Abel Exposito is a name known to Cuban cigar smokers as he once headed up the Partagas Cigar Factory. Today’s cigar review bears his name and they are made by Fidel Olivas in Esteli, Nicaragua. If that name is familiar, Fidel Olivas headed up Latin Cigars S.A. factory with the Torano family before it was sold to ST Group in 2009.
Cigar Review: Abel Exposito
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 50
Size: Gordo (Robusto)
The Look: Packaged in white dress boxes of 20 cigars, the Abel Exposito band is very reminscent of the Nestor Miranda 1989 band. The colors of blue, white and gold work well together, with a secondary band denoting the size. The even color wrapper is dark and doesn’t look like a Habano despite the website stating such. In the hand the cigars are light in weight with a couple of soft spots half way up.
The Notes: The cold draw of the cigar has some cedar and hints of mocha while the aroma off the foot serves up the same cedar and mocha. After toasting the cigar the first notes are a little rough around the edges with some oak like components.
Moving into the first third the cigar is pretty one dimensional with notes of wood, while the retrohale has a bit of a peppermint component to it. The cigar smooths out considerably during the first third of the stick which is welcome in comparison to the start.
The second third of the Abel Exposito begins to develop a bit of complexity though the cigar is classic with hints of wood, earth and nuts. There isn’t one note that jumps out of you, but it isn’t bland either. The retrohale of the cigar offers a bit of almond sweetness.
The last third stays the course with notes wood and earth, and there is a hint of berries present on the last third the provide an interesting change of pace. Through the nose the cigar is still a bit nutty and the finish is moderate in length.
The Finish: The name on the cigar is most likely lost on the majority of cigar smokers in the United States but famous throughout the world. However, the factory owner where this are made is fairly well known. It’s because of that I expected a different experience from this cigar. The cigar did get better as it progressed, but it has zero Cuban influence which I expected considering its named for the former head of the Partagas factory. Overall it’s a good traditional cigar that is worthy of a 5 pack.
Score: 89
Price: $7.79 / $135.99
Abel Exposito Gordo (Robusto)
