Le Matin, 6.75" x 46 ring gauge / $11.35, Burns
Dion Giolito took this year's IPCPR show as an opportunity to expand the lineup of the Epernay, a Nicaraguan puro made of criollo and corojo tobaccos and finished with a Cafe Rosado wrapper leaf. I have never given a full review to the Epernay, but I thought I might record a few thoughts on this new vitola. Construction looked top-notch although lack of cellophane lead to the stick getting roughed up pre-smoke in at least one place. The aroma of the wrapper was a nice sweet hay; I got an earthy/compost aroma on the foot. Prelight, the cigar had a nice natural tobacco flavor with some sweetness, some spiciness and a little citrusy zing.
The opening puffs had a mellowness to them--a little bit of semi-sweet cocoa, hints of cedar, a very mild pepperiness on the retrohale. One well-known cigar personality calls the Epernay "the epitome of balance" and I was finding it hard to disagree; this cigar displayed an elegance and creaminess while still being medium-to-full bodied right from the start. Before long that "corojo" flavor I have been coming to love crept in--nice mix of cedar, cocoa, cinnamon, and other notes.
During the middle third I got more cedar and some hay, but the creaminess of the cigar never subsided. It was an excellent accompaniment to my morning coffee. I do wish these cigars cost less so I could enjoy them more often, but Epernay is definitely worth the extra cash for an occasional indulgence.
Agree, disagree or have your own thoughts you would like to share on this cigar? Please leave a comment and speak your mind!
0 comments:
Post a Comment