Gran Habano Corojo No. 5 Maduro Limitada 2011
It was back in early June when I was sitting in the Stogie Press lounge watching my beloved Red Sox when I decided to enjoy one of many samples I recently received from George Rico and Gran Habano Cigars. Back in March of 2015 I had the pleasure of meeting with George at his cigar shop in Little Havana, Miami and like all good “brothers of the leaf” we have stayed in touch since. For those that are not familiar with Gran Habano, they are a medium size cigar company based out of Miami, FL that has been cranking out some terrific cigars over the years – 20 years in fact. GR Tabacaleras Unidas (Gran Habano Cigars) was founded in 1995 by a third generation leaf grower, Guillermo Rico and his son George and though not on everyone’s radar screen, they have some gems to entice your palate.
At last years IPCPR, The company announced a number of new releases one of which was the Maduro N0. 5 Limitada. This cigar is available in 5 vitolas:
- 5 x 52 Robusto
- 6 x 54 Gran Robusto
- 6 x 60 Imperiales
- 6 x 66 CZAR
- 7 1/2 x 58 Triumph
Made at G.R. Tabacaleras Unidas S.A. in Honduras, they are all available in 20 count boxes and like the man he is, George did not raise his prices in 2015 so these are available in a range of $6.00 to $8.30. Considering the price move on cigars over the years this is an excellent price point.
As far as the blend is concerned, the Maduro N0. 5 Limitada is wrapped with Nicaraguan corojo which is also used for the binder. The filler is a blend of Nicaraguan and Costa Rican leaf.
This night I selected the Gran Robusto for watching the ball game. The Maduro N0. 5 Limitada is a slightly rugged looking cigar that has some noticeable veins running along the dark brown barrel. It is bumpy to the touch but solid throughout. Looking at the foot there is plenty of dark leaf packed into this cigar.
As I brought it to my nose I was quite pleased with the pre-light aroma; sweet fermented tobacco, some spice, and a touch of red wine along the barrel while the foot is giving off some cocoa and a tickle of pepper. Slicing the cap and giving it some cold draw puffs, I picked up lots of red pepper in the slightly restricted draw.
I used my single torch lighter, which I received from Gran Habano to toast it up, getting the foot nice and red as I gave it some initial puffs that were filled with the cold draw pepper, red wine, and spice. A definite dried cherry flavor enters with a long finish, delighting the my palate. the ash is dark grey with a medium thickness to the char line.
By the way, did you all catch the ESPN replays of the Red Sox game I was watching. You have to love Mookie Betts. The man jacks 3 home runs in the game and makes an amazing catch in the outfield to single handedlywin that game. I love this 2016 Red Sox team, they are entertaining and fun to watch.
The smoke production is medium so far on the Gran Habano Corojo No. 5 Maduro Limitada 2011 as the flavor shifts to a woody flavor as it moves into the 2nd third along with a floral and fruit aroma. After a few more puffs, the flavor gets a little sweeter and there is an almond note that rests in the back of the profile. A small run developed midway through which required a touch up but then it all went fine from there. The aroma has also shifted to spice and a pepper sensation. By the end of the 2nd third the smoke fills out with a touch of coffee and a long dry cherry finish.
As the Maduro N0. 5 Limitada gets into the final third it continues to build on the cherry and spice down to the nub. the ash carried for a good inch and a half once I did the touch up.
Overall the Gran Habano Corojo No. 5 Maduro Limitada 2011 was a delicious cigar from foot to nub. It did have a slight burn issue but that was easily corrected with a touch up. It was a solid medium strength cigar, that in my mind is well worth the price point. If I was to pair this, I would choose a ruby port and some 80% dark chocolate or even a fine IPA. I would like to thank George and Gran Habano for the sample.
Gran Habano Corojo No. 5 Maduro Limitada 2011