Don Pepin Garcia Reference Guide

[Angry Bill]

Ok, here is the reference of all cigars under Don Pepin Garcia's name. This is not limited to only his brands, but also cigars blended/manufactured for other companies. All of his cigars are made at either of his factories; El Rey de los Habanos on Calle Ocho, Miami, USA or at the Tabacalera Cubana, SA, Estelli, Nicarauga. He is joined by his son, Jaime, his daughter, Janny, and faithfully cared for by Jose's wife, Maria, creating a family venture.

Don Pepin began his life with tobacco at the age of 11. He spent thirty years in Cuba developing his skills as a torcedero (cigar roller) and blender. He has earned numerous accolades for his blending abilities and achieved the highest ranking possible as a cigar roller, Class 8 (Master). He is also a Tabaquero Maestro (Master Blender), and was also a “teacher of teachers” in the arts of blending and rolling cigars.

He helped blend cigars such as Cohiba, Partagas, and Montecristo. During the 1990's, he was in charge of Quality Assurance for the Cohiba brand and was also a consultant to several Cuban cigar makers. Also during the 1990's, he was accounted Cuba's most productive master roller.

Don Pepin’s goal is to re-create the Cuban style as closely as possible without using Cuban tobacco. He has found that Nicaraguan tobaccos render the flavor closest to the Habanos he has in mind.

The El Rey de los Habanos factory, the first cigar factory established by Pepin, shares the address of the corporate headquarters in Little Havana at 1120-1124 SW 8th St., Miami. The factory was started by Don Pepin in 2002. The factory manufactures not only Pepin's own brands, but several brands for major clients and house brands for various cigar stores.

All of the cigars made at his factories are made in the Cuban style and are finished with a triple cap. In addition, every box is marked with the date of manufacture, a practice which is beginning to gain favor outside of Cuba, where it has always been done.

"Don Pepin" and Jaime spend countless hours perfecting their cigars, from the fields, the processing, the blending, the rolling and packaging.

The "Don" doing what he loves!

Truly a family affair with Janny Garcia, Jose "Don Pepin" Garcia, Pete Johnson (Tatuaje/Havana Cellars), Jaime Garcia, and Erick Espinosa (EO/United Tobacco)

The Garcia's currently own the following brands:

Don Pepin Garcia Blue

Don Pepin Garcia JJ Series

Don Pepin Garcia JJ Maduro

Don Pepin Gacria Black

El Rey De Los Habanos

Vegas Cubanos

El Centurion

Tabacco Baez

My Father

I will be adding more information as I am able to acquire photos about lines.

 

[Angry Bill]

Don Pepin Garcia Blue

Demitase (Petite Corona)

4.5" x 32

Exquisitos (Corona)

5 5/8" x 46

Preferido

5.1" x 42

Don Pepin Garcia Blue Fundadores

Cigar Stats:
Size: 7 1/2 x 38 (long panatela)
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo
Binder: Nicaraguan Criollo
Filler: Nicaraguan Corojo and Criollo

Don Pepin Blue Label Firecracker

3" x 50

In addition to these, The Don has also made an Event Cigar for Outlaw Cigars.

 

[Angry Bill]

Don Pepin Garcia
Series JJ

Series JJ is a medium to full bodied cigar with deep and excellent flavor and creaminess, the wrapper is a light-brown “Nicaraguan Corojo Rosado”. It is packed in attractive “Flip Top” cedar boxes containing 24 cigars.

Wrapper: Corojo Oscuro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Vitolas: 4 Natural

In addition, There is a limited edition Lancero available in this line.

 

[Angry Bill]

Don Pepin Garcia
Series JJ Maduro

“Series JJ Maduro” is an attractive medium to full bodied cigar, more specifically three fourth’s to full bodied. With a fine draw, a perfect burn, an excellent flavor and a very dark “Corojo Maduro” wrapper, these cigars are packed in black elegant cedar boxes that contain 24 cigars.

Wrapper: Corojo Maduro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Vitolas: 3 Maduro

In addition, There is a limited edition Lancero available in this line.

 

[Angry Bill]

It is a medium to full bodied cigar with an exquisitely flavored blend, wrapped in premium “Habano Rosado” and finished with our distinctive “Triple Cap”. Packed in beautiful “flip top” cedar boxes, containing 20 cigars each.

Wrapper: Habano Rosado
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Vitolas: 7 Natural

In addition, There is a limited edition Lancero available in this line.

 

[Angry Bill]

El Rey de los Habanos
by Don Pepin

It is a cigar of mild flavor made with Cuban seed, wrapped in “Corojo Rosado Claro”, grown in Nicaragua. This brand is available in completely new Cabinet Style cedar boxes of 23 cigars.

Wrapper: Corojo Rosado Claro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Vitolas: 5 Natural

 

[Angry Bill]

Vegas Cubanas
By Don Pepin Garcia

It is a medium cigar with magnificent flavor and enchanting aroma. This premium cigar is made with “Cuban Seed Corojo 99” blend and packed in Cuban style dressed boxes of 25 cigars individually wrapped in cellophane.

Wrapper: Habano Rosado Claro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Vitolas: 6 Natural

 

[Angry Bill]

El Centurion
by Don Pepin Garcia

"EL CENTURION” is the result of a careful selection of leaves grown of Cuban seeds, which have been matured for three years under the strictest conditions of industry standards. In this process, we have used two varieties of plants from Nicaragua: Criollo 98 and Corojo 99. It is a “Medium to Full Bodied” cigar and one of the most exquisite ones you have ever tested.

FIRST LIMITED EDITION 2007.
850 BOXES PER SIZE.


Wrapper: Habano Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Vitolas: 3 Natural

In addition, There is a limited edition Lancero available in this line.

 

[Angry Bill]

Tabacos Baez

Tabacos Baez hails from Nicaragua and contains Cuban-seed Nicaraguan long leaf tobaccos. These leaves are bound by an oily, but dark Connecticut wrapper, which allows the cigar to develop less of a peppery flavor Pepin is usually known for. The filler and binder combination still provide the earthy flavors reminiscent of Old Havana which are noticeable in all of Pepin’s cigars, but Tabacoss Baez is a bit smoother and more mellow then his other blends. Medium-bodied with notes of coffee, a rich after taste, and a creamy smoke, Tabacos Baez is another phenomenally unique blend stemming from El Rey de los Habanos.

Favoritos Robusto

5.5" x 52

Monarcas Toro Grande

6.5" x 52

Also added was the short filler line, Tabacco Baez SF with 3 sizes that are extremely priced right:

SF Corona 6 X 46

SF Toro 6 X 52

SF Robusto 5 X 50

 

[Angry Bill]

My Father

In Little Havana at the El Rey de Los Habanos factory Jose "Pepin" Garcia and his son Jaime created the My Father blend. The My Father line of cigars is a powerful cigar made primarily of Nicaraguan filler and binder. The wrapper on the My Father cigars is an Ecuador grown Criollo-Habano hybrid leaf. These cigars are packaged in boxes of 23. A solid core flavor of leather is accented by hints of sweetness and pepper. The Don Pepin Garcia My Father line is available in four sizes: the No. 1 is a robusto, the No. 2 is a Belicoso, the No. 3 is a cremas (basically a toro with a tapered head), and the No. 4 is a lancero.

In Addition, 2 more new sizes in the basic My Father line. Both of these cigars have the cedar wrapping.

Cedro Deluxe Cervantes 6 1/2" x 44

Cedro Deluxe Eminentes 5 5/8" x 46


Also added was My Father Le Bijou 1922 line, which includes 3 sizes of cigars

Petite Robusto 4 1/2" x 50

Toro 6 X 52

Churchill 7 x 50

 

[Angry Bill]

Blends

Now I will go into the lines blended by the "Don".

Havana Cellars - Pete Johnson

We all know that he and Pete have created incredible lines. I will only mention them in this post to bring recognition to two great people. I will not be going into specifics, as further discussion and reference will be made in a seperate thread which can be found here: [ame="http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php?t=27097"]Pete Johnson Reference Guide - BOTL Cigar Forums - Brothers of the Leaf[/ame]

​

 

[Angry Bill]

Cigars Available at Cigar King and Phatash

HABANA LEON CIGARS

One of the more prominent teams in Cuban baseball history, the Habana Leones were affectionately nicknamed the "Rojos" or "reds" by their fans. This red theme is carried over to this all new cigar named for the famous baseball team. Habana Leon uses a very stong and full bodied blend. The filler is 70% Ligero tobacco, wrapped in a Nicaraguan grown binder. It is topped off by a Nicaragun grown redish-brown Corojo Wrapper from a 2000 crop. A Red and Gold label top off this full bodied masterpiece made by Pepin Garcia. The Haban Leon is truly "King of the Jungle"!

The vitolas:

"A" 9.25 X 48
Churchill 7 X 48
Corona 5.5 X 44
Robusto 5 X 50
Torpedo 5.5 X 52
Toro 6 X 50
El Mundo 5.5 X 52

HAVANA SOUL

As you walk Calle Ocho (Eigth Street) in Little Havana, Miami, you might walk right by the small factory that produces this superb smoke. El Rey de Los Habanos is the factory where Jose "Pepin" Garcia skillfully creates some of the best cigars in the world. "Pepin" was born in Cuba and was considered to be one of thier finest Master blenders of cigars. While in Cuba, he helped blend cigars such as Cohiba, Partagas, and Montecristo. He fled Cuba about 5 years ago in search of a better life. He ended up in Miami and now makes cigars using mostly Nicaraguan tobaccos, as he believes they are the closest to Cuban tobaccos in flavor and strength. Havana Soul is rich and full-bodied, with notes of brown butter, nuts and chocolate thanks to it's oily Corojo '99 seed wrapper grown in Nicaragua. The Cuban triple-layered cap construction is flawless. The draw is effortless as you would expect from this masterpiece. This cigar has a very Cuban-esque flavor.

The Vitolas:

El Mundo 5.5 X 52
Corona 5 X 44
No.7 7 X 60
"A" 9 X 48
Churchill 7 X 50
Corona Gorda 6 X 46
Robusto 5 X 50
Toro 6 X 50
Torpedo 6.13 X 52

CUBAN DIPLOMAT

Cuban Diplomat is an interesting variation on the wildly popular Havana Soul cigars. Pepin Garcia, Master Blender and owner of the EL Rey de Los Habanos Factory in Miami, FL, decided to take a classic, silky smooth, Connecticut shade wrapper and drape it around the full-bodied core of Nicaraguan tobaccos borrowed from the Havana Soul line. This truly unusual combination makes the Cuban Diplomat a medium-plus bodied cigar with rich flavors of cream and an underlying spice. This absolutely delicious cigar goes well with a latte or cappuccino. Pepin is on the cutting edge of cigar blending and the Cuban Diplomat is a great example of his thinking outside the box to create a truly unique product.

The Vitolas:

El Mundo 5.5 X 52
Llana Corona 5 X 42
Robusto Gorda 5.5 X 55
Torpedo 6.25 X 54
Kole 6.5 X48

CUBAN DIPLOMAT COROJO ROSADO

This new Cuban Diplomat Corojo Rosado blend is absolutely DYN-O-MITE! Owner and Master blender of El Rey de Los Habanos in Miami, FL, Pepin Garcia starts with the same core blend of filler and binder as used on the Cuban Diplomat Connecticut. But, instead of the Connecticut wrapper, he uses what he calls the "Corojo Rosado". This is one gorgeous Corojo wrapper! It is a beautiful, oily wrapper that is toothy and has a rich reddish-brown color. This new version of the Cuban Diplomat is medium to full bodied with rich flavors of cedar and spice with a nice smooth finish.

The Vitolas:

Llana Corona 5 X 42
Robusto Gorda 5.5 X 55
Torpedo 6.25 X 54
Kole 6.5 X48

HIRSH Y GARCIA

When two great people in the cigar industry get together to create a new cigar, there is no telling what kind of creative blends they can come up with. Pepin Garcia got together with Mitchel Hirsh, owner of Cigar King and created a cigar together to commemorate both their business relationship and their personal friendship. Hirsh y Garcia uses an absolutely sumptuous blend of Nicaraguan tobacco with a dark, chocolate brown colored Corojo wrapper. All of Pepin's blends are totally unique and this is no exception. This medium to full bodied smoke is bursting with strong flavors of black pepper and cedar. This spicy smoke will satisfy those looking to capture the flavor of a Havana.

The Vitolas:

Robusto 5 X 50
Panatela 7 X 42
Churchill 7 X 50
Toro 6 X 50
Corona 5.5 X 42
Torpedo 6.13 X 52

Nacionales W

Nacionales W was created by Pepin Garcia in his Miami, FL factory El Rey de Los Habanos. This blend was designed by Pepin to mimic the cigars that he and his fellow rollers in Cuba smoked in the factories. He always called it the “National Blend” because every cigar smoker who worked in the factories on the island nation smoked the same blend. Pepin tried his best to re-create it, and he says it is very, very close. The Nacionales W uses a blend of all Nicaraguan tobacco topped off with an oily, brown colored Corojo’99 wrapper. This mouth watering blend is a solid medium body that gushes with flavors of spice and coffee. The draw is effortless and it burns evenly creating a very solid layered ash. These flavors combined with Pepin’s superior construction ensure that the Nacionales W is another cigar that will make you think twice about buying Cuban cigars again.

The Vitolas:

Churchill 7 X 48
Corona 5.5 X 44
Robusto 5 X 50
Toro 6 X 50
Torpedo 6 X 52
El Mundo 5.5 X 52

Sancti Spiritus

This is avery special cigar for Pepin Garcia. Sancti Spiritus is the name of the region in Cuba where he was born and raised. It is also the center of cultural history in Cuba. It houses many museums and other tributes to the vast and rich history of the island nation. As intersting as the history of Cuba, Sancti Spiritus is as enchanting thanks to it's complex blend of NIcaraguan tobaccos and a gorgeous Corojo wrapper. It is a medium bodied cigar with a tremendous amount of flavor where notes of cedar, coffe, and nuts are most prominent. Sancti Spiritus offers a rich and comlex flavor without beeing overly strong. These cigars are as rich and complex as the history of Cuba itself!

The vitolas:

Churchill 7.13 X 50
Robusto 5 X 50
Toro 6 X 50
Torpedo 6.13 X 52

 

[Angry Bill]

UNITED TABACCO / EO BRAND

CUBAO

Cubao is an interesting little number. The box is one-of-a-kind, with a unique, rustic appearance. Open it up to unveil dark and oily cigars with simple, understated bands. That’s Cubao you’re looking at. A Nicaraguan premium blended by Jose Don Pepin Garcia for the makers of 601 Serie. The wrapper is an Ecuadorian-grown Sumatra Oscuro that’s thick and leathery. Beneath this leaf, a variety of vintage, Cuban-seed long-fillers from the black, volcanic soils of Nicaragua. Upon lighting, Cubao promotes a buttery-smooth bouquet that seems to cling to the palate, leaving behind bold traces of oak and leather. Medium in body, this is a fine cigar backed by luxurious aromas.

Fresh off the rolling tables, and Cubao is already creating waves, thanks to a ’90’ rating, which stated: "Toothy and attractive with an even draw. Initial puffs deliver big blasts of red pepper that immediately morph into nutty leather flavors, eventually evening out to a woody smoke."


No. 1 Natural 7 1/8 x 49 Churchill
No. 2 Natural 6 1/8 x 52 Torpedo
No. 3 Natural 7 1/2 x 38 Lancero
No. 4 Natural 4 7/8 x 50 Robusto
No. 5 Natural 6 1/8 x 50 Toro
No. 6 Natural 5 1/2 x 52 Robusto Plus
No. 7 Natural 6 X 42

Maduro line with a Conneticut Broadleaf Wrapper

Churchill 7 1/8" x 48
Belicoso 5 1/2" x 52
Robusto 5 X 50
Robusto Extra 6 1/8" X 50
Rothschild 4 7/8 X 50


601 GOLD/BLACK CONNECTICUT

The 601 Series is handmade in Esteli, Nicaragua, exclusively for United Tobacco, by Pepin Garcia. The Black banded 601 is an exquisite blend of aged Nicaraguan tobaccos topped with a beautifully rich and oily Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper. Blended with the rich, aromatic Nicaraguan fillers and binder, this is far richer and more full bodied than any Connecticut wrapper cigar you have ever smoked.

Churchill 7 X 48
Rabito 6.5 X 46
Robusto 5 X 50
Toro 6 X 50
Torpedo 6.5 X 52

601 RED HABANO

The 601 Series is handmade in Esteli, Nicaragua, exclusively for United Tobacco, by Pepin Garcia. The Red banded 601 is an exquisite blend of aged Nicaraguan tobaccos topped of with a beautifully rich and oily Nicaraguan habano Natural wrapper. Blended and manufactured to provide superb aroma and flavor, it maintains its full bodied flavor profile to the very end. The Red 601is definitely not for the faint hearted and is recommended for experienced smokers only.

Churchill 7 X 48
Guapito 4 X 32
Rabito 6.5 X 46
Robusto 5 X 50
Toro 6 X 50
Torpedo 6.5 X 52
Trabuco 6.2 X 58

601 BLUE MADURO

The Blue banded 601 is the box press edition in the 601 Serie. It is handmade in Esteli, Nicaragua, exclusively for United Tobacco, by Pepin garcia. This version of the 601 is an exquisite blend of aged Nicaraguan tobaccos wrapped in exquisite , oily Nicaraguan Habano Maduro. The finished cigar has been slightly box pressed to create the perfect smoke. The 601 Blue is a full bodied cigar which has been perfectly blended to exude a superb taste, flavor and aroma.

Prominente 5.5 X 56
Robusto 5.25 X 52
Toro 6.25 X 54
Torpedo 6.18 X 52

601 GREEN OSCURO

The 601 Serie is handmade in Esteli, Nicaragua, exclusively for United Tobacco, by Pepin Garcia. The Green banded 601 is an exquisite blend of aged Nicaraguan tobaccos topped with a beautifully rich and oily Nicaraguan Habano Oscuro wrapper. Blended with the rich, aromatic Nicaraguan fillers and binder, this is by far the richest and most full bodied of the 601 line.

Corona 5 X 42
Fuerza 5.25 X 54
La Punta 5.5 X 52
Trabuca 6.18 X 58
Tronco 5 X 52

MI BARRIO

Mi Barrio is a limited edition, seasonal release, made by Pepin Garcia for the guys that brought you the incredible 601 brands. Mi Barrio (my neighborhood) is a full bodied cigar thanks to it's filler and binder blend of all Nicaraguan tobaccos from 3 differnet regions. It is topped with a brown and oily Nicaraguan Habano wrapper. It is rich and flavorful and builds from a medium to full bodied smoke as you go. Mi Barrio is bursting with flavors of leather and spice, but has a nice clean finish. Each box will feature the artwork of Edin Gutierrez on the lid and band. This is a fantastic new smoke. Get them while they last! Rumor has it that there will be 100,000 cigars made, which will be relase four times over a one year period of time.

El Puro 7.5 X 52
Released July 15, 2008 @ IPCPR

El Acere 6 X 5
Tentative Release was October 15, 2008

Al Forro ?
Tenantive Release February 15, 2009


El Billitero ?
Release Date August 15, 2009 @ IPCPR

Murcielago

The newest addition to the EO Brands line is "The Bat" or Mucielago. These cigars are made by Pepin and are medium to full bodied cigars with a Nicaraguan filler; Mexican binder and world renowned Mexican Maduro wrapper. The slightly box pressed cigars, wrapped in a superb Mexican leaf, have been produced in the following sizes:

Churchill 7-1/8 X 48
Toro 6-1/8 X 50
Belicoso 5-1/2 X 52
Robusto 5-1/8 X 50
Rothschild 5-1/8 X 50

 

[Angry Bill]

HOLT'S

CASA ROYALE

If you ever needed proof that you can't judge a book by its cover then look no further than our exclusive Pepin blend, Casa Royale. This cigar shares a wrapper leaf with Tatuaje's prized Black Label. It certainly isn't Pepin's strongest blend but what it lacks in punch it more than makes up for with a complex and dizzying blast of flavors ranging from spicy earth and cedar to creamy leather and nuts.

Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium to Full
Wrapper: Esteli Sungrown
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan

Vitolas:

Ace 5.625 X 46
Aristocrat 5.5 X 52
Crown 5 X 50
Imperial 6 X 50
Prestige 6.75 X 49

FUMADORES

Our main man Pepin Garcia is a flat out stud. His brilliant style of blending has the cigar world awestruck! Pepin is currently gaining mass acclaim for his illustrious top-shelf cigars; however, his newest creation is a no-nonsense, mind-blowing value! The brand new Fumadores are handmade in Nicaragua and come in 3 fabulous sizes. Oily
clay-colored Ecuadorian wrappers hug a scrumptious blend of Nicaraguan Corojo, Criollo and Habano seed tobaccos. The Holt's Tasting Committee has gone totally bonkers over these cigars. In fact, we think these gems could be the finest cigars for the money in the entire industry! They're constructed sandwich style, yet burn and taste like 100% premium long-filler. It's remarkable. When you first fire up one of these bad boys your tongue is immediately met with a barrage of spices. As you continue to puff, your nose and mouth get furnished with an earthy aroma accented by wholesome hints of oak, apricot and cayenne pepper. Overall these cigars are medium to full-bodied with a rich, hearty finish. Pepin is currently making a plethora of fine cigars.

Vitolas:

#1 5 x 50
#2 6 X 50
#3 7 X 50

HOLT'S CONNOISSEUR SELECTION

Ten years after the discontinuation of the original blend, the Holt's Connoisseur triumphantly returned to our shelves. Reblended and rolled now under the knowledgeable eye of none other than Pepin Garcia, these new Connoisseurs have the same strength that turned so many heads back in the early 90's, but the flavor and spice have been ramped up to keep with the times. Composed of a diverse selection of Nicaraguan tobaccos, these new and improved Connoisseurs flood the palate with an earthy spice followed by a rich, creamy, leathery finish.

Vitolas:

Bishop 6 X 52
Chancellor 6.2 X 52
King 7 X 50
Knight 5 X 50
Prince 5.5 X 44

OLD HENRY

Old Henry is simply an outstanding Holt's house brand made by industry phenom Pepin Garcia. A very fine assortment of Nicaraguan fillers and binders make up the meat of this marvel and provide a very smooth, but spicy, earthy core laced with nuances of chary wood and fresh peppers. A luxurious Nicaraguan Corojo leaf is then used to wrap up this gem, adding its own additional layer of spice and a sweet, leathery finish.

Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Strength: Full
Wrapper: Nicaraguan
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan

Vitolas:

Champion 6.25 X 56
Churchill 7 X 48
Corona 5.5 X 44
Lancero 6.75 X 42
Robusto 5 X 50
Toro 6 X 52
Torpedo 6.13 X 52

New release - Old Henry Maduros

LITTLE HAVANA OVERUNS

Here is another splendid closeout from the #1 cigar maker in Miami! We introduced the original Little Havana Overruns about 6 months ago and they sold out almost instantly. Since then, value nuts have immortalized this brand as a bona fide cult classic. Talk about a tough act to follow! Surprisingly enough, the Holt's Tasting Committee thinks our new Little Havana Overruns are just as good as their esteemed predecessors. The blend is different, but the flavor and quality are both fantastic. These cigars are handmade in Miami from 100% Nicaraguan long-fillers. Medium to full-bodied, these bad boys boast buttery-brown Nicaraguan wrappers and some fantastically spicy flavors.

Country of Origin: USA
Strength: Medium to Full
Wrapper: Nicaraguan
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan

 

[Angry Bill]

ASHTON CIGAR COMPANY

BENCHMADE

[

Benchmade is a new brand handcrafted in Nicaragua by
Jose "Pepin" Garcia. These cigars feature gorgeous,
dark-brown Nicaraguan wrappers, a pair of sturdy
Nicaraguan binders and a delicious selection of high-grade Nicaraguan fillers. Each cigar is finished with a handsome pigtail top. The flavors are medium to full-bodied with a sweet earthy richness and a spicy complexity.

Benchmade boasts the flavor and construction of a
super-premium cigar, yet the attractive price-tag of a value bundle. Available in 4 traditional sizes in elegant cedar boxes, Benchmade is the new benchmark for the value cigar.

LA AROMA de CUBA EDICION ESPECIAL

La Aroma De Cuba Edicion Especial is a wonderful new cigar manufactured in Nicaragua by Jose "Pepin" Garcia. Handcrafted in small batch fashion by a select group of master rollers, this is a cigar for the connoisseur with a seasoned palate. The flavors within this cigar are tremendously complex. Beautiful, seamless, pumpkin-colored wrappers embrace an enchanting Cubanesque blend of rich, well-aged Nicaraguan tobaccos. These wrappers are cultivated in Ecuador under direct sunlight from Cuban seeds. The flavors are medium to full-bodied, rich and zesty. Hearty notes of earth and cedar are accompanied by lighter notes of leather and cinnamon. Available in 5 sizes in cedar chests of 25.

The new and improved La Aroma de Cuba! Now handmade in Nicaragua by Pepin Garcia, the new LADC features gorgeous chocolaty Connecticut Broadleaf wrappers and a rich, spicy blend of Nicarguan tobaccos. For the past 18 months, we have been working very closely with the Garcia family to bring this new cigar to fruition. We believe we have successfully improved the flavor and quality of the cigar without compromising the richness and spiciness that loyal LADC smokers have relished for years.


SAN CRISTOBAL

Enter San Cristobal! This is Ashton’s biggest and most important product release in many years. San Cristobal is a name that we have used since the mid-1980's and trademarked here in the United States since the mid-1990’s. We have wanted to relaunch this brand for quite some time. However, it was important for us to wait until we had the right cigar, as well as the right cigar manufacturer for the job.

Our Product Development team has been working long and hard on this project for the past 2 years. We have been working hand-in-hand in Nicaragua with Jose “Pepin” Garcia. For those of you unfamiliar, Pepin is a rising star in the cigar industry. He is a Cuban expatriate with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the art of cigar making. Pepin ran cigar production in Cuba for 30 years before departing for the U.S. in 2002. Now he is in Nicaragua making some of the finest cigars in the world today. We are extremely confident that our newfound partnership with Pepin will turn out to be a long and prosperous one.

The cigar itself turned out to be a dream come true! We truly could not be happier with the finished product! Blended entirely from rich and delicious Nicaraguan tobaccos, these cigars feature dark, oily Nicaraguan wrappers. The flavor is rich and full-bodied, exhibiting a perfect balance between strength and complexity. Hearty notes of earth, cedar and spices are accompanied by lighter notes of walnuts, espresso and dark chocolate. Each cigar is constructed impeccably and finished with a traditional Cuban Triple-Cap. Available in 7 sizes in cedar chests of 22

 

[Angry Bill]

CIGARS INTERNATIONAL

Legends Pepin Garcia - Yellow Label

5.7 x 54

To keep it simple, Pepin Garcia is ‘blowing up.’ Famous for creating the heavily sought Tatuaje and Padilla Miami 8&11 brands, expect nothing short of spectacular from this intoxicating submission. Upon first glance, it’s easy to see Pepin’s Cuban heritage. The veiny, natural-colored wrappers and well-placed triple-caps. A spicy, earthy pre-light aroma. Handmade in his new Nicaraguan factory, this impressive blend utilizes Pepin’s prized, 1st Generation Habano seed tobaccos, all grown in the black soils of Nicaragua. The Corojo wrapper is top-notch, delivering a strong, spicy flavor even before the cigar is lit. Inside, a well-aged mixture of select Habano-seed long-fillers combine to deliver an assortment of satisfying flavors. Sit down before lighting, because this gem is a powerhouse. Expect a peppery burst of flavor upfront, which gradually mellows into chewy notes of wood and earth. This transition makes the cigar’s spicy character an afterthought, lingering long on the aftertaste urging you back for another puff. Naturally, construction is incredible. Enjoy the even, cool burn thanks to a beautiful, solid roll. Delicious.

PADILLA EDICION ESPECIAL ACHILLES 2006

Toro 6 X 50

Behold the Edicion Especial 'Achilles' – a beautiful handmade blended by Ernesto and crafted by Jose "Pepin" Garcia. Hailing from Nicaragua, the café-colored Achilles is what cigar dreams are made of. Padilla Achilles is densely packed with Cuban-seed tobaccos from the fertile soils of Nicaragua. Patiently aged, this hearty blend is graced by a stunning Corojo wrapper. This choice, dark brown leaf is smooth as silk and super leathery in appearance. A burst of creamy flavors is the first thing you'll notice, followed by a series of intense, cedary flavors. The spicy aftertaste mellows at the midway point, where sweet cedar coats the palate after each draw. Full-bodied throughout, the Achilles is an eventful cigar.

5 VEGAS - MIAMI

Actually, this cigar is sold at both Cigar International and Cigar.com
5 Vegas Miami could be considered the "best of the best" when compared to the other 5 Vegas line extensions. Inspired by a small batch blend produced in Miami, this line features six enticing sizes, all of which are medium in body and produce rich, full flavors.

For years, a small batch blend of 5 Vegas has been manufactured in Miami and reserved for special events throughout the country. While the makers of 5 Vegas always dreamed of releasing the Miami to the public, there simply was not enough production to make their hopes a reality…until now. The original Miami blend has finally been replicated in one of Nicaragua’s most prominent factories under the direction of Don Pepin Garcia, enabling 5 Vegas to offer its full Miami line to aficionados worldwide.

Vitolas:

Churchill 7 X 48
Knuckle 4.5 X 60
Petite Corona 4.5 X 44
Robusto 5 X 50
Toro 6 X 48
Torpedo 6.1 X 52

Edicion Especial (US Habano - Cigar Bid Exclusive)
The original Miami Edicion Especial (a shaggy foot toro) can be purchased for a premium price and is currently available. All 5 Vegas Miami sizes are neatly packaged in elegant, traditional cabinet boxes of 20. This blend’s medium body perfectly complements a complex mix of Central American fillers that are encapsulated by a Corojo wrapper. The result is a cigar with deep flavors that encompass notes of wood and leather with added nuances of spice, creating an incredible tasting smoke, which is complete with a moderate finish.

6 X 52

 

[Angry Bill]

My Father Cigar

This cigar was created by Jaime Garica to pay tribute to his father, Jose "Don" Pepin Garcia. Created at the Pepin's My Father factory in Estelli, Nicaragua. Full bodied cigar. Featuring a Habano-Rosado wrapper, each of the 5 vitolas has a full bodied blend of Nicaraguan filler from the most prestigious farm in Esteli, Nicaragua.

Packaged in exquisite hinged cedar boxes of 23 cigars signifying the old Cuban litography. Each cigar is wrapped celo inside of the box to ensure safe tavel.

This cigar comes in five sizes:
No.1 Robusto 5.2 X 52
No.2 Belicoso 5.2 X 54
No.3 Cremas 6 X 49
No.4 Lancero 7.5 X 38
No.5 Toro 6 X 56

In addition, there are
My Father Limited Edition 2010
My Father Limited Edition 2011 (Release April 2011) 6.5 X 52


My Father Le Bijou:

These cigars have a Habano Oscuro (Pelo de Oro) wrapper with Nice binder and filler. It comes in four sizes:

My Father Le Bijou 1922 Churchill 7 X 50
My Father Le Bijou 1922 Petite Robusto 4.5 X 50
My Father Le Bijou 1922 Grand Robusto 5 5/8 X 55
My Father Le Bijou 1922 Toro 6 X 52

Additionally, the Cedros DeLuxe (Cedar wrapped)

Eminentes 5.75 X 46
Cervantes 6.5 X 44

 

[Angry Bill]

Padilla - Pepin Made Cigars

As of last year, the Don and Ernesto Padilla ended their relationship. During the Pepin tenure, there were four incredible lines of cigars manufactured for Padilla. Padilla decided to base his cigar company after his father, and every line has a reference to Heberto. His father was born in 1932, he published his first book of poetry in 1948, and he published Fuego del Juego in 1968.

Heberto Padilla, father of Padilla cigars owner, Ernesto Padilla, was a important figure in the Cuban Revolution of the later half of the 20th century. Heberto Padilla was an outspoken poet that, alongside his wife, Belkis Cuza Male, originally supported Fidel Castro’s overthrow of the Batista dictatorship that existed in Cuba. Poetry was something that was incredibly prevalent in Pinar del Rio, where Heberto Padilla grew up, as there were often poetry face-offs. Heberto and his wife began to notice that Castro was using their writings for propaganda, and their opinion of him and the revolution began to change. Naturally, Castro wasn’t going to allow for a well-known poet in Cuba be outspoken about his government.

In 1968, Heberto Padilla was awarded the Julian del Casal prize for his book, Fuego del Juego (Out of the Game). This was a tremendous honor, but it came with a price as there were incendiary comments directed at Castro’s regime. In 1971, he was put under house arrest, and then taken prisoner along with his wife. In prison they were tortured and Heberto was forced to sign a “self criticism” of his book, which he turned around on them. This event was called The Padilla Affair. In his son’s words, “It was a message from a guy who almost had a gun to his head...When you come unarmed, what threat are you?” After Padilla had his son, Ernesto, Senator Ted Kennedy quicky came to the Padilla’s rescue and helped them immigrate to the United States where Heberto taught at Princeton University for many years.

Padilla Miami 8/11

The Padilla Miami 8/11 Blend is a very limited edition, all Nicaraguan Puro. This cigar is meticulously handcrafted in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood under the strict guidance of former Cuban "Master of Masters" Don Pepin Garcia. Don Pepin is arguably the most sought after cigar maker of small batch Cuban style cigars in the world today.Each Padilla Miami 8/11 Blend cigar is blended with Cuban seed Crillo and Crojo long filler tobaccos and vintage oily Corojo seed wrappers with signature Cuban style triple caps. the final result is an exquisite full flavored smoke that has achieved consistent outstanding scores for its rich complex flavor and world class construction.These are must have smokes. They are rare and limited a real treat to add to any world class cigar collection.

The Vitolas:

Belicoso Fino 5 X 52
Churchill 7 X 48
Corona 5.5 X 42
Lancero 7.5 X 42
Robusto 5 X 50
Salomon 7.2 X 57
Torpedo 6.1 X 52


Signature 1932 Series

Padilla Signature 1932 cigars are exquisitely handade at El Rey de Los Habanos in Miami, Florida, by Jose Pepin Garcia. These all-Nicaraguan-blend puros offer you a full-bodied smoke that rivals some of the finest Havanas. Their easy draw produces an ample cloud of dense, creamy smoke. Its woody flavors are complemented by notes of spice and coffee flavors. The cigar burns true, leaving behind a solid ash. This is a 'must-smoke' cigar that's especially enjoyable after dinner.

The vitolas:

Churchill 7 X 48
Lancero 6.8 X 42
Robusto 5 X 50
Toro 6 X 50
Torpedo 6.14 X 52

Limited Release Oscouro Limitado

Only three sizes of these limited cigars.

Churchill 7 X 48
Robusto 5 X 50
Torpedo 6.14 X 50

1948 Series

The Padilla 1948 cigar is meticuously hand-rolled in Nicaragua at Pepin Garcia's factory. A medium to full bodied cigar with subtle bouquet of flavors, the filler combines a vintage blend of Nicaraguan Criolla and Corojo tobaccos. Wrapped in a thick and buttery Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper, this cigar immediately produces subtle notes of pepper and spice over a wood base, then is soothed by a smooth bouquet of deep, earthy nuances.

The Vitolas:

Churchill 7 X 48
Lancero 6.7 X 42
Robusto 5 X 50
Torpedo 6.18 X 52

 

[Angry Bill]

Miscellaneous Discontinued Cigars

The cigars listed below are no longer produced, but may be available at the individual companies.

Black Cat Cigar Company

Rey Miguel

When Fidel Castro wanted something special, something extraordinary, he had his cigar masters develop Cohiba. Only the finest people in the Cuban cigar industry were chosen for this task with the orders to make the best cigar in the world, or else. Pepin Garcia was given the reigns on Cohiba and oversaw the entire production of this brand from 1990 until his defection in 2001.

This legendary cigar master has worked as a consultant for several of the leading cigar companies over the past couple of years and has recently opened his own factory in Little Havana, Miami. Pepin's cigars regularly score over 90 in Cigar Aficionado and he has become the rage of the industry.

Pepin has developed a new cigar, Rey Miguel, which embodies everything he developed for Cohiba with the advantage, according to him, of being able to utilize and select different types and blends of tobacco from regions outside of Cuba. Rey Miguel is a very complex, medium-bodied cigar featuring a blend of tobaccos that create a Cuban-style, hearty and robust smoke. The "kicker" is the special Connecticut wrapper grown on a farm in a tiny valley in Ecuador. This costly wrapper tempers the strength and perfectly compliments the filer leaf.

Rey Miguel is perfectly balanced to bring you the taste and flavor of the finest Cubans without any of the lingering harshness or bitterness. Rey Miguel is a must try and might be the best cigar on the market today; made by one of the cigar legends of our time. Product of Little Havana, Miami

The vitolas:

Churchill 7 X 50
Corona Gorda 5.6 X 46
Robusto 5 X 50
Toro 6 X 50
Torpedo 6.25 X 52

Sam's GS Stash

These were private label cigars made for the owner of Black Cat Cigars by Pepin.

Trahan (Cigar Merchant, GA)

Trahan Reserva Serie T is a brand of hand-made premium cigar owned by The Cigar Merchant Company. The brand was created by José "Pepin" Garcia and is manufactured at the El Rey de los Habanos factory in the Little Havana section of Miami, Florida. The brand is named for the owner of the company, Todd Trahan

 

[Angry Bill]

Micellaneous Cigars made by Pepin

Nestor Miranda Special Selection Cigars

Pepin Garcia Re-blends Nestor Miranda Special Selection Cigars

Miami, FL - Nestor Miranda, President of Miami Cigar & Company and Jaime Garcia, President of Tabacalera Garcia in Esteli, Nicaragua announced that Pepin Garcia has re-blended the Nestor Miranda Special Selection line of cigars. Henceforth, the cigars will be manufactured at Tabacalera Garcia.

"Our Nestor Miranda Special Selection is the first new line of cigars to be produced at Tabacalera Garcia," said Rene J. Castaneda, National Sales Manager of Miami Cigar & Company. "The blend will be available in two wrappers: a medium-bodied Nicaraguan Habano Rosado, and a full-bodied Nicaraguan Habano Oscuro. And for the first time, Don Pepin decided to use Dominican tobacco into the filler to be true to Nestor's roots in the cigar business."

"I'm sure our smokers will be even more pleased with this revised blend, even considering the tremendous following developed by the original blend," said Nestor Miranda.

The eponymous cigar line is produced in the following sizes:
Robusto Grande 5.5" x 54
Robusto Grande Oscuro 5.5" x 54
Lancero 7.0" X 38
Rothschild 4.5" x 50
Super Toro 6.0" x 60
Super Toro Oscuro 6.0" x 60
The cigars will be presented in boxes of twenty, with the exception of The Lancero, which will be available in boxes of twenty five cigars.



Troya Exclusive

Troya Clasico captures the soul, spirit and character of fine Cuban cigars in a luxurious Nicaraguan puro. With help from the gifted hands of Maestro Tabaquero, Jose Pepin Garcia, Troya has chosen the most select tobaccos grown in the fertile Jalapa region of Nicaragua, including an oily, coffee-hued, Corojo Oscuro wrapper.

The Vitolas:

Troya Clasico XVIII (Robusto) - 5” x 54
Troya Clasico LIV (Toro) - 6” x 52
Troya Clasico LXIII (Churchill) - 7” x 50


Corojo Label (Cigar.com)

The Cigar.com Corojo Label is a Nicaraguan full-bodied powerhouse made at the El Rey de Los Habanos factory under the direction of Pepin Garcia. This factory is well known for producing such highly rated brands as Tatuaje and Padilla.

This cigar represents the efforts of three long years of careful blending. Debuting in 2007, the Cigar.com Corojo Label signifies the first addition to the Cigar.com House Blends selection since 2004. With all the excitement regarding premium Corojo tobacco, the experts at Cigar.com have been in search of the perfect wrapper to create the ultimate strong and flavorful blend that Corojo cigars are famous for. Our search ended in Esteli, Nicaragua at the famous El Rey de Los Habanos factory where the Cigar.com Corojo Label is made today!

Like all Cigar.com House Blends, the Corojo Label is an extraordinary value, utilizing only the finest tobaccos to blend a cigar worthy of bearing the Cigar.com name. Full-bodied with a long and pronounced finish, the Corojo Label is a bit dry on the palate and features a robust, spicy aroma that rounds out into a complex mix of wood and earth tones.

Vitolas:

Churchill 7 X 50
Corona 6 X 42
Robusto 5 X 50
Torpedo 6 X 52


Top Shelf Signature Select Green

The “Top Shelf® Signature Select” cigar by Don “Pepin” Garcia.

This cigar bears the signature of the owner-operator, Jim Cronin, on the cigar band and box.

Jim Cronin, an avid cigar smoker, has been on a quest to find a superlative cigar on which to put his name and the name of his company. He has been selling a brand called “Don Pepin Garcia” in his shop. These cigars are made in a small factory in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood. These cigars are intense and full-bodied and are highly recommended by Jim Cronin.

Having had success selling the Don Pepin Garcia brand, Jim Cronin asked Don Pepin to create a super premium cigar to be sold exclusively at Top Shelf™ Cigar Co., and thankfully, Don Pepin obliged. Jim asked for a cigar that provides a bold taste but is not overpowering. Pepin came up with a blend that has a very balanced flavor profile, that fully stimulates the palate, but that is smooth enough that it can be enjoyed by most aficionados. The aroma is citrus-y and pleasant. The cigar consists of a Nicaraguan grown, Cuban-seed “Corojo ‘99” blend, with gorgeous, silky Colorado wrappers.

Corona Gorda
Robusto
Toro
Churchill
Torpedo

Rio Tabac Alpha Series R (Rocky's Cigars)

Our first entry in the Alpha Series is designated "R" for Robust. This is a full-bodied smoke that delivers a balance of taste and character, noted by hints of chocolate and a welcoming aroma.

The wrapper is a Criollo '98 Oscuro, dark in shade but far from jet-black in color. The filler blend is noted as "Blend No. 7" from master blender "Pepin" Garcia. The Rio Tabac is all Nicaraguan filler using the finest leaf available. When Don Pepin combined the No 7 blend with this wrapper the result was clearly a great cigar. Don Pepin does not make this cigar for us but we have preserved the original blend and it's made for us today by a factory in Nicaragua. We feel that in every puff the cigar smoker will taste the cigars as they were made in Old Cuba. Pepin's skill has placed him atop the cigar world today with factories of his own and world famous cigars.

Vitolas:

Churchill 7 X 50
Robusto 5 X 50
Toro 6 X 50

Los Imperialista Cigars

Los Imperialista Cigars is the brainchild of Jesse Wills of Atlanta, Georgia. Los Imperialista cigars have been made by Jose Pepin Garcia since early 2003, way before Pepin became the darling of the cigar world after the introduction of Pete Johnson's Tatuaje cigars. Originally, Los Imperialista was made in Pepin's Miami factory, but are now made alongside San Cristobal, 601, Tatuaje Red Label and others in Pepin's Nicaragua factory. Look for the full release on these cigars very soon.

Wrapper: Cuban-seed Nicaraguan
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan

Vitolas:

Torpedo
Robusto
Toro

Tabacalera Tropical

JFR (Just For Retailers) Corona Gorda

This cigar was blended by Pepin Garcia at the Tabacalera Tropical Factory. These cigars were only sold to specific retailers. They are sold in cabinets of 50.

Tabacalera Cubana/Tacuba

These are cigars that at times are made under Pepin's Factory name.

It is beleived that Pepin created the following blends, but is unknown;

Anganorsa
Condega
Nicaragauan Heirloom (Discountinued) (Prior to the Reserves made by Nick Perdomo)
Nicarao (Tabacelera Tropical 2006 and earlier)