Don Pepín García Series JJ Selectos

The “JJ” series from Don Pepín García was born out of a collaboration between José “Pepín” García and his son Jaime, and remains one of the brand’s few lines still hand-rolled in the small family-run factory in Little Havana, Miami. It combines a Corojo Rosado wrapper with a Nicaraguan binder and filler, in the purest Cuban tradition of the torcedor. The cigar shown here features a chocolate-brown wrapper with a neat appearance, and a construction that proves its quality from the very first puffs.

It lights easily and the draw is remarkably smooth. The first third reveals delicate notes of leather and freshly toasted bread, without any harshness. The flavour develops gently, the burn progresses steadily, and the ash, though fluffy, holds up perfectly.

In the second third, the flavours develop and a subtle hint of bitter almond emerges, adding a lovely nuance to the toasty notes. The ash remains light and breaks off in small chunks, roughly every two centimetres, a sign of even combustion.

The smoke is smooth and rich from start to finish. It remains mild and pleasant right up to the final third, without ever being overpowering: a balanced, enjoyable cigar that prioritises finesse over strength.

Tasting menu

Pairing

The aim here is to achieve a rather well-rounded pairing. A rum or an Armagnac with a hint of sweetness pairs beautifully with this cigar: the spirit’s smoothness prolongs the notes of leather and toast, and complements the almond note in the second third nicely.

Momentum

Its consistent smoothness and easy draw make it a cigar for a quiet moment, best enjoyed over the course of about an hour. Late afternoon or early evening, whatever the season, in an armchair or on a terrace: the sort of smoking experience where you take your time, without the cigar ever requiring any effort.