Review: Gran Habano Corojo No. 5 Gran Robusto

Manufacturer: G.R. Tabacaleras Unidas S.A.
Country: Honduras
Filler: Costa Rica, Nicaragua,
Wrapper: Corojo (Nicaragua)
Size: 6 x 54
Overall Impression: B+

The Gran Habano Corojo No. 5 is a darn good cigar; at a price under $5 per stick, it is in fact a very good cigar. I must say early on, however, it is a full-flavored, medium to full-bodied smoke. In every way it is typical of what you expect from a corojo wrapper with a flavor profile and heat factor that reminds me of LFD Double Ligeros. It is a stick for the experienced smoker.

Occasion: My wife and I just returned from an afternoon at Grapefest, a celebration of the arts, food, music, and fine Texas wines that occurs annually at this time in downtown Grapevine, Texas. After picking up a bucket of KFC and sides we returned home to enjoy our desserts, which for me is this lovely Corojo No. 5 Gran Robusto paired with a bottle of 2006 Barbera from Jacuzzi Family Vineyards and Sunday Night Football (Steelers vs. Browns).

Presentation/Appearance: These cigars jump out at you when browsing the offerings at the local B&M. They have a dark, oily appearance with a classically-designed label consisting of red and gold borders, red lettering in the center against a white backfrop, and white lettering on the sides against an aqua backdrop.It also sports a 2nd red band with gold border and gold lettering with the words "Corojo No. 5." The product presentation is first rate. On close inspection, the cigar itself has imperfections in appearance. There are visible veins and seams on the dark wrapper along with a blemish or two. No matter, this is a cigar calling on the courageous to take it home for a ride.

Construction: I found no soft spots and the cap was easily removed. It feels sturdy and packed. The draw has just the right resistance and fills the mouth and air with rich smoke. The cigar burns evenly and produces a gray ash that holds up to an inch. Even though the ash holds well it is delicate and a bit crumbly. At the halfway point, the burn line did become a bit erratic but required no corrections.

Flavor: I love the flavor profile of corojos and the Gran Habano is no exception. The flavor of cedar dominated up front with notes of pepper on the long finish. After the first ash drop, about an inch in, I detected salt on the finish. The aroma is rich and seems to have the smell of burnt wood similar to what you would smell if you were burning wood chips on your grill. Hickory, perhaps? I especially enjoyed the aroma of spice which opens up the nose. Over the final 3rd the flavors, which had been so bold up front, became muted with the overall flavor effect changing to tobacco and red pepper, which applies some heat to the roof of the mouth. This last 1/3 is somewhat average compared to what had preceded.

Overall I find the Gran Habano No. 5 to be an enjoyable, medium to full-bodied cigar with the flavors out front, nothing subtle. If the flavors had been as bold over the final 3rd as the first 2/3s, I would rate this experience a solid "A." At $5 per stick the Corojo No. 5 is a great value for the right occasion or mood. It may be too bold for an everyday smoke.