Don Pepin Garcia Cigars

merican story of the original My Father cigar onlyThe My Father blend is the first made of specially
began in 2003 when master cigar roller, Donchosen tobacco binders and fillers grown at their own
José “Pepin” Garcia broughtfarms in Esteli, Nicaragua, a climate Don Pepin Garcia
his family to Miami’s Little Havana and set upfeels best reproduces the taste and feel of Cuba in
his own small shop, they began producing cigars ofhis tobacco. It is also the first cigar they made which
exceptional quality and flavor nearly from the start.uses a Habano-Rosado wrapper grown in Ecuador by
His first cigar of note, Tatuaje, was made for Petethe Oliva Tobacco Co. of Tampa, FL.
Johnson, and shortly thereafter, Don Pepin GarciaThough a little veiny, the wrapper is deep, rosy milk
began to create their own cigars to the accolades ofchocolate color with an oily patina, but no soft spots
aficionados worldwide.on the cigar. The band is a piece of art in its own
The My Father line was introduced in 2008 by Jaimeright with an elaborate “MF” (for My
Garcia, a gifted blender in his own right, to honor hisFather!) in a large cursive font with the family name
renowned father, Don Pepin Garcia. The My Fatherof Garcia & Garcia under it. The rosy, almost
line includes the #3, which received the lofty rating ofsalmon-colored background beautifully complements
“94” from Cigar Aficionado, when itthe auburn highlights of the wrapper.
was named 2009 Best Cigar of the Year. Together,The pre-light draw has a delightfully complex
father and son, Pepin and Jaime, are rolling out someflavor—translated by some palates as that of
of the world’s finest and most popular cigars.cinnamon, and by others as honey and molasses. The
In this short period of time, they have producedaroma of this cigar is beyond compare. The draw is
some very fine smokes including Cuban Classic, Serieseffortless and first-rate all the way through, and My
JJ, Tatuaje, and 5 Vegas Miami.Father produces a gratifying cloud of smoke.
Their slogan says it all in regards to Don Pepin GarciaThe underlying earthiness maintains a subtle spice, but
cigars: They truly are “the art, tradition anddeepens into a rich mocha interestingly layered with
style of Cuba.” The cigars produced by thewood, leather, and espresso. Midway through the My
familia Garcia are the very finestFather cigar a roasted nuttiness is tasted. Unusual for
“Cuban” cigars that have beena full strength cigar, though, is the smooth
crafted outside of Cuba.creaminess that makes the My Father cigar so deep
They incorporate the traits widely associated withdown satisfying.
the fine-burning Cuban cigars from the entubado-styleThat the Garcias’ company is now named
bunching (accordion-like folding of the filler tobaccos)“My Father Cigars” says it all when it
to the triple caps on the head of each cigar whichcomes to the talent, hard work, and excellence of
produce the superlative burn and long-lasting finishboth Don Pepin Garcia and his son, Jaime. The My
Cuban cigars are known for. From the traditionalFather cigar is recommended for those who like a
packaging to the classic Cuban Vitolas, the proudmoderate to full-bodied smoke. The complex flavors
Cuban roots of the Garcias are on display, evenand aromatic creaminess make this cigar nearly
though politics has stepped in to move their locale.universally well-liked.