Cubao Maduro Churchill. Way back from the long, long ago.
I actually don't remember when I got these--it was before I marked when I got cigars--but, IIRC, the Cubao Maduro was released in 09 and these are early release ones. Original EO markings, labels, cello is brown now, etc. I do remember these were a big disappointment when I got them. Tough to keep burning, damn bitter at times, blah blah blah. Few years nap turned that around, though it's still a bit of an odd duck within the EO/Pepin portfolio, imo.
Anywho, thick wrapper, kinda coarse, solid roll. Aroma is cocoa and cedar, maybe a hint of licorice at the foot. Punch reveals a nice draw, slight resistance. Noticeable red pepper (or hot/tingly) the lips/tip of the tongue with the cold draw still. Easy light.
First puffs have that tip of the tongue "hot" pepper, along with a earthy/coffee/leathery medium-full body. Toss in some cedar accents and some back of the throat pepper. Finish is a bit chalky with lingering cocoa. Only just slightly sweet, not too dry.
But its already changing up, not as much hot pepper and getting more of a creamy cocoa presentation, less pepper and a little sweeter, just a hint of cherry tobacco in there, too. Meanwhile, the finish gets that heavy, smothering earthy/peppery broadleaf note.
