Artesano Del Tobacco

El Pulpo

Paired well with Old Forester 1910.

Initial thoughts, do I really want something this thick between my lips? This sucker is thicc. I like my cigars how I like my women which is how I like my maple syrup, thick and rich. The pre light draw is a mystery, earth, peat moss, dankness, and something else I can't put my finger on. First puff once it's going and I'm shocked, much lighter and far smoother than I anticipated. This one will be interesting. Almost an inch in, the burn line is almost even, the ash is thick and gray, like concrete mix but more fragile. The draw is deceptive, it feels good, but smoke production is minimal, was it over humidified from the b&m I just bought it from? I'm a proponent of smoking right after buying but I'm also spoiled from my perfect humidor. Nothing beats a great cigar that's spent a few months in my box. The 1st 3rd gave me dark chocolate, medium roast coffee grinds, a hint of leather, and a good amount of charred oak. This cigar looks better than it tastes but it looks pretty darn good so that still leaves room for a decent rating, we will see. I've heard these get compared to padron 1964 and olmec maduro. It's not bad but I'd rather have those other two. Beginning the second half and I'm getting something vegetal, asparagus? No, broccoli, but it's soft instead of sharp, over cooked steamed broccoli. I lost two pairs of Oakleys in the last two weeks. I'm squinting in the Houston sun while I try and enjoy my lunch break. I need a new pair. I the middle of the cigar it mellows out and produces more smoke. Solid B+ now. I enjoy it more when I imagine the wrapper is a lighter color. The dark chocolate gives way to milk chocolate truffle. The coffee grinds become medium strength espresso. The cigar has improved in the second half. It's too hot out to thoroughly enjoy this cigar without an alcoholic beverage. The coke zero isn't cutting it. We're getting into the final 3rd, just took the top band off. Ammonia is present. The retro throughout the entire cigar has been consistently smooth with zero spice. I like spice, almost no nic bite. This is a mild cigar identifying as a medium-full. I love the octopus, the label is very attractive. This really is a beautiful cigar. I wish it was as good as it looked. I accidentally Inhaled because the retro was so light, I hate when I do that. Not enjoyable. I have to quit a bit early, 15 minutes to drive back to work. I don't think I'll buy one again.