General Observations: This is a size I have really come to love. It’s virtually the same size as one of my all-time favorites, the Fuente 8-5-8 Flor Fina, which got me into this size. The smoke was well balanced, semi-sweet with a predominantly woody flavor. Some spicier notes appeared in the second half as well as nutmeg and a note of espresso. It was also at this point that the cigar became much more complex. With this many different tobaccos all chugging at once, it really delivers a lot of flavor, and I would classify it more as “medium-full.”
Summary: The first time I smoked this cigar (same size) was with Jose Blanco and Guillermo Leon in Señor Leon’s office during ProCigar 2011 last February. I liked it instantly and paired it with espresso. It wasn’t until I bought a box a couple of months ago that I got into this blend. The cigars have settled nicely, and I would classify this cigar as more of an after-dinner smoke. You should smoke it under conditions where you can really relax and concentrate on it, or you may miss a lot of its finer qualities. As you can see from my photo, I smoked it down to about an inch, yet this nubber never became bitter, even with all the touch-ups and relights. For me, this is the sign of a really well-made cigar. The only negative was the slightly irregular burn, but past GLS Gran Coronas I’ve smoked did not exhibit this. I think pairing it with espresso or a dark liquor might make for a better match, though. Highly recommended for smokers at all levels of experience.
Rating: ???
See all Guillermo Leon Signature cigars.
Rating scale
? = Fair to Midland
?? = Good
??? = Excellent
???? = Outstanding
????? = Extraordinary
Executive Editor
Gary Korb has been writing and editing content for CigarAdvisor.com since its debut in 2008. An avid cigar smoker for over 30 years, he has worked on the marketing side of the premium cigar business as a Sr. Copywriter, blogger, and Executive Editor of Cigar Advisor. A graduate of the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, prior to his career in the cigar business, Gary worked in the music and video industry as a marketer and a publicist.
Show all Gary Korb's Articles
Reading Time: 3 minutes Gary says there’s been a good buzz going around in his cigar lounge about the Rojas Los Tejanos Lancero, so he decided to smoke it himself. Watch now and see how this Noel Rojas & Edgar “OSOK” Hoill collaboration blend worked out.
Reading Time: 4 minutes This week we’re reviewing Macanudo Dark Rum. Is this blend just another infused creation, or does it deliver a traditional cigar experience that’s merely infused with flavor? Watch the review to see if it’s worth a try!
Reading Time: 2 minutes In a first for the bestselling Macanudo Inspirado brand, their upcoming release, Macanudo Inspirado Tercio-Aged, will be a two vitola, limited edition selection that utilizes the time-honored tradition of aging tobaccos in palm bark bales. For the full story, click here.
Reading Time: 4 minutes Gary and Khuong are #nowsmoking what is, arguably, Protocol’s most luxurious, full-flavored cigar to-date; watch their Protocol Sir Robert Peel cigar review now for all the details!
