Gigante is the Correct Name for this Cigar.

The IPCPR is the most important annual event for tobacconists, an ideal time to launch a new product to industry representatives. Corporation Cigar Export (CCE) used the 2013 event to launch their new Dominican Puro, Don Julio Punta Espada (sword point). All of the tobacco used in this brand is grown in the Reyes family’s fields in the Cibao Valley of the Dominican Republic and they named the cigar after the leader of third generation of the Reyes family, Don Julio. The current generation is the sixth and represents a long history of commitment and experience to the industry. The Don Julio brand is aimed at connoisseurs and I believe it is right on target. I first had one while I was strolling around the 2013 IPCPR and its flavor and quality was exceptional. CCE gave me a Gigante (7 x 60) to formally review.

The Punta Espada series uses a corojo unico binder, corojo mejorado wrapper and a blend of ligeros as filler. The ligero leaf is found at the top of the tobacco plant and is the slowest to mature and be picked, giving it a coarse texture and generally spicy, complex taste. Don Julio successfully blended these tobaccos in the Gigante. The cigar was firm, dark and well-constructed. The draw was a pleasure and the creamy smoke output was far above average. The taste was spicy with sweet undertones but more medium bodied than full in strength and the aftertaste was mild. Along with spice was cedar and about halfway through I tasted cashews. The ash confirmed the quality construction and the cigar was so pleasant that I smoked it for 1 hour and 25 minutes, almost down to the cap itself.

Don Julio is available only in brick and mortar stores and the SRP is a stiff $16.40. I am not impressed by cigars with “gigantic” prices; however, this is one time I believe the cigar is well worth the price and I rate it a 4.5 out of 5.