FEBRUARY 19, 2023 - PHIL KURUT, COMEDY - CIGARS - MUSIC
FAMILY X LOYALTY GERI GRAN TORO (6 x 54)
WRAPPER: ECUADORIAN HABANO
BINDER: CRIOLLO ‘98
FILLER: CRIOLLO ’98, COROJO, NICARAGUA, PENNSYLVANIA
Subtle chocolate and vanilla provide an inspired introduction from a smooth, easy pull. Earth, cinnamon, and hints of white pepper meander along within another pull or two.
Smoke flows copiously, filling the air with wood, chocolate, spice, and cinnamon. White pepper rests substantially but unobtrusively on the palate. A floral note, dandelion to be exact, and dark chocolate find a few nooks and crannies in which to wander. Out the nose, there’s earth and dark chocolate.
The burn line’s subtle hills and valleys flow well together, never disrupting my enjoyment. Solid ash holds on well to its base.
A portion of the wrapper partially detaches from the body when the oversized wrapper is removed, but it never causes an issue.
Chocolate malt begins to permeate throughout the entire flow of the smoke. It moves through the pull, retrohale, and finish. Excellent foundation. Smoked plum finds a through line. That’s nice.
Dark chocolate twists and turns with the chocolate malt, which provides some more dimension, while an increasing creaminess adds some heft. Coffee sneaks in at the end.
The hills and valleys end up needing some assistance to keep things on track, but they're fairly minor and unbothersome, given the overall performance. Geri is a good one.
SMOKE TIME: 1 hr. 44 mins.
RATING: 3.5 / 4 - Smooth and tasty.
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