“Got a 5 pack sampler which include a El Mejor Emerald, spicy. sweet, oak and a hint of peanut. Tasty. 88.”
“I don't know what I like most about this cigar (El Mejor Emerald)? Is it the shaggy foot and pig tail cap combo? Is it the gorgeous supple wrapper with that oh so slightly oily sheen? Is it the great construction that gives me that uniform feel, great draw, and straight burn? Or might it be the ever changing flavor profile? This cigar starts off on the mild side of medium and slowly builds into a solid medium as I smoke it. The flavors range from various spice nuances to a little touch of honey. Hey, what's not to like about this cigar? I like everything about it. Well done all around! For me, perfect first cigar of the day. Heck I even like the green and gold cigar band on these. Yeah, I'm serious! Cheers”
“Bought these on a whim (El Mejor Emerald) for our weekly cigar night ~ EXCELLENT choice. Everyone has commented on the smooth taste and flavor. great after dinner cigar or one for a long day. Just a step below my beloved Romeo y Juliette cigars.. excellent find!”
“I bought a box and now they are my favorite morning coffee cigar. (El Mejor Emerald) I would love to let them mature in my humidor but they wouldn't last that long. As long as I know where they are, I'm going to smoke 'em. Gooooood cigar.”
“I bought a five pack of El Mejor Emerald cigars, recommended for their value for the buck. They are medium in strength but they sure do have an army of complexities. Not a smoke-on-the-way-to-work cigar, but admittedly I have done it twice only to regret not spending more quiet time with these beauts. The naked foot was a first for me...I could lived without that, honestly, but it was OK. The cigar itself was like smoking a more high end cigar, in terms of the draw, construction and flavors. That cedar on the outside was a nice touch, too. For $2 a smoke, it doesn't get to be any better in quality or complexity. I'll get some more eventually, after I smoke the pile of cigars this website has turned me onto. Recommended.”
“I got one of these in a sampler pack. Have to admit the bushy end and twisted tail had me thinking just another throw away. However this one was quite tasty with a smooth draw. Little hot towards the end but a great smoke.”
“I've been smoking the El Mejor Emerald out of CI Samplers for a while, and finally pulled the trigger and bought an entire box of the toros. This is my first experience with a "shaggy foot" cigar. When you first put a flame to it, it bombards the taste buds with pure sweet tobacco flavor. It reminds me of a big chew of Red Man Golden Blend... just pure tobacco goodness... a real no-nonsense smoke. Once you get into the binder and wrapper the sweet tobacco core becomes interlaced with velvety smooth cedar that provides a long and satisfying finish. The aroma is exquisite! I don't put much stock in packaging, but the Emerald sure looks classy, with the shaggy foot peeking out from under a cedar sleeve. Your buddies will think you're handing them a $15 smoke while you're busy counting the wad of duckets you saved on these incredibly under-priced gems.”
“The El Mejor Emerald is a great cigar at an astounding price. I have been smoking the robusto size for the last few months, probably burning through about 15-20 of them so far. Not a single problem with these. Excellent construction, rich taste with a lot of evolution throughout the smoke. Perfect wrappers (beautiful) that contribute a significant kick to the flavor. Delicious throughout, and a real bargain. Worth trying for anyone who enjoys a complex, medium-bodied cigar.”
“Okay the pigtail cap is workable but the unwrapped tip (shaggy foot) I don't get. However that said this is a really good smoke but the shaggy ahead of the cedar just makes you wonder what next. All in all an enjoyable smoking experience.”
“I've been thinking about this cigar since I first saw it advertised in the CI catalogue (El Mejor Emerald) but before I actually bought any, two of them appeared in the current Cigar of the Month Club offering. Now I'm going to HAVE to buy some! Quite a good cigar with only a faint but very pleasant pre-light aroma. The shaggy foot is just a bit too long for my particular taste, but this is certainly not a reason for not buying this cigar. Excellent draw, even burn, lovely flavour. The price? Insignificent....”
“El Mejor Emerald is absolutely fantastic! The flavor is unique and just incredible, the quality of the cigar is super-premium! And what an amazing price too! Yet another CI bargain!”
“Howdy everybody ... going to be brief ... time is short ... just read through the first page of reviews and I can't disagree with anything said here. I think the first one I had over a year ago, might have been a little harsh,so I've bypassed the Emerald I've had in my humi for some time. Either my tastes have changed or that cedar nap did the cigar a world of good. I thought St. Patrick's Day would be a good day to try it. I had an AB Tempus earlier in the day with some Irish Stout and it was really good. Later tonight, relaxing before bed and having a telephone conversation I lit it up, pairing it with some Irish Whiskey on the rocks. Well, I have to say, I enjoyed the El Mejor Emerald as much as I enjoyed the Tempus earlier, and I'm not comparing the cigars, but I am comparing how much I enjoyed each. The Emerald was very enjoyable ... just about nubbed it. It was either the robusto (which is 5.5 inches long) or the toro. This St. Paddy's Day experience has entirely changed how I look at that cigar now ...”
“The El Mejor Emerald (I smoke the robusto size) is an exceptional smoke. I have smoked three boxes of them, and have never been dissapointed with a single one of them. Consistent, solid performer. I am not sure who of the CI staff wrote the blurb for these, but the term that he (or she) used was "greacefully smooth" to describe these cigars. That is pretty much perfect - this cigar is full of flavor, rich, smooth, and constructed beautifully. After smoking more than 50 of them, I cannot remember a "dud". No burn issues, all have had consistent flavor. A reliable, tasty, complex cigar. You cannot go wrong here, brothers! At this price, it is an easy decision to try these out. You WILL buy a second box after burning the first box.”
“Excellent! Being a fan of the El Mejor Espresso, I bought a five pack of the Emerald, and I was not disappointed. Beautiful wrapper, well made, wonderful burn and a fabulous flavor with a great aftertaste. I think I have found a new everday cigar. I will definitely being keeping these on hand! (Forget everthing I just said. I want them all for myself!)”
“This is truly a diamond (El Mejor Emerald) in the rough. I say that because of the price and the packaging; you gotta buy these up, fellas...especially since the price just dropped, and that damned S-CHIP is looming. The packaging ain't the snazziest don't let the box dismay you. These 'gars are great right out of the box with a mellow yet full flavor. They're even better-if that's possible-after aging in your humi. Snap these up like a hilljack snatching up quick seals at a bingo parlor.”
“Bought a box of these cigars from CI almost a year ago. They were great out of the box but I smoked one the other day and WOW they got better. Keep up the good work CI.”
“Any cigar that keeps it's lasting flavor from start till near knuckle burn is a winner in my book. This cigar is a flavorful winner that keeps you interested thoughout, and to a knock-out price I say "What's not to love?"”
“i cant remember how i got these a sampler a ,ah thats right ,got it with the graycliff free shipping 10 dollar pack.[ i think] smoked the graycliff right away, but this was a surprise (El Mejor Emerald) this robusto is a cool lookin cigar, a very attractive band , but how is it,the first thing i thought poor mans macanudo, but i got to tell you, this was better than macanudo ,no vegatable quality at all ,just smooth woody cedar flavour ,a whiff or two of peanuts and walnuts ,a light aftertaste of said walnuts,a very pleasent smoke with an even burn, a smoothi wander what the torpedos like.”
“This is an amazing cigar, one of the best I've ever smoked in my life, and that's saying something.(El Mejor Emerald) Let me tell you what kind of "cigar neighborhood" my humidor is, so you can see what I mean. Right now the Emerald is living next door to Felipe Gregorio, his wife Pelo de Oro and newborn son Icon. Next to them we have the 5 Vegas family, Classic and their recent college graduate, Cask Strength. Across the street we have some Maduro neighbors, the Nestor Placencia Reserve and the Gurkha Black Puro. We also have some other Gurkhas, including the Masters Select, Grand Envoy, Regent Nepalese Warrior, Legend, Royal Brigade, Expedition, Centurian and others. We have some RP 1990 Vintage, La Aurora, and some other high-end odds and ends I've gotten as gifts from a certain Island. So far, the few Emeralds I've smoked have been right up there with the best. If you live in a good cigar neighborhood like I do, trust me, you must try some. You'd be a fool not to try them. It is that good. I want them all. I want them now.”
“Wanted to take break from full body for a while. Took a chance with the robusto size of these great smokes. For the price good draw and even burn Going to order these again. The after taste seems of nuts and cream, and would call them medium body.”
“Just finished smoking this one (El Mejor Emerald) and let me tell you, you would not believe you were smoking a 2-3 dollar stick! The draw is very smooth and provides plenty of smoke. I didn't necessarily care for the naked foot, but once you get past that and into the cedar, the flavors just tingle your palate like a symphony. There's not enough good you can say about this one. I'll definitely be buying a box of these and I'd recommend you guys do the same!”
“the (El Mejor Emerald) is really a gem is it a amazing cigar the flavor is just the right amount of spice with the richness i love in a cigar. Dont even start about the price its crazyness, buy a box, no buy three boxes because its worth it. you will not regret it i promise. the pigtail is so old school and the shaggy foot excites me with the challenge of lighting it. my favorite it the toro for sure. i give this dollar general priced smoke a 93”
“Very good cigar (El Mejor Emerald) for the price but I feel they are very inconsistent. One is great and next so so. I would still give them a try if you have not.”
“Got this as part as a sample package. Not bad. El Mejor Emerald Churchill. Easy draw. Burns a little uneven but a sweet smoke. Good price if you get them on sale.”
“I was lucky enough to get one of these beauties in a sampler, and the Emerald just blew me away! The shaggy foot made for an interesting, mellow light... but as soon as I hit the wrapper, the flavors exploded! Very nice, I plan to keep a good supply of these around!”
“Very good cigar!El Mejor Emerald I got these in the El Mejor flight sampler pack. I handed one of these off to a buddy around the campfire, while I was smoking a Rocky Patel Sun Grown Torpedo and another buddy was puffing away on a Cuba Libre. They both rarely smoke 'gars and wanted to pass them around to test out the waters of fine cigar smoking. Needless to say, I was reluctant. I unethusiastically passed my Rocky to my buddy and took his El Mejor. The first taste was so heavenly I held onto it for a couple minutes. I was immediately hooked. Not so hooked that I wanted to trade for my Rocky, but very intrigued nonetheless. I lit up my first El Mejor for myself tonight and was very satisfied. The flavors are consistent and for two bucks a stick you cannot beat it. Bar none. Nothing even comes close for the price. The only two gripes I had was that it canoed half-way through and an inch from the band it started to get acrid. Final decison: buy as many as you can before the price is jacked because this is the best every-day 'gar you are ever going to find.”
“My new absolute favorite in the humi! Just shoveled three feet of snow here in Alexandria, Virginia and I've been waiting all day to smoke this El Mejor Emerald! Nubbin' it as we speak and its been flavorful and cool the whole way through. Thanks CI, the smokes are great and the customer service is even better.”
“. Ahh, finally I'm gonna drop a few lines bout one of my favs. (El Mejor Emerald) sits right atop my list just a notch above RP VINTAGE 90 seconds, and the price is the icing on the cake. Starting with the presentation the toro is pretty darn cool looking with the shaggy foot, and the pig tail it takes me back as you don't see these so much anymore. The construction is superb, and adds a great deal to the other variables that makes this cigar so appealing to me. I have to admit I've grown fond of the box press format lately but as long as the stick is as firm, and heavy as these then I'm tickled pink. The feel is perfect, exactly what I look for. You won't find any veins or soft spots to speak of on the oily corojo wrapper leaf . All those attributes are consistent cigar, after cigar and I'm about to order my 6th box if my count is correct. Moving on to taste being a lover of ligero these satisfy. The reason I love the shaggy foot is you get a very nice clean taste of the searing ligero flavor. When the corjo is reached a very distinct creaminess comes in the mix resulting in a taste that I've found nowhere else to date. My plan is to buy the hell out of these this month in preparation of the dreaded SCHIP crap plus these being relatively new once people start craving these as I do the price will perhaps reflect demand, but I'm a gonna pray that they don't!!!”
“El Mejor Emerald is hands down one of my favorite smokes to date. The construction is flawless and the smoke superb. This cigar is richly enhanced by the heat of ligero filler and the corojo wrap adds a nice note of spicy flavor. This is the perfect cocktail of tobaccos that meld together wonderfully. Lighting up the "shaggy foot", one notices the smooth draw, can taste the primary flavors, and once you hit the wrap... this smoke really opens up for a truly great smoking experience.”
“God bless the man who made this cigar.”
“The El Mejor Emerald is a very satisfying cigar! Very nice cedary aroma, burn and taste. I'll have to grab a few more of these very soon.”
“Very enjoyable cigars and spicy at the beginning with a different after taste until the wrapper starts burning but the spices mellow out a bit. Their some minor burning problems,one out of four cigars. Other then that I can't find anything else it's a sweet an spicy but mellow cigar with a nice ash plus a great aroma. A 91 for taste, a 90 for construction, a 94 for appearance an 91 for quality average. I'm gonna say again great job CI and great bargain.”
“I think this is a solid performer, great taste and such a high volume of smoke (wow!) this is a winner. I personally like the shaggy foot and the pig tail, a smart looking green and gold band make this cigar look great. A mild stick, rich smoke and a nice burn round out the package.”
“Bought the five pack. The foot looks good. Starts off great. Good smoke, nice flavor, medium and good looking wrapper. A small taste from the cedar wrapper. Was very impressed at first. Down hill after that. Burns very uneven. Constantly working with it to get a even burn. Makes the experience very unpleasant. I couldn't concentrate on the taste. Wouldn't buy again. Should be added to a angry man sample. I sure was. Smoked two out of the five. Same result. I'm going to put them in the bottom of the humidor and let them age a bit. Maybe that will help.”
“Yo, this gar at that price.....enough said. One of my favorites.”
“I bought a box for a party ( to keep people out of my humidor ) and what a surprise. They are great. Everyone loved them. Had one with an uneven burn but the rest were excellent with good construction. I ordered the first box because they were inexpesive the next one will be because I love them.”
“Had been wanting to try one of these for some time, and thanks to CI I was able to receive 5 that were used for a promo. This is my kind of cigar with it's slow even burn time, and clouds of smoke that has a fantastic smooth flavor. It's stong enough to keep your attention, yet I can't call it a full body. The perfect draw produces hints of spices, leather, with cedar through the nose. Did I say the amount of burn time was great? Thanks CI for the great promo you had that allowed me to try the El Mejor Emerald. I now will order a box just as soon as i finish this review. All cigar lovers need to give this brand a try.”
“Tried my first one after 2 weeks in the humi and was not overly impressed with the uneven burn as it constantly needed assistance. Because of that avoided them for a couple of months. I went to a wedding and loaded up the herf with these babies with the intent of sharing with non-smokers and free up some room in the humi. Well I was pleasantly shocked when I fired mine up down to the bottom 3rd. Great burn, volumes of smoke, smooth with pronounced woodiness in the first 3rd and the sweet aroma was even better. Since then I have noticed inconsistencies between each stick. Give these smokes some time in the humi and the pros far outweigh the cons.”
“Wow this cigar is well constructed. The description of rich oaky flavors and hint of spice is the experience I got. I could see myself having a few in my humidor to change the pace of flavor. I highly recommend if you want something a little different as it was a pleasant taste. The burn was on par and the stick gave me a constant oak and spice taste. After the initial light take around 5 or 6 puffs then the flavor kicks in and maintains. Happy smoking!”
“wow. this cigar packs significant flavor, a nice draw, and an even burn. it would be a bargain even at a greater price.”
“Got an El Mejor Emerald in a sampler pack. Nice looking high class cigar but not my cup of very hot tea. I rate all of the cigars I smoke according to what I like. I put a rating of 1 to 10 on the bands and save them. I've gotten some pretty good smokes from CI in both high dollar and some economy sticks. This El Mejor Emerald ranked as low as any cigar I've smoked including the cheapies. The La Differencia Cubanas blow these away at half the price. If you like a HOT cigar, this might be for you but by the time I got done it felt like I'd held a soldering iron on my tounge. Maybe I got a bad one but this cigar would have to improve immensely before it comes anywhere near a Cinco or most other cigars in, or below, it's price range.”
“If you like spice then this cigar is for you!. Very well constructed, burns evenly. Did some price checking and I have to say CI has the best prices for this Cigar. Thanks CI.”
“I had tried a few of these smokes before, liked them, so when CI had a box of churchill's for only 34.50, bought them for my own christmas present. When they came in, I took out two for my everyday humidor, put a humi pillow into the box with the other 18 cigars, closed it tightly and waited two weeks before smoking one. Man o' man, they are fantastic even at twice the price. I have now smoked three of these, and cannot believe how good they are. You would expect a cigar with ligero fillers and a corojo wrapper to be pretty stout, but this is one very smooth cigar. I thought at this price, even if I can't finish the churchill size at one sitting, might be able to smoke the remainder later. Well, even the second time is great. I tap out the cigar when I can't stay outside any longer, trim off the end and put it in the small humidor with my cheap smokes. Even waiting a day or two, the second half of these cigars is still smoother than most of my other favorite smokes. I never have to relight one and they never burn hot. I am definitely going to stock up on these with the income tax refund while they are still available and age them in the humidor. Even smoking just one a week, I will gladly buy several bundles of these great smokes at this price.”