Casa Royale Imperial (Don Pepin and Holt's) Review

[Mr. Ed]

Initial Impressions: This was an extra that I received from awsmith4 in a BTT. In the same BTT I tried Don Pepin's other blend for Holt's, the Fumadores, so I wanted to take a shot at this. This was a toro (6x50). It had a nice and silky natural wrapper with some bumps here and there, but no blemishes. No pre-light aroma coming off of this cigar.

Pictures: These are thumbnails, feel free to click to see some hi-def pictures















Smoking: This cigar had a somewhat loose draw, which could be a turn off for some smokers, but it provided lots of smoke from start to finish. The ash was firm and white and stayed on until I ashed the cigar myself. The wrapper was fine and did not unravel or crack. The burn was even for the whole smoke and was cool and slow, no over heating. Perfectly constructed cigar that I enjoyed down to the nub.

Taste: This was a solid medium bodied smoke that was smooth for most of the smoke until the 6th picture where it became somewhat harsh. This cigar started off with the characteristic Pepin pepper and spice, which was moderate compared to some other blends, that stayed on until around the third picture. The taste also had a medium tobacco flavor with some nice sweetness to it. The finish was sweet and remained on the palate for a short time. At around the third and fourth pictures some more complexity developed as the spice disappeared and I could taste some "nutty" and "coffee" like flavors that were pretty mild. The predominant taste remained a medium tobacco taste with the sweetness. The finish remained sweet and stayed on the palate longer. Between the fifth and sixth pictures the cigar became somewhat harsh and taste became a bit muddled. It was not so bad and I continued to smoke the cigar down to the nub. The cigar gave off a pleasant mild tobacco aroma.

Conclusion: Another solid Pepin smoke here from his factory in Nicaragua, TABACUBA. Very nice taste and perfect construction. I really liked that is was medium-bodied, but still had that pepper and spice taste for 1/3 to 1/2 of the smoke. This also had a fair amount of complexity that was mild and faint, but was still there. Boxes of the various vitolas range from $99-$127 at Holt's. Is this smoke on par with the DPG Black label? I do not think so. It is a very solid smoke, but the value might be a little off. However, I will have to try a few more before I pass the previous judgement. All in all a nice tasting smoke with perfect construction, recommended to at least try and pass your own judgement. Some may like this cigar, some might not.

Final Grade: 8.75/10, B+

Thank you for reading

[Poriggity]

Very nice review.. Being a pepin whore, I might have to try these.. I love the Fumadores for the price though!
Scott

[kas]

Can anyone who's had these compare/contrast them with the Vegas Cubanas? I like those a lot. Thanks - great review.

[awsmith4]

Great review and on point with my thoughts for the most part

[JGIORD]

Originally Posted by kas

Can anyone who's had these compare/contrast them with the Vegas Cubanas? I like those a lot. Thanks - great review.

Kas,

They are very different cigars. The Vegas Cubanas are heavier in flavor, with more earth and spice and more complexity IMHO. The Casa Royales are lighter with more wood. I think the Casa Royales have more of the classic Pepin flavor, as the Vegas Cubanas are very different from the rest of his lines.

I personally prefer the Vegas Cubanas. Its more like comparing a light bodied Old Henry versus a lighter more complex San Cristobal (the later being the VC). Just my

[Kojak]

Originally Posted by kas

Can anyone who's had these compare/contrast them with the Vegas Cubanas? I like those a lot. Thanks - great review.

I have only had one Casa Royale from the recent Holts high noon deal and found it rather lacking with regards to complexity and overall flavor. Supposdly these use the same wrapper as Tat blacks and they definetly smell the same. I did pick up some nice flavors off the wrapper but also picked up some ammonia from the blend. The Vegas Cubanans to me had more flavor and complexity. I am planning on letting the other 14 Casa Royales rest for at least 6 weeks before I revisit.

Brad

[kas]

Thanks Jgiord and Kojak for the read on Casa Royale vs. Vegas Cubanas. I agree the Vegas Cubanas isn't like a typical DPG blend. I like both, but find the VCs are a little more refined (if you will) w/ caramel and other subtle flavors.

[awsmith4]

Originally Posted by Kojak

I have only had one Casa Royale from the recent Holts high noon deal and found it rather lacking with regards to complexity and overall flavor. Supposdly these use the same wrapper as Tat blacks and they definetly smell the same. I did pick up some nice flavors off the wrapper but also picked up some ammonia from the blend. The Vegas Cubanans to me had more flavor and complexity. I am planning on letting the other 14 Casa Royales rest for at least 6 weeks before I revisit.

Brad

I received these Holts on 5/6/08 and the first one I smoked ROTT wa similar to your experience Brad, however the next one I smoked (last week) and the one that Ed reviewed had been resting since then and had greatly improved, so there is hope.

[Ozz1113]

I didn't find this cigar to be anything special. Very bland flavor, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. 85

Almost had the same thoughts about the El Centurion. But, that was better. 87

[Mullet]

those high def pics are great!

[Mr. Ed]

Originally Posted by awsmith4

I received these Holts on 5/6/08 and the first one I smoked ROTT wa similar to your experience Brad, however the next one I smoked (last week) and the one that Ed reviewed had been resting since then and had greatly improved, so there is hope.

If that's the case then age does good for these cigars. This was an enjoyable smoke, thanks a lot.