Cigar Review: Pinar Del Rio Clasico Exclusivo

I decided to give the Pinar Del Rio Classico Exclusivo a shot after reading some really positive things about this particular line.  I purchased a 5 pack on Cigar Monster (my favorite cigar site) for $13.  I smoked this stick on my roof with a cup coffee and my favorite smoking music: Putumayo Latin America. Apologies on the photo quality – the camera has gone missing somewhere in my apartment.

Specs:
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Domican Habano
Filler: Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

 

Construction/Appearance: I was a bit disappointed with the construction on these cigars. More than a couple watermarks on the light brown Connecticut seed wrapper. Veins, however, were minimal, which could contribute to the great burn this cigar had throughout.  I’m also a huge fan of the labels, the top and larger with “Pinar Del Rio Clasico” in white, gold, and blue. The second, below with “EXCLUSIVO” in silver on a maroon and silver band.  Pre light draw didn’t reveal much of anything, and the scent off of the foot was faint, with a mix of grass and woodiness.

Taste/Smoking Characteristics: This cigar kicked off with a harshness that made me a bit worried. About 10 puffs in, however, the harshness dissipated to reveal a very smooth mix of grass and woodiness. Around the second third of the stick I started picking up a bit of nuttiness.  The burn remained very straight throughout the entire stick, with a grey ash. The cigar remained mild in body throughout the smoke.  I was relieved to find for the hour and a half it took to smoke this stick that it never succumbed to the bitterness on the palate that has characterized so many Connecticuts that I’ve smoked in the past.

Conclusion: For about $5 a piece, or even cheaper elsewhere, this is a great mild body cigar. I’m not a huge fan of cigars this mild, so it was especially hard to stay interested as there wasn’t a ton of movement in flavor profile throughout the smoke.  Still, for Connecticut lovers I’d have to say this is a must try cigar.

Final Grade: B+

Matthias Clock: Brand evangelist, digital marketer, cigar and spirits expert specializing in consumer tasting and educational events. Matthias made the long trek from his hometown of Portland, Oregon to New York City in 2007, and in nine years has hosted more than 120 events and helped promote and launch dozens of cigar and whiskey brands in the U.S. In 2016, he joined the Cigar Journal Tasting Panel, blind-reviewing pre and new release cigars.