If you’ve read any of my other reviews on cigars you might have noticed that there are some common traits that make a cigar exceptional in my book. They go beyond simply determining whether or not a cigar burns well or tastes good to me. Let’s face it, taste is subjective and in today’s market most cigars are reasonably well-constructed and burn well enough. This being the case I really try to look deeper to see what a cigar has to offer over and above the status quo. I want a cigar to offer complexity and an amazing array of flavors from start to finish. I want a cigar to feel substantial and heavy in the hand and not light and airy as if it were hollow. Oh, and I want it all at a price that allows me to enjoy it every day and not just once or twice a year. Enter the El Mejor Emerald…
Fresh off the boat from Honduras, El Mejor Emerald is an intriguing specimen. Comprised of Nicaraguan long-fillers and a touch of ligero it is finished with a Honduran-grown Corojo wrapper that is oily and slightly toothy. Beyond the obvious aforementioned characteristics one will quickly notice that each cigar is individually sleeved in cedar and also features a tight shaggy or unfinished foot. This unfinished foot is approximately one half inch of binder and filler tobaccos which protrude past the wrapper. I grabbed a 5-pack of torpedos for this review, sparked the shaggy foot and I was off to the races. The first few draws were mild and very creamy offering some flavor but nothing too exciting. A few more draws and the burn quickly reached the golden Corojo wrapper which literally sizzled to life unleashing a torrent of flavor and spice. Hard to believe that a change this dramatic could occur in just a few draws on the cigar but it certainly is proof that a single wrapper leaf can make a big difference in a cigar’s overall taste. An inch or so into my first El Mejor Emerald reminds much of the first few moments of a ride on a roller-coaster. Lighting the shaggy foot is akin to strapping yourself in as the chain clinks away carrying the coaster to the top of that first huge hill. Then the wrapper ignites setting the coaster free on a journey of twists and turns that leaves you eager with anticipation guessing at what lies ahead. Half way through and the cigar has settled in nicely with a smooth, rich woody flavor and an aroma that literally makes my mouth water. There is a subtle spice noticeable on the sides of the tongue and front of my mouth but nothing that could be described as peppery. Examining the four remaining cigars on my desk I can feel myself falling in love with the Emerald. Each is free of veins and I cannot find a soft spot to speak of. All are good indicators of a quality cigar and solid construction. Given that the El Mejor Emerald is a relatively new release I can’t comment on the long-term effects of aging but, my experience with cigars individually wrapped in cedar gives me high hopes for this blend. I’ve already put in an order for two boxes which I am going to put away and re-visit in a year or two. In the meantime I do believe I’ve found myself a new “everyday” smoke!