Sorry for the stock photo, but I was gifted this by George Rico at his new Calle Ocho shop on Friday. Gran Habano was the last stop on the inaugural
Hernandez Brothers' Cigar Adventure tour, so I was tired, run ragged by a long fight with a bad flu bug, and it was the 5th cigar of the day. And yet...
I thoroughly enjoyed this cigar. So thoroughly that, given the circumstances, I had to share the experience.
I had never had any Gran Habano before, but I found myself profoundly savoring this wonderful cigar. It is a perfectly balanced mix of subtle strength, waves of flavor, complexity and nuance. It tickles the tongue with a nice pepper at the front of the palate, a hint of salt in the middle, and wonderful, rich flavor throughout, with a dry, pleasant finish.
It has some oomph, but in a time when so many cigar makers just seem to want little more than to punch you in the mouth with strength and spice, this is a far-from-mild, tasty delight. I can't wait to sample some of the others generously gifted by George, including the very special
Zulu Habano lancero.