Back in October of 2022, I was fortunate to receive some samples of the pre-release version of the Artesano Del Tobacco El Pulpo. I found it to be a pleasant cigar, but then again it was a pre-release and today I want to offer you my review on the production El Pulpo release that started to show up at retailers in February of 2023.
EL Pulpo means “The Octopus” in English and the project began back in 2016, after which the company contacted AJ Fernandez to help them create the EL Pulpo cigars. AJ obliged and used different blending techniques, fermentation, and aging processes that led to the creation of the EL Pulpo cigars.
Company Co-Owners, Billy and Gus stated:
“We wanted a blend that fits people palate the way an octopus fits in different shapes , spaces and becomes that shape, we wanted a blend that becomes hard for any smoker to putdown once they light up like an octopus that doesn’t let go of it’s prey.
Once again AJ Fernandez has done an amazing job creating EL Pulpo Cigars. We couldn’t be more satisfied with the finished product and cannot wait for everyone to try it. As they say, ‘good things come to those who wait’ and this statement continues to ring true with the EL Pulpo Cigars.“
The company describes the rich El Pulpo blend as:
- Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Maduro
- Binder: Nicaraguan (AJ Fernandez farms)
- Filler: Nicaraguan ( AJ Fernandez farms)
EL Pulpo cigars are Packaged in 10-count boxes and are expressed in 3 box-pressed vitolas, each hand crafted at the A.J Fernandez San Lotano factory in Nicaragua:
- Robusto Grande (5 x 56) – MSRP $15.00
- Toro Grande (6 x 56) – MSRP $16.00
- Belicoso Grande (5.75 x 58) – MSRP $17.00
For this review, I sampled 3 El Pulpo Toro Grande cigars which I received from the company for the purpose of revieing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The El Pulpo is a beautiful box pressed cigar with crisp edges and a dark brown San Andrés wrapper that has a mild grit (toothiness). There are minimal veins running along the barrel and the cigar is firm to the touch with just the right give. It is well capped to finish the construction.
Two bands adorn the cigar. The primary band uses a red, gold, and black motif and displays a golden octopus wearing a top hat with the name “El Pulpo” printed below it along with “Estelí”. The secondary band is placed just below and uses the same motif. It declares this as “San Andres” and “Artesano Del Tobacco”.
Running the El Pulpo along the nose, I noted an interesting smoked hickory note along the barrel which was a bit of a surprise. I checked two other samples and found the same note. It is not intense but was there just the same. As for the foot, it exudes a mild barnyard note.
Using my CigarMedics Baller cutter I opened the cap perfectly and gave it some cold draw puffs. I found the draw to be just a tad looser than I normally like, but by no means was it like sucking air. You can certainly feel pepper growing on the lips and a slight tang and nuttiness coming through.
I reached for my double flame torch lighter to warm the foot to an even orange glow and drew in the first puffs of peppery spice to start the journey. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Rich pepper spice notes start the journey, especially on the retrohale
- Fruit and nut aromas immediately waft off the foot filling the air around me
- A light grey ash forms on top of an even burn line
- Nuance of natural sweetness and nut join the mix
- Dark chocolate notes round out the first inch of burn
- A touch of cream balances out the blend well
- Tantalizing umami spice notes add to the profile in the second third
- Strength has ratcheted up quite a bit
- Long solid ash fell revealing a decent burn cone
- Mild jag in burn
- Earthy notes deep in the second third
- Walnut enters in the final with ever present pepperiness
- Ash fell just twice during the burn
- Full Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 40 minutes
Final Analysis
The Artesano Del Tobacco El Pulpo Toro Grande production version exhibited a profile quite similar to the pre-release but with a touch more pepper in the core and better burn qualities.
The journey begins with an opulent surge of peppery spice notes, particularly pronounced on the retrohale. As the experience unfolds, the atmosphere is graced with immediate fruity and nutty aromas. Amidst this symphony of flavors, a subtle undercurrent of natural sweetness intermingles harmoniously with the nutty essence, contributing to the intricacy of the blend. The initial burn, extending over the course of the first inch, is punctuated by luscious dark chocolate undertones that impart a sense of depth and sophistication.
Elegantly balancing the ensemble, a touch of creaminess emerges, bringing equilibrium to the medley of flavors. Transitioning into the second third, the profile gains an irresistible allure with the introduction of tantalizing umami-infused spice notes, further enriching the tasting experience. The cigar’s strength has been markedly amplified, intensifying the overall impact.
As the journey progresses, a testament to the craftsmanship becomes evident in the form of a long, sturdy ash that eventually relinquishes to unveil a well-formed burn cone. While a slight jag in the burn’s trajectory is noted, this minor quirk does not detract from the overall enjoyment. Delving deeper into the second third, a profound earthiness emerges, lending an additional layer of complexity to the evolving composition. Moving into the final stretch, the entrance of walnut provides a gratifying contrast, persistently accompanied by the ever-present allure of peppery accents.
This is, as was mentioned in the pre-release review, a definite box buy and will certainly be enjoyed by the most discerning palate. I rate this a solid 96.
Point Deductions: (-1) Mild Jag in Burn
Bonus Points: (+1) Box Buy, (+1) Balanced and Pleasant across Multiple Samples; (+1) Long solid ash
