El Pulpo is the second core-line release from Artesano Del Tobacco, following up on the highly successful Viva La Vida. The El Pulpo was intended to be a stronger blend than Viva La Vida, but still offering much in the way of complexity and nuance. This blend has made quite a splash, receiving high marks from many publications, including the #10 spot on Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 Cigars of 2023. “The Fry” is a 4 x 48 Gordita version of the blend that has just recently hit the shelves. I couldn’t wait to smoke this blend in one of my preferred vitolas.
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacalera AJ Fernandez
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Maduro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Vitola: 4 x 48 Gordita
Price: $12.40 MSRP
Link to Purchase: The Cigar Farm (Use code “Review” to save 10%!)
First off, the packaging on these is quite impressive. The box holds 4 fancy 5 pack slide boxes. Neato. This compact smoke is pretty firmly packed. The wrapper is dark and rustic looking. The band for the El Pulpo lineup is growing on me more and more, and it looks really good on this small format. The cigar is actually not very fragrant. There is a touch of barnyard scent. The cold draw is also subtle with some dark fruit and cream. First light is met with plenty of medium-full bodied smoke with full flavors of oily pepper, earth, and wood. There’s a bit of a tang but it’s not quite citrus. The retrohale is pretty easy going and adds a touch of pepper, and more of that tang. A quarter inch in there is some cacao joining the fray. Hitting halfway the profile has been consistent and performance has been perfect. Crossing halfway there is a deepening of the earthiness, becoming more of a damp earth and there may be a touch of anise. The retrohale adds a nice peppery cacao note. Moving into the final third there’s a dark fruitiness coming in on the palate. Nearing the end there is some milk chocolate entering the retrohale. Coming to an end at the hour mark the profile remained consistent to the end and the performance was perfect.
Overall Experience
Overall this little 4 x 48 hit the mark. It is a welcome addition to the El Pulpo lineup that had been comprised of all larger ring gauge vitolas. “The Fry” offered as much robust flavor as each of the larger vitolas in a small format that comes in at a bit more modest price point WHILE still offering a comfortable and worthwhile smoke time. As with the other El Pulpo’s, you will love this cigar if you love big, robusto, dark flavor profiles and aren’t afraid of some strength. If you prefer more modest flavors, then this is one you’d be better off passing on.
Have you smoked this one? Let me know your thoughts!