San Cristobal El principe

[SCgarman]

Just received a box of these today. Never tried the Marca but they sound like folks love these. What flavors should I expect?

[JohnS]

I think of San Cristobal de La Habana and Sancho Panza as two related marcas, flavourwise. San Cristobal being the sweeter marca and Sancho Panza as the savoury marca.

In regards to El Principe cigars, I think of espresso, rich molasses and hints of dark chocolate. This thread is timely as I plan to have an El Principe later today when I catch up with my brother-in-law.

Below is another thread on El Principes...

http://www.friendsofhabanos.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=115151

[HiPower]

Having one now as a nice after dinner smoke. Definitely a sweet side to them and this one is spot on with the molasses and in this one an almost bitter chocolate. Great for this chilly evening.

[NSXCIGAR]

What JohnS said ^^

Espresso/molasses/chocolate is what I tend to get as well. Fairly complex, definitely a sweetness to it. Almost dessert-y if you could say that.

I've always liked the El Principe. When you get a nice box they're very good. I've never had one with serious age on it myself but from what I've heard the 07-09 stock appears to be smoking great right now. I recall smoking several boxes in 06-07 that were excellent at the time. The El Principe and the RASCC are pretty much my go-to minutos for several years. I prefer them both over Party Shorts but that's personal preference.

[SCgarman]

I wanted something as a cold weather alternative to Partagas Shorts. The box code is EML Feb15, they have Colorado wrappers with a mild sheen and smell fantastic. Thanks for the feedback!!

[NSXCIGAR]

I think I've decided the El Principe is the clear leader of the minutos format. Never really had a bad one and have no hesitation even buying these blind. Just finished this EML ABR 15 one today and just look at this construction:

[JohnS]

The EML 2015 boxes have been having a 'good run' recently, that's for sure!

[foursite12]

Always been curious about the Principes. Do they have the muscle of the Shorts? I do like that in these little guys.

[Smoker]

Tried the El Principe recently, and it was nice - I would put them on par with the Monte 5s. But for me, neither of them can compare with the Bolivar Coronas Junior or Partagas Shorts. They have more flavour and I personally like the extra strength too. Nice pic though!

Always been curious about the Principes. Do they have the muscle of the Shorts? I do like that in these little guys.

I'd say there were about the same in strength as the Monte 5s or perhaps the tiniest hair less full. Definitely not below medium though.

[ThePolskiOgorki]

I had one from the same box code and same month that I just got fresh from the island this week. It was a really nice after dinner smoke. I might have to agree with you NSXCIGAR.

[RickHendeson]

I think of San Cristobal de La Habana and Sancho Panza as two related marcas, flavourwise. San Cristobal being the sweeter marca and Sancho Panza as the savoury marca.

That's an interesting outlook. I'll have to test it in the coming days.

[NSXCIGAR]

Tried the El Principe recently, and it was nice - I would put them on par with the Monte 5s. But for me, neither of them can compare with the Bolivar

Coronas Junior or Partagas Shorts. They have more flavour and I personally like the extra strength too. Nice pic though!

I'd say there were about the same in strength as the Monte 5s or perhaps the tiniest hair less full. Definitely not below medium though.

This may just be a matter of taste, but I would say that the Boli CJ and Party Shorts can be excellent, with the Boli being arguably stronger. But the key term here is "can be". Boli CJ and Party Shorts are not a blind buy for me. I smoke my fair share of Boli CJ, and I run into construction and flavor balance issues all the time. Party shorts can also be very inconsistent. Monte 5s can be very good as well, but they've never been as consistent as the Principe long-term.

The Principe to me is king in terms of consistency of construction, flavor and balance. Sure the Boli can be a bit stronger, but the Principe lacks nothing in richness of flavors. And while I've smoked many sup-par CJs and Shorts, I can't say the same for the Principes--and this goes back over decade. The Principe has been remarkably consistent over the long term. I can't recall any vitola in any marca that has been as consistent for as long--period. The RASCC had a great run from 06-12 but lately they've just been missing the mark.

If you ask me what cigar I would choose if each one was at its absolute best, I'd probably pick the Boli CJ. But what can I rely on for a great experience almost every time out? El Principe.

[Corylax18]

I have been looking to get the El Principe or La Puntas into my rotation after trying a few late last year. I was able to score a box of the EML FEB 15s in the latest 24:24. Im glad to hear that they are smoking well.

It sounds like its pretty tough for most of you guys to keep your hands off of these long enough, but anyone try them with a few years age?

[fabes]

Have had some with 3-5 years. They smooth out, or perhaps I should say the blend melds together a bit. Kind of like the sum of its parts, and not just individual parts.

Buy multiple boxes if you want to experience them with age because once you crack the box they disappear fast.

[gojira]

Never had one yet but after reading the previous posts I just added them to my list.

[JohnS]

I have been looking to get the El Principe or La Puntas into my rotation after trying a few late last year. I was able to score a box of the EML FEB 15s in the latest 24:24. I'm glad to hear that they are smoking well.

It sounds like its pretty tough for most of you guys to keep your hands off of these long enough, but anyone try them with a few years age?

I agree, they are smoking that well lately, it's very easy to go through a box quickly. As for age, I've had a box put away in long-term storage to compare (and so that I wouldn't reach for them either!).

Have had some with 3-5 years. They smooth out, or perhaps I should say the blend melds together a bit. Kind of like the sum of its parts, and not just individual parts.

Buy multiple boxes if you want to experience them with age because once you crack the box they disappear fast.

Sounds great!

[luv2fly]

Fantastic for me. I love the richness of these small smokes.

[Smoker]

This may just be a matter of taste, but I would say that the Boli CJ and Party Shorts can be excellent, with the Boli being arguably stronger. But the key term here is "can be". Boli CJ and Party Shorts are not a blind buy for me. I smoke my fair share of Boli CJ, and I run into construction and flavor balance issues all the time. Party shorts can also be very inconsistent. Monte 5s can be very good as well, but they've never been as consistent as the Principe long-term.

The Principe to me is king in terms of consistency of construction, flavor and balance. Sure the Boli can be a bit stronger, but the Principe lacks nothing in richness of flavors. And while I've smoked many sup-par CJs and Shorts, I can't say the same for the Principes--and this goes back over decade. The Principe has been remarkably consistent over the long term. I can't recall any vitola in any marca that has been as consistent for as long--period. The RASCC had a great run from 06-12 but lately they've just been missing the mark.

If you ask me what cigar I would choose if each one was at its absolute best, I'd probably pick the Boli CJ. But what can I rely on for a great experience almost every time out? El Principe.

I haven't smoked enough of each to score them on consistency - I was just basing my preference on each cigar at its best. I'm not happy to learn that the BCJ & Party Shorts vary so much lol.

[alpyigit]

Thanks to the post I ordered my first box of EP and in short over it became my pick for short smokes. Normally my go to cigar in this category was Party Shorts. I like them both but feel that EP has an edge over PS when it comes to flavor intensity.. Now in search for a few aged boxes to complement the fresh ones.,