Cigar Reviewed: Epic La Rubia

Smoked at: Carolinas

I was given a sample pack of Epic cigars as part of a promotion, so they were free! I smoked the Epic La Rubia today during an extended drive. The nice light Connecticut wrapper was very veiny. It has a nice white and copper colored double band. The 5.5 x 52 is a nice size for an average length smoke. The cold draw was unremarkable. Just a light tobacco flavor. I couldn't help but notice the small pieces of tobacco that ended up in my mouth after I cut it and tapped it several times to eliminate any dust or clippings. When I lit it, I got tiny flakes of burning tobacco fall out into my lap. I examined the cigar closely, and it is is indeed rolled leaf, and not chopped or cut tobacco, but for some reason it was dusty on both ends. Once lit, the ash held up to about an inch and was nice and white. The draw was perfect and I got oak and citrus in the early part of the smoke,. As I proceeded, I got lots of pepper and wood. On average, it's an OK smoke. Nothing objectionable, but I just like them darker. I read that "La Rubia" means "The Blonde," and this cigar struck me as lighter in both color and flavor. I personally wouldn't buy it again, but if given to me I wouldn't hesitate to enjoy it. For me, I can't give it more than a three, but I look forward to trying the Epic Maduro and Corojo. This smoke lasted about 50 minute.