El Credito review

[pedromendes]

On my recent trip to Havana I picked up many, many tasty cigars. But I also found something unique, for me anyway. While walking through Plaza das Armas, I got the usual spiel about Cohibas and Montecristos. Thankfully I speak enough Spanish that I told the guy what I really wanted was what he smoked. "Tobacco nacional?" he asked incredulously. Yes, and I told him I'd pay a CUC for one, which I also told him I know is 25 times the cost. (This is before I discovered with the national peso I could buy these myself at a bodega). He was not impressed, but after about 5 minutes came back with a stick for me.

My expectations were very low going into this, but my curiosity was so high, it was the first cigar I smoked after getting home.

As you can see, it's a nice enough looking wrapper, if applied rather loosely. The head was also rough looking. Love the band, though:

The cigar started far, far smoother than I expected, but not complex and with no depth. There was a pleasant tobacco and roasted nut flavour, but the aftertaste reminded me strongly of smoking cigarettes. Not nice.

At the end of the first third, the flavours continued pretty much unchanged, but there was a hint of ginger (first time for that one!), while still nice and smooth.

The second third ended pretty much the same way, continuing smooth, light and very enjoyable. (The cigarette aftertaste lasted only the first few puffs).

The cigar ended a little harsh, but creamy with hints of gingerbread and smoked meat. Loosest ash I've ever seen, however.

I was certainly not disappointed and was happy to find out that what Cubans are smoking are quite nice cigars. 82

[maverickdrinker]

nice review Pedro. i've had a few of these. your review mirrors my experience. thanks for sharing.

[Ghabanos]

very nice....i would love to get some of those too... cheap and cheerful eh?

[CUBANO]

Thanks for the review. My Uncle used to smoke El Credito and the Selectos.

[CaptainQuintero]

Nice, I've one sitting in my Humi waiting to get lit.

The Troya seems to be the best 'cheapo' for me. Basically smokes like a machine rolled RA corona, decent carrying tube too.

[CaptainQuintero]

Had mine today, lovely little smoke! Just plain rich Cuban tobacco. Hint of caramel with the second half. Great little stick!

[JohnnyO]

Kingantz did a review of these at Cigarpass a few years ago. These are still available in the bodegas for locals that are 50+ years old. They get 4 cigars a month. The rest are found in smaller neighborhood markets (bodegas). With some age, I find that the darker wrappers are the best of the bunch. John