Cigar Review: Graycliff 10 Year Vintage Maduro
Review by Luc Blanchard, Official MMC Reviewer (@mysticks35mm)
Graycliff 10 Year Vintage Maduro
INFO
Size: Robusto 5.2 x 50
Wrapper – Connecticut broadleaf
Binder – Honduran
Filler – Honduran/Nicaraguan
Strength 💨💨💨🥖🥖🥖
Graham
Coffee
Hazelnut
Vanilla bean
Bakers spice (cinnamon)
Cocoa
REVIEW
Noticed immediately is this cigar’s covering, a very oily wrapper leaf with minimal veining and a prominent sandpaper tooth throughout. The pre light aroma is of rich and very intense dried figs/cocoa. A straight cut leads to an open draw and is also the second review from the September (#40) box from My Monthly Cigars.
A toast/light and the beginnings of this extremely slick and toothy beauty. In the introductory puffs we see a mild cigar that gives up some very creamy values. Notes of graham, coffee and hazelnut are already on center stage as the retro and finish gives up an interesting vanilla bean quality. Into the end of the 1/3 and the burn is ultra straight. Although quick burning, a powdery, jet white ash grows on a super thin ash fringe. The notes are consistent as a mild baker's spice of cinnamon is found deep in the finish.
Getting into the middle 2/3 and this cigar is spectacular. Beyond the absolute quality of the build and choices of tobacco, we now see the introduction of a very tasty cocoa on the pallet, making for a complex journey considering we are not past the ½ way point. At the ½ way, we see consistency and as much of this cigar, creamy and rich tastes are noticed on an oily finish. Considering its maduro advertising, this cigar's flavor notes and strength is contradictory to most in its class.
Getting into the beginnings of the 2/3 and consistent, both in favor, notes and burn. There is however, a light increase in strength but it still remains shy of medium. The cocoa and baking spice are joined by a toasted component as well.
The nub end offers up the same values as the 3/3 but is simply magnified and reaches medium to medium plus in strength. An impeccably constructed cigar that does not fail to impress with its complex and rich flavors.