Graycliff Chateau PG Robusto

Score: 9.0

Nice, oily Costa Rican natural wrapper. Somewhat veiny, but not too distracting. Although its chocolatey color was appealing, it was not even throughout, as one might expect for a cigar of this class. This Robusto sample I was given had a bushy foot, which is how Graycliff likes to offer them. It's impressive, but they're not presented this way in the box.

I clipped off the excess tobacco. The cap was well formed and after clipping the draw was superb with a leathery pre-lit flavor. The cigar toasted-up nicely and the first few puffs were quite flavorful. Quite complex actually with a shot of spice on the finish. Since the cigar drew so easily the smoke was very creamy and became a little spicier with each puff.

The ash was somewhat flakey with a dark grey & silver pattern. After the first inch the cigar settled down a bit. The flavors became much earthier, and noticeably sweeter while maintaining that zesty finish.

As I continued to smoke this cigar, what really impressed me was the aroma. An ambrosial fog of earth, spice, and sweet-cedar. I also noticed that if you let the cigar breathe a little between puffs, it's not as spicy. The smoke never became too overpowering but by the halfway mark I was convinced this cigar was made to be spicy, like a piquant salsa.

The cigar burned very well for the most part. At times it started to angle but quickly righted itself. Certainly one of the most complex cigars I've had in a while.

I think this cigar is very much dependent on how sensitive your palate is. I would prefer to refrain from mentioning any specific flavors other than those I've already alluded to. This is one cigar you really have to smoke for yourself to appreciate. If you like very spicy luxury cigars not unlike the Fuente Fuente OpusX, I'd say this Chateau Gran Cru PG Robusto is a must-try.

Appearance: 9
Construction: 9
Burn: 8
Draw: 10
Aroma: 10
Flavor: 9
Final Score: 9.0

Suggested retail price: $18.00 U.S./cigar

To see all the photos from our Graycliff cigar dinner that was held on April 20, 2007 at Silvercreek C.C. in Hellertown, PA, please click here.