Have any of you folks checked these out?

Yes. X

everyone I tried was plugged, and what little smoke I did get was too mild for me

got a sampler for free when they were first introduced, and yes, every dang one was plugged. At first, I thought they were wet, so I let em sit in my drybox for a week, and I still couldn't get em to draw. It was somewhat buttery when I was able to draw..but after a while, it was too irritating.

They are back sliding on my "to try" list.

FBS,Email me your addy and I'll send ya a couple to try. I found them to be a mild to mediun somewhat tasty smoke and so far no plugged cigars. My email address is my handle at hotmail dot com. X

X,
mail sent

TY - BUD

Fatshotbud-

These are the ones I mention in the "Center Burn" thread. The first one was plugged somewhat, as mentioned here. The second one "Tunneled".

Yes I found them to be buttery also. Being a newbie I would like this cigar if burned correctly. As stated in other thread hope to burn better with some aging.

W2VQY

X,
resent mail, had a typoo - LOL
W2,
We shall see

i like their flavor ok. good milder smoke. but i have had some burn poorly and some burn fine.

Gave up on the Mantequillas; too high maintenance. Tried a box, couldn't get a draw. Put in a dry box, tried leaving them out for a couple of days, still too firm. After 5, I traded the rest away.

After reading this posting, I grabbed a Tapa Negra and a regular Mantequilla from one of the humi's to check it out at the links. I expect these have been resting for between 8 and 12 months. Both cigars burned very well and were a pleasent, medium bodied smoke. Nothing to write home about and very little difference in flavor or body between the two, even with the "double wrap" on the Tapa. Good value, but I prefer either the 5 Vegas or CI Crojo in that price range (Cigarbid price). The Tapa Negras do LOOK pretty cool though.

Thank La,
That's a mark in the plus column.
I understood they were mild, was looking for another early AM smoke.
BUD

Thank La,
That's a mark in the plus column.
I understood they were mild, was looking for another early AM smoke.
BUD

That's the first time I double posted, now I can't snicker at you other guys (yes I can).
BUD

Oh...I forgot to mention, the boxes the Tapa Negra comes in are almost worth the price. They look almost like small pieces of furniture shaped like a pirates chest. I have all my lighters, punches, cutters, etc in one on top of my large humi. (The regular Mantequilla boxes are basicly cheap cardboard....go figure).

ANDY (X),
I received the package today, thanks for the two Mantequilla and the extra (unexpected) La Escepcion Series IV Tapa Negra. I wanted to try that one also.
I appreciate the generosity!

BUD

so the tapas are pretty good?

Can't wait to see one of Bud's famous cigar reviews on this.
:-)

After letting the two Tapa Negra that Andy sent rest for a few days (68%RH), I figured it was time to see for myself what they were like. Grabbed both of them and went off to a little gathering. I snipped the pig tail cap and stoked up the first one while driving (note to self: never light a cigar while on a Freeway entrance ramp).
The pre-draw was smooth and it only took about six easy puffs to fully ignite the foot. There was a very respectable amount of smoke (second note: remember to roll window down when lighting a cigar).
The cigar burn pattern was good and the ash held tight through +1 inch.
I let the cigar rest well over 5 minutes while waiting to get seated at the bistro. It only took one good draw to be back on line. The aroma is non-obtrusive; not even a sideways glance was thrown in my direction.
The flavor was indeed creamy. There is a nice level of richness in this cigar. It is definitely a mild smoke and pretty much monochromatic from start to finish. I couldn’t really put my finger on what seemed like a familiar taste until half way done. If you can believe this, it reminded me of eating freshly shelled pecans.
Neither cigar plugged or had any problems. I found them enjoyable.
THANKS Andy!