Brand: El Primer Mundo
Line: Criollo Maduro
Vitola: Robusto 5 x 50
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Havana Seed Maduro
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Honduran and Nicaraguan
Body: Medium-Full
Strength: Medium-Full
Box Price: $100 (Box of 20)
Description: Sondra from Ash Cigar Co introduced me to Sean Williams of El Primer Mundo Cigars at the 2007 RTDA Trade Show. El Primer Mundo Cigars are rolled in Nestor Plasencia’s factory in Esteli, Nicaragua. I reviewed the Connecticut Shade after I got back from the Trade Show and now I'm trying my hand at the Criollo Maduro.
The Criollo Maduro is a boxed pressed beauty with a dark oily maduro wrapper with a slightly mottled look to it. Impeccably constructed, the cigar had a firm consistency from foot to cap with sharp box-pressed edges. The pre-light draw had a light resistance and a surprisingly rich chocolate flavor.
Immediately what impressed me on the first draw after lighting this cigar was how smooth and cool it tasted. The smoke was rich and heavy with flavor right on the first draw. My initial thought was expensive dark chocolate, I'm talking Godiva dark chocolate here, not that corn syrup sweetened bitter junk. I was able to pick up some additional flavors about a third of the way in that reminded me of old oak wine barrels. There was also a woodiness along with the dark chocolate which stayed consistent throughout the cigar. The only issue I encountered with this beauty was having to touch up the burn occasionally on one of the two I smoked, and this did cause the ash to flake a bit. The cigar is surprisingly strong and did sneak up on me a bit, leaving me light headed, but not so bad that I wouldn't smoke this cigar again. Next time I'll just be more cautious and smoke the cigar slower.
Verdict: This cigar is in my Top 10. I absolutely loved the flavor profile and smoothness of this one. Unfortunately getting a hold of Primer Mundo Cigars outside of the Atlanta area can be a bit difficult. I'm going to contact them and see if they can suggest some retailers that sell online or would be willing to ship them out to me.
Similar Cigars: The Palmas Puro Maduro is similar in sweetness but has a cedar profile instead of oak. Another good choice is the La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero Maduro. Also check out Brian's review of the El Pimer Mundo Rosado Oscuro.
Popularity: 11% [?]
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Hey man,
I think you can probably arrange something through BlueHavanaII from CigarLive. Alternately, I checked the website, and if you love ‘em enough to drive 6 hours, theres a shop called The Cigar Affair in Maumee, OH that sells ‘em. LOL!
Maumee is a bit too far to go for cigars. :) I’ll have to arrange for someone to ship them.
Ah… Maumee is only an hour and a half for me.
Not too far at all;)
And that is one yummy looking stick!
At my first job out of college I spent much of my time in the Toledo area and at St. Luke’s Hospital in Maumee repairing Computers.
I just moved down the street from The Cigar Affair in Maumee. I’ve been wanting to check it out, and this just might be the excuse I need.
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