The KC/DW Review Series

[DeeDubya]

Thanks Chris. This is now one of my favorites. I like Habano's anyway but this was one of the most pleasurable I have smoked in a while. I fired this one up as soon as I got home from the office. I should have waited until after dinner as it was very robust and full-bodied.

Ernesto Carrillo of La Gloria Cubana owns this lesser known line of cigars which are considered stronger and even fuller-flavored than the La Glorias. Wrapped in a reddish-brown Colorado wrapper that is slightly veiny it is well packed with an easy draw. It toasted well and immediately produced a cloud of rich, mellow smoke on the first draw.

The next 40 minutes were (for me) what smoking cigars is all about. First, I lit up with an open mind about what to expect from a new cigar. The entire process of smelling the wrapper, cutting, pre-light draw, toasting and the first draw all indicated that this would be a good cigar. But, you know many do not improve much beyond the first few puffs before they either run (we're talking about Habanos), are packed unevenly or stack up some bitterness or harshness that eventually ruins the experience. The El Rico burned evenly, very nice light grey, sturdy ash. Habano's tend to have a mottled or spotted ash that curls with an off-center cone.

The rich, earthy flavors never wavered, keeping a smooth, creamy pace with a little woodiness, hints of leather and thick, humid, forest scents. Next time, I will wait until after dinner and have one with a couple fingers of Patron on ice. Ideally, I like to shoot a small shot of aged Tequila first, no salt or lime, and swish it for a few seconds. It's like a pre-smoke mouth wash if that makes sense.

Thanks again Chris.

On a scale of 1-10 I rate this cigar 8.9.