Le Bijou (The Jewel) from My Father is an ode to Don Pepin Garcia’s father who was born in 1922. It was also my first introduction to Pelo de Oro tobacco which if you know me from previous podcasts and websites is my favorite tobacco.
The history of My Father Cigars is an interesting one. They first began as El Rey de Los Habanos when Don Pepin Garcia left Cuba in 2001 when he would travel to Nicaragua before making his way into the United States. In 2002 Don Pepin would launch his company in the Calle Ocho section of Miami.
Since their launch Don Pepin Garcia has become one of the biggest names in the cigar industry and has become synonymous with Nicaraguan cigars. In addition to making their own cigars, My Father Cigars as they are known today makes brands for Ashton, Miami Cigar & Company, and Tatuaje to name a few.
Cigar Review: My Father Le Bijou 1922
Size: 5 5/8 x 55 (Robusto)
Wrapper:Nicaraguan Habano Oscuro (Pelo De Oro)
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Debut: Summer 2011
Box Count: 23
The Cigar: The My Father band and logo is easily recognizable with its pink background and MF lettering. it’s a busy almost gaudy band that works for the cigar industry. A secondary band denotes Le Bijou which sets it apart from the regular release. The oily wrapper has one notable vein front and center that detracts from the near perfect wrapper that is oily with a subtle tooth. In the hand the cigar is hefty and firm to the touch with no voids of tobacco.
The Taste: The cold draw is incredibly chewy with hearty notes of figs, molasses and raisins. The aroma from the foot has some cedar and spice to it which is a sign of things to come. Once we toast and light the foot on this 3 degree (Fahrenheit) morning their is subtle nuttiness that gives way to an abundance of pepper which I have always referred to as that classic Pepin spice for which almost all his cigars start off.
Smoking the first third sees notes of pepper pull back revealing notes of cedar, nuttiness and chocolate. Occasionally there is a wisp of cinnamon that appears but it never lasts for more than a puff or two at a time. The retrohale is a mix of red and black pepper that causes the nostril to tingle and the makes the eyes come close to watering.
In the second third the cigar sees the chocolate notes continue with the addition of leather and espresso. There is some subtle cedar sweetness in the background with a minimal amount of spice on the palate. The retrohale continues to offer up pepper in the form of pepper corns with a touch of seared steak.
As we finish the My Father Le Bijou 1922 the last third of the cigar would hearty notes of wood that bounce back and forth from cedar and oak. There is a continued leather component and espresso present as well with a subtle earth on the finish that is mixed in with creamy chocolate. The retrohale continues to remain spicy with thought its not as potent as the first two thirds with the addition of some cedar.
Conclusion: One of the great things about starting a website new again is it allows me to go back and look at cigars that haven’t been reviewed in the blogosphere in close to a decade. Having smoked since 1998 it lets me see how the cigar and my palate has changed. It also takes the focus off of what is new and look at cigars that have stood the test of time.
The My Father Le Bijou is your classic Pepin blend with an abundance of pepper on the retrohale with sweetness on the palate. There is a reason the cigar is a mainstay in humidors at many brick & mortars. It delivers time and time again.
Score: 93
Price: $11.90 (Before any local or state taxes)
