Back in 2004, the Boston Red Sox made history when they won the World Series after an over eight decade long “curse”. On the roster that year was designated hitter David Ortiz, also known as “Big Papi”. He left his home in the Dominican Republic to pursue a career in baseball, and he made his home in Boston. This year, almost 20 years since the start of his career, he’s released his very own brand of cigars fittingly named Big Papi.
What am I Smoking?
Cigar: Big Papi by David Ortiz
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Claro
Binder: Dominican Criollo ’98
Filler: Dominican & Nicaraguan
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 54
Power: 6 / 10
Packaging & Design
Big Papi by David Ortiz arrive in red and white boxes of 20 cigars. The color scheme, I’d have to imagine, is influenced by the colors of the Sox. On the lid is a red silhouette of David pointing to the heavens as an homage to his mother. Over that image is “Big Papi” written in an almost graffiti-like script in black lettering. The bands are the same as the lid, but have red pinstripes running vertically down surrounded by a red border. There is also a red fabric foot band that adds a nice touch to the look of the design.
The Look
As for the cigar, it looks fantastic. The wrapper has a deep red hue and has a decent amount of sheen from the oils on the leaf. There are minimal veins and seams, and it also feels evenly constructed. I also noticed the foot is very well packed and shows off a nice marbling or colors in the filler. After cutting with my Lotus Jaws, the prelight draw had a nice resistance and showed off notes of sweet cedar and chestnuts.
The Smoke
I torched up with a Lotus Mercury which got it going nice and quick. The first few draws gave off notes of pepper and earth with a smooth pepper in the background. The finish was creamy and lasted a good long while, slowly fading until the next puff.
The second third builds in intensity. Now at a solid medium-plus in body, the Big Papi develops a taste of rich leather and earth which I attribute to the Nicaraguan tobaccos in the filler. Notes of sweet aged tobacco become more prevalent going into the final stretch.
Finishing up on this toro, and everything seems to have totally balanced out into a bright and tasteful bouquet. The same notes of leather and earth are backed up by the fading taste of black pepper. The Habano wrapper has performed excellently, not needing any touch ups. The whole experience lasted for about an hour and a half.
Final Thoughts
I was very impressed with this cigar. The Big Papi by David Ortiz and El Artista Cigars tasted like it was carefully crafted. It was a cigar that I feel was MEANT to be a good cigar, not just a blend that had a famous name slapped on it. I think this is going to do very well in the market, as this is something special both in terms of taste and the person behind it.
I didn’t want to say it because of how cliché it sounds, but this cigar is a home run.
Rating: 92
Price: $11.69 / $206.99 (Box of 20)
Big Papi by David Ortiz
Big Papi by David Ortiz
Big Papi by David Ortiz
