El Rey del Mundo Panetelas Largas (Vintage)

Size: 28 X 175 (6.9")
Shape: Slim Panetela
Filler: Cuban
Binder: Cuban
Wrapper: Cuban
Smoking time: 1 hour
Box date: Early 1980's
Beverage: Red Racer Pale Ale

El Rey Del Mundo cigar reviews are not widely found on the internets, likely reflecting the minor market share of this Cuban export. Indeed, only three cigars remain in the lineup for this brand and all of these appear to fall within the mild to medium range, a body and strength profile that smokers (and the market) seem to have tended to move away from in recent years. But thanks to the generosity of the guys at Cuban Cigar Net, we were gifted two Vintage, early 1980's Panetelas Largas for this review.

Both cigars had a slight box press, which is unusual for a cigar this slim. In fact, I can't recall ever smoking anything this slim before (save for a cigarette). Both specimens were very firm when squeezed, with milk chocolate-brown wrappers and a dry sheen to them. Pre-light aromas were of old wood and tobacco, and the pre-light draw revealed the same. Lighting with just one match, the first few puffs were surprisingly medium in body with coco on the palate and ample cedar on the finish. However, we had to be careful of not puffing too greedily, as we were quickly met with some bitterness and harshness when the cigar burned too hot. After the first third, we both noted that the cigar seemed to lack the characteristic and difficult-to-describe taste that accompanies well-aged cigars. In fact, as we progressed into the second third, I noticed that the taste reminded me very much of a strong cigarette, lacking the finesse and flavourful balance of well-aged Cuban tobacco. The body became decidedly full, with a surprising increase in nicotine noted in the final third. Some chocolate and toasty notes came through the background, but were difficult to identify behind the unpleasant taste of dried tobacco. We let the cigars come to a distinguished death in the ashtray.

It's always a cool experience to smoke a cigar that approaches my own age, the El Rey del Mundo Panetelas Largas exemplifies the futility in aging a cigar that likely had little going for it to begin with. While we appreciate the gift and the novelty, I can only award the El Rey del Mundo Panetelas Largas with two Fidels out of five.

- Carlton