Back around Christmas I recieved an email from Abel Florez of Florez Tobacconist in Summit New Jersey. In that email Abel began telling me about a cigar he had created by Ernesto Perez Carrillo and asked if I would be interested in reviewing it. Being a borderline Ernesto Perez Carrillo Fanboi, I was eager to give it a try.
I received the cigars in short order and was a little surprised when I opened the box. The box, which contained 10 Abel’s Premium Selection Papos, was very reminiscent of the old Drew Estate La Vieja Line in that the box wasn’t wood, it was much like the material used to make cereal boxes.
While the packaging wouldn’t normally raise concerns, the price was a bit of a shock ($18.95 per single or $170 per box of 10). Not sure what to think, I lit up the first cigar and I forgot all about the packaging. The flavor profile was as if the very best aspects of the EPC New Wave El Decano were crammed into this cigar, with richer and more dynamic flavors.
The Abel’s Premium Selection Papos exceeded my expectations and made for a wonderful smoke. It produced rich flavors of wood, creaminess, heartiness, and a dash of something interesting that I couldn’t put my finger on. The construction was excellent and produced plenty of thick smoke, each and every time I drew on the cigar.
nice review! i want to try a 5er but at $19 a stick? hmmm
Thanks.
I know what you mean. They were very good but when I’m out of them, I don’t know if I’ll be willing to hand over that kind of money per single (even when I treat myself to the occasional super-premium, I try not to go much over $16 or $17)
I’m very curious about the non-limited release and if the blend is the same.
Did you say Fo-wood!! LOL Thats a touch Tacky I think. Seems like a good smoke. Do me a favor if I ask you for more boxes don’t give me that one!!! LOL
Beside a BIG Brand Names Cigar ( Davidoff, Fuente, Padron, Newman…) have their high price sticker. A new cigar to the market should not has a stick over $10…… Its a bad advisement to new customers.
I was just at a chef conference in Summit where I asked the family owned cigar shop to suggest a mild cigar. He gave me a couple of Abel med. sized cigars and I must say I enjoyed them very much and I will try to source them as it might be the best cigar I ever had!!!!!!