Even Lawyers Would Like This “RICO”

Guillermo RICO is responsible for the quality of Gran Habano cigars, which enjoy a reputation for above average quality and flavor at reasonable prices.  Guillermo is the third generation of Rico’s associated with Gran Habano. The company’s factory near Danli, Honduras makes 3 separate blends – #1 a mild cigar with a Connecticut wrapper, #3 a medium bodied cigar in a Habano wrapper and #5 a full bodied cigar in a Corojo wrapper.

I visited Gran Habano at the 2013 IPCPR in July where they offered me one of their Gran Reserva  #5  2010 in the robusto 6 X 54 size. They called it the 2010 because that was when it was rolled with selected tobaccos that had already been thoroughly aged. Specifically the #5 is comprised of Ligero fillers aged since 2004, bound by a 2005 Habano binder and wrapped with a 2005 Corojo wrapper.

The cigar has a dark, oily looking wrapper and was well constructed although slightly veiny in appearance. Upon lighting it was immediately apparent that this was going to be good.  The smoke was strong and creamy and the tobacco burned evenly. The entire time I tasted cedar and earth with undertones of spice. The draw was very smooth up to the very end.  For a full bodied cigar – the taste of the Gran Reserva #5 was surprising mild. I was more surprised by the price when I shopped the cigar on line – about $6 each when purchased by the box.  This is a lot of taste and quality for that price and I rate this 4.5 of  5 overall!  At this price point it is hard not to try one.