My previous review I reviewed the
GPECC-EL which was ok but nothing great. I really like these cigars for their Price vs Taste equation.
Cheap, well made and a decent flavor. Don't be fooled by the name.
The cigar I am smoking for this review is from 2007 I believe.
The cigar:
Genuine Pre-Embargo Counterfeit Cuban
Size: 5.62 X 44
Wrapper: Ecuador Sumatra
Binder: Ecuador Sumatra
Filler: Honduras/Nicaragua
Shape: Corona Major.
Price: $96.95 for chest of 50.
Pre-Light:
A very firm and dry(er) cigar. These have been aging in a Cooler at 65% RH. A well made cigar with distinctive veins running up the cigar.
After clipping, a firm draw with some barnyard smell on the foot.
First Third:
First puffs greet me with tons of smoke full of a cedar profile. Very pleasing aroma. A slight leathery aftertaste. Compared to when I smoked these ROTT, these are quite mellow. It's one dimensional but hey, it's a $1.95 cigar.
Second Third:
Still no harshness. Some sweetness coming in and not overpowering. The cedar is still there with that earthy/leathery aftertaste in the background.
I really enjoy the tobacco taste in this cigar which I assume is the Ecuadorean wrapper (Yum).
Last Third:
That slight sweetness is still there. Cedar profile still going strong but the flavors are getting more concentrated at this point which is not a bad thing.
Still no harshness in the smoke.
Another one of my "Old Reliables". Cheap and good. When I do yard work, you will most likely see me with this cigar.
I prefer this cigar over it's newer cousin the GPECC-EL but I think it is because I really enjoy this wrapper. At $1.97, this is no brainer for me.