Blue Label Robusto (Gran Habano)

AD720 · 11-17-2008, 09:24 PM

Blue Label Robusto

Size - 5x52
Wrapper - Habano
Country - Honduras
MSRP - $5.00
Price Paid - much less (right now on sale at CI for $59.00/box)

These cigars are blended by Guillermo and George Rico, the guys behind the Gran Habano line, in the same Honduran factory. I picked up this Blue Label in a sampler of GH blends about 2 months ago. I have been looking forward to trying this as the GH line is favorite of mine, especially the 3 Siglos.

Construction - Seems fair to good. Overall smooth wrapper with some large veins and the cap is a little rough but it is firm with no major soft spots. Bunching is good with no stems.

Prelight - I clipped this one and the prelight draw is wide open but it doesn't seem too loose. I am tasting a bit of sweetness on the prelight.

1st Third - This lit up well and immediately yielded some light, sweet smoke with some nice spice on the nose. Definitely spicy, but not peppery, which is good for me because while I like spice I do not care for a peppery cigar. As I continue through the 1st third I am really enjoying this cigar. Some cedar, some spice, some cream.

It is not at all up front with the spice, which just sort of blooms in back of my mouth and is tickling my nose on the exhale. I'd say at this point I am 50/50 nose/mouth. The burn is slow and pretty even and the draw is on the looser side.

2nd Third - Moving into the second third I am still getting the nice bit of spice but a picking up more sweetness - definitely cedar, and more creaminess. The burn got a little wonky and required a touch but we are back on track now. Still holding ash.

Last third - The sweetness and cream are still hanging around but the spice is becoming more prevalent as well as a straight tobacco taste.

Overall impressions -

I have yet to be let down by any Gran Habano offering that I've had. Taking sale price into consideration this was a solid 8/10.

Scottw · 11-17-2008, 09:28 PM

Nice review! I have been wondering a bit about these and am happy you shared it with us!

Fumes · 11-17-2008, 09:59 PM

I was expecting these to be as generic as the brand name, but I was surprised. These are actually quite good, especially for the price. Nice review!

Tio Gato · 11-18-2008, 02:15 PM

In my opinion the Blue Label line is a bargain, especially if you buy them from the Devil site. I've gotten two boxes of these for less than 30 bucks.
It's one of my favorite morning smokes with coffee. There is enough flavor to enjoy without smacking you in the head first thing in the morning.
Often the 20 cigar sampler can also be had cheaply on the devil site.
Thanks for that nice review. As I read it I wanted to go fire one up right away.

renton20 · 11-18-2008, 02:35 PM

Nice review. I picked up a 5er of these from the devil site on a whim and am now really looking forward to them

gvarsity · 11-19-2008, 09:25 AM

Thanks for the review. I love the GH #5 and have been interested in the Blue label but have heard next to nothing about them. I'll have to pick up 5 or 20 of these next time I run out of will power to resist more purchases.

G G · 03-28-2009, 07:00 AM

Thanks for the review.

14holestogie · 03-28-2009, 07:27 AM

Started my day today with the same cigar. You nailed it, Andrew.
Nice review.

tenbaseg · 03-28-2009, 07:47 AM

Thanks for the review. I picked up a 5'er on the devil site a while back and enjoyed one of them a couple months ago. I have to say I was pretty surprised by it. It was better than I expected.

Unlike Andrew, I like the spice/pepper profile and I found that this had enough to keep me interested but it wasn't overpowering. I wouldn't consider it mild by any means, but a great smoke for morning or early afternoon.

03-28-2009, 08:47 AM

I bought a box of these also and enjoyed the one I have had so far.

Smoke Naked · 03-28-2009, 12:15 PM

Just got 2 Churchill fivers from cigar.com daily deal, arrived 10 minutes ago only $19.90 shipped. Can't wait to try one.

Catfish · 03-28-2009, 01:40 PM

Great review! Thanks!

03-28-2009, 07:40 PM

Probably my fav of the Gran H. line. You nailed it about the spice quality, AD. This is a balanced and tempered smoke. Quite nice.

Starscream · 03-28-2009, 08:05 PM

I've been scared to try this stick. Thanks for the review. I'll have to pick up a 5er of these.

Ken · 11-30-2010, 11:42 AM

Good review, AD.

I have one left from my box of torpedos. I bought them on a whim and thought the price made for a good risk considering who makes them. I've enjoyed smoking every one of them. I guess they are medium and fit into any part of the day. I actually smoked one at 6am yesterday morning before work.

A good balance and consistant flavor and it produces plenty of smooth smoke. While I really do prefer something stronger, I will pick up another box.

kelmac07 · 11-30-2010, 11:55 AM

Nice review Andrew...thanks for sharing!!

Blak Smyth · 06-22-2011, 03:56 PM

Wheel of 30 for $39.99 on CI

11-17-2008, 09:24 PM	#1
AD720 I'm nuts for the place Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Andrew Location: The City of BOTL-erly Love Posts: 2,684 Trading: (73)	Blue Label Robusto (Gran Habano) Blue Label Robusto Size - 5x52 Wrapper - Habano Country - Honduras MSRP - $5.00 Price Paid - much less (right now on sale at CI for $59.00/box) These cigars are blended by Guillermo and George Rico, the guys behind the Gran Habano line, in the same Honduran factory. I picked up this Blue Label in a sampler of GH blends about 2 months ago. I have been looking forward to trying this as the GH line is favorite of mine, especially the 3 Siglos. Construction - Seems fair to good. Overall smooth wrapper with some large veins and the cap is a little rough but it is firm with no major soft spots. Bunching is good with no stems. Prelight - I clipped this one and the prelight draw is wide open but it doesn't seem too loose. I am tasting a bit of sweetness on the prelight. 1st Third - This lit up well and immediately yielded some light, sweet smoke with some nice spice on the nose. Definitely spicy, but not peppery, which is good for me because while I like spice I do not care for a peppery cigar. As I continue through the 1st third I am really enjoying this cigar. Some cedar, some spice, some cream. It is not at all up front with the spice, which just sort of blooms in back of my mouth and is tickling my nose on the exhale. I'd say at this point I am 50/50 nose/mouth. The burn is slow and pretty even and the draw is on the looser side. 2nd Third - Moving into the second third I am still getting the nice bit of spice but a picking up more sweetness - definitely cedar, and more creaminess. The burn got a little wonky and required a touch but we are back on track now. Still holding ash. Last third - The sweetness and cream are still hanging around but the spice is becoming more prevalent as well as a straight tobacco taste. Overall impressions - I have yet to be let down by any Gran Habano offering that I've had. Taking sale price into consideration this was a solid 8/10.

11-17-2008, 09:28 PM	#2
Scottw Going Commando Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Scott Location: Sussex, NJ Posts: 2,815 Trading: (6)	Re: Blue Label Robusto (Gran Habano) Nice review! I have been wondering a bit about these and am happy you shared it with us! __________________ "Ray when someone asks you if your a GOD you say yes."

11-17-2008, 09:59 PM	#3
Fumes Not So Memorious Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Tom Posts: 205 Trading: (0)	Re: Blue Label Robusto (Gran Habano) I was expecting these to be as generic as the brand name, but I was surprised. These are actually quite good, especially for the price. Nice review! __________________ It has been my experience that folks who have no vices have very few virtues. -A. Lincoln

11-18-2008, 02:15 PM	#4
Tio Gato Uncle Kitty Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Jeff Location: Casa Grande, AZ Posts: 2,075 Trading: (11)	Re: Blue Label Robusto (Gran Habano) In my opinion the Blue Label line is a bargain, especially if you buy them from the Devil site. I've gotten two boxes of these for less than 30 bucks. It's one of my favorite morning smokes with coffee. There is enough flavor to enjoy without smacking you in the head first thing in the morning. Often the 20 cigar sampler can also be had cheaply on the devil site. Thanks for that nice review. As I read it I wanted to go fire one up right away. __________________ "You stink like cigars Uncle Kitty!" Said my Boo age 3. "Kid, take care of your family and the hell with anyone else" My Grandpa Bubba. Last edited by Tio Gato; 11-18-2008 at 02:16 PM. Reason: spelling

11-19-2008, 09:25 AM	#6
gvarsity still crazy Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 621 Trading: (15)	Re: Blue Label Robusto (Gran Habano) Thanks for the review. I love the GH #5 and have been interested in the Blue label but have heard next to nothing about them. I'll have to pick up 5 or 20 of these next time I run out of will power to resist more purchases.

11-18-2008, 02:35 PM	#5
renton20 Still Watching My Back Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 212 Trading: (13)	Re: Blue Label Robusto (Gran Habano) Nice review. I picked up a 5er of these from the devil site on a whim and am now really looking forward to them

03-28-2009, 07:00 AM	#7
G G BR549 Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Greg Location: Taylor, FL. Posts: 12,730 Trading: (10)	Re: Blue Label Robusto (Gran Habano) Thanks for the review.

03-28-2009, 07:27 AM	#8
14holestogie Serial banter killer Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Tim Location: Clintonville, WI Posts: 4,341 Trading: (52)	Re: Blue Label Robusto (Gran Habano) Started my day today with the same cigar. You nailed it, Andrew. Nice review. __________________ *I loves me a Parti*

03-28-2009, 07:47 AM	#9
tenbaseg Saying no to daily deals! Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Garrett Location: Masshole Nation Posts: 1,094 Trading: (40)	Re: Blue Label Robusto (Gran Habano) Thanks for the review. I picked up a 5'er on the devil site a while back and enjoyed one of them a couple months ago. I have to say I was pretty surprised by it. It was better than I expected. Unlike Andrew, I like the spice/pepper profile and I found that this had enough to keep me interested but it wasn't overpowering. I wouldn't consider it mild by any means, but a great smoke for morning or early afternoon.

03-28-2009, 08:47 AM	#10
scooter Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Blue Label Robusto (Gran Habano) I bought a box of these also and enjoyed the one I have had so far.

03-28-2009, 12:15 PM	#11
Smoke Naked Still Watching My Back Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Bill Location: Whales Vagina Posts: 243 Trading: (0)	Re: Blue Label Robusto (Gran Habano) Just got 2 Churchill fivers from cigar.com daily deal, arrived 10 minutes ago only $19.90 shipped. Can't wait to try one. __________________ ♥ ♦ Palio Fanboy Here ♣ ♠

03-28-2009, 01:40 PM	#12
Catfish ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ MO FUGGA! Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: David Location: Lakeland, Fl. Posts: 1,707 Trading: (24)	Re: Blue Label Robusto (Gran Habano) Great review! Thanks! __________________ 1: It's ALWAYS Loaded. 2: Do Not Point It At Something Unless You Mean To Destroy It. 3: On Target, On Trigger. Off Target, Off Trigger. 4: Be Sure Of Your Target And What's Behind It.Join The NRA

03-28-2009, 07:40 PM	#13
bookman Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Blue Label Robusto (Gran Habano) Probably my fav of the Gran H. line. You nailed it about the spice quality, AD. This is a balanced and tempered smoke. Quite nice.

03-28-2009, 08:05 PM	#14
Starscream Knowhutimean, Vern? Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Andy Location: In a little town somewhere in the USA Posts: 10,237 Trading: (4)	Re: Blue Label Robusto (Gran Habano) I've been scared to try this stick. Thanks for the review. I'll have to pick up a 5er of these. __________________ Insert quote here.

11-30-2010, 11:42 AM	#15
Ken Still Watching My Back Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: New Albany, In Posts: 241 Trading: (0)	Re: Blue Label Robusto (Gran Habano) Good review, AD. I have one left from my box of torpedos. I bought them on a whim and thought the price made for a good risk considering who makes them. I've enjoyed smoking every one of them. I guess they are medium and fit into any part of the day. I actually smoked one at 6am yesterday morning before work. A good balance and consistant flavor and it produces plenty of smooth smoke. While I really do prefer something stronger, I will pick up another box.

11-30-2010, 11:55 AM	#16
kelmac07 Resident Maduro Whore!! Join Date: Apr 2009 First Name: Mac Location: Newport News, VA Posts: 27,322 Trading: (218)	Re: Blue Label Robusto (Gran Habano) Nice review Andrew...thanks for sharing!! __________________ Dom in the MLB thread "I could probably get you to wear a Yankee hat for a Maduro!"

06-22-2011, 03:56 PM	#17
Blak Smyth Think Blue! Join Date: Jun 2011 First Name: SD Location: THE WOOD Posts: 8,486 Trading: (52)	Re: Blue Label Robusto (Gran Habano) Wheel of 30 for $39.99 on CI