Cigar Review: La Conquista by Gran Habano

• Vitola: Gran Robusto
• 6” x 54 ring gauge
• Price TBD
• Sample provided by Gran Habano Cigars

Background

Almost a year ago, I took a short look at some of what were then referred to as “new releases” from Gran Habano Cigars. The products they had sent me honestly didn’t impress me a great deal, but when they contacted me last month about sending review samples, I figured I would give it another try…it wouldn’t be the first time that early samples of cigars were a little lackluster…and it wouldn’t be the only time in history that I’ve changed my mind on a cigar. Like I said, they offered…I said “Yes.” First up is a pre-release cigar that apparently has been at that status since the IPCPR show last year…La Conquista.

It is important to point out that La Conquista isn’t regarded as the real name of this cigar…an email from Natasha Rico stated that “the final name has not been finalized.” But since that’s the name on it right now, that’s what I’m going to call it. Also, since it’s not final in blend, packaging or pricing, I can’t really give it an accurate full review with score. I’ll do the “full review” written part of the process, but skip the actual score at the end.

La Conquista is made in Honduras, using Nicaraguan, Costa Rican, and Columbian fillers, a Nicaraguan binder, and a Nicaraguan wrapper. The notes from Natasha call this “a beautifully-blended cigar that will treat the smoker’s palate to a spicy, peppery, and long leathery finished delicacy.  From the novice to most sophisticated smoker, this pre-release’s refinement is certain to romance and captivate the senses.” So far they have made it in 3 sizes, the smallest being a 5 x 52 Robusto.

Gran Habano Cigars sent me several samples for this review and I believe this is the third one I’ve smoked.

Prelight

Recognizing that this is a “pre-release” or “pre-lanzamiento” as the band states, I must say that this band looks pretty good. I wouldn’t change much about the actual design if the name held through for the final release…perhaps just some embossing and gold foil instead of the metallic gold ink used here. The artwork is good and unique—at least in the GH lines—but it could use a little extra “pop.”

The wrapper leaf on the stick was a milk chocolate brown and oily to the touch. There was an earthy and leathery aroma to it and externally, the construction seemed very good. The foot of the cigar had a riper earthiness and a bit of a chocolate aroma. The prelight draw indicated no obstructions and I got flavors of tea, cedar, and earth.

Flavor

After lighting, I got a strong earthiness right up front, followed quickly by the tea that was present in the prelight and a quick hit of black pepper. The finish was pretty short with almost no lingering flavor after 20 or so seconds. The retrohale revealed some red pepper flake and wood notes. Through the rest of the first third, the pepper increased a bit at the back of the palate, while a creamy note was introduced and earthy notes continued.

The second third continued much the same, notes of tea and cream and earth, backed up by a steadily increasing pepper.

The pepper notes diminished somewhat in the last third as I wound down to the end of La Conquista. Tea still prevailed as the lead flavor, but earthier notes grew stronger as I got toward the last bit.

Construction

I saw solid construction on all samples I smoked…very good draw, solid ash, and even burn line.

Value

The value part is difficult because the MSRP of these sticks is unknown at the moment. I would say that if they are under $10 for the largest vitola, then it’s very good value; if it’s starts north of the $10 mark, then I would have a harder time with it.

Conclusions

I have to say that La Conquista is probably the best cigar I’ve had from Gran Habano. It was pleasant and flavorful, although not the most complex cigar I’ve had. It does represent a bit of a departure from their norm of yesteryear, though, so I have to give it a solid “maybe” as far as a recommendation…and that ends up being dependent upon the price point of the final product. Overall, I’d call it a very solid smoking experience.