
Artesano Del Tobacco has carved out a niche in the premium cigar market by seamlessly blending traditional tobacco craftsmanship with modern innovation. Renowned for its artisanal approach, the brand has quickly become a favorite among cigar aficionados seeking both heritage and a fresh twist in every draw.
The El Pulpo The Eel is the latest release from Artesano Del Tobacco, maintaining the core blend of the original El Pulpo but with a notable twist, a lancero! The Mexican San Andrés wrapper takes center stage, enhancing the leather and cedar notes. There is also a hint of dry plum or raisin on the finish, adding a touch of natural sweetness.
El Pulpo "The Eel"
Format: | Lancero |
Size: | 7 x 38 |
Origin: | Nicaragua |
Wrapper: | Mexican San Andrés |
Binder: | Nicaraguan |
Filler: | Nicaraguan |
Strength: | Medium+ |
Smoking Time: | 90 Minutes |
Smoking Experience
First Third
As the cigar progresses into the first third, the earthiness and pepper begin to develop, a signature characteristic found in other El Pulpo vitolas. The flavor is well-balanced, with the richness of the wrapper becoming more pronounced. The cedar and dark chocolate notes are complemented by subtle sweetness from the dried fruit. The burn remains even, and the construction continues to impress with solid ash retention and an effortless smoking experience.
Second Third
By the second third, the cigar begins to open up more in the spice department. The draw becomes effortless, allowing for a consistent and steady burn. The balance between sweetness and earthiness starts to shift, with the cigar becoming more pepper-forward and robust in flavor. Dark cocoa notes remain present but take a backseat to the dominant earth and pepper flavors. The cigar maintains its excellent construction, with a sharp burn line and no need for touch-ups.
Final Third
As the cigar reaches its final third, the flavors continue to intensify while maintaining their smoothness. Earthy notes remain at the forefront, with a lingering presence of pepper and dark chocolate. The overall smoking experience remains balanced and refined, with the Mexican San Andrés wrapper continuing to add depth and complexity. The draw stays smooth until the very end, and the construction remains flawless, demonstrating the craftsmanship behind the cigar.
Construction & Appearance
The El Pulpo "The Eel" makes a bold visual statement with its slender lancero format, (#savethelanceros) exuding an air of sophistication and uniqueness. The meticulously hand-rolled construction is evident in its uniformity and impeccable finish—a testament to Artesano Del Tobacco's artisanal craftsmanship. The Mexican San Andrés wrapper showcases a rich, deep brown hue with a natural, oily sheen that hints at its premium quality. Its firm yet supple build ensures an even burn and effortless draw once warmed up.
Final Thoughts
El Pulpo "The Eel" stands as a testament to Artesano Del Tobacco's unique blend of tradition and modern innovation. This lancero format not only honors the craft of cigar rolling, and it's storied past but also pushes the boundaries of premium cigar craftsmanship with its refined construction and complex flavor profile. From the rich Mexican San Andrés wrapper to the evolving notes of leather, cedar, and a hint of dried fruit, every draw delivers a well-balanced and dynamic smoking experience. For aficionados seeking both heritage and a fresh twist in every puff, El Pulpo "The Eel" is a must-try.
UHC Score: 91
Scoring Breakdown
Component | Points | Weighting | Description | Score |
---|---|---|---|---|
Smoke | 30 | High | Earthy, peppery, with hints of dark chocolate and dried fruit | 26 |
Burn | 20 | Moderate | Even burn, sharp burn line, excellent ash retention | 19 |
Construction | 15 | Moderate | Smooth draw after warming up, well-packed | 15 |
Appearance | 10 | Low | Dark, oily San Andrés wrapper with a sleek look | 9 |
Value | 15 | High | Premium lancero with great complexity and balance | 13 |
Uniqueness | 10 | High | Refined take on El Pulpo with a richer, spicier edge | 9 |
Total | 100 | Final Score | 91 |
Buy or Pass?
✔ Buy if you enjoy earthy, full-bodied cigars with a refined spice kick and excellent construction.
✖ Pass if you prefer milder cigars with more sweetness as well as thicker ring gauges.