Country: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadoran Habano
Length: 5 1/2 x 52
Body: Medium
Price: $8
Rating: B
Pete Johnson is among my top 5 favorite brand owners, his Tatuaje Cazadore line (Brown Label) being one of my favorite cigars. Being a big fan of Tatuaje I was excited when Johnson released the first of his El Triunfador line in 2008 but then disappointed to learn that the vitola chosen for this release was a lancero, easily my least favorite cigar shape. Despite my misgivings I did try a couple of the lanceros but came away from the experience unimpressed. So imagine my anticipation upon learning earlier this year that Johnson would be extending the El Triunfador line to include 5 additional sizes and once again having Pepin Garcia blend and create the cigars at his My Father factory.
Because the El Triunfador line is reasonably priced I picked up a box of robustos and a box of belicosos back in the spring. I finished the robustos off earlier this summer and have 4 belicosos left. For my money the belicoso size in this line is the best choice and so I have chosen to give it a brief review.
Presentation and Packaging
Johnson seems to always pay respect to tradition with his choice of shapes and sizes for his cigar lines and with his choice of labeling and packaging. The 2010 El Triunfador brand extension uses traditional cardboard boxes natural color with decorative red and gold borders and sealed with both the My Father and El Triunfador stamps. The boxes are dated, a practice that should be adopted across the board. My box was dated 3/22/10. There are 25 cigars to a box each one cellophane wrapped. The cigars are adorned with a single simple band red with gold trim and white lettering, again a tip of the hat to tradition. You can remove the band easily with no tearing. The overall packaging succeeds in building the anticipation of sampling the first cigar.
Prelight Observations
The El Triunfador #2 is one stunningly beautiful belicoso with its smooth and shiny chocolate brown wrapper, the box press, and the understated blunt triple cap at the foot. I did notice the presence of one or two pronounced veins on almost all the robustos and belicosos I smoked. While only slighty detracting from the appearance the veins have no impact on the burn quality. A glance at the foot seems to confirm the absence of ligero tobacco as the coloration of the filler tobacco appears uniform. The smell of the foot is muted. I seemed to pick up the smell of hay perhaps. The triple cap is precisely placed and easily removed. I picked up a more pronounced smell of grass off the head. The cold draw has a slight resistance, maybe a little less than desirable. The overall weight of the cigar seems a bit light and while the feel is consistent from head to foot, it feels like it is not as fully packed as I typically prefer.
Smoking Characteristics
The El Triunfador lights very easily by simply taking 30 seconds or so to toast the foot with a soft flame lighter or match, more evidence that the filler contains no ligero. The first puff yields the flavor notes of coffee and cream along with very mild spice. The aroma is wonderfully nutty. This is exactly what you would expect with the seco leaf filler and the Habano wrapper. At this point you have to resist the urge to smoke to quickly, which will serve to ruin the taste. So far everything about this cigar spells winner!
About an inch or more in I noticed that the burn line was moving evenly leaving a slightly flaky yet firm-enough ash. I typically ash these cigars about 1 or 1 1/4 inch mark. At this point there is a faint caramel note detected and the mild spice has subsided. At the halfway point the spice is again noticeable, the coffee and cream notes have faded, and a taste of cedar is detected. The aroma is still best described as nutty although not as rich as in the beginning.
Past halfway mark the taste of the El Triunfador changes noticeably and, for me at least, not in a good way. The coffee, cream, and caramel notes are gone. The nuttiness is now faintly discernible in the aroma of the smoke. Mild spice is still detected on the tongue as is cedar and maybe grass. Not bad mind you, just not as interesting or maybe a better way to say, not with the same fullness. The spice seems to pick up some as you move toward the band. The burn continues to move along evenly.
As the burn line approaches the band, the flavor on the tongue is unchanged but the nuttiness has regained strength in the resting smoke aroma, a welcome return! The head is beginning to feel warm but not hot. One thing I failed to mention is that the finish over the last half tends to be a bit dry. After the second ash drop there is about 2 inches of cigar left. I typically smoke about another inch and then let it it rest as the flavor at this point has become bland. It tastes a bit hot and there is some faint bitterness appearing. The cigar remaining feels spongy.
Overall Impression
Overall the El Triunfador is an enjoyable cigar that can be enjoyed at any time of day due to its mild to medium body. On the plus side the appearance, first-half flavor, burning characteristics, and plentiful smoke make this experience memorable. On the other hand, the change in flavors over the last half are a bit one dimensional and the last 2 inches forgettable. And finally a little fuller fill would be appreciated. I do recommend El Triunfador as a milder alternative to the Pete Johnson brands and I will continue to buy them as finding mild to medium cigars with any flavor is challenging.
Smoking Hints
As I mentioned at the beginning, the cold draw and feel of the cigar gives the impression it may be slightly underfilled. Smoking this cigar too quickly will cause it to burn too hot and ruin the oils containing the rich flavors. If you do smoke it too quickly the last half will strike you as bland. A slower pace maximizes the flavor profile. Additionally, try to keep the ash intact for at least 1 to 1 1/2 inches over the last half to help preserve the right temperature. This will enhance your overall experience with the El Triunfador. You may not nub it but with patience you can enjoy it down to the last inch.
