Warped El Oso Blanco Papa
Posted on January 14 2022
Vitola: 6x48
Smoking Time: 94 Minutes
Cigars Smoked: 5
Body: Medium
Wrapper: Ecuadorian
Binder: Ecuadorian
Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan
MSRP: $18.00
Warped is one of those companies that has helped shape the cigar industry to what it is today. With a series of limited runs, most being rather secretive, until they arrive at stores. Typically produced at El Titan De Bronze in Miami, Fl, so the quality and taste are always consistent. El Oso Blanco is a follow up release to El Oso, One of Warped’s first cigars made after owner Kyle Gellis took a hiatus to finish his schooling.
Visual Inspection: EL Oso Blanco wears a clean Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper that is leaning more towards Colorado claro than a typical Connecticut would be. The seams are rather present; they do not lay flat but do not peel when felt. The headcap is strong, with a Cuban triple cap that holds up very well to a v cut. There is an astounding amount of oil present, giving it a nice sheen. There are some slight veins on the wrapper leaf, but aside from the 1 or 2, they are all smooth and cannot be felt.
A cold draw brings notes of fresh pressed orange juice, vanilla and cream. The foot brings aromas of aged cedar, and tea leaves, a bit flat, but the cold draw has made up for it. If I were to nit-pick this cigar, I don't love the contrast of the wrapper against the silver and blue band, however, the band looks great on the regular oscuro Oso. Creating a bit of a dilemma.
First Third: Lighting the cigar was simple, with only a single torch lighter. The draw isn't the best, it is a touch too tight for my liking. Out of the 5 Blanco's I've enjoyed, this is the first time I've had a slightly hindered draw. I’ll take those odds. Flavors start out perfectly mild, bringing notes of tea leaves, vanilla, cream, and crackers. All the notes I have come to expect from my favorite Connecticut cigars.
The burn line is interesting, it seems to dip along surface veins, and then correct itself. The ash has shrunk considerably and has an off white color to it. Notes of almond linger after each puff. A retrohale brings a surprising pepper to the nose that has a strong cane sugar sweetness. El Oso Blanco brings no bitter, or acrid notes, the tobacco in this cigar is undoubtedly exceptional.
Second Third: The draw is starting to become easier, bringing with it more smoke production. The flavors are quite similar, only varying slightly. Now notes of pepper, cream, sugar, and vanilla are most prevalent. Oil is starting to build up around the burn line, which helps to build the flavors up.
The burn line keeps bouncing back and forth, but it is only cosmetic. The head cap has held up beautifully, and looks as good as it did prior to cutting. The sugar cane notes are starting to show up more during each pull, and a retrohale brings it deeper into the profile with that familiar pepper. It is truly an exceptional second third.
Last Third: After pulling a stem from the head of the cigar, the draw cleared up beautifully, with that comes a slightly spongey cigar, but it is a trade off I am willing to make. With a clearer draw, comes warmer notes of sugar and spice, almost like creme brûlée. A touch of cinnamon, sugar, and cream. Followed by graham cracker and vanilla, and a heavy pepper on the retro.
Warped tends to have a strange burn line, they get wonky, then they fix themselves. I find it happening most often with this brand. But at the end of the day, the burn line always corrects itself, which to me is a testament about the quality of the cigar. The band came off of the cigar quite easily, and did not take a bit of wrapper leaf with it.
Final Thoughts: El Oso Blanco is truly a special cigar, it is smooth, but does not lack flavor or body, especially for a Connecticut wrapper. If you are a fan of fuller bodied Connecticut cigars, you better act fast! These are moving very quickly. I picked up a box for myself after smoking my first cigar, and I’d recommend them to anyone looking for an amazingly smooth but decently complex smoke.
-Sam