Today our sister podcast, The Ashholes is broadcasting live from Two Guys Smoke Shop with Jeremy Soares from My Father Cigars. We affectionately refer to him as beetlejuice because if you say his name three times he is bound to show up. Thankfully today that won’t be the case (I kid, I kid!) as he will be not he show and you never know what will come out of the Portuguese Hammer’s mouth. You can check out the show at 4pm by visiting Episode #21 – My Father Cigars With Special Guest Jeremy Soares
According to the My Father website, “Le Bijou (The Jewel) 1922 is a blend that has been created within the well-known brand “My Father”. Jose “Pepin” Garcia has made this in honor, appreciation and memory of his father, who was born in 1922. It is presented in an elegant white box of 23 cigars, identified with a second label with the name of this unique blend. Its finishing touches are composed of a Habano O.O. (Oscuro) wrapper, this is due to its intense color within the naturally variety. This is a Full-Bodied blend with and exquisite and exceptional aroma. Once again, the Garcia family incorporates to his profile the passion for the Cuban Cigars tradition.”
Cigar: My Father Le Bijou
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Habano Oscuro-Oscuro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 4.5″
Ring Gauge: 50
Size: Petit Robusto
The Look: The dark double Oscuro wrapper is nicely contrasted with an orange ribbon foot band and the pink pastel of the My Father primary band. There is a secondary band that denotes Le Bijou 1922. The brindle like wrapper is flawlessly applied to the cigar and features hardly any veins. The cigar is firm with no soft spots and hefty weight for the size.
Notes: The cold draw of the Le Bijou 1922 serves up some notes of molasses and a slight spice while the foot of the cigar is the reverse with more spice and a slight molasses. Lighting up the cigar there is a subtle Pepin like pepper though not as in your face as we come to expect from the line.
During the first third of the cigar the cigar has subtle notes of pepper and earth and there is a slight meat like quality as if you could a T-Bone on the barbecue. The meat is more noticeable on the aroma though and it creates an intoxicating effect.
As we enter the second third of the cigar and the ash drops the pepper kicks it up a notch especially though the nose. Due to the size the secondary band comes off at this point as to not accidentally burn it through neglect. As the ash reforms a sweetness reminiscent of the cold draw appears with some toast notes and earth. As the second third comes to a close there is a syrup sweetness lingering on the palate.
The last third of the My Father Le Bijou 1922 sees the sweetness of the cigar fade away to an afterthought fairly quickly as the pepper and earthy notes remain and a steak like finish where it has been slightly charred while on the grill. In the last inch of the cigar a distinct fudge note tease slightly before disappearing as fast as it arrived.
The Finish: The My Father Le Bijou 1922 serves up an experience that is classic Pepin while being different at the same time if that makes any sense. There is enough going on that makes this cigar stand on its own as well and in my opinion the Le Bijou is among the best that Pepin produces.
Score: 93
Price: $7.19 / $144.50
