Top New Cigars (February 5, 2024)
New & Fresh: The latest cigars from Rocky Patel, Steve Saka, & Don Pepin Garcia!
Punxsutawney Phil has made his Groundhog Day prophecy—an early spring awaits. I don’t know what’s scarier. Folks believing that the little guy is immortal…or that he’s a meteorologist. All I know is, whenever he predicts a short winter, we get a long one. On brand for the profession, at least.
Here’s a better prediction for you: There are three new cigars worth smoking and I’m betting you’ll love at least one of them. This week’s TNC features premiums from Rocky Patel, Steve Saka’s Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust, and the legendary Don Pepin Garcia. Check out our quick reviews and let me know in the comments below which blends are headed toward your humidor!
Rocky Patel Dark Star
Wrapper: Honduras Corojo
Binder: Mexican San Andres
Filler: Honduras Jamastran, Nicaragua Jalapa, & Paraguay
On the event horizon of new cigar releases, Rocky Patel’s Dark Star (another name for a black hole) blend certainly pulls you in on paper. Especially that Paraguayan tobacco part. The exotic South American leaves give Dark Star a nuttier-than-normal quality; even Rocky himself paralleled the sensation to almonds. Other flavors include espresso, raisin, and a subtly sweet floral note on the finish for an old-school Cuban vibe. One thing’s for sure. If Einstein was still around, this is the cigar he’d be smoking. Relatively speaking.
Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Mi Querida “PapaSaka”
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf No. 1 Darks
Binder: San Andrés Negro
Filler: Nicaragua, Honduras & Dominican Republic
Steve Saka’s been on a roll lately with fresh blends and vitolas. His latest, PapaSaka flies under the Mi Querida Black flag with an important caveat—a tweaked Honduran Cuban seed filler leaf added amongst the fillers. The change, small as it may be, has a ripple effect evident in its flavors. Expect a savory ride of earth, coffee, baking cocoa, and a creamy sweetness on the finish—or see what Gary tasted when he smoked it for My Weekend Cigar. When you see Steve’s name on a cigar, your expectations are elevated. I’m happy to report that mine were exceeded. Give it a puff and let me know if you agree!
Don Pepin Garcia Vegas Cubanas
Wrapper: Nicaragua Corojo Rosado
Binder: Nicaragua Corojo
Filler: Nicaragua Corojo
In case you missed our full panel review of Don Pepin Garcia’s Vegas Cubanas last month, here’s another nudge on why I think it’s wise to partake. Simply put: Don Pepin flavors on a budget. This is the point where you’re looking for the catch—but there isn’t one. They’re as affordable as under $7 apiece, and while that might not seem like a budget stick, it’s certainly penny pinching in 2024 when a box of cereal can fetch $8 or more.
Jump into Vegas Cubanas’ flavors of earth, spice, wood, and sweet tobacco without worrying about sticker shock.