Cigars.ie

El Rey del Mundo Choix de L’Epoque - UK Regional Edition

The El Rey del Mundo Choix de L’Epoque is the latest addition to the series of UK regional editions. Following the tradition of naming the UK regional cigars with difficult to pronounce names, Habanos and Hunters and Frankau decided to give this cigar a French name, translating “The Choice of the Age”. Released in 2009, it is the smaller of the two cigars made especially for our region and actually the smallest of the 20 Regional Edition cigars released worldwide. Petit robusto in size, this El Rey Del Mundo is measuring 110 by 52 ring gauge. 2000 numbered boxes were produced, each containing 25 cigars.  The cigar we will be reviewing today was purchased in Dublin’s JJ Fox.

Appearance 13/15

The Choix de L’Epoque is a small, stout cigar with excellent construction. It has a light brown oily wrapper, with hardly any prominent veins and no imperfections. The cigar is well packed, with no softer or harder spots and the prelight draw is good. The cap is flat and well applied and strong earthy aromas are present on the foot of the cigar.

Flavour & Body 22/25

The Choix de L’Epoque shows the El Rey Del Mundo characteristics from the very beginning. It starts with a mild medium body and plenty of sweet and woody flavours. Chocolate, caramel and white wood chippings, with tones of grass, all well balanced with a good depth.
On the second third the cigar changes very little. Wood and earth flavours are more dominant and the body is now medium, with a long finish.
On the last third the earthy flavour takes the stage, followed by bitter chocolate and wood. It finishes with a medium body and a long cool finish.

Draw & Burn 23/25

The Choix de L’Epoque has no construction issues and therefore no problems in the burn or draw. From the very start the draw is good and the cigar delivers plenty of thick smoke. The combustion is good throughout and the cigar stays lit until the very end, without getting hot. The ash is thick and slightly flaky, reaching more than an inch in length before it falls off, revealing a well formed pyramid coal.  The finish is long and earthy.

Overall Impression 32/35

The Choix de L’Epoque is a great little cigar, a good example of the El Rey del Mundo brand. Easy going, mild to medium in body and sweet flavours to the palate, an enjoyable cigar that will accompany your morning coffee and will not distract you. It may not be as complex or full bodied as the rest of the UK regionals, but its good combustion, great burn and draw and the cool flavours are a very good compensation.

Total 90/100