Cigar Review: San Cristobal Elegancia
Don Pepin has been and remains one of the hottest names in the cigar world for years, so it only makes sense that his blending expertise is in high demand. Ashton cigars came to Pepin a few years ago, and the relaunched San Cristobal line was the result – a full-bodied Nicaraguan puro with a corojo wrapper that pulls no punches. Recently, though, it seems as if the industry has seen an all-out assault of full-bodied smokes, while milder offerings have been left in the dust. Enter Pepin (again), with a focus this time on a milder version of San Cristobal, but still with an assurance that this will not be “just another mild Connecticut”.
Cigar: San Cristobal Elegancia
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Appearance:
The reddish hue of the Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper is quite attractive. The cigar is triple capped and exhibits an evenly packed foot.
Pre-Light:
The aroma off of the foot as well as the pre-light draw are quite similar: a simple sweet hay note and a very light spice.
First Third:
After lighting and taking the first puff, I was absolutely blown away at how unexpectedly full this cigar was at the beginning, particularly through the nose. No, it wasn’t as full as the regular San Cristobal, but it was certainly a surprise considering the wrapper. There are similarities to the regular line, but the Elegancia has more of an emphasis on white pepper accompanied by a toasty sweetness. A tangy, mineral-y taste that I find in many Nicaraguan cigars (and those from another little island country – I don’t know what you’re talking about, I’ve never smoked those!) is also prevalent. After the first few puffs, the body is a solid medium, and strength is mild-medium.
Second Third:
The path this cigar is on divulges far, far away from the first third – almost a Jekyll & Hyde experience! The pepper and tanginess almost completely disappear, and are replaced by toasted nuts, grains, and a buttery creaminess that remains on the roof of my mouth after the exhale. The pepper is much softer, and the tastes blend together nicely. Several puffs struck me as pecan-like. While the body has tamed down to a mild-medium, this is a milder cigar that does not sacrifice flavor for a lower strength.
Final Third:
A bit more complexity finds its way into the last third. While the pepper does make a return, it is slight, and is accompanied by an oak and charred grain/popcorn taste. The strength and body ramp up slightly, but it is still quite different from the first third in this regard. The creaminess and sweetness both work their way out, and eventually the experience has come to an end.
Conclusion:
It’s good. Quite good. While I personally prefer stronger cigars, I was still able to appreciate the level of taste and complexity that the Elegancia offered. Ashton and Pepin have succeeded again, this time in bringing a milder smoke that can be enjoyed by almost any palate.
Special Event:
Emerson’s Cigars on Granby Street in Norfolk will be having a Cigar Lunches On Granby St. event on Friday, October 21st, featuring Ashton cigars! The event includes an Ashton cigar, pizza from Granby Street Pizza, soda/water, as well as special deals, all for $7. The event runs from 11am-2pm, and tickets can be purchased at the store, online, or at the door. Come on out, it’s the best lunch deal you’re going to find (you don’t even have to give me a tip)!
San Cristobal Elegancia is available in 5 sizes in 5 packs and 25 count boxes from Emerson’s Cigars by clicking here and can be purchased at all 5 Emerson’s Cigars locations or by calling us at 1-800-842-2990 to place an order.
