Graycliff Espresso Elegante review

[moki]

Graycliff Espresso Elegante (7 ¼" x 3

Other than a brief dalliance with the Crystal line, I've never had much interest in cigars from Graycliff. They are certainly well made, but for the prohibitive price tag, I expect something far more interesting out their cigars than what the various Graycliff lines offer.

Enter the Espresso line. This is the one line from Graycliff that has a unique enough taste that I consider it to be worth the money for an occasional indulgence. The blend was created by Graycliff owner Enrico Garzaroli in conjunction with their master blender, Avelino Lara, who previously blended cigars in Fidel's factories in Cuba.

The Espresso line uses a unique hybrid Cuban Corojo seed tobacco grown in Costa Rica for its maduro wrapper, with a blend of aged Nicaraguan, Ecuadorian ligero, and Philippine Simaba for the filler. The binder is Cameroon, though I'm not sure where it originates from... it may simply be Cameroon seed grown elsewhere.

There result is a very unique tasting cigar that while is not infused with flavor of any kind, does indeed impart a taste that hints the rich, bittersweet, earthy nuances of a well made espresso. The Graycliff Espressos are rich, full-flavored cigars, while simultaneously being very smooth, with only fleeting hints of spice.

They are similar to the Padron 1964/1926 lines of cigars, not necessarily in taste, but in the aforementioned characteristic of offering a rich tasting experience, while being incredibly smooth. Lanceros are one of my favorite vitolas, so it's no surprise that I happen to appreciate these Graycliff Espresso Elegantes fully.

[LasciviousXXX]

Nice review Andrew. I was looking at the new pic on your site of the box of Elegantes.

They look nice. These are probably the best NC's I've ever had. Won't make me switch sides but they will make me smoke NC's more often LOL

[icehog3]

Expressos are probably my second favorite NC right behind the Anejos. Just awesome, rich cigars. Complexity beyond almost any other NC. Thanks for the great review Andrew.

[moki]

Originally Posted by LasciviousXXX

Nice review Andrew. I was looking at the new pic on your site of the box of Elegantes.

They look nice. These are probably the best NC's I've ever had. Won't make me switch sides but they will make me smoke NC's more often LOL

There is no side! They are all just cigars......

[moki]

Originally Posted by icehog3

Expressos are probably my second favorite NC right behind the Anejos. Just awesome, rich cigars. Complexity beyond almost any other NC. Thanks for the great review Andrew.

The Lancero vitola for this blend is the stand-out among the line, IMHO.