moki
el Presidente
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2003
- Messages
- 9,418
I picked up a few sticks from the Graycliff Crystal Pirate line at a local smoke shop, because I'd long been curious about this particular cigar. Apparently the story is that there is a resort in the Bahamas (Nassau) called The Graycliff. The owner loves cigars, and decided to create his own resort-branded cigar. Normally this would be a recipe for disaster, but apparently a number of experts were hired, and the dream became a reality.
Smoke Magazine gave this particular cigar a 4.7 rating, which matches their highest-ever score for a cigar, so I was intrigued. The cigar itself is a nicely rolled Torpedo with a dark brown wrapper, slightly veiny, but all in all, it appears well-constructed. I sparked it up almost immediate after taking it from the smoke shop humidor, so it's possible it needed a bit of settling time in a slightly less humid environment.
It canoed a bit at first, but after I rectified that, it burned well, though the greyish-white ash did split a bit several times. It's a medium-strong cigar, with a slightly bitter-sweet aftertaste for the first few draws; almost tasted a bit young at first.
About 3/4 of the way into the cigar, it started hitting its stride flavor-wise, with leathery overtones, a nice little spicy kick to it, which left a pleasant milky taste in my mouth. I also tasted a little hint of Padrón-esque nuttiness to it; I wonder if it uses Nicaraguan tobacco?
This is a cigar that started out a bit wobbly, but really picks up in terms of flavor as it burns down, gaining in strength and spiciness, but without ever becoming harsh or unpleasant. I'd liken it to a less spicy Opus X, but with heavier, earthier flavors, that leaves a nice tingling sensation in your mouth.
Personally, I enjoyed this cigar quite a bit, but I do think it needs a bit of aging to eliminate some of the young/rough edges -- not much, a few months should be fine. It isn't a cigar that blows you away with any particularly distinct, strong taste like the Opus X/Padrón Anniversaries do, but rather combines a few flavors in a pleasant manner, resulting in a bold, enjoyable, multi-faceted smoke.
The downside is that these cigars cost a pretty penny (roughly $20 a stick, depending on your state tobacco tax). My advice would be to obtain one and give it a shot to see if it is to your liking. It certainly was to mine, I can see why Smoke Magazine was so enthusiastic about it. Good stuff, and it'll be even better after it has rested in my humidor for a month or two. I'm looking forward to that.
Cohiba -Accept no substitutes 
