In this review, we take a closer look at the El Pulpo Robusto Grande.
As is often the case during our meetings, Piotr and I exchange cigars—and our most recent get-together was no exception. Piotr, as it turns out, has quite a good memory. Quite some time had passed since he mentioned picking up a few cigars, and since I showed a clear interest in trying them. Yet he remembered just how much I wanted to get my hands on this particular one.
I always appreciate when a cigar comes with a story. It adds another layer to the experience, making it more memorable—and, admittedly, perhaps even slightly influencing my perception, as I inevitably associate the cigar with a genuinely enjoyable moment.
This is not the first review of a cigar from Artesano Del Tobacco to appear on Polski Aficionado. However, at the time, I didn’t make a habit of writing about the brand itself…
A Few Words on Artesano del Tobacco
Artesano del Tobacco was founded in 2019 by brothers Billy and Gus Fakih. At the time, both were operating cigar shops in New York—an environment that proved to be fertile ground for eventually launching their own brand.
From the outset, the Fakih brothers have been guided by a philosophy that blends traditional craftsmanship with a more contemporary approach to cigar blending. Central to that vision has been their ongoing collaboration with AJ Fernandez, who oversees production at his Nicaraguan factory and is responsible for the tobaccos and blends used across the Artesano del Tobacco portfolio.
Despite its relatively short history, the brand has quickly earned recognition and respect among cigar enthusiasts worldwide. Its first major success came with the Viva La Vida line, which was met with strong reception upon release and later expanded with a lighter-shaded anniversary expression of the blend.
The company’s second core line is a more recent addition to the market—and, thanks to Piotr, it has now made its way onto the pages of Polski Aficionado.
El Pulpo Robusto Grande
The El Pulpo line made its global debut in 2023, though the project itself dates back to 2016, when Artesano del Tobacco first began developing the blend in collaboration with AJ Fernandez. As is often the case with more ambitious projects, time proved to be a critical component—allowing the concept to evolve into a fully realized, market-ready cigar.
At launch, the line consisted of three box-pressed vitolas: Robusto Grande, Toro Grande, and Belicoso Grande. Each cigar is built entirely around Nicaraguan tobaccos from AJ Fernandez’s farms for the binder and filler, finished with a Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper—an element that plays a defining role in the cigar’s character.
In 2025, the portfolio was expanded with additional formats, including a Lancero and a Perfecto, further showcasing the versatility of the blend. Perhaps the most intriguing addition, however, is the Octo Ocho Culebra—a braided format that stands out not only visually but also conceptually. It’s a vitola I’m particularly eager to try, and one that seems almost destined for a dedicated review.
The name El Pulpo—Spanish for “the octopus”—is more than just a stylistic choice. It serves as a metaphor for the smoking experience itself: a profile designed to envelop the palate from multiple angles, much like the tentacles of an octopus wrapping around its prey. It’s a clever piece of branding, but more importantly, one that accurately reflects the intent behind the blend—and, arguably, its success.
The El Pulpo line currently includes the following vitolas:
- The Fry (4 x 48)
- Robusto Grande (5 x 56)
- Belicoso Grande (5 3/4 x 58)
- Toro Grande (6 x 56)
- The Squid, Perfecto (6 1/2 x 60)
- The Eel, Lancero (7 x 38)
- Culebra Octo Ocho (7 x 38 x 3)
In today’s review, I’ll be focusing on my experience with the El Pulpo Robusto Grande.
A Few Technical Notes
The El Pulpo Robusto Grande comes in a box-pressed format, measuring 5 inches (127 mm) in length with a substantial 56 ring gauge—a vitola that immediately suggests a longer, more deliberate smoking experience.
In hand, the cigar feels appropriately weighty and well-packed, delivering that reassuring density one expects from a larger ring gauge robusto. The blend consists of Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos sourced from AJ Fernandez’s farms, finished with a Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper—a leaf that plays a defining role in both the cigar’s visual identity and flavor profile.
Visually, the wrapper is dark, oily, and carries that slightly rugged, toothy texture characteristic of well-aged San Andrés. It’s worth noting that the final release of the blend was reportedly delayed to allow for extended aging of the wrapper leaf—a decision that speaks to the emphasis placed on achieving the desired depth and maturity in the profile.
The presentation is completed by a striking band featuring the now-iconic octopus motif. The color palette—gold, red, and black—creates a bold, premium look, while the secondary band highlights both the use of San Andrés tobacco and the involvement of AJ Fernandez as the blender.
Taken as a whole, the cigar makes a strong first impression—visually refined, cohesive, and clearly positioned within the premium segment.
The Cut
Before making the cut, I take a moment to prime the senses by nosing the wrapper. The Mexican San Andrés Maduro gives off an immediately rich and assertive aroma. Chocolate leads the profile, underscored by a subtle, natural sweetness. It’s an inviting prelude—especially when paired with the wrapper’s oily sheen, which hints at a deeply satisfying experience to come.
I opt for a straight cut. A quick, clean snip—and the draw reveals itself to be excellent, offering just the right balance of resistance.
On the cold draw, the cigar delivers a surprisingly vivid and almost confectionery-like profile. The flavors bring to mind an orange-infused chocolate biscuit—reminiscent of a Jaffa-style treat. There’s a clear interplay between dark chocolate and citrus, with orange taking the lead, supported by a soft sponge cake-like note. A touch of pepper rounds out the experience, adding just enough spice to elevate the profile without overpowering it.
At this point, anticipation builds quickly—this is a cigar that already feels ready to deliver.
The Light
The foot is thoroughly warmed with a jet flame before being brought to life through a series of short, controlled puffs. I let the cigar rest briefly after lighting, allowing it to settle before fully engaging with the profile.
Right from ignition, the cigar opens with a strikingly vivid expression of earth—dry, structured, and almost tangible in the texture of the smoke. It’s a highly distinctive introduction, one that immediately sets a serious tone.
Before long, the profile shifts toward deeper, darker notes. Chocolate takes the lead, accompanied by a growing presence of pepper. There’s also a subtle acidity running through the profile, reminiscent of high-cocoa dark chocolate—where bitterness and brightness coexist. The pepper delivers both sharpness and flavor, adding dimension rather than overwhelming the profile.
Citrus notes begin to emerge shortly thereafter and remain a consistent thread through the experience, bringing balance and lift to the otherwise dense character. The finish leans firmly into dry, distilled notes—an intensified fusion of earth and dark chocolate that lingers with impressive persistence.
The overall impression is one of intensity and depth, delivered from the very first draws.
Strength & Body
In terms of strength, the cigar falls into the medium-to-full range, though it leans more convincingly toward the latter. It builds quickly and maintains its intensity throughout, making it a cigar best enjoyed after a substantial meal. Toward the final third, the nicotine presence becomes notably assertive—approaching that familiar threshold every experienced smoker recognizes.
Aroma & Smoke
The aroma closely mirrors the flavor profile, dominated by notes of chocolate and earth. The cigar produces generous amounts of dense, satisfying smoke, enhancing the overall experience.
Construction & Burn
Construction allows for a fully immersive experience. The cigar burns evenly and at a steady, unhurried pace, requiring little to no correction along the way.
A Note from Piotr Siwiński
Artesano del Tobacco holds a special place in my cigar heart. Whether that’s due to the strong emphasis on AJ Fernandez’s involvement with the brand, or simply the way they present their cigars visually—wrapped in something truly memorable—I’m not entirely sure. Perhaps it’s a combination of both.
At one point, Viva La Vida was very much an object of desire for me, if only because of how beautifully the entire concept was executed—the band, the box, the vitola. While the Robusto didn’t quite make it onto my “must revisit” list, the Diademas Finas turned out to be an absolute standout.
Then came El Pulpo—the octopus. I have a soft spot for the Polish language, because it’s hard not to draw a playful association here with pulpet (meatball). That aside, from the very beginning I had a strong feeling this line could be something special—and I wasn’t wrong.
The blend takes you through a sweet-and-savory landscape with a clear sense of strength and a very compelling opening. There’s pepper, there’s fruit, but what stands out most is the balance—how naturally all the elements come together. There were a few of those unmistakable “aha” moments along the way, which is always a promising sign. The first encounter surprises in a very positive way—and from there, it only gets better.
I can confidently recommend this cigar in this format. One might assume that after so many Nicaraguan blends paired with Mexican leaf, there’s little left to surprise us. And yet, El Pulpo proves otherwise. It has more than one story to tell—and more than one flavor to offer. And the fact that AJ Fernandez is behind it only reinforces the sense that you’re in for a truly rewarding experience.
Final Thoughts on El Pulpo Robusto Grande
A thoroughly impressive cigar. In this case, flavor and strength go hand in hand—delivering a profile that is both powerful and deeply satisfying. It’s a cigar that demands a bit of preparation, but rewards it with intensity, richness, and a layered, engaging smoking experience.
Construction is effortless, producing generous volumes of smoke and requiring little attention along the way—exactly the kind of performance one hopes for in a cigar of this caliber.
This is the kind of cigar that leaves a lasting impression and naturally sparks curiosity about the rest of the line. I already know I’ll be reaching for other vitolas from El Pulpo.
Highly recommended.
This review was made possible thanks to Piotr Siwiński, who—following an old, almost ritualistic tradition—gifted me this cigar.
If you enjoyed reading this, let me know! Drop a comment or share the post – every bit of support helps others discover my cigar reviews and smoking tips. If you prefer to listen, I co-host a podcast with Piotr Siwiński called „Spotkanie z Dymem” („A Meeting with Smoke”) – currently in Polish, though who knows what the future holds? You can also find me on Instagram, where I share a slice of my cigar life – and a bit more. I always welcome a good conversation. That’s how great connections start – and they often go far beyond just cigars.
Stay smoky!
Mateusz Krzywiecki, @mateusz.krzywiecki, Piotr Siwiński, @mycigarway, Polski Aficionado, @polskiaficionado
