A Good Cigar Commemorating the 1980 Boatlift

In 1979- 1980 the Cuban economy entered a severe downturn and through a small series of reactionary events, 10,000 Cubans crammed themselves into the Peruvian Embassy grounds in Havana seeking diplomatic asylum. Castro eventually responded by opening the port of Mariel to anyone wishing to leave the country who also could get a ride. 125,000 people left Cuba for Miami in the 6 months the “offer” was open. Among those leaving was the Gonzalez family who eventually founded Flor de Gonzalez Cigars and set up cigar operations in the US and Ecuador. Not taking life in the US for granted as many of us sometimes do, the Gonzalez family dedicated this cigar, the 1980 series, to their entry to America and their first step to building on the opportunity this country offers. Flor de Gonzalez Cigars has about 8 brands, including “90 Miles” – the distance from Key West Florida to Cuba . I met with Flor de Gonzalez at the 2013 IPCPR and they gave me one of their 1980 Edition cigars to review.

The cigar they provided was a 5 X 52 that they call Gordito in their literature.   The Gordito has a blend of Nicaraguan and the Dominican Republic ligeros for a filler, with a broadleaf binder and a Mexican Maduro wrapper. According to other interviews with the family, the broadleaf is Connecticut seed that they successfully grew on their farm in Ecuador. The Mexican wrapper is from the famous San Andres region.

The Gordito is a very good looking cigar whose dark wrapper promises a Maduro taste. The construction was overly firm but that did not affect the smoking. The Maduro wrapper delivered on the hint of sweetness and the Ligeros provided a strong peppery taste. Soon the pepper was balanced by cocoa and coffee flavors. The smoke output was very good and the sliver/white ash kept its shape. The draw was occasionally hard but not to the point that it detracted from the experience. This cigar is full bodied and ended with final flavors of pepper and nuts.

I took 1 hour to smoke the Gordito and it was pleasant. I found it on line for about $6.50 if you buy the by the box. I give the cigar an overall 4 out of 5.