Smoke Inn Blog
The Cuba Aliados EPC Cabinet Edition is a cigar shrouded in a bit of mystery. While the name evokes a Cuban heritage, it’s actually crafted by Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr. in the Dominican Republic. This medium-bodied smoke caters to experienced palates seeking a complex and flavorful experience. Let’s delve into its intricacies:
Construction and Appearance:
The Cabinet Edition boasts a beautiful, reddish Ecuadorian Sumatra-seed Colorado wrapper. It’s smooth and oily to the touch, with minimal veins. The cigar is well-packed and feels dense but comfortable in the hand. Being a cabinet selection, it typically comes in a sleek presentation box.
Pre-light:
The cold draw reveals enticing aromas of leather, earth, and a hint of spice. The wrapper itself exudes a touch of sweetness, sometimes likened to raisins or dried fruit.
First Third:
Upon lighting, the Cabinet Edition produces a clean burn and ample smoke. The initial flavor profile is dominated by a spicy pepper note, often accompanied by hints of earth and wood. A faint touch of creaminess as well. Despite the spice bomb, the smoke is surprisingly smooth and it produces ample thick smoke with a long finish.
Second Third:
As the cigar progresses into the second third, the pepper spice starts to mellow but still up front and in your face, allowing some other flavors to emerge. Earthy notes of cedar and oak become more prominent, often joined by a subtle nuttiness. The leather notes from the pre-light draw also come to the forefront, adding a touch of smokiness to the profile. Hints of sweetness linger in the background, with comparisons to brown sugar or raisin.
Final Third:
The final third sees a shift in the flavor profile. Earthy notes like fermented hay and bitter citrus zest take center stage, often accompanied by a lingering tangy sweetness. The leather and spice notes remain present, though subdued. Some reviewers detect a slight minty quality on the retrohale. The burn remains consistent throughout the smoke. Towards the end, the cigar became bitter and the lingering smoke left a bit of an unpleasant taste in the mouth. The retro was also a bit “bitty” on the nose.
Overall:
The Cuba Aliados EPC Cabinet Edition is a complex and flavorful cigar that is sure to tantalize the taste buds of experienced smokers. The blend offers a journey for the palate, with a focus on a lot of spicy pepper, earthy, and leathery notes, balanced by subtle hints of sweetness. The medium body makes it a satisfying smoke, while the complex flavors keep the experience interesting throughout.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Strength: Medium-Full
- Body: Medium
- Flavor Profile: Spicy pepper, earth, wood, leather, cream (later), cedar, oak, nuttiness (later), sweetness (raisin, powdered sugar), hay, citrus zest (later), mint (later)
- Burn: Consistent
- Smoke Production: Ample
- Value: Prices can vary depending on retailer, but expect to pay around $14 per cigar, which is fair for the quality and complexity offered.
Final Thoughts:
The Cuba Aliados EPC Cabinet Edition is not for the faint of heart. The initial pepper spice bomb can be assertive, and the overall profile caters to those who enjoy a more complex smoking experience. However, for those who appreciate a well-constructed and flavorful medium to full bodied cigar, the Cabinet Edition is a rewarding smoke that offers a unique taste adventure.
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