Mi Barrio 6 x 50 Toro

This cigar was gifted to me by a very generous BoTL, Chip (LSU Fan) while I was on vacation. It was part of the carpet bombing I received in retaliation to a strike I delivered a bit earlier.

The Mi Barrio is a Pepin Garcia blend that has a velvety feeling Nicaraguan-Habano wrapper. The fillers are from Esteli and Jalapa, and are jam-packed into this 6 x 50 Toro.

Sniffing the cigar reveals a strong barnyard scent and tingles the nose with pepper, both well-known Pepin traits.

After cutting and torching, the first thing I notice is the huge volume of smoke. The smoke is thick and creamy. The initial tastes that I notice are leather, damp earth, and oak along with a slight peppery bite.

As the cigar progresses, the pepper increases just enough that it doesn’t overwhelm the predominant flavors. The strength is at the lower end of medium. Not overly complex for the first half.

Past the halfway point, the cigar evolves. Peaty earth is still in the background, but are joined by notes of cinnamon, caramel, and nuts. The pepper seems to increase drastically. As the flavors increase, so does the strength and the complexity.  I would say that although billed as full-bodied, it barely crosses the line into full.

In my opinion, one of the more complex Pepin blends and a real treat. I look forward to smoking this one again.

They retail for around $10 a stick.

Side note: I’m not really sure who the two dudes are on the band, for it reminds me of Mr. Roark and Tattoo from Fantasy Island.

Thanks Chip!!!