Don "Pepin" Garcia Blue Label Generosos

The last time I gave a cigar a 10 rating, it was the Perdomo Reserve Maduro, and now I kinda regret giving it such a high rating. The first one I ever had was amazing, it just blew me away and I declared it one of my all-time favorites. Sadly, however, I have never had another one as good as that first one. I have talked to several other cigar fans who have had that happen with various sticks - you get a magic one and then spend the rest of your time in that brand trying to chase the white stag. So I would currently revise that Perdomo's rating to a 9. It's good, but on the whole, it's not 10 good - but the first one I had was amazing. (And as to why we have given a 10 to an Acid cigar, you will have to ask Nick L...)

That is why, this time, I have waited until I have had a lot of these DPG Blue Labels before giving it the coveted "Smokey" award, and it has not disappointed me. I have tried many different sizes of the DPG Blue, as well as the Black and Serie JJ lines. The Black and JJ are good smokes, and worthy of your time, but once you've had the blue you'll know where you want to put your money.

I haven't had a poorly constructed DPG Blue yet, in either the lancero, corona, or toro sizes. They have all burned and drawn very well, no complaints. The flavors are strong and exciting, tending towards a spicy cedar which sometimes mellows into a peppery chocolate or cocoa. It is definitely on the stronger side, but I don't find it overpoweringly so. It's got a lot of character, though, which is what I look for.

Overall, I always look forward to the DPG Blues in my humidor, and I know whenever I fire one up, it's gonna be great. If that isn't the basis for a "10" rating, I don't know what is.

Don "Pepin" Garcia Blue Label
Size: Generosos (6" x 50 ring)
Taste: Medium-Wild
Draw: Good
Burn: Even and consistent
Flavors: Spicy, with cedar and cocoa
Overall Rating:
Steal a Trans Am and pack it full of these great cigars.

601 Blue Label Maduro

The Superbowl was last Sunday and what a great day to cook out and smoke a cigar. In North Carolina the weather was gorgeous and I almost didn't want to come inside to watch the superbowl. (Editor: The truth, dear readers, is that everyone inside didn't want him to come inside.)

I have been meaning to try a 601 for some time. I went to the cigar store to get a 601 oscuro but they did not have any so I picked up this one. It was a bit pricey - I paid about 8 or 9 american dollars for it or about 82,000 Indonesia Rupiahs. I actually paid in american dollars because I did not have a $82,000 Rupiah bill on me. I'm pretty sure the cigar shop would not have had a problem with me paying in Rupiahs .

On to the cigar I say. This was a gorgeous looking cigar. I liked the feel of the box-pressed in my hand. This cigar was pretty that is for sure. The draw was a little tight at first but loosened very quickly. The burn was even and consistent. The ash stayed on this baby for at least half of the cigar. The taste was great. Nut, cocoa and mocha are what I remember from tasting this one. (Editor: let it be known that Curt likes dark nuts) The flavor was fantastic. I smoked it down until my fingers burned. I think I even liked the final third of this cigar the best. This may be due to the flavors really coming out or the fact that I was on my third glass of whiskey. (Editor: Is that also your excuse for calling "Glitter" the greatest movie of this or any other century?) This was a great medium to full bodied cigar without any harshness and loads of great flavor. I am considering buying a box of these but I think I'd like to try the oscuro first. I would recommend this cigar to anyone that likes maduros.

601 Blue Labal Maduro by Don Pepin Garcia
Size: Toro (6.25" x 52 ring)
Taste: Medium
Draw: Good - a little tight but at first but loosened up quickly
Burn: Even and consistent throughout
Flavors: Roasted Nut and smooth Cocoa makes this cigar a true pleasure.
Overall Rating: