TASTING NOTES: The El Original is crafted in a small factory in the Little Havana section of Miami, Florida. The Master Blender who oversees the production of the El Original is Santiago Cabana, who worked as a roller and Master Blender in Cuba’s cigar industry before arriving in the U.S. in 1995.

The El Original that I am smoking today comes with a Maduro wrapper and contains a blend of tobaccos from six countries: Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Peru, Mexico and Ecuador.

This is a 6 1/4 x 54 torpedo that is firmly packed with a sharply pointed head. The wrapper leaf is from a small-batch farm in Mexico and is naturally aged.

The wrapper is nothing special to look at. It has a leathery texture and is slightly mottled. But oh the aroma: the outer leaf exudes a musky barnyard aroma and has a aura of alfalfa mixed in for good measure.

After clipping and lighting, I note that the cigar quickly becomes soft as it warms. Very soft. But, improbably, this softness has no ill effects on the draw or burn. The medium gray ash is striated and holds firmly until I tap it off at about an inch. Meanwhile the burn line, though slightly blistered, is even.

This cigar starts with full flavors of cedar and pepper spice. I am surprised that after 7 months in my humidor, the flavors seem to be even bolder than when I first reviewed this cigar. This is a tasty stick, thus far.

As I reach the halfway mark, the tobacco exudes a bittersweet cocoa flavor and presents with fullness on the palate. Definitely lip-smacking good.

I highly recommend this cigar. Its fine construction and medium to full body and flavor profile makes it a great choice for those who like Maduros. You can purchase a 4-pack sampler for $19.95 or a box of 25 for around $150. This stogie is a winner!

~Doc