Epic Corojo Reserva

Epic Cigars launched in 2012 with a single cigar – a dark, Brazilian maduro titled Epic Maduro Reserva. Building on a solid base with this cigar, Epic has not rushed to flood their portfolio with cigars, rather steadily building a solid lineup of cigars made to stand the test of time. The lineup now consists of 3 cigars, including the original maduro, as well as the Corojo Reserva and the new Epic Habano.

Epic Corojo Reserva Breakdown

The Epic Corojo Reserva has an attractive appearance, it’s somewhat rustic, but plays well with the cigar. The wrapper is dark red-brown with mottled streaks throughout. There are thick, pronounced veins, adding to its rugged demeanor. The construction feels high quality, with a dense packing, making for a solid feel, with a nice springiness when squeezed.

I love the aroma on this cigar – leather and hay are at the forefront (no surprise there) and there is an interesting back-note that might best be described as funky, similar perhaps to a Belgian saison beer.

The cigar opens up with wood bark, pepper spice, and a bitter backdrop that seems to inaugurate so many cigar’s first puffs. Soon, the bitterness is rounded out, replaced with a warmer maple note and a hint of Cuban musk. It’s a classic profile at this point, consisting of flavors you wouldn’t be surprised to find in many Cuban cigars.

With a little transitioning, oak becomes the primary flavor component, accompanied by chocolate, caramel sweetness, and a nice mixture of spices in the retrohale, with anise being most noticeable. The cigar is medium-bodied, accentuated by an extremely long finish on every puff. There is a tanginess that I had trouble putting my finger on, but eventually pegged it as a similar Belgium funkiness that had been detected in the aroma – this time I’d describe it more as a Belgian Quad…

The final third sees a fairly high strength increase, going from medium to just under full. Along with the strength come flavors to suit – spicy peppercorn, sharp pepper, nicotine and darker anise in the retro, and a bitter, burning brush flavor. All of this would be overwhelming, had it not been for a resilient sweetness of caramel and chocolate on each finish.

Would I smoke this cigar again?

Certainly! This is a solid release that I wouldn’t hesitate to keep a nice stockpile on hand. It’s nice to have a cigar that delivers a punch of flavor with decent transitions. I wouldn’t mind smoking this any time during the day (though breakfast may be a tad intense).

Short Link: