| host (El Triunfador) returns with a vengeance of | | | | Cuban look. The band on this cigar is simply |
| great flavor in the latest incarnation of El Triunfador, | | | | elegant—definitely reminiscent of the old Cuban |
| which translates as “The Winner.” | | | | label. The aroma of the wrapper offered intriguing |
| Originally a Cuban release, Pete Johnson re-released it | | | | notes of chocolate and the foot is woody with cedar |
| in September of 2008 when it began appearing | | | | notes, while the pre-light draw is a heavenly blend of |
| without fanfare in one size at limited retailers to | | | | the two. |
| protect the trademark. | | | | Both before and after lighting, the El Triunfador has a |
| Few smokers were lucky enough to have had the | | | | perfect draw—smooth with just a bit of |
| chance to try one in those days. Medium to full | | | | resistance. The burn is even throughout the entire |
| strength, the original non-Cuban El Triunfador is still | | | | cigar, and the ash held on for about an inch or so. |
| available for those who prefer it—just look for | | | | Upon lighting the cigar you experience a myriad of |
| the Connecticut Broadleaf Wrapper. | | | | sensations: coffee, chocolate, a slight spice, and a |
| The newest El Triunfador release features an | | | | mild nuttiness. There is just enough pepper to remind |
| Ecuadorian Habano wrapper rather than the | | | | you that this is a Pete Johnson cigar masterfully |
| Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro and is handmade in | | | | produced by Don Pepin Garcia. |
| Don Pepin Garcia’s My Father Cigar factory in | | | | Smoldering into the second third, the cigar has an |
| Estelí, Nicaragua. | | | | exquisite burn line with an almost pastry-like |
| It is of mild to medium strength. It is made in the | | | | combination of vanilla, nuts and cinnamon as it begins |
| following sizes: No.1 (6.500 x 42), No.2 (5.500 x 52), | | | | to strengthen into the medium realm. In the final |
| No.3 (5.625 x 46), No.4 (5.000 x 48), No.5 (4.375 x | | | | third, the cigar sweetens with notes of spicy creamy |
| 42), and No.6 (7.500 x 38). All except the No. 6 are | | | | chocolate and coffee, then adds wood and leather |
| box-pressed. It’s also interesting to note as | | | | for the marvelous lingering finish. |
| reported by Mike of Stogie Review, the first 100 | | | | This cigar is creamy and delightful, almost like |
| boxes from each vitola (size) will have a seal on | | | | smoking a mocha cappuccino. With rich delectable |
| them. | | | | flavors that are so creamy and never too heavy on |
| The following description is for the newly released El | | | | the palate, the El Triunfador is sure to please a wide |
| Triunfador. | | | | variety of palates, neophytes as well as old hands. |
| The El Triunfador is a Cubanesque boxed pressed | | | | Nearly everyone agrees: El Triunfador is definitely the |
| cigar. The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, which is a | | | | Winner; Pete Johnson has once again hit a grand slam |
| chocolaty brown in color, is very near flawless. Firm, | | | | with the new El Triunfador blend. Like the old Lays |
| yet silky smooth to the touch, the cigar glistens with | | | | commercial always said, “You can’t |
| oil and has small veins. | | | | eat just one,” the consensus is: Don’t |
| It features a pigtail triple cap to complete its rather | | | | buy just one—you’ll be sorry if you do. |