I don't get Don Pepin Garcia

[Snake Hips]

I'm going to come out with it, I pretty much hate most things this man produces. I don't get what everyone likes about his blends, and I'm reluctant to try anything else of his. Cuban Classic, Series JJ, Tatuaje brown label, Tatuaje Havana VI, 5 Vegas Miami, Padilla Miami and others I don't remember right now. All had headache-inducing strength and massive pepper with absolutely no taste; I barely made it an inch into any of these cigars, with more than one sample of them even.

I've heard them compared to Habanos and I've heard Habanos smokers say they still smoke Pepin blends, but nothing about any of these cigars has even remotely suggested Cuban to me, and I couldn't find a reason to like them if one liked Habanos.

So does anyone have a particular suggestion that is kind of away from his norm that I might like (less pepper and strength), and does anybody have an explanation for his popularity? I will admit to liking the 601 Black and the La Aroma de Cuba Edicion Especial, and the My Father even though he didn't blend it.

[sikk50]

They mellow over time, I enjoy all of the ones I've had. What gets me is the the people that are all about his blends to the point of smoking nothing else. i don't see them as being that good. But to each their own. I know there's others on here who can't stand Tats/Pepins so you're not alone

[Fumes]

It's interesting that you like the 601 Black, because that's still a fairly potent smoke, but for a lighter side of Pepin try Vegas Cubanas. Cabaiguan is even better, though a little pricier.

[Snake Hips]

It's interesting that you like the 601 Black, because that's still a fairly potent smoke, but for a lighter side of Pepin try Vegas Cubanas. Cabaiguan is even better, though a little pricier.
I'll have to get a hold of some of those. I like the 601 Black because it's strong, but it doesn't have any pepper, and it's creamy and has a good Nicaraguan taste.

[MedicCook]

I enjoy most of his cigars but I would never limit myself to just them. There are way too many great cigars out there to smoke to be tied down to just one brand.

[icehog3]

and does anybody have an explanation for his popularity?

Different strokes for different folks? ;)

[Whee]

I used to feel the same way about the Cuban Classics. But they definitely mellow out over time. I have some now that are close to two years old and smoke really nice.

Miami's area llittle different. I like the flavor when I first tried them, but with a rest, they aren;t the same.:(

[Mark]

To each his own. I love just about everything the man has put out (with a few exceptions), but he certainly markets to a specific flavor profile. As for the Tatuaje's, Pete Johnson is on the record saying he makes cigars that HE likes, anything above that is great but just not the aim.

There are a lot of guys who love Acids. I can't stand them, but some people genuinely like them. I'm not going to say that they have "bad" taste, or that they are not "true" cigar smokers because they don't like what I like. Thats the wonderful thing about this hobby, and living in a pluarlistic world in general! Everyone is free to love who and what they choose, and I'm a big proponent of that! Variety is the spice of life. If you don't like them, then they are not for you, but when it comes to a hobby that is all about flavor and nothing about labels - I'm happy to love a brother who hates my smokes!

[Don Fernando]

does anybody have an explanation for his popularity?

Yes, I do. It's because they are damn good cigars with lots of flavor. That you can't handle them and can't taste the flavor doesn't mean that others can't either. You probably like cigars I would never light again. We all got a different palate and we all like different strenghts.

[kgoings]

I used to hate Pepin's, thought exactly the same thing you did, over powering and WAY too peppery.

I had a couple sit in my humidor for 3 months I think and I gave them another try... WOW! They really changed! Not overbearingly peppery at all. Let a couple sit till after the first of the year. Then give them another try.

[Chompers]

They are good smokes, but I would never limit myself to just them.

I always like to try new things..Though, I've never tried ALL of Pepin's smokes. I do, however, have all of the ones I want to try resting in the humi,lol.

[Snake Hips]

Different strokes for different folks? ;)
Haha. I knew the answer to that, but I had to ask it for the record anyway :D

[ZenSilk]

I'm actually on the hunt for something stronger than pepin blends. I had a blue label recently, and although it was great, it was too similar to the tat browns with a medium profile. I want something more peppery with heavier flavors! Illusione seem to be pretty good for a darker change.

[Bax]

If you want a milder Tat try the Ver #9 from Holts. Not the brain basher alot of the stronger stuff is.

[DougBushBC]

To each his own preferences, but most people really enjoy DPG's smokes due to their peppery, spicy complexity and immaculate construction. I really love almost all of his cigars, but thats because they are to my tastes.
I sure hope you find some brands that you can love as much as I do his!

[newlifetaxidermy]

I will add to what the others have said. People's tastes are different. When I sit down to a meal, I prefer cuisine that is spicy and flavorful (chinese, mexican, italian, etc). My wife, on the other hand prefers food that is not as spicy and flavorful. Same goes for cigars. I certainly do enjoy Habanos, but I don't usually like them with a lot of age on them. I prefer them fresher because I like the stronger, heartier flavors. I enjoy most DPG stuff. When I light one of his blends, I know that I am going to get a rich, spicy, peppery smoking experience. Some folks would rather taste 10 year old burnt Madagascar vanilla with a hint of pencil lead, but I prefer spice and pepper. I guess it does come down to different strokes for different folks.

[OLS]

That you can't handle them and can't taste the flavor doesn't mean that others can't either.
Obviously this is not what he said, but the point is well taken. For my own tastes I do not like them either, having had all of one cigar. But once you have gotten the full treatment of smoothness and delight of Cue-ban tobacco, there really is not much need for smoking anything else, unless you like hard core flavors. To me it is not a flavor contest so much as it is a relaxation aid. I like to have pleasant tastes across the tongue and a peaceful trip to wherever it is these things are taking me. Not as far as weed, but much further than a cig.

[kaisersozei]

It's interesting that you like the 601 Black, because that's still a fairly potent smoke, but for a lighter side of Pepin try Vegas Cubanas. Cabaiguan is even better, though a little pricier.

:tpd: on both of these smokes, and would also recommend a lesser known stick that is my favorite DPG blend: Casa Royale from Holt's. Joel/yourchoice gave me one in the Blind Taste Test PIF thread (http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showpost.php?p=296941&postcount=673)and it really hooked me.

As others have said, I've also found that the DPG's mellow quite nicely especially after 6 months or more.

[elderboy02]

I love pretty much everything DPG. I also enjoy other cigars. We all have different palates.

[wayner123]

I love pretty much everything DPG. I also enjoy other cigars. We all have different palates.

:tpd:

I also wanted to add that you said

All had headache-inducing strength and massive pepper with absolutely no taste; I barely made it an inch into any of these cigars, with more than one sample of them even.


That is actually one of the things that stands out in a Pepin to me. I call it the "Pepin Spice Blast" (trademark pending). For the first inch or so there is an intense spicyness about them. Then they mellow out further into the cigar. So if you make it past that first inch or so, you might find yourself well rewarded and over time, come to appreciate the "Pepin Spice Blast".

[Mr. Ed]

Why are they so popular?

I'll try to answer this one without getting into taste, just some general observations. They're very well constructed. I've only ever run into 3 plugged Pepin-made cigars. A lot of them are reasonably priced, and there is a good price range for all folks from Fumadore and LHO to Tatuaje Brown. There's a large selection of Pepin made smokes now, all of good to high quality, to choose from. The man, at least with his cigars like the DPG and My Father line, lets them sell on their own, no gimmicks like Pete Johnson or Fuente (sorry just had to take that dig). Overall it's a high quality cigar for a good price.

[Jfire]

Well considering DPG was a Master Cuban Roller and blender and is Cuban I would think that is a start to being "Cubanuesq"(spelling) as they come. I'm a Tat fan and DPQ whore as well. Having said that I smoke a ton of other stuff as well. Best example of changing spice bomb to pure doctor pepper creaminess after a year is a La Ricky in any size.

[rizzle]

That is actually one of the things that stands out in a Pepin to me. I call it the "Pepin Spice Blast" (trademark pending). For the first inch or so there is an intense spicyness about them. Then they mellow out further into the cigar. So if you make it past that first inch or so, you might find yourself well rewarded and over time, come to appreciate the "Pepin Spice Blast".
Exactly. The first few DPG's I smoked almost brought me to my knees immediately, but I stuck with them 'cause I didn't want to be a wuss, and lo and behold they did mellow and I was rewarded. Now I've found that after these cigars have a little age on them they are much more mellow and refined. And good. I really like a lot of his stuff now and was definitely one that didn't think I was going to.

Matter of fact, I think an aged Cuban Classic is his best cigar.

[gnukfu]

I do get Don Pepin Garcia....well that's my significant contribution to this thread....thanks for reading.

[itsme_timd]

I'm not a blanket Pepin fan either... a few of my local smoking buddies are total Pepin hos.

One of my favorites from him is the Tabacos Baez. The first 1/2" or so is peppery but it mellows to a nice medium body with a lot of flavor. I don't have to have a cigar that is always in your face with power, I'm not a fan of pepper in cigars, but I do like a lot of flavor and from DPG I think the Tabacos Baez is a winner.

[kenstogie]

I tend to like Pepin stuff but for the reason I like them you may not. As Tom said. "different strokes..."

[SmokinApe]

Superman wears Don Pepin pajamas....

[poriggity]

I don't like all of Pepin's stuff, but last night I lit up a Tatuaje Havana VI red label and enjoyed it very much. There are some Pepin smokes I can definetly do without though, and not be sad.
Scott

[pfm721]

I think that the San Cristobal made by him for Ashton are darned tasty and a little lighter on the pepper than the rest of his stuff.

[Doctorossi]

I think that the San Cristobal made by him for Ashton are darned tasty and a little lighter on the pepper than the rest of his stuff.

I agree on both counts. :tu

[shilala]

See, I love lots of Pepin stuff.
Don't like Pete Johnson's stuff.
I like about half of Litto Gomez's stuff and Most Fuente stuff.
DPG JJ Maduros are one of my absolute favorites, but they need about 8 months to get good.

You're allowed not to like Pepin stuff. It's okay. :)

[GoldnGT]

I would have to say the DPG Cuban Classic is one of my favorite cigars. I like the tats and SC's and other stuff i've tried.. but the Cuban Classic is my fav so far... of course i haven't had a DPG Blue.. out of everything i've tried /doh... but yeah ;)

[Snake Hips]

Good discussion guys. Thanks for letting me stir the pot a little ;)

[JJG]

For me Pepins fall into two categories:

1. flavorful and spicy as hell

2. bland and spicy as hell.

[pgagnon]

Illusione seem to be pretty good for a darker change.

it seems so. I had a 88 and i liked it very much although i cant seems to find any of them here for the life of me :mad:

[Footbag]

I went through a Pepin stage. With most of my stages, I initially don't really like the smokes. I thought Pepin was spice with not much substance. After smoking a few, and then going back to whatever was my typical smoke, I found myself searching for a bit more pepper in my smokes. I began smoking Pepins from the Brown labels to the Cuban Classics to pretty much anything else.

After hitting the Cuban Slope, I began nose exhaling more frequently and moved away from Pepins.

[Bubba - NJ]

You don't like Pepins and I don't like Padrons . It's cool . Smoke what you like and like what you smoke . :ss

[JJG]

My opinion towards Pepin changed only recently when I bought a Fuente on a whim. I hadn't smoked one in a while and it was a nice reminder that it is possible to make a NC that's full flavored and smooth as well.

[Texan in Mexico]

I like alot of his stuff, I am on a Blue kick nowadays and I would put the Cojonus up against most NC sticks, well those are special sticks.

As far as getting the man, he has created a market and taken it to some extremes to develop the market even more. They are quality sticks and can be had at decent prices.

[akumushi]

I feel you, I really liked the first DPG I had, a Blue, and thought he was a gift from God, but as I've sampled a wider variety of his cigars I've found that not all Pepins are created equal. I love the Cabaiguans and DPG Blues, and I like the San Cristobals, Tat Red and Brown in the smaller ring gauges, but I didn't really like any of the 601, Vegas Cubanas or El Rey de Los Habanos I have tried. For my money though, I think Illusione has surpassed Pepin/Johnson stuff as my favorite NC smoke. Give the cg4 a try if you want a delicious cigar that has something that has a nice flavor profile that isn't overwhelming, but is completely different from your Habanos.

[csbrewfisher]

Tyler, I will blaspheme and say that I sorta feel the same way about cubans. Every time I've lit one, it was with the anticipation of having my taste buds taken for a magic carpet ride, but I have always been disappointed. I think for both of us, it's just a matter of flavor profile preference. I like most Pepins, because I really like Nicaraguan tobacco. Your question is valid though, I get it.

[JJG]

I will continue to hold the torch for the Tat browns and La Riquezas because I think they're great, but compared to a nice Cuban?

they suck balls! ;s

[thebiglebowski]

i like the brown label tat especiale. that said, it's about the only DPG i've really like so far. great construction, *almost* cuban taste, but for almost the same price, gimme a monte especiale...

anyway, i'll take litto over don pepin, as a whole. but i like pepper bombs!

[ratpack]

Everyone has their own taste. Try the 5 Vegas Gold. Mild and creamy. A great morning smoke.

[Don Fernando]

Obviously this is not what he said, but the point is well taken.

This wasn't directly pointed to the OP, but more in general. It's all about personal preferences and being able to taste the flavors.

But once you have gotten the full treatment of smoothness and delight of Cue-ban tobacco, there really is not much need for smoking anything else

This is another fine example, I have gotten de full treatment of smoothness and delight of Cuban tobacco, but I still enjoy non Cuban tobacco just as much. Again, its all about personal preferences, I do like Cuban cigars but I also like a lot of Non Cubans.

To me it is not a flavor contest so much as it is a relaxation aid. I like to have pleasant tastes across the tongue and a peaceful trip to wherever it is these things are taking me. Not as far as weed, but much further than a cig.

Trust me, NC's relax me just as much as CC's, maybe even more because I get a lot less plugged cigars with NC's and a plugged cigar isn't relaxing me ;)

Weed and cigs, well, can't remember that, it's been 17 years since I smoked the last of both.

[kaisersozei]

Everyone has their own taste. Try the 5 Vegas Gold. Mild and creamy. A great morning smoke.

Indeed, and yet, not a DPG blend ;)

[Noodles]

They are some of the best cigars when he first started. DPG blue, white, tats, miami, vegas cubana, etc. Always rolled well with a nice blend of strength and flavors. Just like any other next hot roller/blender who went big (RP, Camacho, etc), I think they are spreading themselves too thin.

I recently tried DPG blue again. It was not anywhere near the first release I smoked. Whilst the first release was well balanced, the current release strength overpowers the flavor (kind of like the Cain).

[Snake Hips]

Tyler, I will blaspheme and say that I sorta feel the same way about cubans. Every time I've lit one, it was with the anticipation of having my taste buds taken for a magic carpet ride, but I have always been disappointed. I think for both of us, it's just a matter of flavor profile preference. I like most Pepins, because I really like Nicaraguan tobacco. Your question is valid though, I get it.
Thanks for the confession - that's a good anecdote to put it into perspective.

[ZenSilk]

With cuban cigars to me, it's all about the aging. I have a half box of Upmann Corona Majors that have been sitting for more than 4 years, I bought them with 2 years age according to the box code, and also a 10 pack of newer ones from about a year ago - the older ones are obscenely better than the newer ones. I cannot even smoke the newer ones as a matter of fact, I get a very vegetal poignant acrid flavor of a young cigar.

Party shorts are the only habano I have been able to smoke fresh, and they are extremely tasty, but i still prefer the flavors profile of the Tatuaje Petites much more. Every Illusione cigar I have smoked has been relatively fresh, and always an enjoyable smoke with a heavy presentation of the flavor of certain spices instead of a spicy feeling, which to me is fantastic, and I would prefer most tats and Illusiones to most cubans I have smoked. It's just a matter of taste, as has been mentioned soooo many times before this... :2 :D

[Darrell]

When the Boogeyman goes to bed, he checks his closet for Don Pepin. :2

[ZenSilk]

When the Boogeyman goes to bed, he checks his closet for Don Pepin. :2

Everywhere pepin steps, Hellfire erupts from the Earth. :r

;s

[Don Fernando]

When the Boogeyman goes to bed, he checks his closet for Don Pepin. :2

for a good bedtime smoke ...

[WyoBob]

The only DPG's I've smoked (all from the same sampler) are the :

Pepin 5 Vegas Miami-liked this one, a good value if $3.00
DPG Series JJ maduro-my favorite of this group, good burn, great flavor, would buy again.
DPG Blue label invictos-constant touch ups and went out once, like V Vegas Artisan's better
DPG Series JJ natural-wrapper dis-assembled, OK if it was $2.00 and would hold together, meh
DPG Black label Cuban Classic-lots of touch-ups, mediocre everything, double meh

It seems every time I try to go to a "higher plain" with my cigars, I get slapped back down. My experiences with the Oliva line are even worse:confused:

WyoBob

[VirtualSmitty]

They are some of the best cigars when he first started. DPG blue, white, tats, miami, vegas cubana, etc. Always rolled well with a nice blend of strength and flavors. Just like any other next hot roller/blender who went big (RP, Camacho, etc), I think they are spreading themselves too thin.

I recently tried DPG blue again. It was not anywhere near the first release I smoked. Whilst the first release was well balanced, the current release strength overpowers the flavor (kind of like the Cain).

:tpd: Well said Ronnie!

[duckmanco]

I will continue to hold the torch for the Tat browns and La Riquezas because I think they're great, but compared to a nice Cuban?

they suck balls! ;s

:rolleyes: Anyway.... as for not getting DPG smokes, then you just aren't supposed to. Its better to know that and admit rather than continually spending money and smoking stuff you don't actually like. I feel the exact same way about Fuente, and especially Camacho, but others love them. More for them.

[SkinsFanLarry]

To each his own preferences, but most people really enjoy DPG's smokes due to their peppery, spicy complexity and immaculate construction. I really love almost all of his cigars, but thats because they are to my tastes.

I sure hope you find some brands that you can love as much as I do his!

I'm definately with Doug on this one.