Don Pepin Garcia Cuban Classic is one of the lesser expensive Don Pepin lines being made at their factory in Esteli Nicaragua. This blend is very spicy and full bodied, reminiscent of a fine Cuban cigar.
Jose “Pepin” Garcia has become a popular name around the cigar community. Pepin is a master cigar roller and blender that started his career at some of the most prestigious factories in Cuba. Today he operates two of the world’s most popular factories in Miami and Nicaragua. Aficionados compare Pepin’s blends with some of the best cigars made in Cuba.
The Don Pepin Garcia Cuban Classic is an excellent value. This blend is the first blend made by Jose Garcia in his Esteli factory and is also the least expensive. The aroma of the Don Pepin Garcia Black is dry and spicy with a long and pronounced finish. The cigar is full bodied and full flavored with a nice balance and easy draw. If you enjoy a powerful smoke, this one is a must try.
Origin: Nicaragua
Size: 5 x 50
Ring: 50
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Hand-Made
Price: ~$6.00 each
More info about purchasing: Don Pepin Garcia Cuban Classic Cigars
Appearance : 
The Cuban Classic had excellent appearance with zero construction issues. The textured, smooth feeling brown wrapper really helped highlight the slightly oversized band. There was a very slight give to the cigar and had a pre-light aroma of spice and peppers. The cap was firm and my v-cutter sliced a wedge cut effortlessly.
Construction : 
Despite the firmness of the cigar, the draw was very loose and allowed the smoke to flow plentifully. At initial draw, I was greeted with a strong burst of spicy, peppery notes. The spice left a nice flavor on the lips after each puff making me want more. The draw was even throughout. It seems to be a very well constructed cigar.
Flavor :
The pre-light flavor is of spice and peppers. Once lit, the spice kicks you in the face. The spice did not last long and towards second third, the flavor seemed uneventful. However, the smoothness of the smoke did relax me. The pepper really picks up about halfway through and doesn’t back down. A black pepper flavor became noticeable at the end of the second third and was a nice change in flavor profile. It does, however, get a little harsh with about an inch left.
Burn :
There was also a slightly uneven burn at the start of the cigar but it did even out within 10-15 minutes. After that, the burn was going very well and I was getting very large amounts of smoke. This had my palate feeling full after each puff. It has an average amount of resting smoke with a nice smell. I really like the clouds of white smoke this cigar gives off with each puff. The ash is salt and pepper and very firm. One high point of this cigar that I was found was the almost solid, attractive white ash that stayed with the cigar.
Overall Rating : 
This was a nice relaxing afternoon smoke. I have always enjoyed the Cuban Classic and do recommend that you try it. Priced between $5 and $6, it won’t hurt the wallet. This is an outstanding cigar, nice and strong, perfect burn and draw, if finishes very strong. A powerful and strong cigar that hits the palate hard with complex flavors that were dry and included peppers and spice. If you like a full-bodied, spicy smoke, then I believe you will enjoy this cigar.
