Finally got my hands on a box of La Escepcion, Selected Finos Panatela. Heard so much about it for the past few months and wrangling here and there for just one box. 
(not my fingers if you were wondering)
In 2011, Habanos brought back an old Cuban brand La Escepción. as an Regional Edition for Italy. The size is a 6 1/2 x 38 Panatela called Selectos Finos, a size that had never been offered by La Escepción prior. La Escepción is one of the oldest Cuban cigar brands with its introduction by owner José Gener sometime in the late 1850s. It was always thought of as a sister brand to Hoyo de Monterrey, mostly because Hoyo was also started and owned by José Gener, albeit after the La Escepción brand.
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 | Year of foundation: 1850's decade Tobacco Country: Cuba Tobacco Procedence: Vuelta Abajo Factory: La Corona | ||||
 First of all, we may remark a very funny anecdote. The name of these cigars is La Escepcion, but had to be La Excepcion (meaning exception in English). So this misspelling became one of the most famous in the history of Havana cigars. This brand has always been linked to Hoyo de Monterrey and after being sold several times, it finally remains in the hands of the firm F. Palacio y Cia. Production was not at all affected by the Revolution and eight models were listed in Cubatabaco official catalogue. It was in the 80's decade when a drop in production can be appreciated, perhaps because the most remarkable characteristic of these cigars, their extreme strength, is no longer liked by the customers. The brand was discontinued in 1989. | |||||
Review: I tend not to review cigars as that may seems like encouraging people to smoke, but this is worthy of a review. The red-brown wrapper with hints of oil is already to die for. Its a great hint of a prelude to a good smoke. Now is this as good as everyone says it was.
One sentence: its the best cigar I have smoked for the past 10 years, and thats a lot of cigars to compare to. Hints of hay to start and then the explosion of espresso and dark chocolate flavours. Starts off as a medium strength and ended a bit stronger. Layers and layers of flavour and depth but a cool smoke at the same time. Still young and would smoke brilliantly in another 2 years in the humidor. What a wonderful cigar!
As there were only 2000 boxes made, I think I should try and stock up. The price should double in 3 years time, and its not even cheap now. If you can get it overseas (Italy, Geneva), you should be paying $630 per box. If it ever gets to Asia, be prepared for RM2,800-RM3,200 per box.
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