The Don Pepin Garcia Series JJ Selectos torpedo packs serious Nicaraguan punch in its 5"x50 robusto frame. Part of the legendary My Father portfolio, this box-pressed cigar starts at $9/stick ($180/box) with a sun-grown Corojo wrapper that shimmers with oily promise. I've smoked four of these since picking up a box last month, noticing consistent construction that holds firm even in 70% humidity conditions.
Cold Draw: Dried plum and cracked black pepper notes
A peppery kick hits immediately - classic Pepin style. Black pepper dominates with undertones of burnt coffee grounds. Medium smoke output, tight ash holding for 1.5". Retrohale brings white pepper tingle through nasal passages.
Leather and roasted cashews emerge. Pepper transforms into chili powder nuance. Sweetness creeps in like molasses-coated toast. Draw opens up, smoke turns creamier. Body crosses into full territory.
Cedar wood and bitter chocolate take over. Earthiness intensifies with damp soil notes. Final inch brings mineral bitterness - time to stop. Total smoke time: 68 minutes.
The triple cap unraveled cleanly with a straight cut. Burn line stayed even without corrections. Ash dropped naturally every 1.5 inches. Only downside - slight tar buildup in final third common to Nicaraguan puros.
This classic Pepin blend delivers predictable Nicaraguan power with above-average complexity. While not as refined as the pricier Padrón 1964, it outperforms most $10-range robustos. Best paired with black coffee or aged rum. First-time smokers might find the opening pepper blast overwhelming - try the milder Serie JJ Belicoso first.
