Siboney Reserve Robusto

Score: 8.8

By JJ (ToastedFoot.com)

The Siboney Reserve Robusto is produced for Famous Smoke Shop by the Don Pepin Garcia family at their My Father cigar factory in Esteli. This full bodied cigar employs some excellent tobacco, including a Nicaraguan Habano Rosado wrapper, Nicaraguan and Honduran binders, and Nicaraguan filler. Don Pepin is certainly known for his peppery blasts from Nicaraguan tobacco and he continues this tradition with the Siboney Reserve; most noticeable however is the value of this smoke, and the fact that none of Pepin’s blending brilliance is forfeited as the dollars are knocked off.

The light to medium brown wrapper was in decent shape with a little tooth to the touch. There were a few noticeable veins and a patch that deterred from the aesthetics of the smoke, but the triple cap was constructed nicely at the head. The weight was spot-on, but based on the appearance and weight, the tobacco was not as firm as I anticipated. The pre-light aroma was barnyard toward the head with a sweet note toward the foot. The Robusto produced a blast of spice on the cold draw that nearly caused my eyes to water.

Toasted and lit, the cigar produced mouthfuls of smoke with an excellent draw. The burn was very even at the beginning, though the ash did not hold much past a half inch and, at the second-third mark it began to flower. I would recommend that you not let the cigar rest too long between puffs; I am a slow smoker and the Robusto nearly extinguished itself a few times.

The first third produced flavor notes of tobacco and cedar, coupled with a spicy finish. Moving toward the middle, the Siboney Reserve was subdued with a smoother flavor profile and finish. The final third was woody and airy at times, and had a medium finish. The flavor profile was pleasing to the palate and, while somewhat spicy, it was never overbearing or uncomfortable.

This Don Pepin blend is pleasant – not super complex, but not a bore either. The price per box makes this a decent smoke at a great price. Just like the band on the shoulder, simple but solid, the Siboney Reserve is a good and consistent smoke.

Scores
Appearance: 8
Construction: 9
Burn: 9
Draw: 9
Aroma: 9
Flavor: 9
Final Score: 8.8

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About the Reviewer
Toasted Foot’s two review partners, Mike (“MM”) & Jed (“JJ”), have been smoking cigars for over 20 combined years and love nothing more than sitting down together each week to smoke and catch up on life. You may visit Toasted Foot online and follow them on Twitter.