Gran Habano 20th Aniversario Cigar Review

“It is with great pride that after 27 years in business as a company, we celebrate the 20th anniversary of our brand, Gran Habano,” said company co-founder, George Rico. Once the decision was made to honor the 20 year milestone, the inspiration for the line’s three vitolas was drawn on the first chapter, or Capitulo I of the Gran Habano story: El Sueño (The Dream), El Desafío (The Struggle), and El Triunfo (The Success). Factory: G.R. Tabacaleras Unidas S.A. – Danlí, Honduras Size: 5”x 52 Robusto Strength: Medium-Full Wrapper: Nicaraguan Jalapa Corojo (aged 4 yrs.) Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Colombia, Nicaragua, Peru The Nicaraguan Jalapa wrapper is flawless in appearance and even in color. Veins are virtually invisible, giving the cigar a smooth leathery look. The triple cap was textbook and I didn’t find any soft spots along the cigar. The cigar started out with a medium body and a woody-nutty flavor. Shortly after that, a tangy citrus noted dropped-in, but didn’t hang around very long. The smoke was smooth and creamy and a hint of vanilla drifted by at one point. Mostly woody, delicately spicy, and nutty, a more palpable taste of honey on wheat toast added just the right amount of sweetness. As to its price, the 20th Aniversario is stickered well above Gran Habano’s other lines. Yet considering the choice of tobaccos, the construction, complexity, balance, and lest we not forget that cigar prices are much higher these days, I’ll defend it. Moreover, I believe the 20th Aniversario selection can comfortably coexist with the leading luxury class cigars.