Graycliff Crystal Pirate review

[moki]

I picked up a few sticks from the Graycliff Crystal Pirate line at a local smoke shop, because I'd long been curious about this particular cigar. Apparently the story is that there is a resort in the Bahamas (Nassau) called The Graycliff. The owner loves cigars, and decided to create his own resort-branded cigar. Normally this would be a recipe for disaster, but apparently a number of experts were hired, and the dream became a reality.

Smoke Magazine gave this particular cigar a 4.7 rating, which matches their highest-ever score for a cigar, so I was intrigued. The cigar itself is a nicely rolled Torpedo with a dark brown wrapper, slightly veiny, but all in all, it appears well-constructed. I sparked it up almost immediate after taking it from the smoke shop humidor, so it's possible it needed a bit of settling time in a slightly less humid environment.

It canoed a bit at first, but after I rectified that, it burned well, though the greyish-white ash did split a bit several times. It's a medium-strong cigar, with a slightly bitter-sweet aftertaste for the first few draws; almost tasted a bit young at first.

About 3/4 of the way into the cigar, it started hitting its stride flavor-wise, with leathery overtones, a nice little spicy kick to it, which left a pleasant milky taste in my mouth. I also tasted a little hint of Padrón-esque nuttiness to it; I wonder if it uses Nicaraguan tobacco?

This is a cigar that started out a bit wobbly, but really picks up in terms of flavor as it burns down, gaining in strength and spiciness, but without ever becoming harsh or unpleasant. I'd liken it to a less spicy Opus X, but with heavier, earthier flavors, that leaves a nice tingling sensation in your mouth.

Personally, I enjoyed this cigar quite a bit, but I do think it needs a bit of aging to eliminate some of the young/rough edges -- not much, a few months should be fine. It isn't a cigar that blows you away with any particularly distinct, strong taste like the Opus X/Padrón Anniversaries do, but rather combines a few flavors in a pleasant manner, resulting in a bold, enjoyable, multi-faceted smoke.

The downside is that these cigars cost a pretty penny (roughly $20 a stick, depending on your state tobacco tax). My advice would be to obtain one and give it a shot to see if it is to your liking. It certainly was to mine, I can see why Smoke Magazine was so enthusiastic about it. Good stuff, and it'll be even better after it has rested in my humidor for a month or two. I'm looking forward to that.

[one90proof]

Dude, I read your (always excellent) reviews and feel like crying. Down here where I live I can't get ½ the sticks you've reviewed on this site.

Oh well, maybe it's a good thing not having $20 sticks so easily available. I do enough damage buying PAMs.

Keep the reviews coming, Moki. If I can't smoke 'em at least I can read about 'em. I guess soon I'll have to make a road trip to find some of these premium smokes. I'm sure I would have better luck in New Orleans.

[Churchlady]

I picked up a few Graycliff crystals and don't know which size they are...

6" and looks torpedo - they're fat too! (about the size of a padron '26, without the box press)

looking at the review board - it looks like the pirate, but when I put a quarter next to it it lookes bigger than in your pic. I hate being a newbie!!!

I can't wait to get into these now! Thanks for a great review - I'll know what to watch out for!

[emdub23]

Moki ......wow your post are amazing and damn you smoke some good cigars. Nice taste.

[OnePyroTec]

Nice review, I have not had a GC I did not like.

Wonder if the Espresso line is on the market yet??? I had a pre-release, it by far is the best one of all their lines.

Just my $.02

OPT

[Da Klugs]

Originally Posted by moki

It isn't a cigar that blows you away with any particularly distinct, strong taste like the Opus X/Padrón Anniversaries do, but rather combines a few flavors in a pleasant manner, resulting in a bold, enjoyable, multi-faceted smoke.

Moki Nice Review of what I think is a wonderful cigar. Wish I could figure out how to get pictures in the body of the review like that. IMHO this cigar also changes in flavor more than most during the burn. A little digression on the Hotel and restaurant, I've been there a couple of times. The Graycliff is the only 5 star restaurant in the Bahamas at least it was a couple of years ago. They have a roller there during dinner time and you can request a fresh rolled from any of their lines of cigars (pretty cool). You can smoke in the lounge or if you eat on the patio out there as well. It aint cheap but its as nice as it gets in Nassau. The guy they brought in is Avelino Lara creator of the Cohiba brand and was rumored to have been Castro's personal roller. In an interview he denied it but in a Hmm is he telling the truth kind of way. These sticks are outrageously overpriced but they have a unique taste to them. They say they put grecian in them, whatever that is, could be part of the unusual flavor.

I've got a few of these resting from last year. Thanks for reviewing this, gonna smoke one and see what they are like with a little age on them. I'll post it here in a few days if your interested.

[BBMF]

Originally Posted by OnePyroTec

Nice review, I have not had a GC I did not like.

Wonder if the Espresso line is on the market yet??? I had a pre-release, it by far is the best one of all their lines.

Just my $.02

OPT

the espresso is defineately on the market and is a fantastic cigar. They are just so hard to come by. Still have not figured out why more shops aren't carrying the line.

[Yasha]

Does anybody know what happened to Moki? He posted some fabulous reviews which I looked forward to and then disappeared.