Paulie’s Quick Ash Cigar Review: My Father The Judge

Putting The Judge on Trial

When the Garcia family releases a new blend, the industry takes notice. With The Judge, My Father Cigars has created something that warrants all the attention and accolades its received, including this year’s #1 Cigar of the Year nod.

Paulie’s My Father The Judge Video Cigar Review

The Specs

But before we get into the tasting notes, let's take a closer look at its first-class components. The wrapper is an Ecuadorian Sumatra Oscuro, appropriately dark and well-oiled, hugging dual Nicaraguan binders (Criollo and Corojo) and long filler tobaccos sourced from various Garcia family farms. The construction quality in this box-pressed stunner is exactly what you'd expect from the My Father factory: excellent combustion, consistent draw, and it holds an impressive ash.

My Father The Judge – Cigar Details

Factory: My Father Cigars S.A. - Estelí, Nicaragua
Size: 5” x 60 box-pressed Grand Robusto
Strength: Medium – Full
Wrapper: Ecuador Sumatra Oscuro
Binder: Nicaragua Corojo and Criollo
Filler: Nicaragua
Presentation: Box of 23 cigars

The Cheat Sheet: My Father The Judge

The flavor profile is where The Judge really grabbed my attention. The initial light presents pronounced dark chocolate and espresso notes that continuously develop throughout the smoke. A significant black pepper component emerges early—after all, we’re talking about a My Father blend here—complemented by leather notes and an underlying sweetness providing necessary balance. It's a complex flavor profile overall, with plenty of finesse that rewards patient smoking.

The Grand Robusto (5x60) vitola showcases what this blend can do. The larger ring gauge allows the premium tobaccos within to really stretch their legs and provides for ample smoke production while maintaining a cool burn. However, it's a substantial cigar that requires time to appreciate – I’d plan for an hour plus of smoking time.

Regarding strength, The Judge sits firmly in the full-bodied category. It's not vying to be the strongest cigar on the market, but it does command respect and demand some experience. And I should mention the nicotine content is pretty significant, making this better left to seasoned smokers as opposed to newcomers.

The Last Word

There’s always a bit of controversy surrounding any publication or proclamation of a year’s best, whatever it may be. So, while I can’t say that The Judge is unequivocally the best cigar ever made, I can say this—for lovers of a serious, full-bodied smoking experience, My Father The Judge is happily more substance than style. In other words, it's a cigar that succeeds on its merits rather than hype, rightfully earning its place among the most coveted offerings in the current premium cigar market.

If you're searching for a blend that really delivers, and I’m talking about full-bodied flavor with the authority of its namesake, The Judge needs to be in your humidor. Just make sure you've got a full stomach and maybe clear your schedule – because this is one verdict you'll want to savor.

Pro Tip: Pair this beast with an Anejo tequila, quality bourbon, or a robust espresso. Your palate will thank me later.