C A Number 10 A Bit of a Mystery

For the number 10 cigar selected by Cigar Aficionado Magazine in their top 25 cigars for 2024, they have gone to a relative newcomer by selecting the El Pulpo Belicoso Grande. The cigar was released in 2023 and has not actually reached a wide-spread distribution, at least not in my neck of the woods. I have searched several local cigar lounges and have even tracked the stick down on the web and it is not going to be easy to locate.

It is made by A.J. Fernandez for Artesano del Tobacco. It has a Mexican San Andres wrapper that has extra aging before being wrapped around a Nicaraguan binder and fillers that are also from Nicaragua. The Grande is listed as 5 ¾ inches long with a 58 ring-gauge.

The name Belicoso translates to “the octopus” in Spanish because the tendrils of smoke are supposed to surround your palate the way an octopus grabs its prey. Can't wait to see how that manifests itself!

I will continue to search my sources and please let me know if you located this one in one of your favorite lounges.