Well this is the first stick that has compelled me to write a full proper review and take detailed notes through out the entire smoke. I was supposed wait for my friends birthday this Sat to dive into these but since I had a few extra I could not resist the opportunity of a crisp October evening to enjoy the best Habanos has to offer. I purposely haven't smoked a stick since last Sat to thoroughly clean my palate for this GR. Here it goes:
I have to admit it's been a long while since I was this excited to receive new sticks and for sure the first time I have laid down this much scratch per piece. As you can see they are very impressive right from the get go and this GR really feels great in the hand. The wrappers are flawless, have a great oily sheen to them and are complimented by the GR band which has great detail in the embossing of the logo. Of course the first thing I did was run this Siglo under my nose 3 or 4 times and now I am even more excited to spark this stick of gold. What a sweet aroma of vanilla with a hint of almond and spice.
I punched the cap and took a few draws and my mouth filled with chocolate and sweet tobacco. I sat comfortably in my patio chair with my feet up and poured a small measure of Macallan 30 Sherry Oak. It was a crisp 56 degrees, which is pretty nippy for Cali, but a perfect environment to dive into this GR. I put the torch to the foot and took a few good draws to get things underway. Right away I had a great tingling on my tough with a strong taste to sweet tobacco and dried fruit which finished with a spicy chocolate. I really was impressed to get such a pleasurable pop from this stick right from the first few draws as with most of my past experiences it took at least a little burn to get things in sync. The draw was fantastic and yielded mouthfuls of this spicy chocolate smoke. It was so quiet out this evening I could hear the crackling of the tobacco each time my draws created that glowing orange ring around the base of the ash. Though out the first third it was consistently spicy chocolate and a hint to that dried fruit that I got a shot of in the first few draws. That patented Cohiba tingle was there as well but this was far more refined than any Silgo, or cigar for that matter, I have ever had. The end of the first third was amazingly smooth with huge volumes of rich smoke filled with refined chocolate and a hint of vanilla which replaced the dried fruit. I put in my notes: "Refined power that is taking me on a mini vacation."
The Second third was pure bliss as this GR finds perfection with what seems to be an epic blend of chocolate spice which dissipates into a sweet leather at the back of my palate with out a second of bitterness or off notes. This perfection continues as I am slightly interrupted by thoughts of springing for a full box of 15. I seriously can not find a single flaw other than thinking it's burning too fast. Beautiful balance and now championship consistency of smooth chocolate spice and that back palate tingle that leaves me yerning for that next draw.
The last third gradually eased on the power while staying very smooth. The Chocolate was now followed by stronger spice and a flavorful cedar finish leaving that same devilish tingle. With about 2' left I realized how this smooth acceleration of power had me in an intoxicating zone of new flavor. Spice has now taken over the chocolate but still finished amazingly smooth with what seems to be a little less of a back palate tingle but I think it's just me being accustomed to it than it leveling off.
At this point I take a small sip of the Sherry Oak 30 which blends refined caramel to the spice creating true bliss. At this level I am torn whether to endulge in the monstrous volumes of smoke offered or to cheat my draws to extend this journey. I opt for the greedy deep draws and swim in mouthfuls of creamy spiced smoke. Amazing that is seems to have returned to an amplified version of the 2nd third with the chocolate coming back with an almond finish. I still can;t get over how smooth this stick is. Another sip of the 30 year and this silgo sings with the sherry notes of the scotch. A little under an inch to go and I'm saddened as if I'm pulling into the train station to drop off a good friend. The last inch transitioned into deep spice and cedar with a chocolate finish and yes still smooth to the very end.
In my humble opinion these Gran Reservas are worth every penny. It is by far one of the best smokes I have ever had and I honestly think if you can afford a stick get one. Even if you can't, get one anyway! This is what it's all about and to miss out on this journey is a tragedy.
