My Father Limited Edition 2010

Size: 6.5” x 52

Vitola: Toro

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano Criollo

Origin: Nicaragua

Age: Fresh

This is a cigar I’ve been eagerly awaiting since I heard it will feature some of Pepin’s Pelo de Oro leaf.  What’s Pelo de Oro?  Meaning “golden hair”, PdO is the grandfather to the modern day Corojo wrapper.  According to Tobacconist University:

it is usually a reference to a potent Cuban cigar varietal which was popular in the early and middle 20th Century. This tobacco could be used for wrapper and filler as well, but is disease prone and can infest entire crops and regions so it is rarely grown today. Pelo de Oro can be considered a ‘campesino’ or ‘guajiro’ tobacco since many agricultural workers grow and smoke it to this day – especially in the central part of Cuba.  It is known for being quite strong and flavorful as well as sweet.

My Father LE 2010

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Manufacturer’s Spotlight – Don Pepin Garcia

There is no one cigar maker more popular than Don “Pepin” Jose Garcia… or busier!   His tiny little shop in Little Havana has exploded into several factories in Nicaragua and more brand names and collaborations than you can shake a stick at.  He has almost single-handedly changed what comes to mind when consumers think of Nicaraguan cigars.  He has helped make the lancero and salamone popular and sought after sizes.  And full-bodied cigars?  The bar has been raised through the ceiling.

Pepin & Jaime

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Pepin Event at Empire Cigars

Last Friday we had the privilege of having one of the most popular figures in the cigar industry at Empire Cigars – Don Pepin Garcia!

Pepin showed up promptly at 3pm and the festivities began with Empanadas and Mojitos.  Our pal Hal Rubin, the owner, also splurged on a few bottles of Zaya, a 12-year old rum from Trinidad which was absolutely fantastic.

Dave preparing for the fun

There were great promotions that night, discount on boxes of DPG cigars and a free 5-pack with every box purchase.  Box purchases earned a ticket for the raffle which included a few pipe and baseball cigars and a few ashtrays as well.

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