Score: 8.3
Review by Hayward Tenney
Gran Habano Cigars seems to be one of these under-sung companies that make good cigars at very reasonable prices. To their enviable stable of cigars they’ve added the GH2 series, which is currently available only at Famous Smoke Shop. Recently, I had the opportunity to smoke the 5 5/8″ x 46 Corona Gorda.
I immediately noticed that it was very well constructed – well-packed with no soft spots, and had a nice, balanced feel in the hand. The Nicaraguan Habano wrapper is dark, smooth and oily.
GH2 shows a flavor of cocoa-dusted nuts on the pre-light. Once lit, mild spice, pepper and cocoa form the base of the flavor profile. The burn required a couple of touchups, but this is unsurprising, given that it’s a Habano wrapper. There’s a pronounced sweetness in the aroma that I also found very appealing.
The 2nd third built noticeably in body, revealing deeper flavors of earth, some complex sweetness, and a nutty aroma. At this point I would call it medium to full-bodied, but very full-flavored.
The final third builds to a full-bodied smoke. Some notes of bitter chocolate peek through, and the aroma becomes burly, like a punch in the face that actually makes you smile a bit.
In addition to some touchups, the cigar went out once. Although I had to relight, I didn’t encounter any bitterness. That being said, I would definitely store these cigars at a lower RH, and maybe even “dry box” them before smoking. The white and dark gray ash is medium firm and holds a respectable 1″ before falling off.
Overall, this was an enjoyable smoke. If you appreciate Gran Habano’s fuller-bodied offerings, GH2 cigars certainly present a value that’s well worth checking out.
Appearance: 9
Construction: 9
Burn: 9
Draw: 7
Aroma: 8
Flavor: 8
Final Score: 8.3
When he's not busy writing, editing, smoking cigars, or raising his many, many children, Hayward " "It's Lou, not Hayward" " Tenney spends his days combating confusion about his real name (it's Hayward, but please - call him " "Lou" ") and mourning the matrimonially-induced loss of his moustache (what's he gonna do with all that moustache wax he made?).
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