Ratings & reviews
Editorial score
Community score
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Organoleptic profile
Strength
medium
Balance
excellent
Draw
perfect
Intensity
expressive
- Bouquet
- complex
- Finish
- long
- Ash color
- gray
- Smoke output
- generous
Aroma profile
Dominant aromas
Secondary aromas
Tasting notes
The EPC Allegiance Sidekick presents itself in a dazzling wrapper, featuring a superb Sumatra wrapper that immediately catches the eye. Its smooth texture and uniformly colored surface testify to exceptional craftsmanship. The green guilloche adorning the band adds a touch of elegance to this cigar, measuring 127 mm (5") in length and 19.8 mm (¾") in diameter, promising a refined tasting experience.
From the first contact with this cigar, you are enveloped by a complex aromatic spectrum. Pre-light, the cigar offers notes of sharp pepper that set the tone right away. Upon lighting, the aromas evolve into sweeter pleasures, with hints of chocolate and nuts intertwining with a subtle humility of coffee. This initial phase skillfully prepares the palate for a fascinating flavor journey.
On the palate, the development of flavors is captivating and balanced. Throughout the three thirds, the character of the cigar elegantly transforms, alternating between moments of sweetness and rich complexity. The coexistence of aromas like wood and roasted coffee, mingled with spicier notes, creates a perfect harmony. You can only admire how these flavors effortlessly blossom.
The finish lingers with a delicately sweet sensation, leaving a slight bitterness and a satisfying length. With a rare balance between strength and sweetness, this cigar stands out distinctly from others in its category due to its ability to be enjoyed at different times of the day, combining pleasure and conviviality.
Enjoy the EPC Allegiance Sidekick during a moment of relaxation, perfectly complemented by an espresso or an aged rum. This pairing creates an exceptional atmosphere, best appreciated in a tranquil setting where one can savor each puff without constraint.
Community impressions
Enthusiasts of this cigar highlight its exceptional harmony and complexity. With an easy draw and a generous volume of smoke, it offers a tasting experience that combines sweetness and subtlety. Its balance and finish are often praised, making the EPC Allegiance Sidekick a must-have for aficionados.
How to taste: EPC Allegiance Sidekick
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1.The Visual Examination
The EPC Allegiance Sidekick features a light brown to golden wrapper, presenting a natural and silky appearance to the touch. Its Robusto format, measuring 127.0 mm (5") with a 50 ring gauge, is complemented by a very fine construction that inspires confidence at first glance.
The aesthetics of the cigar provide clues about its craftsmanship. A beautiful finish and uniform color imply a careful selection of tobacco leaves, ensuring quality for the tasting experience.
2.Pre-Light Aromas
Before lighting the cigar, the pre-light aromas reveal notes of pepper, chocolate, and nuts, accompanied by a subtle background of coffee and wood. This aromatic complexity fills the air around the cigar.
These initial aromas are indicative of what the tobacco has to offer, preparing the palate and anticipating the flavors that will emerge during the burn.
3.The Cut
The standard straight cut made under the cap allows for precise access to the inside of the cigar. It should be clean to ensure an ideal draw.
A proper cut ensures good airflow, essential for an even burn and a pleasant draw, thus avoiding the inconveniences of a poor opening.
4.Cold Draw
The cold draw of the EPC Allegiance Sidekick is perfect, offering a balanced resistance that promises an unobstructed smoking experience.
Testing the draw before lighting helps identify any potential manufacturing defects and ensures that the cigar will be enjoyable to smoke from the first puff.
5.Lighting
When lighting the foot of the cigar, it is crucial to ensure an even burn. Special attention to how the tobacco ignites is necessary to avoid canoeing.
A careful lighting preserves the balance of the cigar, preventing adjustments during the tasting that could alter the aromatic experience.
6.First Third
From the first puffs, the EPC Allegiance Sidekick unfolds its dominant aromas of pepper and chocolate, with a generous volume of smoke that envelops the palate. The strength is perceived as medium.
The first third allows for the discovery of the initial strength of the blend, essential for grasping the nuances to come while savoring the richness of the aromas.
7.Second Third
The cigar evolves in this phase with secondary aromas such as coffee and a subtle sweetness. The excellent balance manifests, bringing a pleasant harmony between the flavors.
This evolution reveals the complexity of the blend, allowing appreciation of the finesse of the different tobaccos used and avoiding monotony in the tasting.
8.The Finish
At the end of the tasting, the gray ashes testify to the quality of the tobacco, while the finish is revealed to be delicately sweet, enhanced by a slight bitterness and notable length.
The color of the ashes and the persistence of the flavors on the palate are indicators of the quality of the blend and the mastery of the drying of the leaves, providing a final reflection on the overall experience.