My Weekend Cigar Review: ER Fine Cigars Original

Not Your Typical ”Celebrity” Cigar

When champions unite good things happen. In this case, it’s Ed Reed, former Baltimore Ravens star Free Safety and NFL Hall of Famer, and Nestor Plasencia Sr. and his son, Nestor Andrés Plasencia—Hall of Fame class cigar makers in their own rite. Reed discovered premium cigars while attending the University of Miami and fell in love with them almost immediately.

Like he did during his college and pro years, Ed has taken his passion for cigars very seriously. Drawn to cigars made by Plasencia, Ed eventually met Nestor Sr. who invited him to visit their Nicaraguan facility. After seeing how cigars are made Ed dug in his heels. Working with the Plasencias they ultimately developed ER Fine Cigars. Made in small batches, ER Fine Cigars represent Ed Reed’s commitment to excellence and a way to share his love for cigars with other aficionados worldwide.

Cigar Details:

Factory: Tabacalera Plasencia Catredal – Estelí, Nicaragua
Size: 5x50
Body & Strength: Medium
Wrapper: Nicaraguan
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan

Presented in boxes of 10

ER Fine Cigars Original Robusto Cigar Review

Both of my samples had chocolate-hued wrappers that were dark and even in color. I like ER’s black and gold logo, too. I found no soft spots, and after cutting the pre-light draw was perfect with a sweet and nutty flavor. The opening puffs were very tangy, and an early retrohale offered a rich shot of black pepper.

Within two minutes the cigar settled down. Medium in body, the smoke was creamy. A hint of earth wiggled in. Notes of dried apricot, roasted nuts, and some natural sweetness followed.

Moving past the first inch, I picked up a floral-like lavender flavor. The smoke was well-balanced as the lead flavors continued their spicy-sweet path with a light peppery finish. Retrohales were now less peppery. The white and grey stippled ash was very firm and at times hard to tap off.

By its midpoint, the cigar was hitting on all cylinders. The flavors were well-balanced. Earthier notes took the lead. Below that, a layer of spicy sweetness. The roasted nuts and lavender floral flavors were still active as drive-by notes of coffee struck intermittent chords.

The final third was a more vibrant version of everything that came before. Even the floral note was more resonant. Still smooth and earthy, the strength remained at medium while the body kicked up a notch or two . . . and that’s all she wrote.

Were ER Fine Cigars Original Weekend Worthy?

I really didn’t know what to expect from this cigar. Yet it just so happens that this ER Fine Cigars Original Robusto turned out to be a pretty good smoke. Mostly creamy and well-balanced with several appealing flavors, it had a little more earth than I prefer, but I liked its nutty, fruity, and subtly sweet aspects. I even had a little buzz from it after putting it down. All in all, a solid smoke for a Sunday afternoon.

Still, I couldn’t help but wonder if ER Fine Cigars was going to wind up as another short-lived celebrity cigar line. As an all-star football player and coach Ed Reed lives for the W. It may be harder than getting to the national title, but if he can do on the playing field of the cigar business what he’s done on the gridiron, he’ll have a long and successful season.

Please Note: Gary’s review was based on his experience and that your mileage may vary.