Warped El Oso Papa Review

[Laynard]

Cigar: Warped El Oso Papa
Size: Belicoso, 6.0"x48
MSRP: $12.50
Strength: Medium
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro
Origin: U.S.A.



Prelight: Despite a few bumps and a small tear on the cap, this cigar looks very well made; the seams are tight and the cigar has no soft spots or lumps. The oily oscuro wrapper smells sweet and slightly pungent, like flowers and barnyards, while the foot smells deeply of chocolate. The cold draw is a delicious combination of the two, with the added flavor of oak. There is also a bit of meatiness to the taste. The draw itself is right where I like it.



1/3: The cigar starts off with a bit of a bite to the sinuses as I retrohale some strong pepper tastes, but after a few puffs, a sweetness emerges to balance out the spice. The profile is oaky and earthy and has just the right amount of spiciness. The first third continues to evolve as I begin to notice leather and a floral taste as well. This is a great Dominican and Nicaraguan blend that captures the sweet and savory each region has to offer. The first third settles into leather and oak, with some backing notes of steak seasoning.



2/3: Chocolate defines itself in the second third, as I believe it was simply attributing to the aforementioned sweetness, but not clear enough to describe in the first third. It does a great job of supporting the leathery, earthy, oaky flavors. I do have to touch up a few times in the second third, as the back side seems to burn slower than the rest. The flavors turn to hay and charred wood as I reach the transition to the final third.



3/3: Hay. Pure. Simple. Hay. The final third is not exciting and I don’t worry about burning my fingers to nub this one. The burn has been great after self correcting in the final third though.

Overall: As is the case with many cigars, the MSRP doesn’t seem to be warranted. I know that being rolled in the U.S.A. comes with a higher price tag in general, but this cigar should be priced closer to the $6-$8 range. It had some really good flavors in the first and second thirds, but was quite anticlimactic at the end. There were also some slight burn issues. If I were to find a fiver for around $40, I’d smoke it again, but not for $12.50 a pop.

[Cardinal]

I've been waiting for the next Warped review! So basically hit and miss with the brand, right - La Colmena so-so, and the Flor de Valle was good?

I've almost pulled the trigger a few times on 5ers or Warped samplers, but now I'm glad that I've hung back. The price just seemed so high for a new brand. I know everyone's different, but my sweet spot is $6-10 apiece when I'm buying by the box, so for $12.50 it's gotta be really good.

Thanks for doing the reviews on these. I'll wait for a price drop, or if other people love 'em then and the price doesn't come down then it'll be a while before I smoke any.

[jp1979]

I have tried some of each and liked none of them..

[Laynard]

I've been waiting for the next Warped review! So basically hit and miss with the brand, right - La Colmena so-so, and the Flor de Valle was good?

I've almost pulled the trigger a few times on 5ers or Warped samplers, but now I'm glad that I've hung back. The price just seemed so high for a new brand. I know everyone's different, but my sweet spot is $6-10 apiece when I'm buying by the box, so for $12.50 it's gotta be really good.

Thanks for doing the reviews on these. I'll wait for a price drop, or if other people love 'em then and the price doesn't come down then it'll be a while before I smoke any.

I've been busy with wedding plans (getting hitched this weekend) so not much time for reviews, but thanks for hanging in there. I'm hoping to review a La Hacienda tomorrow.

I guess almost all brands are hit or miss, it's just Warped only has a few, so it seems more polemic. Also, with that price tag, it's a bummer when you don't get blown away.

[Cardinal]

I've been busy with wedding plans (getting hitched this weekend) so not much time for reviews, but thanks for hanging in there. I'm hoping to review a La Hacienda tomorrow.

I guess almost all brands are hit or miss, it's just Warped only has a few, so it seems more polemic. Also, with that price tag, it's a bummer when you don't get blown away.

Awesome, congratulations on the upcoming!