Don Pepin Garcia Black

Created by Cuban-born master blender José Pepin Garcia, Don Pepin Garcias are a royal, full-bodied treat for cigar smokers who crave a rich, spicy smoke. With its black label wrapping a slightly oily, firmly constructed stick, the Garcia Black can hold its own with the best premiums in any beauty contest. The blend of Cuban-seed tobaccos hails from the black, fertile soils of Nicaragua and is coated with a caramel-colored Corojo wrapper. The result is a full-tilt array of flavor on the palate with definite hints of earth, toasted cedar and black pepper. We found it to be bold yes, but balanced and not overpowering. The draw was perfect and produced lots of thick smoke that filled the room with its rich slightly sweet tobacco aroma. The ash, light in color, was nice and firm. Indulge in a Garcia black after you've overindulged in a garlic-saturated meal. A bold Chianti not only complements such a dish, it works equally well with this smoke. Salut!