Graycliff 1666 Presidente & Pirate

[craigchilds]

Graycliff 1666
Size: 7.0 x 48 (Presidente), 6.0 x 52 (Pirate-torpedo)
Wrapper: Japaltec, Mexico
Binder: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Filler: Peruvian, Columbian, Brazilian, and Mexican
Price: $10

1666 is Graycliff's newest line, named to commemorate the year a church was built on the land that now holds the Graycliff Hotel.

Other than Casa Magna, I can't think of another cigar in the last two years that has generated as much debate as this one. A cursory internet search yields all kinds of opinions all over the map. I've seen several "best cigar I've ever had" reviews. One of my favorite cigar sites StogieGuys.com rated the Pirate (torpedo) at 4/5 stogies, comparing it to OpusX. On the other hand, I've also seen several complaints about construction. A lot of people seem to label all Graycliff cigars "chump sticks" because of their ridiculously high prices. Others point to the 1666 as proof that Graycliff has finally "sold out", primarily because it's the first cigar not rolled at the Graycliff resort in Naussau.

So what did I think?

I'm not usually very fond of maduros. First, they have an oddly bittersweet, almost chemical taste that I don't enjoy. Second, they veer towards coffee flavors rather than spicy flavors. The 1666 is no exception, although I must note, in its favor, that the unpleasant maduro tastes faded quickly after the first inch and the cigar assumed a very rich, creamy profile with a unique taste of raisins.

I enjoyed several of these floating my new swimming pool. They burned slow. I never encountered a significant construction issue. They pair well with either Yuengling lager or Willet's single-barrel Kentucky bourbon.

I still prefer a more rough-and-tumble, peppery, full-bodied Nicaraguan puro wrapped in a corojo or criollo leaf. But as far as maduros go, these were top-notch.

[92hatchattack]

Im with you really. I dont care who makes it or where it is rolled, so far the 1666 is the best cigar ive tasted. I really love it. I've had minor burn issues but nothing enough to make me stop enjoying the flavors. They are expesnive, but im seeing if you hunt around for deals they can be had around $5 a stick.

[craigchilds]

Originally Posted by 92hatchattack

They are expesnive, but im seeing if you hunt around for deals they can be had around $5 a stick.

I've bought about 10 of them for around $2/stick. They've come from various CBID samplers and humidor deals.

[92hatchattack]

You've been buying alot of samplers then. Im just a newbie. LOL

[craigchilds]

Originally Posted by 92hatchattack

You've been buying alot of samplers then. Im just a newbie. LOL

Had to fill up my new 300-ct humidor.

[golfermd]

Thanks for your review. The jury is still for me as far as Maduros are concerned.

[ribletman]

I smoked the Pirate a couple days ago, but I did not wait long enough after shipping. It was harsh, could not stay lit, and had too tight a draw... too much humidity. That is my bad but I just really wanted to try one right away. A different cigar I smoked from the same shipment the previous day was really good. I will try another after the remaining Pirates have sat in the humi for a while.

[craigchilds]

Originally Posted by ribletman

I smoked the Pirate a couple days ago, but I did not wait long enough after shipping. It was harsh, could not stay lit, and had too tight a draw... too much humidity. That is my bad but I just really wanted to try one right away. A different cigar I smoked from the same shipment the previous day was really good. I will try another after the remaining Pirates have sat in the humi for a while.

I've found I have to age anything from CI or CBID at least a month

[orca99usa]

I smoked the Pirate a couple days ago, but I did not wait long enough after shipping. It was harsh, could not stay lit, and had too tight a draw... too much humidity. That is my bad but I just really wanted to try one right away.

I had the same experience with some Fonseca Habana Selecciones I bought from CI a couple of years ago. Before I realized that CI overhumidifies their cigars before shipping, I grabbed one out of the box and lit it up. The wrapper splayed like a party favor, the stick was harsh and it dropped hot ash in my lap at unpredictable intervals. I was ready to give up on the whole batch. When I pulled another one out about a week later, I found it to be a great smoke. They have been a staple in my humidor ever since.

The 1666 would be a staple, too, were it not for the price. I grab a few on CBid every now and then if I can get them cheap.

[tzaddi]

Originally Posted by craigchilds

Graycliff 1666
Size: 7.0 x 48 (Presidente), 6.0 x 52 (Pirate-torpedo)
Wrapper: Japaltec, Mexico
Binder: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Filler: Peruvian, Columbian, Brazilian, and Mexican
Price: $10

1666 is Graycliff's newest line, named to commemorate the year a church was built on the land that now holds the Graycliff Hotel.

I was wondering where the 1666 came from. I am sure there is more to that story as here is a photo I took of the plaque that hangs on the Graycliff compound wall. Perhaps they could have called it the 1694



I have most of what's left of a bundle in a cedar box in the cooler somewhere.