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If you tend to prefer medium-bodied cigars, we have two to review today that may interest you. Up first is the large Alec Family Blend GS57, which will be followed by the Viaje Fifty Fifty Red Label No. 1.
Alec Bradley Family Blend GS57
Alec Bradley's Family Blend line was originally released in 2009 as a tribute to the fathers of the company's three principal executives, including President Alan Rubin, Executive Vice President Ralph Montero, and Vice President of Sales George Sosa. The line was recently expanded with the addition of the GS57 size, which was released during the last week of May. Other sizes have succeeded in earning high ratings from critics, so let's find out if the GS57 can measure up to its predecessors.
The Family Blend GS57 is quite large, measuring in at 6 x 60. Alan Rubin decided on the cigar's size to appeal to the market for larger ring gauges. It's not the first time the brand has released such a thick cigar, however, as its Maxx and Maxx Connecticut lines have preceded the GS57 with some success. Other sizes in the Family Blend line include the 4 1/2 x 58 D3, 5 1/2 x 50 VR1, 6 x 54 BX2, 6 1/8 x 52 T11, and 7 x 50 M23. The cigar features a filler blend of Honduran and Nicaraguan tobaccos. The binder is Indonesian, and the wrapper is of the Honduran Trojes variety. A pigtail cap completes the GS57, which is handmade in Honduras at the Fabrica de Tabacos Raices Cubanas S. de R.L. factory. The Family Blend is listed as medium-bodied in strength.
The GS57 is an attractive cigar, and I cannot help but notice its thickness. The chocolate brown wrapper has a decent amount of veins and little oil. The decorative band near the head displays the Family Blend moniker over a red and gold color scheme that adds a nice touch to the cigar's overall appearance. Touching the cigar reveals that it is well-packed with tobacco, but not overly firm. As is usually the case with Alec Bradley offerings, this is a cigar with solid construction. Before lighting, there's a mild spiciness to the scent. The cold taste, on the other hand, is earthy.
Lighting the GS57 does take a bit of work due to its size. Once lit, however, the cigar burns without any major issues. The burn stays even from beginning to end. There is no need for touch-ups or re-lights, so you can really concentrate on the cigar instead of having to babysit. The draw is just right. There's plenty of smoke produced, and the gray ash is solid. We are all good in this department.
