Epic Maduro Gordo: The name says it all

Epic by name, Epic by nature. This cigar is exactly what it says it is! The Epic Maduro Gordo is a beast of a cigar clocking in at 6 inches long with a 60 ring gauge. It might not be the biggest cigar I’ve smoked, but is definitely one that wants to be enjoyed after a good meal with a hearty drink to complement it. Good thing I had a trusty Espresso Martini to hand, as I often do when savouring a good cigar after dinner.

Taking the cigar out of my humidor, the wrapper looked smooth and dark, the colour of a good strong espresso. There were no major veins to detract from the beauty of the wrapper, which left a light oiliness on my fingers. I was further enticed to light up by the dark bay leaf, sweet toffee and warm cedar aromas that tantalised my nose and the sweet marshmallow flavour on the cold draw.

My first draws on the Epic Maduro Gordo were full of a deep earthiness and 90% cocoa chocolate. The earthiness warmed up through the first third and reminded me of chestnut mushrooms and leather that has been warmed by the sun. There was also a sensual oiliness to the smoke which only served to heighten my enjoyment.

With the ash starting to look like a neat stack of pennies, the cigar started to transition to the middle section. A rich, dark roasted coffee flavour joined the party, perfectly matching the espresso martini that I had mixed myself. The coffee notes intensified through the second third and developed into a beautifully creamy mocha chocolate. By this time the smoke itself had taken on the taste of a rich whisky double cream as I rolled it around my mouth.

Whilst I was savouring the thick and creamy smoke from the Epic Maduro Gordo, I noticed that a hint of white pepper was starting to creep into the mix. Having finished my martini, I poured myself a generous glass of Penderyn Legend Welsh whisky. The sweetness of the whisky played very nicely off the strengthening flavours and increasing pepperiness as I reached the final third.

At this point there was a definite change in the characteristics of the cigar. I found that it needed a bit more looking after and the oiliness that had been present became a little more secco and the aroma reminded me of my grandad’s pipe tobacco. The pepperiness continued to build to a peppered steak intensity. As I got to the nub of the Epic Maduro Gordo, the sweet cedar smell returned to the smoke, but the flavour remained very forthright.

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Epic Maduro Gordo Cigar Details