Notes & évaluations
Note de la rédaction
Note des amateurs
Soyez le premier
Organoleptic profile
Strength
mild
Balance
good
Draw
perfect
Intensity
expressive
- Bouquet
- complex
- Finish
- medium
- Ash color
- white
- Smoke output
- medium
Aroma profile
Secondary aromas
Tasting notes
The Griffin's Classic No. 500, a cigar measuring 127 mm in length and 16.7 mm in diameter, showcases a brilliant Ecuadorian wrapper. The delicate yellow wrapper captivates with its luminous reflections and silky texture upon handling. Its impeccable construction ensures an easy draw, paying homage to the art of cigar making.
Upon first contact, the nose is enchanted by vibrant pre-light aromas of hazelnut and vanilla, accompanied by a hint of white pepper. Upon lighting, these nuances continue to unfold, giving way to a delicate floral sensation, while the flavor settles in smoothly, revealing a rich and enticing Dominican character.
On the palate, the development is harmonious throughout the three thirds. In the first third, hazelnut intertwines with subtle notes of cocoa and leather, creating a soft and elegant texture. The second third explores spicier nuances, with an intensity revealing finely balanced aromas, while the final third offers a slight increase in strength, never becoming bitter or overwhelming, allowing for a pleasurable experience until the last puff.
The finish is marked by a long and pleasant sensation, where the residual sweetness is complemented by a beautiful retrohale, leaving an impression of elegance and finesse. This balance between strength and sweet aromas makes the Griffin's Classic No. 500 a unique cigar in the landscape of premium cigars.
Ideal for a sunny afternoon or as an aperitif, this cigar pairs perfectly with an espresso or a lightly peated whisky, offering a memorable tasting experience with every draw.
Community impressions
Enthusiasts of this cigar highlight its pleasant balance with pre-light aromas of hazelnut and vanilla, while remaining smooth. Its impeccable construction ensures an easy draw and a good flavor evolution. Although it has its critics regarding its price, many consider it a beautiful introduction to the world of Dominican cigars.
How to taste: Griffin's Classic No. 500
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1.Visual Examination
The Griffin's Classic No. 500 features a light brown to golden Ecuador wrapper, silky to the touch. Its construction is very beautiful, and its dimensions of 127 mm in length with a ring gauge of 42 make it a Marevas format, ideal for a concentrated tasting.
This initial analysis allows for an understanding of the cigar's craftsmanship quality, an essential indicator for anticipating a pleasant smoking experience.
2.Pre-light Aromas
Before lighting, a bouquet of aromas is perceived where notes of hazelnut and vanilla dominate, with a subtle hint of pepper. These pre-light aromas foreshadow the richness that the tobacco will offer once lit.
Exposure to these natural aromas prepares the palate and sharpens attention to the subtleties that will reveal themselves during the tasting.
3.The Cut
Executed with a standard straight cut, the head of the Griffin's Classic No. 500 is adequately freed for an optimal draw. A precise cut ensures unobstructed airflow.
A well-executed cut is essential to guarantee an easy draw, a prerequisite for an even burn and an unimpeded smoking experience.
4.Cold Draw
The cold draw of the cigar is perfect, offering ideal resistance during inhalation. This indicates good airflow, essential for effective combustion.
Checking the draw before lighting allows for the detection of any manufacturing defects and adjustments if necessary, ensuring a pleasant smoking experience.
5.Lighting
When lighting the foot of the Griffin's Classic No. 500, the goal is to achieve an even burn. Taking the time to properly toast the foot is crucial for an optimal tasting start.
A good lighting technique avoids the risk of canoeing, ensuring that all aromas are released in a balanced manner from the outset.
6.First Third
During the first third, the strength reveals itself as mild, with dominant aromas of hazelnut and vanilla. The smoke volume is medium, providing a pleasant experience without overwhelming.
This initial contact often reveals the quality of the tobaccos, and a strong concentration of aromas can indicate good potential for the remainder of the tasting.
7.Second Third
In the second third, balance asserts itself with the emergence of secondary aromas such as chocolate, leather, and fine spices. This phase shows beautiful complexity without losing its smoothness.
Observing this evolution is crucial for appreciating the richness of the blend, and it helps anticipate the transition to the next third of the tasting.
8.The Finish
At the end, the white ash and subtle retrohale, slightly peppery, testify to the quality of the tobacco. The finish is medium, leaving a sweet residue.
The color of the ash and the persistence of flavors reveal much about the origin and care taken in drying the leaves, key elements for assessing the quality of the cigar.