Cigar Geeks - Paul Garmirian Gourmet Series Connoisseur

Cigar Geeks Geek Critique

Paul Garmirian Gourmet Series Connoisseur
Written by Cigar Geeks Member: Nathan (nwb)

88
Cigar Geeks Rating

Welcome to another Member sponsored Geek Critique generously sponsored by our member Adwinistrator (Ryan). This was done as a blind review so there were no pre-concieved notions about what anyone was smoking. The cigar provided for this round is the http://www.cigargeeks.com/cigardb/default.asp?action=showcig&cigar_id=10173">Paul Garmirian Gourmet Series Connoisseur. The Paul Garmirian Gourmet Series was first introduced in 1990. Its flavorful richness soon garnered attention throughout the world of cigar smokers. This maker is known for nearly obsessive aging of the leaves, often up to seven years before they reach hands of expert torcedors. The cigars are then box aged for several more years before being shipped. Each box comes with a box date. These are flawlessly constructed cigars – a truly memorable smoke.

Paul Garmirian Gourmet Series Connoisseur

Brand:: Paul Garmirian
Name:: Gourmet Series Connoisseur
Length:: 6
Ring Gauge:: 50
Country of Origin:: Dominican Republic
Filler:: Dominican Republic
Binder:: Dominican Republic
Indonesia
Wrapper:: Connecticut Shade
Ecuador
Color:: Rosado
Strength:: Medium
Shape:: Toro
Average Member Rating:: (1 Review(s))

This cigar was enjoyed with Water

Pre-Light: 10 Points of 10 Possible

The cigar is really striking with a light brown, silky smooth wrapper with a slight oiliness. The roll is seamless and there are so few veins that it looked like homogenized tobacco leaf at first glance. Feeling the length of the smoke, it was firmly and evenly packed with no noticeable soft spots. It cut easily with my Palio, and the head didn't split or get damaged. The prelight aroma smelled of mild tobacco, and the cold draw tasted much the same.

Lighting and Burn: 15 Points of 15 Possible

The cigar lit easily, and the burn line started off very razor straight. That continued throughout the length of the cigar. Each salt/pepper colored ash held solidly for over an inch at a time. At no point did the cigar go out, and the total burn time was an hour and a half.

Construction: 28 Points of 30 Possible

Construction was near flawless. The roll was seamless, it had an expertly applied triple cap, and the bunch was firm. Throughout the smoke, I was impressed with the absolutely perfect draw. The only deduction was for the flakiness of the ash from time-to-time.

Flavor and Aroma: 35 Points of 45 Possible

1/2 - The first half was dominated by a light woodsy profile. There was no pepper or heavier flavors, so it was clean on the palate, which I prefer. It was incredibly smooth and enjoyable, although not terribly complex.

2/2 - The body and strength ramped up in the second half of the cigar, landing at a solid medium by the nub. The flavor transitioned to more cedar and leather but remained smooth. Again, it wasn't super-complex but the core flavors were very enjoyable.

Summary

Overall, this was an expertly made cigar that I enjoyed. Being this is a blind review, I can't speak to the value, but it is definitely a cigar I would smoke again. If your desired profile is on the mild-medium side with little to no pepper/anise, it is definitely worth trying.