Beneath the Band: San Cristobal el Principe

[El Presidente]

This series to explore whether a particular cigar is humidor worthy. Cost these days is an issue for many so let's see if we can highlight some absolute standouts.  This should particularly assist those new to the cigar world.  

To be fair, most of the cigars we have featured to date have scored exceptionally well. Surprisingly well! 

Scoring is: 1-3 (Poor)   4-6 (Average to good)   7-10  (very good to excellent)  Use the Poll. 

You are more than free to comment away 

I don't think there is a better cigar in the Cuban line-up that goes better with a cup of great coffee than the San Cristobal el Principe. This Minuto 110mm x 42 until recently was my go to Sunday morning coffee read. Without doubt Cuba makes the finest selection of short format cigars in the world. 

Today: San Cristobal El Principe.  Let's kick off the discussion 

Outside of the poll, which Minuto/Perla/Half Corona do you prefer and why? Let us know in this thread 

[JohnS]

Apart from the Por Larranaga Montecarlos, this is the one cigar that I have the most of in my collection. It's not always at its ideal, in other words, one doesn't always get that beautiful pancake texture out of them (let's be fair to say), but I always look forward to one with a cup of coffee.

I don't come across too many that are spice bombs or bitter and coffee-laden. Very rarely, on occasion.

[Gubbins]

Lovely humidor worthy cigar, especially if it draws correctly.

[Ford2112]

Love these! Sometimes you get one that stops you dead in your tracks and makes you say wow! Definitely humidor worthy. 

[Glass Half Full]

In all fairness, I have only tasted very well aged editions of the El Principe.  I have loved them all. (I have no idea what a young one tastes like

[Habanoschris]

I had a very interesting box and have a couple others aging. I'm a fan for sure. 

[Duder]

Not one of my favorites but I have had a few very good ones. I can take them or leave them. 

[David8406]

I do like these and they smoke very well young. My box is approaching 2 years of age and there is no harshness, just smooth molasses goodness. A daytime smoke. Light-medium body.  

[Glass Half Full]

From this site, and from a few samplings of my own, IMO, there are certain marcas — including specifically SCdlH — that demand rest to be enjoyed fully. To my mind, it’s good advice. But to each his own.

[Redgoldband]

Yes, for sure. I remember the first time I’d gotten that pancake/syrup note from these. A delight indeed.


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[griller]

8 hours ago, David8406 said:

I do like these and they smoke very well young. My box is approaching 2 years of age and there is no harshness, just smooth molasses goodness. A daytime smoke. Light-medium body.  

My thoughts mirror these. Really LOVE when that molasses overtone kicks in. Also, been pretty lucky with decent construction with this one, too. I have a box from 2019 that has been great since Day 1 along with a mixture of singles that have been consistent from a blend perspective. 

[Ruggerpgh99]

The RA SCC has been one of my favorite smokes of all time, followed closely by the HUHC and Monte Media Corona, in this size. I've never had the pleasure of trying a San Cristobal, maybe I should.