I wish I had better things to say about this little robusto. I had never smoked a Graycliff before and I've always thought they were a little pricey. This one's been sitting in the humi about 2 years now and I was excited to finally give it a try. sorry no pics but if you're interested this is it.
http://www.stogieguys.com/sg-content...be0242be21.jpg
Pre-light was typical delicious sweet tobacco. Toasted up real nice but the first few draws were bitter, bitter, nasty bitter. just unpleasant. I suppose the only positive comparison I could make would be straight espresso, no milk, no sugar.
The ash was dark grey with some black (not unlike a typical Cuban) but weak. We're talking, not even an inch would stay together before dropping. I tried to smoke slowly to minimize the bitterness but the damn thing had to be almost constantly nursed to avoid going out. I could'nt set it down for more than 60 seconds without having to puff like crazy to get it going again.
The bitterness started to fade about 1/2 way through and I could enjoy the taste a little more but the flavors didn't really develop into anything impressive. just straight tobacco, not sweet, spicy, or cocoa, just sort of blah. not bad, enjoyable but boring, more like a decent bundle cigar than a $15 premium smoke. I stuck with it until it started to get hot which didn't take much because of constant puffing necessary to keep it going.
I try not to take cost into account when reviewing a cigar and this one was part of a trade so I didn't really pay for it but had I bought this myself I would have been severely disappointed. I understand these retail for for around $15. The same I would expect to pay for a Padron 64 or Opus X. The flavor was just not even in the same universe as I would expect from any cigar in this price range.
I haven't given up on this brand but I don't think I'll be buying any with my own money. Nevertheless, I'd be interested to hear others thoughts on Graycliff cigars in general since it doesn't seem to be a widely discussed brand. For instance, why the high price? scarcity? If there are some good one's out there that are worth the $$$, which line is the best?
I apologize to any Graycliff whores here. By all means, share your thoughts so I might be willing to give this brand another try.
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So far I've tried their Red Label Original, Blue Label Profesionale, Pearl Label Crystal, and Black Label Espresso and really didn't care for the flavor profile on any of them. I do have a Double Expresso that's been sitting for almost a year that I need to try, so we'll see what happens.
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Graycliffs have been very hit and miss for me. I did get a mazo of Double Espressos a year or so ago that have been incredible, but the rest have been real spotty.
I have a pile of 1666's that should be about ready to try. I've only ever had one, but it was still sick. It was awful, too.
Thanks for the review!!!
:-)
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