. During the last third I detected a little caramel on the nose.
I would say this stick starts and holds the medium category until about the halfway mark where it begins to build in strength to full towards the nub. Definitely has a nicotine kick. I had mine with a glass of port which complimented the cigar very nicely.
You can tell when a cigar maker is especially proud of the brand when they adorn the cigar and boxes with ornate bands and box design like the Fuente Fuente OpusX and the Ashton ESG. The band and box artwork for the San Cristobal are exquisite to say the very least.
Inside Box Cover
Cedar Cigar Separator
Wax Paper Logo
My take …..
Although a little young IMHO, I enjoyed this smoke immensely and will be looking to obtain more to age. My problem will be the ability to summon the patience when I get em’.
I am not sure of MSRP for the Fabuloso at this point. The Ashton folks are saying the entire line runs between $7 and $12. The online price has gone up since I ordered mine (pre-release). Right now they run $9.50 per stick if you buy a box ($209.00/22) and $9.75 for a single from Jack Schwartz Importer. Definitely a wallet reducer but I plan to get some more (They are that good!). I would have thought Holt’s would be the first online to carry them (since they own the brand) but they have no listing as of this post.
Like it … Very much
Buy it again … Absolutely
Recommend it … Yes, but age em’ for a few months if you can hold out that long
What others are saying about the
San Cristobal by Ashton …..
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” …..
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)
Troya cigars were made in pre-revolutionary Cuba beginning in 1932 and are in fact still made today as a relatively obscure and hard to find machine made cigar. Despite their rarity they have a small but devoted following, as evidenced by the fact that they survived the nationalizing of the industry when many smaller brands were culled out. Like the legend of Troy itself, the brand has endured.
In 1985 a California company began production of a cigar for the American market and saw further opportunities for Troya as a brand name. The original Troya cigars were respected and sold well, but like many of the best cigars of that generation they were battered by the tempest of the 90’s Cigar Boom. But once again, they survived. In 2004 the blend was revamped and another line, the Troya X-Tra, was introduced to appeal to the heavyweight crowd.
The next stop on Troya’s path was at the door of Jose “Pepin” Garcia, one of the hottest cigar makers around. In early 2007 the Pepin-made Troya Clasico was unveiled in three sizes — robusto, toro, and churchill. I haven’t figured out why Troya names their cigars with the numbers they do — their robustos are called 18, toros are 54, and churchills are 63. (The individual digits all add up to nine. Hmmm…) The Clasicos are numerated in this fashion as well, but with the roman numeral instead. Nice touch.
Troya Clasicos are made in Esteli, Nicaragua at Garcia’s Tabacalera Cubana with all Nicaraguan tobaccos. The wrapper is a luscious and dark “corojo oscuro” and the filler is a blend of corojo and criollo from the Jalapa region. The churchill is a 7 inch by 50 ring double corona size, and these come packed 20 to the box. It’s a handsome cigar with an oily, rich looking wrapper and a perfectly triple-capped head.
The churchill starts up in an unusual fashion for a Pepin cigar: it’s buttery smooth. Bean flavors take the vanguard here — cocoa and African coffee (I’ve been roasting some Ethiopian Harrar that has an eerily similar aroma.) Following quickly on this initial impression is a bittersweet woody flavor that fans of Pepin will recognize immediately. The smoke for the first third is relatively mild compared to other Pepin made cigars — relative, that is, to the blast of pepper that introduces many of Garcia’s cigars.
The body picks up more weight into the second and third acts, and ventures into leathery territory. The finish is lengthy and the aftertaste retains the slightly bitter woody flavor that announces itself at the start. What remains the same throughout the duration of the smoke is the delicate caramel-coffee sweetness of the aroma from the wrapper, and I think this is what defines this cigar.
The last third builds, edging towards a full body, and the cigar exits with a tart smack. This is a hallmark of Don Pepin’s blends, and it’s what fans of his cigars appreciate. This is a long smoking cigar (about an hour and a half for me) and while there aren’t any major transitions it is consistently complex and very well balanced throughout.
I was lucky enough to receive a fiver of these from reader Lucky7 (thanks again!) and so far I’ve smoked three. One had a weak plug at the head of the cigar which I was able to bore through with a pipe tool. Other than that these burned quite well and had no serious construction problems.
Troya Clasico churchills are going to run in the 8 to 10 dollar range, and I do believe they are worth the expense. This is a medium to full bodied cigar that reminds me a little of Pepin’s Sancti Spiritus — it’s a less aggressive blend that leaves out none of the complexity or the basic character of his art. If you’ve smoked the Pepin Blue Label or Tatuaje or any of the stronger cigars from El Rey de Los Habanos and found them to be too heavy for your taste, do yourself a favor and try a Troya Clasico. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Vegas Cubanas never really attracted that much attention. Perhaps because it’s a lighter-bodied cigar? Or because it is in relatively good supply? (When we all know that the power hitters and the “exclusive” limited editions are by definition better. Right?) In the retail shops I frequent this one is usually shunted off to the side, in the vicinity of the Tatuajes, Series JJ, El Centurion, etc., but never in the same spotlight.
Like it … Yes
