In a world of cigars, few stand out like El Pulpo. Released in 2023 after seven years of meticulous development, El Pulpo, meaning The Octopus,
is a bold masterpiece crafted by A.J. Fernandez in collaboration with Artesano del Tobacco. This cigar is not just about smoking, it’s about experiencing a symphony of rich, complex flavors that envelop your palate like the tentacles of its namesake.
Designed to impress even the most seasoned aficionados, El Pulpo delivers layers of character, patience, and craft with every puff. Ready to dive deep into this stunning cigar? Let’s explore what makes El Pulpo truly exceptional.
The Origins and Development of El Pulpo
The journey of El Pulpo began in 2016 when Artesano del Tobacco, led by brothers Gus and Billy Fakih, teamed up with A.J. Fernandez. The goal was to create a cigar that would stand out in the crowded market by delivering an exceptional smoking experience. Over the next seven years, multiple blends, fermenting techniques, and aging processes were tested and refined. The result was a cigar that not only met but exceeded their high standards.
The Unique Blend
El Pulpo is crafted with a Mexican San Andrés wrapper that undergoes an extended aging process, setting it apart from other cigars using similar wrappers. This meticulous aging contributes to the cigar’s rich and complex flavor profile. The Nicaraguan binder and fillers used in El Pulpo are sourced from A.J. Fernandez’s family farms, known for producing some of the finest tobaccos in the world. This blend results in a full-bodied cigar that offers a balanced and satisfying smoking experience.
Flavor Profile
El Pulpo cigars is known for its robust and intricate flavors. The initial draw delivers strong notes of pepper that quickly settle into a complex array of flavors, including coffee bean, dark chocolate, nuts, licorice, fruitiness, and citrus. These flavors are well-integrated, providing a smooth transition from one note to another, making each puff an experience in itself.
Aesthetic Appeal
In addition to its exceptional blend, El Pulpo stands out with its aesthetic appeal. The cigars are box-pressed, a technique that not only enhances the smoking experience but also gives the cigars a distinctive look. They are packaged in ten-count boxes, with each cigar band and box design reflecting the brand’s commitment to quality and tradition. The bolder fonts and larger letters on the packaging evoke a sense of nostalgia while appealing to modern tastes.
Accolades and Recognition
El Pulpo has quickly garnered acclaim since its release. The Belicoso Grande size received a top 10 ranking in the list of best cigars of the year in 2023, earning a 94 rating. Such high ratings are a testament to the quality and craftsmanship that go into each El Pulpo cigar. This recognition has helped solidify El Pulpo’s place among the top cigars available today.
Detailed List of Available El Pulpo Cigars
El Pulpo Belicoso Grande
- Profile: Full-bodied
- Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés
- Tobaccos: Nicaraguan binder and fillers
- Flavors: Coffee bean, dark chocolate, nuts, licorice, fruitiness, citrus
- El Pulpo Belicoso Grande offers a bold and complex smoking experience with notes of coffee bean, dark chocolate, nuts, licorice, fruitiness, and citrus. This full-bodied cigar is meticulously crafted to deliver a rich and satisfying smoke.
El Pulpo Robusto Grande
- Profile: Full-bodied
- Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés
- Tobaccos: Nicaraguan binder and fillers
- Flavors: Pepper, dark chocolate, nuts, fruitiness, citrus
- El Pulpo Robusto Grande features a robust blend with initial strong notes of pepper that mellow into dark chocolate, nuts, fruitiness, and citrus. Its full-bodied profile ensures a memorable and enjoyable smoking experience.
El Pulpo Toro Grande
- Profile: Full-bodied
- Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés
- Tobaccos: Nicaraguan binder and fillers
- Flavors: Dark chocolate, coffee, nuts, licorice, fruitiness
- El Pulpo Toro Grande delivers a well-balanced smoke with flavors of dark chocolate, coffee, nuts, licorice, and fruitiness. This full-bodied cigar is perfect for those who appreciate complex and rich flavors.
The Heritage and Craftsmanship of El Pulpo
El Pulpo cigars are a testament to the dedication and expertise of Artesano del Tobacco and A.J. Fernandez. The meticulous process of blending, fermenting, and aging the tobaccos used in these cigars reflects their commitment to quality. The proprietary Nicaraguan tobacco from A.J. Fernandez's family farms ensures that each cigar is crafted with the finest ingredients, resulting in a premium smoking experience.
A Commitment to Excellence
Every El Pulpo cigar is crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail. The extensive testing and re-blending process that took place over seven years highlight the dedication to achieving the perfect blend. The use of a Mexican San Andrés wrapper, aged longer than usual, adds a unique element to the cigar, enhancing its flavor profile and making it stand out in the market.
The Smoking Experience
El Pulpo cigars offer a rich and immersive smoking experience. The full-bodied strength and complex flavors provide a satisfying smoke that evolves with each puff. The initial peppery notes give way to a harmonious blend of coffee bean, dark chocolate, nuts, licorice, fruitiness, and citrus. This intricate flavor profile, combined with the cigar's impeccable construction, ensures a memorable and enjoyable smoking experience.
El Pulpo's journey from its inception in 2016 to its release in 2023 is a story of patience, dedication, and craftsmanship. The collaboration between Artesano del Tobacco and A.J. Fernandez has resulted in a cigar that embodies quality and complexity. Whether you are a seasoned cigar enthusiast or new to premium cigars, El Pulpo offers a rich, bold, and flavorful experience that captures the essence of expert cigar making. With its top ratings and acclaim, El Pulpo is poised to become a favorite among cigar lovers for years to come.
For those seeking a truly exceptional smoking experience, El Pulpo stands as a testament to the enduring art of cigar making, blending tradition with innovation to create a cigar that is both unique and unforgettable.
