We’re back this week with another Pete Johnson creation, the Cabaiguan Belicoso Fino (5.5×52), produced in concert with Pepin Garcia and his son Jaime. Covered in a gorgeous Ecuadorian-grown Connecticut shade wrapper, this cigar was very attractive with but a few small veins running lengthwise. It had just the proper amount of give when squeezed and a nice simple band.
The cap cut cleanly, though with a bit of difficulty. Using my single-blade Havana Cutter, the blade stopped dead about one third of the way through the head. I pushed a bit harder, hearing an obvious “crunch” as the blade slid the rest of the way through revealing a few small (and hard) stems reaching up to the cap. This was somewhat troubling to me, though I’m not real sure why, but the draw was good so I continued on toasting the foot.
Through the first third the flavors were earthy, with a salty twang that left me licking my lips trying to place the taste. Through most of this third the burn was pretty bad, running on one side with the other almost refusing to catch up. While I’m generally not one to place blame on myself, since it eventually corrected itself without my help I’ll go ahead and say it was probably my lighting that did it. 🙂
Given the other Tatuajes I’ve had, I was expecting much of the spice I have found with them but was surprised to only get hints of spice/pepper at a few times through this cigar. Overall I found this rather medium bodied, again a surprise based on the rest of the Tatuajes. This Belicoso produced tons of white smoke with every draw and once it got evened out the burn was clean through the rest of the cigar. The second third was dominated by earthy/woody flavors with hints of nuts and a bit of cream on the finish.
The last third saw a return of the salty flavors and a bit of unevenness to the burn, but not near as bad as the beginning. Flavors continued with nuts and cream with the occasional hint of throat spice until it began to get a bit harsh. I usually don’t get all that far into the last third of a cigar and this one was no different. While I enjoyed this cigar quite a bit, I would love to be able to get it in a corona or petit corona. The Cabaiguan is certainly not a cheap cigar but I think I’m going to have to start hunting for a box of the Coronas Extra. I can’t wait to see how these are with some age.
Twang? I love when the Texan in you comes out in your reviews.
Guilty as charged. 🙂
Great Review!!! I love these Cabiguans. I never had a problem with one yet. You basically nailed it on the head about the twang and flavors. I agree that they are a little over priced, but I read a review that says only 5 rollers make these cigars. Only 5. I am impressed with this cigar and I have a few in my humidor to smoke at a later date.
sorry to ask such a dumb question but… what exactly is twang?
Well Jabba, I guess I’m not exactly sure. As stated by Jerry, I think that’s probably the Texan coming out in me, the word is in common usage down here.
It usually refers to a flavor that gets your attention, could be good or bad depending on context (good in this case). It’s used in reference to a flavor that stands out, often something sour or sweet, but in this case it’s something related to the saltyness that I couldn’t quite place. Twangy. 🙂
Thank you for the wonderful explanation. You guys are great!
well i have commented on these on top25cigar.com and i was very disapointed. the burn was very, very bad. there were little tunnels on the fast burning side that never went away. like the filler was loose. i even had one go out mid way thru the 2nd third. that rarely happens. i let them rest in my box for about a month. the flavors were similar to what you describe and the look/outward appearance of the cigar was something to be admired. i had a couple cups of black coffee with mine. i have smoked 4 of these sticks total. everyone had a burn issue that preoccupied me. it was kinda like, “i know this will end badly, but i have to try it again.” i guess the overall impression i got was that these pepin garcia lines need to be aged. i can’t wait for my others to finish hibernating through the winter. thanks again for the review!
one more thing…did you find the ash to be very crumbly and flakely? kinda looks that way from the pics. at least that was my experience. thanks.
Stephen, The beginning of this cigar burned as you mentioned with, “little tunnels”. You can see the remnants of one in the second picture above. It was right about the point in that second picture that the burn corrected itself and it burned fairly even until close to the end.
I agree this was a very attractive cigar with a wrapper that was just begging to be smoked. The ash was a bit flakey, about like I find with most Conn. shade wrappers, but not too crumbly.
A little bigger than I prefer, I’ll be looking to pick up a box of the Coronas Extra. As always, thanks for the comments!
i’m definately gonna heed your advice on these and the Tatuaje’s and let them age a while. thanks again Brian!
Thanks for the review. It sounds like a cigar I would enjoy, if I can keep it lit.
enjoying my first one. Nice mild smoke in my opinion. The draw is slightly tighter than i would like, but overall a well balanced smoke. Thanks for the review. I guess this prior to your tower of smoke?
Cabaiguan Imperiales on tap today high in the Colorado Rockies. This Churchill size is smoking beautifully. Draw is a little snug but lots of smoke, perfect burn, inch long white ash. Excellent construction with no wrapper cracking like I often get on Connecticut wrappers in low humidity outdoor conditions. Quite a departure from the usual Pete Johnson fare, medium bodied with that characteristic Connecticut twang. Rather one dimensional flavor profile with woody, whole wheat bread and creamy notes. Better than a New Wave? You be the judge.