Don Emmanuel is a relatively new company on the premium cigar scene and this is the first opportunity we here in The Corner Of No Hope have had to sample their wares. In 2021, Eladio Díaz left his role as Davidoff’s Dominican production chief and blender to start his own factory. Don Emmanuel’s initial release, the Anunnaki, is manufactured at Diaz’s Tabacalera Díaz Cabrera factory in the Dominican Republic. I learned the following from Don Emmanuel’s website:
In homage to these ancient inhabitants, the Don Emmanuel brand will launch its first line of cigars, drawing inspiration from the creators of humanity in Sumerian mythology, the Annunaki. Their story, recorded in 14 tablets from the 24th century BC, unveils their arrival on Earth 440,000 years ago from the planet Nibiru in pursuit of gold for their atmosphere. Associated with the construction of monuments like the Egyptian pyramids, they shared knowledge with humans, a reference found in the Book of Enoch, which is excluded from the Bible. The upcoming cigar line will pay tribute to this rich history and heritage.
THE CIGAR – ANUNNAKI ANU by DON EMMANUEL CIGARS
Size: 6 x 52 (toro)
Wrapper: Dominican Republic
Binder: Mexico
Filler: Dominican Republic
Price: $15.99 (head on over to Famous Smoke Shop where you can save $20 off $100 using promo code TNCC20)
Anu is the Sumerian God of Earth and is “the personification of the force and fertility of nature, associated with bountiful harvests and the vitality of the earth. Regarded as the father of gods and men, he symbolizes the deep connection between humanity and the earth.” The Anunnaki Anu features a medium brown wrapper that’s smooth-like-velvet to the touch and there are no surface oils present. I’m digging the brand logo Don Emmanuel has chosen here, it reminds me of Toyman from the classic “Super Friends” cartoons for some reason.
Yeah, so his “super power” was turning all of our childhood DC heroes into various toys. Not every villain can fly or have laser beams shoot out of their eyeballs, I suppose… There are some thick, protruding veins along the body of the Anunnaki. A woodsy cedar aroma is present upon removing the cello sleeve and there’s a rich, chewy sweetness pouring off the foot of the cigar directly.
After a quick and effortless punch of the cap, the Anunnaki’s cold draw is musty with a slight floral undertone. Upon ignition, a nose-tingling crack of white pepper immediately announces its presence upstairs. Downstairs, a mild/medium leather note is coming through loud and clear backed by dried flowers. After the cigar is warmed up, a graphite sensation begins to arise alongside the pepper via the retrohale.
Construction so far is very good with an ideal draw and zero burn issues. Some of that must that was found on the cold draw is now arriving through the nose. There’s a dark fruit sensation buried under the leather and floral components of the draw. It’s very faint and I’m tempted to uncork a reasonably priced bottle of red to see if it can help pull more of that flavor out of the Anunnaki… but it’s 10am and I’ve already got enough problems. I can’t say enough about the retrohale’s profile here – while never aggressive, that white pepper lingers on the back of your throat leaving a highly enjoyable finish. I really want some red wine now. But, as I often have to remind my close friends and family, there’s a big difference between wanting a drink and needing a drink. I’m fine!
The Anunnaki is a solid medium cigar across the board: medium strength, medium body, and medium enjoyment so far in the first half. I’m not experiencing anything bad at all, I’m just wishfully hoping for some more action from the draw here soon. The solid ash finally drops with a thud about an inch away from the secondary band. Around the fifty yard line, a toasted sourdough bread note begins to show up in fleeting moments via the draw. The leather has slowly become less discernible which, perhaps, is allowing for something new to vie for my attention. Construction overall continues to impress.
I can’t stress enough how well I think the Anunnaki would pair with a Merlot or a Malbec, or a combination of the two. I have the robusto (Anunnaki Ki) still resting in my humidor so I might have to test that theory at 5pm this afternoon when “society” deems it appropriate. That sourdough component didn’t last long, and while the leather has been diminished the retro’s pepper’s power is on the rise. That power fluctuates between puffs continuously keeping things interesting. If only things were nearly as interesting down below. In other words, if you’re not blowing smoke out your nose with this cigar you are robbing yourself of the full experience. Don’t rob yourself.
There is a QR code printed on the back of the primary label and it leads you to the Don Emmanuel website where the company thanks you for smoking their cigar and a video plays where Don Emmanuel himself breaks down the Anunnaki for the consumer. I typically try to steer clear of reading blending notes or flavor descriptions prior to reviewing a cigar but suddenly I found myself trapped and I was being told that flavors such as “nuts, earth, dark chocolate, and cedar” were to be experienced while smoking the Anunnaki. Maybe I’ve been smoking it wrong?
Despite not picking up on those specific flavors, I’ve still enjoyed the ride so far. And, to Don Emmanuel’s credit, a slight cedar note does develop in the final third… but man, I think that a dark chocolate flavor would absolutely elevate the cigar to another level. I experience the strongest wave yet of pepper strength right before the smoking experience comes to an end.
THE NUB
TNCC Final Score = 90
The Anunnaki Anu is an impressive initial cigar from Don Emmanuel. Construction was outstanding as I experienced no issues whatsoever over the course of the 72 minute smoking duration. While I selfishly kept waiting for more, what I got was consistently enjoyable. I have a hunch that a little bit of age might bump the Anunnaki up a notch, so I’d recommend buying one to smoke now and one to rest for later. And maybe pick up a bottle of red, you deserve it.
