El Cobre Robusto. NC Review

[Fishhound]

Great review Rob. This cigar is a regular in my line up but it is something that you have to be in the mood for. You are correct it is Nicaraguan, it is originally Jose Olivas private blend.

I'm attaching a link that explains this cigar better then I can. They parts written by Dave Wagner was the person who originally marketed the El Cobre. Dave is now a Sales Rep for Oliva.

http://www.cigaraficionado.com/Cigar/CA_Bl...4695,47,00.html

[El Presidente]

Thanks for the Link Fishhound. It fleshes it out a little more for me :-)

[El Presidente]

El Cobre Robusto.

This cigar was a generous gift from Robert Clarke sent via the most expensive courier service known to man….Lisa.

I know nothing about this cigar and have let it rest for the better part of a month. I will be slowly reviewing all cigars sent via LISAMUCHODINERO Express over the coming weeks.

Non Cuban Cigars are not my forte so I was keen to assess this cigar with a great looking band and a nice dark Maduro wrapper. I try to keep my prejudices aside from many previous RTDA tastings….the better the band….the shittier the cigar. I still remember looking like an extra from the “Black Minstrel show” after smoking a repulsive La Rosa petite Perfecto with a painted Maduro wrapper which left my lips coated in black. I would have been a hit with the “Goth” market but “Goths” are few on the ground at a cigar convention.

This El Cobre looked the part. The wrapper was dark but what I liked was the aroma which was all old football socks. Construction looked spot on as I cone to expect from a NC. Clipping the cap I found a slightly over easy draw but some nice spice on the pre light draw accompanied by some sweetness.

Fired up the foot and the cigar started medium bodied and loaded with savoury spice. It quickly developed into a medium full body and an earthiness filled the mid palate with a nice biting spice. Very aromatic cigar all sandlewood and sweet incense. Sweetness also on the palate but the heart of this cigar is earth and a mix of white and black pepper spice. Back to medium bodied now. Nice balance into the first third. The sweetness (cocoa based) works very well with the pepper spices and the earthy core. The draw is firming slightly which only assists in drawing out the flavours. The ash is sharp and white. Great visual contrast to the wrapper. At the first third mark I would be quite happy to put in my rotation.

The second third continued much like the first. Yet slowly the power built back to Medium/Full riding on the back of increased spiciness. Earth still there but the sweetness is going and so is much of the cigars balance and complexity. It is interesting to see the white and black pepper build on the palate but not so much through the nose. Towards the end of the second third I can feel the “bite” of the pepper on the inside wall of the mouth. I appreciate the phenomena but the cigar by going down this route has lost any chance of balance. Earth can still be found but even this resilient characteristic in a cigar is struggling to peep through the pepper assault. All elements of sweetness have long given up.

The final third saw the continued development (if possible) of black and white pepper. It is just one big spice stick at this time. It bites, it kicks but it is now no more than a one trick pony. Trying to pick the tobacco I assume it is dominated by Nicaraguan. I initially thought the wrapper to be Ecuadorian but I now doubt it.

I would love to sit down with the blender and discuss what he was trying to achieve. The first third was an excellent cigar with balance and complexity. The last half struggled to maintain any flavour diversity. I feel the cigar would be better by not focusing on the spice and power at the back end but trying to even out the flavour spectrum.

I am not sure how I would rate this cigar. First third 89 : Second third 86 : Final third 84 : Overall 86

Overall a great experience and thank you Robert for the opportunity!