Final Thoughts: If you’re a fan of spice and pepper this one is certainly for you. Unfortunately, both samples had construction issues in the final third. Luckily, it had zero impact on its performance. This could be an anytime of day smoke for me, but if you’re sensitive to spice and a bit of strength it may be best after dinner. Overall this was a solid cigar, that I would happily smoke again.
Pairing Recommendations: Mexican Beer, Miller Lite, Spicy Margarita, Tequila Sunrise, lightly salted peanuts, Peanut Butter Whiskey, Amaretto based cocktails.
Breakdown of My “Overall Enjoyment” Total:
Feel in the hand: 10/15
Ash Strength: 3/5
Versatility (pairings, time of day): 7/10
Appearance: 5/5
Pepper Scale: 10/10
Box Worthy: 5/5
Founded by Juan Ernesto Jiménez Olivier the Dos Jotas Cigars portfolio is produced by renowned blender Francisco “Chico” Rivas using 100% Dominican tobaccos.
Wrapper: Dominican Habano / Binder: Dominican / Filler: Dominican
Vitola: Toro / Size: 6 x 52
Factory: Manufactura Rivas / Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Leather, Sweetness
Dry Leaves, Red Pepper
Red Pepper, Molasses
The first few puffs reveal a general sweet tobacco and a very red pepper heavy note on the retrohale. The red pepper is also present on the back of the tongue. Tingly and spicy so far. The wrapper is very clean with minimal seams and a very uniform middle of the spectrum brown color. A beautiful peanut note comes through as the first third transitions into the second.
To this point I’ve experienced a perfect draw and a good burn; Not razor sharp, but no where near needing touch up. The notes have really remained the same. Red pepper and peanuts, but the sweetness has almost entirely disappeared.
The final third brings the spice to center stage. Red pepper on the retrohale and red pepper throughout the palate. The sweetness is coming back just enough to make the red pepper lean towards a sweet chili pepper. The peanut is still there in the background. Unfortunately, the tail end has brought on some wrapper cracking, but not enough to affect flavor or burn. The final act comes to a close with the red pepper mixing perfectly with black pepper on the retrohale.
