Monday, November 28 2011
Mi Barrio El Forro
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Size/Strength: 7" x 48 / Full
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano
Filler: Nicaraguan Estelí & Jalapa
Binder: Nicaraguan
Presentation: Box of 20 cigars
This week's selection is a cigar that is quite close to my heart. The Mi Barrio El Forro is a Churchill-sized, Nicaraguan puro made in limited edition by Don Jose Pepin Garcia. These cigars were originally distributed by E/O Brands (Espinosa/Ortega) at which time, they were very upmarket in price. The first Mi Barrio I ever smoked, The Puro, went for $250.99/box.
The
blend consists of perfectly-aged Nicaraguan longfiller and binder tobaccos from Estelí and Jalapa expertly rolled in a dark, oily, and even-toned Habano wrapper that's finished with an attractive triple-
cap. The smoke is full-bodied, yet not overpowering with a sweet-woody base that stays true down to the nub, which I attribute to the excellent balance and ultra smoothness of this cigar.
The cigars used to be presented in handsome boxes that featured original artwork by Cuban artist, Edin Gutierrez, exclusively for this series (see photo at right). Each painting told a story, too. If I remember correctly, "El Forro" is Cuban slang for "the cheater." Click on the photo to zoom-in and notice the little cartoon balloon over the table. Unfortunately, the painted boxes have been replaced with plain brown boxes, but the cigars haven't changed a bit.
I consider the Mi Barrio El Forro, as well as the entire line, one of the best cigars Pepin has ever produced. They make a great gift for yourself this Holiday Season, too. Speaking of which, it might behoove you to check 'em out. As you'll see, times have changed, and so have the prices.
See pricing and applicable offers for all Mi Barrio cigars.*
* Current pricing is always subject to change.
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