Author: danielhonigman

(Note: This review originally appeared on CigarJack. And yes, I know this isn’t a new week, but I really don’t want to post this next week!)

Brand: Graycliff
Line: G2
Vitola: Churchill 7 x 48
Origin: Bahamas
Wrapper: Ecuadorian
Binder: Costa Rican
Filler: Costa Rican, Nicaraguan and Philippino tobaccos
Body: Medium
Strength: Medium
Box Price: $170.99 (Box of 25)

Another day, another Graycliff. But who’s complaining?

Several weeks ago, I reviewed the Graycliff Professionale, a mighty tasty cigar. At $20 a pop, though, who has the cash to smoke these on a regular basis?

With this in mind, the company, which features Cohiba vet Avelino Lara
as its go-to cigar blender, has a budget (read: normal-priced) offering, the G2.

Basically, the G2 is a good, mild (daresay luxurious?) smoke. But here’s where it gets interesting: It’s full-bodied, but really, really creamy-tasting. I was taken aback a bit, I won’t lie. As the cigar progressed, I was struck by its intensity, and while most cigars may become more nutty and a bit darker, this one stayed consistent throughout. If anything, it got a tad spicy towards the very end.

The cigars burn evenly and have a nice draw. Also, one thing I’ve noticed with G2s is that the ash is always superb. It looks super, super delicate and flaky, almost to the point where it looks like it’ll fall off. For some reason, though, it seems to hang on.

Verdict: If I were a Graycliff guy, I’d say this one is right up my alley.

Similar cigars: Compare this to the AVO 40.

Brand: CAO
Line: Cameroon L’Anniversaire
Vitola: Belicoso 6 x 54
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Cameroon
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Body: Mild-to-Medium
Strength: Mild-to-Medium
Box Price: $133.95 (Box of 20)

Description: In 1998, Nashville-based CAO released its box-pressed L’Anniversaire line to celebrate the company’s 30th anniversary. Now, I don’t smoke too many box-pressed cigars, but I inherited a humidor full of CAO Maduros when I was 17, and I feel nostalgic whenever I smoke one.

The CAO Cameroon was introduced in 1999 to some critical success, but I occasionally tend to be on the late end of the cigar adoption bell curve, so I’ve never tried one. Until now, that is.

When I think of a CAO cigar, I think of quality, and the Cameroon is no exception. The cigar looks pretty good. It’s leathery-looking and doesn’t have too many veins. Now–some of you may hate me for this–but with Toro-shaped cigars, I use my cutter to take only a teeny bit off, and then I chew the crap out of it. So when I lit this stogie up, I got a really nice, even burn, and an amazing draw. (A couple of days later, I had one that, due to my own negligence, was a bit dry. I found the burn was no less brilliant.)

When I started the CAO Cameroon, I found it to have hints of cinnamon; but as I smoked it down, it smoothed out all the way to the nub. With this cigar, you’ll really able to appreciate its caramel and coffee overtones. I recommend pairing it with a cup of coffee.

Verdict: This tasty cigar is smooth as hell. There’s no question why it’s one of CAO’s more popular cigars.

Similar cigars: Taste-wise, you’ll find the Arturo Fuente Don Carlos line to be similar.

(This post originally appeared on CigarJack.)