Epic’s Really Dark Maduro Reserva

Epic Cigars launched their first products in 2012 and they have staying power. I saw them at the 2014 IPCPR where they were introducing their new Maduro Reserva made in the Dominican Republic. The Reserva has an Arapiraca wrapper, Cameroon binder and a blend of fillers – from the Domican – Piloto Cubano, Seco, Ligero and a viso from Nicaragua. Epic provided me with their 5 X 52 robusto for review.

The Reserva had a very dark wrapper, perhaps just one shade above an oscuro. The cigar was firm and had a square end. The draw was average with a good volume of smoke. The flavors in the cigar came on strong with a start of cedar, cream and cocoa, joined later by spice and pepper. The Arapiraca wrapper delivered the expected level of sweetness and there was a constant under taste of nuts. The flavors were balanced, not overpowering. The burn was very even and the ash was well formed and strong – this is a well-constructed cigar.

I spent an hour and 10 minutes enjoying this full bodied cigar and I consider it a decent value at $6.80 to $7.00. I rate the Epic Reserva Maduro a 4 out of 5.