Anthony's Cigar Emporium

I finally had the chance to sit down with the Don Pepín García Clásicos 20 Años 2026, and this cigar immediately reminded me why Pepín blends have such a legendary reputation. The presentation alone feels special. The dark wrapper is oily and smooth (my favorite), and the aroma before lighting gives off rich cedar, earth, and pepper. From the very first draw, the cigar delivers that classic Pepín spice blast, but it quickly settles into a balanced and refined smoke.

As the cigar developed, I picked up layers of roasted cocoa, leather, toasted nuts, espresso, and a deep earthy sweetness that stayed consistent all the way through. The smoke production was thick and creamy, and the construction was nearly flawless with an even burn and strong ash. What stood out most to me was how full-bodied the cigar felt without becoming harsh. It stayed rich, smooth, and complex from beginning to end.

This feels like a true anniversary cigar — bold, luxurious, and built for experienced smokers who enjoy classic Nicaraguan strength and flavor. The blend carries a lot of depth and character while still feeling polished and celebratory. If you enjoy traditional Don Pepín spice with a more refined and aged profile, this is absolutely worth experiencing. Stunning experience.

Construction: 97/100
Burn: 96/100
Draw: 98/100
Flavor: 95/100
Complexity: 96/100
Smoke Output: 98/100
Overall Experience: 96/100

Strength: Full
Body: Full
Finish: Long and layered

Bold, powerful, and brand new from Drew Estate’s Undercrown- El Tigre Dominicano.

I recently smoked the Undercrown El Tigre Dominicano from Drew Estate and the first thing I noticed was how dark and bold the cigar looked. The presentation alone gives off a powerful feel. Once I lit it, the smoke was thick, smooth, and full of flavor right from the beginning. I immediately picked up notes of earth, black pepper, espresso, charred oak, and a little sweetness underneath everything. The cigar had a rich aroma that stayed enjoyable the entire smoke.

The construction was excellent from start to finish. The draw was easy, the burn stayed even, and the cigar produced dense clouds of smoke with almost every puff. As the cigar opened up, the flavors became deeper and more layered. I started getting more dark coffee, cedar, leather, and warm spice as the smoke developed. Even with the strength building through the middle and final third, the cigar stayed smooth and balanced. Nothing tasted harsh or overpowering. It felt refined while still carrying that heavy Undercrown attitude.

What I liked most about El Tigre Dominicano was the overall experience. It feels like a late-night cigar made for relaxing, slowing down, and really paying attention to the flavors. The smoke feels rich and luxurious without losing its edge. Fans of darker cigars will appreciate the depth, body, and long finish. It has the kind of profile that makes you want to smoke it again while the flavor is still sitting on your palate. For me, this was a bold, satisfying cigar that delivered exactly what I hoped for from a powerful Drew Estate release. 🐅🔥

Ratings

• Appearance: 9.4 / 10
• Construction: 9.3 / 10
• Draw: 9.5 / 10
• Burn: 9.1 / 10
• Smoke Output: 9.7 / 10
• Flavor Complexity: 9.2 / 10
• Strength: Medium-Full to Full
• Overall Experience: 9.4 / 10

The E.P. Carrillo Encore Black is the darker follow-up to the original Encore line, the same blend family that earned Cigar Aficionado’s 2018 “Cigar of the Year” award with the Encore Majestic. Ernesto Perez-Carrillo created Encore Black to offer a richer and deeper smoking experience while keeping the balance and craftsmanship that made the original Encore so respected. Production is limited, with only around 5,000 boxes released annually, making it highly sought after by maduro and Broadleaf cigar smokers. The cigar has also received strong ratings from reviewers, including an 89 from Cigar Coop and praise from Halfwheel for its complexity, balance, and rich maduro character.

I smoked the E.P. Carrillo Encore Black and immediately noticed the dark Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. The cigar looked oily, rich, and perfectly box-pressed. Construction felt solid in the hand with a smooth draw and even burn from the start.

The first few puffs gave me espresso, black pepper, oak, and dark chocolate. The smoke was thick, creamy, and full of flavor. As the cigar opened up, I picked up leather, earth, toasted wood, and a subtle sweetness from the San Andrés binder. The retrohale had spice, but it stayed balanced and refined the entire time.

What I enjoyed most about the Encore Black was the experience. It felt rich without becoming overpowering. The blend stayed smooth, flavorful, and consistent all the way through the final third. If you enjoy Broadleaf wrappers, maduro cigars, EPC blends, and bold smoke with complexity, the Encore Black absolutely delivers.

RATING

After smoking the Encore Black myself, I would personally rate it a 91/100. It was very enjoyable, and I was thinking it would be too heavy for me, but it was incredibly smooth.

Construction — 93
Excellent box-press shape, dark oily Broadleaf wrapper, firm pack, and an even burn throughout most of the smoke.

Draw & Smoke Output — 92
The draw was smooth and effortless with thick, creamy smoke production from the first puff to the finish.

Flavor — 91
Rich notes of espresso, dark chocolate, black pepper, oak, leather, and earth layered together well. The San Andrés binder added depth and spice without overpowering the blend.

Complexity — 90
The cigar transitioned nicely between darker maduro flavors and sweeter wood tones while staying balanced the entire time.

Overall Experience — 91
Encore Black delivers a refined maduro experience with premium construction, rich smoke, and excellent balance. It feels luxurious without becoming too heavy or aggressive. A strong choice for smokers who enjoy Broadleaf wrappers, EPC blends, and darker premium cigars.

Curivari knows what they’re doing. Their no frills approach allows them to keep prices down despite having cigars that far outperform their price. That was the first thought to pop into my mind lighting up the 2025 Gran Reserva.

The Curivari Gran Reserva Edición 2025 is a rare release. It is built for cigar smokers who appreciate tradition. This is a Nicaraguan puro cigar with a clean, Cuban-style profile. I see that it clearly delivers balance, age, and refinement.

This release was years in the making. The tobaccos are aged and sourced from Nicaragua. The focus is on quality, not hype. Production is extremely limited. That makes this a true limited edition cigar worth attention.

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Construction and Appearance

From first glance, cigar shows excellent craftsmanship. Is this really an inexpensive cigar? Yes. Anyway, the wrapper is smooth and clean. It has a natural sheen, and roll is firm and even.

Burn performance is consistent. The draw is effortless. Ash holds well and looks tight. This is a premium handmade cigar with strong construction.

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Flavor Profile

The Curivari Gran Reserva flavor profile is balanced and classic.

• Cedar leads the experience
• Creamy smoke texture throughout
• Notes of cocoa and light chocolate
• Baking spice adds depth
• Subtle pepper on the finish

The strength sits at medium to medium-full. It never overwhelms. It stays smooth and refined from start to finish. This is a smooth Nicaraguan cigar with complexity.

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Smoking Experience

This cigar rewards slow smoking. Flavors remain consistent. Transitions are subtle but present. The retrohale adds spice without harshness.

It leans toward elegance over power. Smokers who enjoy Cuban-style cigars will appreciate it. It delivers a refined cigar experience with aged character.

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Value and Rarity

The Curivari Gran Reserva Edición 2025 is highly limited. Only a small number of boxes were produced. Availability will be short.

This positions it as a rare cigar release. It fits well for collectors and enthusiasts. It also works as a hidden gem in the humidor.

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Final Thoughts

The Curivari Gran Reserva review shows a cigar built on balance and tradition. It is not flashy. It is not overpowering. It is precise and well-aged.

This is a strong choice for smokers seeking a premium Nicaraguan puro with Cuban influence. It stands out through restraint and quality.

Keywords: Curivari Gran Reserva, Curivari Gran Reserva Edición 2025, Nicaraguan puro cigar, limited edition cigar, premium handmade cigar, smooth Nicaraguan cigar, Cuban-style cigar, boutique cigar, rare cigar release

Recently, I was thinking about how I’ve always appreciated what Lost & Found Cigars brings to the table; their ability to uncover ultra-rare, micro-production blends and turn them into something truly special. But I also know that not every cigar they find can support a full release. Some are just too limited. That’s exactly why the Private Label series stands out to me. It feels more personal—exceptionally aged cigars from some of the world’s best factories, offered in very small quantities and only available through Anthony’s Cigar Emporium.

When I first smoked The WANTED, it immediately felt like more than just another rare find. From the start, I picked up a smooth, creamy richness that coated the palate in a really satisfying way. It’s the kind of cigar that eases you in. Surprisingly refined, balanced, and clearly well-aged. During the smoke, the Mexican San Andrés wrapper started to show itself more, bringing in those deeper, earthier notes that added body and complexity – without overpowering the experience.

What really keeps me coming back to The WANTED is how well it all comes together. It’s got that perfect balance between polished and bold. It’s rich enough to keep things interesting, but smooth enough to enjoy any time. Every time I light one up, it reminds me why these smaller, harder-to-find cigars can be the most rewarding. This is one I find myself reaching for again and again.

From the moment I picked up the Gurkha Volition America, it felt like something a little more intentional than your average smoke. The 6 x 54 Toro sits comfortably in my hand with a clean roll and just enough oil on the wrapper to hint at what’s coming. On the cold draw, I picked up notes of cedar, light earth, and a touch of sweetness depending on the wrapper—nothing overpowering, just a balanced introduction that told me this was going to be an easy, enjoyable experience.

Once I lit it up, the cigar opened smoothly with cedar, coffee, and a subtle earthiness that really showcases that Nicaraguan core. The Habano leaned a bit richer for me, bringing in deeper wood and spice, while the Maduro delivered darker tones—cocoa and roasted coffee—without becoming too heavy. When I smoked the Connecticut, it stayed creamy and smooth but still had enough flavor to keep things interesting. The draw was effortless, the burn stayed even, and I didn’t have to babysit it at all. It sat right in that medium to full range—enough body to satisfy, but not so much that it overwhelms.

By the final third, everything came together nicely. I was getting a balanced mix of wood, coffee, a bit of lingering spice, and a soft sweetness on the finish. It’s not a cigar that tries to overcomplicate things, and honestly, it doesn’t need to. What stood out to me most was how consistent and approachable it was from start to finish. And knowing that each box supports Folds of Honor made it feel even more rewarding. It’s one of those cigars I’d reach for when I want something dependable—with a little extra meaning behind every draw.

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Gurkha Volition America – Rating Breakdown

Overall score: 8.85

Appearance: 9.1
Clean roll, attractive wrapper tones across all versions, solid construction.

Draw: 8.7
Effortless and mostly consistent—no resistance, although draw did change noticeably throughout the smoke.

Burn: 9.0
Even burn line with a firm ash and minimal maintenance.

Flavor: 8.8
Balanced profile of cedar, coffee, earth, and subtle sweetness; Maduro adds depth, Connecticut adds creaminess. Slightly bland by the finish.

Complexity: 8.5
Not overly complex, but enough transitions to stay engaging.

Strength: Medium – Medium/Full
Approachable with enough body to satisfy seasoned smokers.

Consistency: 8.9
Reliable from first light to final third across all wrappers.

Overall Experience: 8.75
A well-crafted, purpose-driven cigar that delivers both enjoyment and meaning.

Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial utilizes a dark, oily Broadleaf maduro wrapper, paired with a rich blend of Nicaraguan long-fillers with tobaccos from some of the Garcia family’s farms. Smooth and layered with notes of espresso, pepper, earth, and cedar.

Prelight

The wrapper is a dark, oily Connecticut Broadleaf with a notable amount of “tooth” and barely visible seams. The foot gives off a pungent aroma of sweet cocoa powder, rich earth, and a hint of mixed pepper. After a clean straight cut, the cold draw offers moderate resistance with flavors of espresso bean and sweet leather.

1/3

Upon lighting, the cigar delivers an immediate burst of black pepper that quickly settles into a thick, creamy smoke. The front of the profile is dominated by dark chocolate and earth, while the center shows a smooth cedar note. The finish is clean with a lingering white pepper zing.

• Body: Medium to Full
• Strength: Low to Medium

2/3

The smoke thickness remains high, providing a great mouth feel. The sweetness ramps up here, with the chocolate transitioning into a creamy cocoa and black cherry note. The pepper recedes slightly in the center, allowing notes of roasted nuts and oak to emerge. The burn line remains razor-sharp with a firm, light-gray ash.

• Body: Full
• Strength: Medium

Final 3/3

In the final stretch, the complexity shifts toward a darker profile. Espresso and charred wood take the lead, with the black pepper returning with more intensity on the retrohale. The finish becomes slightly earthier with nuances of leather and a hint of nutmeg spice. It finishes smooth and cool without any harshness until the very nub.

Conclusion: 91/100

This is a “flavor bomb” that doesn’t need to warm up; it’s well-developed from the first puff. Its consistent performance and bold Nicaraguan character make it an excellent choice for an everyday rotation or a box purchase.

Pairing Recommendation: Pair this with a hefty stout or a stiff bourbon to complement the dark chocolate and espresso notes.

Pledge Purple PURPLE PREMIER COLLECTION – LIMITED EDITION has arrived!

Pledge PURPLE PREMIER COLLECTION LIMITED EDITION has landed.

We humble folk at Anthony’s are more than ecstatic about this drop.

Once again, Casa Carrillo is bringing a standout release with Pledge Purple, which has literally just been released. This is a cigar created to commemorate the five-year anniversary of the original Pledge Prequel, which won Cigar of the Year honors in 2020.

Rather than simply revisiting the original blend, this release takes a more ambitious approach. It is offering an entirely new interpretation, built on a familiar foundation. We’ve just sampled them, and we’re hooked on these babies.

We feel that the Pledge Purple stands out right away because of it’s Havana-seed Connecticut wrapper, which comes from the same crop used in the original Prequel. This particular leaf was intentionally set aside and aged for nearly a decade, resulting in a wrapper that is noticeably richer, more oily, and far more expressive.

One thing I found important to note, is that the extended aging process brings out a deeper character, and refined complexity that is evident from the first draw. The entire experience offers a fullness and richness that has just the right amount of flavor, without overpowering.

It is important to note that Pledge Purple is not a continuation of the original blend. The Purple can be best explained as a reimagined composition designed to showcase the evolved qualities of the aged wrapper. The result is a cigar that maintains the boldness, and refinement associated with the Pledge line, while presenting a distinct and unique profile of its own.

The unique blend is made of Mexican binder and Nicaraguan fillers from the Estelí, Condega, and Ometepe regions. My smoking experience was full-bodied yet smooth. I found the Purple is certainly delivering a layered profile with balanced strength and complexity that continues to develop throughout the session.

We have learned that production was limited to just 3,500 boxes of 10 cigars, with releases scheduled in select waves. Given its limited nature and the quality of its construction and flavor, Pledge Purple is expected to be in high demand and unlikely to remain on our shelves for long. We will sell out, so grab one now.

J.C. NEWMAN CIGAR CO.

The Brick House is a classic Nicaraguan cigar that delivers bold flavor with impressive consistency.

One bonus with this cigar is that it is meticulously well-constructed. Wrapped in a rich, Ecuadorian Habano leaf, and filled with Nicaraguan tobaccos, it produces thick clouds of smoke and a steady burn from start to finish. The construction is solid, with a firm feel and excellent draw throughout, which makes this a go-to for an everyday smoke.

Budget is a factor in the cigar world these days. There is no sacrifice in quality or flavor with this line of cigars, is this author’s opinion. The smoking experience is enjoyable from the light up. Flavor opens with notes of cedar and black pepper before settling into a balanced profile of roasted nuts, earth, and coffee. As the cigar progresses, subtle hints of cocoa and natural sweetness begin to appear, adding depth without overwhelming the palate.

Medium to medium-full in strength, the Brick House stands out as one of the best everyday premium cigars available—rich, satisfying, and remarkably dependable for the price. Value is the real point.

Brick House Cigar Rating from Anthony’s:

Overall Score: 91 / 100

Category	Score	Notes
Construction	92	Firm roll, reliable draw, and typically very even burn.
Flavor	91	Classic Nicaraguan profile with cedar, black pepper, earth, and roasted nuts.
Complexity	88	Flavor transitions are present but remain straightforward and balanced.
Smoke Output & Burn	93	Produces thick smoke with a steady burn line and solid ash.
Value	95	One of the best price-to-quality cigars in the premium category.

Strength: Medium to Medium-Full

Flavor Profile: Cedar • Pepper • Earth • Coffee • Roasted Nuts • Subtle Cocoa

Summary:
The Brick House delivers a rich, dependable Nicaraguan smoking experience with bold flavor and excellent construction. While not the most complex cigar on the market, its balance, consistency, and outstanding value make it a staple in many humidors and an easy choice for everyday enjoyment.

Spring has sprung in Tucson, and we have SO MANY AWESOME EVENTS coming up!

We are very pleased to be hosting another of our Drew Estate events! Michelle Naranjo will host, and we will have a special guest appearance by Pedro Gomez at our Grant Location, March 27th. Don’t miss it if you’re in the Old Pueblo that weekend.

EPC 2026 MASTERS WATCH PARTY AND GOLF EVENT

ANOTHER PASSION OF OURS BESIDES CIGARS IS GOLF. WHEN WE DO GOLF AND CIGARS, WE DO HAPPY. Don’t miss this fabulous event at our ORACLE location. EPC / Casa Carrillo will be here!

Being the hosts with the most, we will be offering CIGAR DEALS, prizes, pimento cheese sandwiches, moonpies, so much golf, and so much fun!!

Be there or be:

In addition to our Online Store, Anthony’s Cigar Emporium is proud to offer the Tucson area with four different locations.

ORACLE LOCATION

CAMPBELL LOCATION

GRANT LOCATION

BROADWAY LOCATION