The Meerapfel Meir is the second release from the first family of Cameroon tobacco.
A lot of people unfortunately don’t know the history of the Meerapfel family and their importance to the cigar industry. In 1876, Meir II Meerapfel opened a cigar factory in Untergrombach, Germany. But the contribution the family is most known began in 1969 when Richard Meerapfel traveled to the African nation of Cameroon. It was Richard who created what the family calls the miracle of Cameroon tobacco. He established unique relationships with the local growers, families, and communities while bringing unprecedented opportunity, hope and salvation to the people of Central Africa and Cameroon.
In 1984 Richard Meerapfel’s relationship with Carlos Fuente Sr. and his son Carlito would change the two companies. Together, the Fuente and Meerapfel families would create the Fuente Don Carlos blend, with a particular focus on the European market and palette. This cigar changed the premium cigar world and featured Cameroon tobacco grown by the family.
In 2003 tragedy would hit the family in when Richard passed, but his passing ignited the Meerapfel cigar project.
In 2022 the inception of the Meerapfel Richard cigar marks a new chapter in the family history and the creation of the Uber Luxury segment in premium cigars.
The company followed up that release in 2023 with the Meerapfel Meir which is named after Meir Meerapfel, who opened the first Meerapfel cigar factory in 1876.
Cigar Review: Meerapfel Richard
Wrapper: Not Disclosed
Binder: Not Disclosed
Filler: Not Disclosed
Length: 5.75″ x 52 (Double Robusto)
Ring Gauge: 52
Size: Double Robusto
Factory: Not Disclosed
The Cigar: The non-disclosed wrapper has a nice amount of oil present with a subtle brindling and thin veins. The gold on gold band has an intricate lattice design that creates a depth of color exposing the wrapper beneath it. In the hand the cigar is firm, with a slight give on the foot which is perfection. It’s exceptionally rolled with no voids of tobacco and an average weight.
The Taste: The cold daw has a very definitive Cameroon sweetness while the aroma from the foot of the cigar has a wisp of cinnamon, chocolate and earth. Once we toast and light the foot of this expensive cigar there is a floral and cedar component to start things off.
As we smoke the first third of the Meerapfel Meir notes of cocoa begin to emerge with the floral aspect disappearing. Around a half inch, notes of cinnamon and sourdough bread begin to emerge with the bread notes becoming dominant before the first third comes to a close. The retrohale is one of the smoothest I have ever experienced with notes of stone fruits and an afterthought of white pepper.
The second third sees some of the floral aspects return with cocoa and espresso. Secondary notes consist of cinnamon, white toast and some lingering cedar. Around the halfway point of the cigar some stone fruits which remain on the retrohale shows up on the palate where they serve as an afterthought.
The final third of the cigar loses some of its sweetness and while the factory isn’t disclosed it does have a Dominican feel to it as the cigar comes to a close. There are notes of earth, hay and cedar with a touch of caramel appearing for the first time in the background. The retrohale sees white pepper with the lack of any sweetness that was experienced in the first two thirds.
Conclusion: Wow, simply incredible. It’s hard to justify a cigar that costs $86 but if there was a candidate for justification it is the Meerapfel Meir. Incredibly smooth and complex the cigar is a master class on what cigars can be. Sadly, the only time I smoke one is when I am gifted them as I can’t justify the price point within my budget. This was the case as our friends from Small Batch Cigars sent us a couple of cigars to try. We don’t allow price to affect our scoring, but I did rethink that on this cigar. If you have the means this cigar is a definite must try.
Score: 96
Price: $93.00 (Before any local and/or state taxes)
Site sponsor Small Batch Cigars carries Meerpfel cigars. Use the coupon code BARRELBURNER to save 10% off your purchase. They offer free shipping, so be sure to check them out!
