“Decent cigar. And I am saying this after getting a little ill after the smoke. I've been smoking light cigars lately so this may have been a bit strong for me. Didn't burn as well as I would have liked but the taste was wonderful. But even after all of that this cigar impressed me enough to give it another chance.”
“I just smoked one of the Torpedo size. This is a steal for the quality of cigar. Goes great with a good Brandy.”
“Beautiful wrapper. First few draws were uninspiring, but quickly smoothed out to a rich, smooth espresso-like taste throughout. An outstanding smoke (El Mejor) -- especially at the price!”
“Best low cost cigar (El Mejor) I have smoked in last two years. This one is beautiful, great flavor start to finish. Oily, dark, rich, I could keep going on about this one, try it.”
“Ever since I bought my first El Mejor 12-cigar flight sampler, I've found myself reaching for the Espresso more and more often. El Mejor makes some of the most consistent stogies that I have had the pleasure of smoking. Stout construction, effortless draw, and incredible taste. It's all one could ask for. The Espresso is amazingly similar to the Padron 3000 Maduro in taste. There's a burst of flavor at first light and this square-pressed beauty billows clouds of smoke thicker than J-Lo's posterior. My mouth is watering even as I type this... thinking of the earthy core surrounded by notes of cocoa and dark chocolate. The flavor profile stays the same, even down to the nub, but I've yet to lose interest in one. This is a perfect morning smoke, or after dinner cigar. Going back to my comparison to the Padron: I've always had a problem with the Padron 3000 turning bitter about half-way through. This is not the case with the El Mejor Espresso. It is consistent, flavorful, and presents a gratifying aroma all the way through. With the CI price tag, it's a premium taste that you can enjoy every day without feeling guilty.”
“I have written before about how tasty the "El Mejor Espresso" is. My question,,,,,,why no 5 packs?”
“My Dad, who had never tried El Mejor Espresso but sent me some out here in the desert becasue they looked good. I was curious and decided to share the bundle with my buddies so we could all try them. What turned in to giving 4 to some friends turned into giving away about 12 of them after word spread. I'm down to 3 after just a week and a half. I'm am certianly going to keep a closer hold of my next order and am going to have to send some back to my dad as a thank you. Bottom line, a dozen Soldiers in Iraq think this is one of the best smokes we've had in a long time. Good thing they are available at such a great price.”
“Very surprising for a cheap cigar (El Mejor). Lots of flavor...coffee and espresso. I only drink water with this cigar so that I only taste the cigar and nothing else. It's that good. Nice slow burn too.”
“Starts rough but finishes with great mocha-like flavor (El Mejor). A basically very pleasant surprise in the taste department.”
“The "El Mejor" is now a staple in the humi. Beautifully put together...great flavor...nice solid ash and they are hard to put down. You save some over the Drew Estate Java without losing on the palate. And best of all "THEY ARE FREAKIN AVAILABLE"! Grab some....Give them some humi time and enjoy. ”
“Yummmy! Outstanding smoke (El Mejor) for the money. Uninspiring start, but quickly turns into a flavorful treat that smokes perfectly all the way to the nub. I bought the torpedo, and had to keep reminding myself to smoke it, not eat it. This will be a regular in my humidor. Thanks, C.I.!”
“This cigar is one of the best I've ever tasted. I lucked out getting a El Mejor Espresso rubosto in a sample pack and loved it from the first puff. The delicious coco-coffee flavors and smooth silky draw are sheer pleasure! The way it feels in my hand and burns long and smooth I can't stop smoking these Dark Brown tasty treats. Just try one and you won't be disappointed...Guaranteed. I'd travel near and far, for this truly Great Cigar!”
“What a great cigar! The El Mejor Espresso Robusto is super tasty, with a great burn and loads of smooth smoke. I'll agree with other reviewers, the notes of coffee, cocoa and the faint sweetness of this stick reafirm the name. Very pleasant experience. Get some of these in your humidor, given them a few days, they only get better.”
“Thank you for the recommendation! The first couple of draws (El Mejor)were a bit harsh but smoothed out to a rich, complex coffee/chocolate flavor quickly and remained steadfast to the end. Draws easy and steady.”
“I was looking forward to trying these given their description. I received them yesterday with my order and sparked one up right away. It is a nice cigar for the money. It was a smooth consistent burn, slight hint of cocoa. Will be a nice morning or after dinner smoke.”
“I finally tried one of the "El Mejors" when CI had that great email deal. For that reason, "El Mejor" has just recently become one of my top, and I mean top cigars. This cigar gives you everything a genuine maduro should give you and more. I can't say enough good things about this puro and if you haven't tried one, but you are a maduro lover, this is a must!”
“This is an excellent cigar. (El Mejor Espresso) Perfect draw, firm ash and an absolutely even burn. Beautiful construction and excellent flavor. This one has found a permanent place in the box.”
“Tasty cigar. Fairly smooth with good full flavor. The construction issues (tunneling especially) takes it off my list of future buys.”
“A dark, medium cigar with plenty of excellent flavour. (El Mejor Espresso) The draw, it seems, is typically just a wee bit tight but this makes for a nice, slow smoke. I've often had to give the burn a bit of attention, but this in no way causes a problem. Very good cigar.”
“These El Mejor are some kinda fine...I tried a little "sampler" with five each of the assorted available sizes...What a fine semi full flavored relaxing smoke!!! Smoked one while playing a quick nine this afternoon....Beautiful fall afternoon; great smoke..Had a lovely time despite playing like s$%t...Now, in my book that says a lot about these cigars...Keep them "specials" coming CI and y'all will never lose me as a customer..”
“Ohhhh man, this is one extraordinary smoke! El Mejor literally knocked me out. A 90+ cigar without a doubt. A sophisticated smoke, with awesome flavor that builds to a crescendo soon after it's lit. This blend transported me to another dimension. It's that good. Mocha-chocolata-ay-ay indeed. Superlative construction, graceful draw, I can't say enough. Stack up CI because I WILL purchase again. Highly recommended.”
“Damn great cigar (El Mejor) for the money. If you like "Rocky P. vintage 90 and Java" then this cigar is for you. Think of it as a cigar with the best of both cigar brands in one. I will definitly buy more.. Try one you cant beat it for the money...Yummy..”
“Quite honestly, I read and re-read the comments about these cigars. And, quite skeptically, I ordered up. I have got to say, I received one of the finest maduros for the price, I have experienced yet! Wow, what a great smoke!!! My usual is Rocky Patel's Indian Tobac Maduro Super Fuerte. These El Mejor pack as much flavor and have as much or more great maduro character as the Indians, and they are rolled to perfection. I have found a new daily smoke. I highly recommend them.”
“The El Mejor Espresso....a very tasty gem... ”
“Not a bad smoke flavor wise, but either can't keep it lit or it canoes. Maybe I'll leave them sit in the humidor and see what happens.”
“One of my buddy's slipped me one of these. (El Mejor Espresso) I had seen them in your catalogs but I was hesitant about buying them because of their low price. All I can say is WOW! This bad boy blew my mind. These babies could easily fetch for double the money. The oily leaves and creamy taste had me begging for more. I can assure you that there is a place in my humidor designated for these. That reminds me, I'm almost out. Thanks CI for bringing us this gem.”
“Have to say I agree with just about everything good written here about the El Mejor Espresso ... can't believe the number of times I've passed over this cigar (in the humidor) in favor of other sticks. It was my 3rd (others were name brand) cigar of the day ... and it was by far, the one I enjoyed the most. Found it to be very smooth, creamy, not strong but with good flavor, a touch of sweetness to it ... and no burn or draw problems at all ... I had to stop 1 1/2 - 2 inches before the butt (game ended) ... but it was a pleasure to smoke up until then.”
“A very nice Suprise (El Mejor Espresso). Great flavor, lots of dark choclate and coffee notes. Smooth with a pretty good draw.”
“I'm always looking for a new cigar to try.I just got a catalog from CI and saw this bueaty (El Mejor).This was the best try I ever had.This cigar will always be in my humi.I hate to give this to good of a reveiew for fear they will sell out.”
“The Espresso part of the El Mejor Espresso name is fitting. The taste of the wrapper itself was very coffee-like. The cigar tasted of fine, dark, rich espresso, with a hint of cream. While full flavored, this dark and oily cigar was never bitter or harsh. Just a pleasure to smoke with my morning coffee.”
“These babys are just nothing short of AWESOME! As so many have mentioned, the El Mejor Espressos have exquisitely luscious notes of cocoa and coffee, just fabulous! These have quickly moved to the top FIVE on my all time favorite list and will be a part of my regular portfolio of everyday smokes. I would EASILY rate these at 92! Thanks so much CI for making these available to us, and at such an AFFORDABLE price - please don't sell out of these gems any time soon!”
“Believe it and cast your doubts aside. El Mejor Espresso This is exactly what I had to do, originally being very skeptical about this cigar, and boy am I glad I did. For a bit over 2 bucks you get a great tasting, smooth smoking, well constructed cigar with enough backbone to let you know that you are smoking it. A solid medium body with a good zing on the palet and a chocolaty-slightly sweet flavor. Would I call it "the pinnacle of cigars?" No. But for 2 bucks I call it a great deal and a really nice cigar. Enjoy, all.”
“I can't say enough good about this dark rich smoke (El Mejor Espresso). It has a smooth draw with lots of smoke and rich full flavor with notes of coffee and everything dark and good. I would love to let some rest in my humi but they never last.The price makes them even better. Keep doing what you do CI.”
“I have gone through about 6 of the churchills (El Mejor Espresso) and have found the construction to be fine and the burn even. The flavors are subtle and depending on your palate, you may taste a wide range of flavors such as coffee and chocolate but, they are a little too mild for my tastes. My only complaint is that they will not stay lit once you get down to the last 1/3. This is when a cigar really has a chance to show great flavor or fall on its' face. However, overall I would have to call this a pretty good smoke for the money and a great smoke for the golf course.”
“Beautiful, dessert-like, alost edible (El Mejor Espresso). The flavors in this cigar are wonderful. Initially, a blend of pepper, molasses, and butter. After an inch or so, the espresso comes in with chocolate soon following. I love this cigar for the flavor. However, the construction lacks a lot. I have smoked a few of the torpedos. All of them have had uneven burn and clogs to the extent that I had to cut a section off of the cigar a re-light it. But for the price, I didn't mind.”
“just got these baby's (El Mejor Espresso)...all i can say is WOW!....love em”
“There's two sides to this cigar but let me say this, I will keep coming back to it. It's awkward for me to rave about something you smoke.. but if you're contemplating this and another cigar, read on.. I took my humidor on vacation with me this year. The first morning I took el mejor down to the dock with me along with my early morning espresso to bask in some cool morning sun. I got about half way through my cup and tossed my coffee in the lake and kept the cigar becasue it tasted better. I don't drink cheap espresso. With that being said.. the construction leaves a bit to be desired. It lights fine, the first inch leaves you a little disappointed, but if you've had one you know the middle is (as with many) where it shines. It burns as bumpy as a mile of back country highway and usually needs a relight. But for the flavor it's tough (very tough) to beat. Good aroma, beautiful toothy wrapper, and I will keep enjoying these and friends will keep sending their accolades. Makes me smile every time. Enjoy.”
“this cigar tatses great, it looks to be as good as it gets. It started off ok, then it started to smoke wonderfully, good amount of smoke and flavor not too strong. toward the end it burned uneven.”
“Beautiful, is the first thought that came to mind as I started smoking this cigar. I enjoyed every draw on this smoke. I was so enthralled by it's flavor and consistency that I wish I was carrying another right then. It has definitely become one of my top ten to enjoy. I can't say smoke, because it is more of a pleasure, than just a smoke. If I were to recommend a cigar to someone this would be one of the first out of my mouth. Out of all the cigars I have bought in mixed bundles, this one has been the biggest and best surprise.”
“Just received these yesterday and couldn't wait a couple days for them to rest in the humidor so I sparked one up right away and it is an amazing cigar for the price. It started with a very strong full bodied taste and about an inch into the cigar it mellows with a very subtle cocoa flavor. My only complaint would be that I had to relight a few times or keep puffing on it to keep it going. Could of been just that cigar. Their appearance also makes them look like a way more expensive cigar.”
“This is my favorite everyday smoke. Burn is a little uneven, but the taste is excellent (9.8/10). Tastes of chocolate and earth, and every one I have smoked have been consistent from start to finish.”
“This one surprised me! When I got my first bundle, I noticed these cigars were a lot smaller in size than I am used to seeing in the same noted ring sizes. I torched one and the dang thing kept BEING there in my hand ... an hour went by ... I STILL was only about 2/3 through the little stick! Oh....and did I mention...the FLAVOR? By FAR the best of the Nicarauguan Maduros I have ever smoked...smooth creamy cocoa and coffee, all the way to the nub! Draw was a bit tight, but I suspect that could be due to the obvious copious amount of tobaccos packed into this little jewel..another highly recommended ones from the guy in the big red truck:) I have a few drying out here to check for improved draw, they ship pretty damp...”
“these are great solid smokes !! nice construction ! a great cigar for poker night !!”
“As a fan of box pressed cigars, I love these El Mejor Espresso beauties...well constructed, flavorful, and consistent make this stogie a winner in my book.”
“Just wanted to say how much I enjoy my El Mejor Espresso Churchills! Great taste, mild smoke, nice ash, like the flavor of this very much! Just ordered my 2nd bundle! Very good smoke for any price! Better than most all the cigars I've smoked for 2-3 times the money! Highly recomended!”
“Even better when they get age a few months in the humi!!”
“I love dark maduro box pressed cigars like Nica Libre and Rocky Patel Vintage 1990s. I just finished my first El Mejor Espresso robusto size and wow, what an outstanding cigar. It was so good that it just became my new favorite. Tons of thick creamy smoke with subtle hints of cocoa and dark coffee. A+. I'm now off to buy another bundle or two before they're sold out.”
“This is a cigar to try. Not for the novice. Great flavor to the nub. Great smoke and smell. Worth way more than what it sells for.”
“ok, lot of burn issues! so, left some in a old cigar box without a humidor to DRY OUT....1 week....good....2 weeks...wow excellent!!! smokes well and still a lot of flavor!!!! no harshness at all...I Like ”
“I'm a fan of El Mejor Emerald and I like maduro cigars. So this Espresso should have been a slam dunk "love it" for me. But, not so much. I smoked a 5 pack of properly humidified torps and they didn't really ring any bells with me. Burned inconsistently but not really a bad cigar. I just didn't find anything to make me want to smoke more of them. It sounds like many others love them. Just shows to go ya. Different smokes for different folks. ”
“I am not a fan of box pressed sticks. I am gonna make an exception in this case. The smooth rich taste counters some of the burn issues. This is well worth a corner in the humidor.”
“The El Mejor Espresso are absolutely beautiful to look at. The dark, oily wrapper just begs your to pick it up and light it. The smoke was rich and the flavor was fantastic. I did, however, experience burn issues with a few sticks. Some would tunnel, leaving the wrapper unburned. Some would go out rather quickly and require numerous re-lighting. I personally find these cigars to be medium-bodied, but they do tend to hit me a little hard as far as strength is concerned. I've gotten light-headed a couple times from these, despite having smoked other full-bodied cigars chocked full of ligero. Different strokes for different folks, I guess. Despite some minor burn issues, I'd definitely recommend giving these beauties a try.”
“The Vector Diesel multifunction lighter I just bought has turned the El Mejor Espresso into a fantastic go-to stick, especially for the price. Just keep in mind to use the Vector Diesel's 3mm punch first - that way you'll know what is the best cut for the stick.”
“bold with an even burn. A good Maduro for the price. No hints of coco or coffee but a good cigar with a jack and coke.”
“Not Bad...tasty cigar!!”