(Note: This review originally appeared on CigarJack.)
Brand: El Mejor Cigars
Line: Emerald
Vitola: Toro 6 x 52
Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Honduran
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Body: Medium-to-full
Strength: Full-to-full
Box Price: $69.50 (Box of 20)
I’m relatively new to the cigar world, so I haven’t seen too many crazy-looking cigars. So when I got my hands on the El Mejor Emerald, I didn’t really know what to expect. The cigar’s foot has an old-style appearance, with loose filler and binder tobacco sticking out. Kind of cool, but it reminded me of a Backwoods, something I used to enjoy back in the day. I probably don’t have to tell you that the El Mejor Emerald tastes much better than a Backwoods cigar.
I do have to tell you, however, that it tastes better than many other cigars. (Good cigars, mind you.)
After you notice the EME’s shaggy foot, I recommend you give it a whiff; its smooth, aged Corojo wrapper makes it nice and spicy.
It has a good prelight draw, and when you light up, you’ll get a pleasant toasty taste and aroma. An inch in, the wrapper kicks in, and it gets peppery, with a slightly tangy aftertaste.
My one beef with the EME: It got hot at the end. But if you want to smoke it down to the nub — and you will — it’s a risk you’ll have to take.
Verdict: Complex, but not overbearing. An enjoyable cigar. And the price isn’t bad, either.
Similar cigars: The Don Pepin Cuban Classic.