Wrapper: Nicaraguan Sumatra
Binder: Ecuadorian Habano
Filler: Nicaraguan
Size: 6 x 48 Thin Toro Tubo
Strength: Medium/Full
Price: $18.00
Release Date: June 2024
Quantity Released: 1,000 Boxes of 14
Factory: MGE Cigars Nicaragua
PCA 2024 Exclusive

My cigars received 3 months of naked humidor time.

BACKGROUND:
From Nicolas Fusco, C.E.O of El Mago Cigars:
“My grandparents, whom I called Babi and Pepe, died together on June 24, 2021, in Miami, FL, when their building, The Champlain Towers, suddenly collapsed in the middle of the night. It is my honor to keep their legacy alive and share their story through a tradition that was passed down from one generation to the next.
“My grandmother was known as a master roller and my grandfather jokingly claimed he was a “master smoker”.
“My grandparents journeyed from Cuba to what used to be Czechoslovakia, to Canada, to Venezuela, and finally to Miami, which became their home.
“Shortly before their passing, in a moment of triumph and elation, my grandmother turned to my grandfather and said, “We made it” as they broke down in tears and embraced each other. This very moment was the culmination of their extraordinary life story…they had succeeded against all odds.
“El Mago is an ode to their love, life journey, and incredible legacy.”
I like this story. This is how a good son behaves in the after-quake of tragedy.

THE WHOLE MEGILLAH:
What’s my name? Who’s your daddy, what the hell is an El Mago Solstice?

Smells good like a knickerbocker should. Large floral, fruit on the vine, cinnamon and nutmeg, milk chocolate, golden caramel, fresh sourdough toast, and mild spiciness.

My PerfecPunch slices and dices with a relaxed feel. The resistance of airflow is my jimmy jam. The cold draw flavors: milk chocolate, crabcakes on dope, caramel, cinnamon, buttered toast, and mild black pepper. The taste followed the lead of its aroma. Very nice.

Flavorful to the lips. Caramel, creamy, milk chocolate, roasty toasty, white pepper, cinnamon, and tart cranberries. I would love to see this blend evolve.

I had a good feeling about this cigar…because the loud and decorative tubos are like shiny pennies. I give in to gimmicks just like everyone else. It’s a gizmo for sure, but if the cigar doesn’t deliver, all is lost. I bought 5 other El Mago blends and their reviews might hinge on this review.

A slow burn.

I was an errand boy for a film company in Long Beach California. It was part time in my early college days. I was on Hollywood Blvd and I hit a giant Rolls Royce in an intersection that wasn’t paying attention. We pulled over. My 1969 Chevy Impala didn’t dent easily and only my bumper was damaged. The chauffeur got out and wore that bizarre outfit you associate with 30’s movies. There was no anger or crap from either of us. Next thing I knew, I heard that voice. It was Lucille Ball asking, “What the hell is going on?” I was tagged and stunned in place. The woman looked stern. The chauffeur apologized. She gave me the once over…looking me up and down. I didn’t have my fro yet, just long hair. But I was still a clean-cut college kid. I genuflected before her and stammered like a pro. She laughed. She said her driver would take care of the police and for me to sit in her British limo and wait. The cops thought I was rich because they saw me exit the Rolls. And then Lucy got out. They genuflected better than me. The cops wanted autographs and photos. They assumed I was associated with the legend and didn’t write either of us tickets. I told her I was in a great rock band that did Led Zep covers and she should come see us at Marine Corps Air Station at El Toro. A regular gig for us. She was polite and said she would love to see us. I could see she didn’t want to disappoint me by uttering an outright no. After delivering the movie cans to my original destination, I rushed home to the company’s office in the International Tower on Ocean Blvd. I told them about the incident. Instead of being cool, I got yelled at. That took the shine out of the whole thing. Lucy did not show at the gigs…but I told the story to our enlisted men audience on both weekend gigs. Good times. Know what I remember most about that incident? Orange hair and a deep whiskey voice.

The blend is smooth and in the mild/medium arena. Creamy and sweet. Savory notes are its toastiness.

An inch in and there aren’t complex notes yet. Very smooth as I just said. It seems to be on the cusp of richness…but it seems to be holding court. The construction is excellent with a sharp char line. A mild Medjool dates sweetness.

Cinnamon coated almonds. I nailed it. Exactly. It’s really nice.

I don’t sense any aging on this cigar. My palate tells me this is a nicely blended cigar that needs 9-12 months of home humidor time. Which is OK. Some exquisite cigars can be ready as early as 3 months of naked humi time. Not this cigar.

Lemon custard hits the bullseye at the end of the first third.

El Mago declares that the strength is medium/full. This thing is barely medium. This is odd.

The first half ends. It’s only an OK cigar. Some richness would have solved things. No complexity. I’ve smoked cigars for more than half a century and I have an excellent sense of the blender’s intent. I can taste into the future…most of the time. If the second half doesn’t show its wares, this ain’t going to end well.

You don’t employ good rollers when your blend is iffy. Construction continues to be excellent. Tick tock.

$18. Wow. I should be getting signals. And I’m not. SBC made a big commitment to El Mago by shoring up their blends. I’m going to review several more of El Mago blends in the hope of finding something special.

Richness is herkie jerky. It’s asking to be hoisted up from the deep dark well to safety. And I’m holding the greased rope. Complexity is completely nil. Oh no.

The second half doesn’t improve. This is why I don’t like doing one offs. What’s the point in telling you that this is a meh cigar.

I’ve had the cigar long enough to give it a decent assessment. What a disappointment.

I hope that you all enjoy a merry Easter and a joyous Passover. Next year in Jerusalem.

You can purchase all El Mago products from sponsor Small Batch Cigar. Take 10% off with promo code KATMAN.

RATING: 84

Categories: CIGAR REVIEWS

Tags: cigar reviews, cigar reviews by the katman, cigars, el mago cigars, katman, phil kohn, Solstice by El Mago Cigars | Cigar Reviews by the Katman