Cigar Geeks - Paul Garmirian Gourmet Series Connoisseur

Cigar Geeks Geek Critique

Paul Garmirian Gourmet Series Connoisseur
Written by Cigar Geeks Member: Dave (Deener27)

93
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 Buffalo Trace Bourbon

Pre-Light: 9 Points of 10 Possible

Pre-light, the cigar exhibited all the characteristics of an extremely well-made cigar. The wrapper was very smooth with only one vein that ran almost the length of the whole stick, but it wasn't anything that detracted from its overall appearance. The cap was very well constructed with all three wraps perfectly intact. The pinch test revealed that the cigar was nice and solid with no soft spots. The cigar had aromas of earth and mushroom with a large amount of cedar and a bit of sweetness.

Lighting and Burn: 14 Points of 15 Possible

The light was very even and easy. Overall, there were only slight burn imperfections with a little canoe burn near the final 3rd of the overall smoke. The smoke volume was almost perfect where it was a bit more than average. The ash held up for almost 2 inches and was a very light gray while the cigar had a really nice, slow burn.

Construction: 28 Points of 30 Possible

The pre-light draw was ample and even. Performing just like the pre-light draw, the draw during the burn was spot on, providing a perfect amount of enjoyable smoke that delivered great flavors. The wrapper was very well constructed, with only the one vein that ran the length of the cigar. Also, the spiral wrap was extremely even and the cylindrical shape was very even as well, again, indicating a cigar that was rolled with the greatest of care.

Flavor and Aroma: 42 Points of 45 Possible

The strength of the cigar was overall medium but very flavorful. The flavors that I was picking up during the the first portion were a strong cedar, hay and a bit of spice. Also, there was a little bit of peach or nectarine mixed in that waned quickly toward the close of the first third. Cedar and hay were very prevalent throughout the 2nd third with the spice notes mellowing a bit both on the palate and the retro-hale. The cigar was just super consistent to my taste throughout the whole 2nd third and was very pleasant. The final third really didn't offer any noteworthy changes except to say that the hay and straw was relegated to the background and cedar became the dominant flavor with some spice and a bit of cloves and green tea mixed in.

Summary

I would just like to say thank you to Ryan for selecting me for this review. This was a fine cigar and certainly a box worthy pickup in my mind. I normally don't have a taste for cigars that are on the lower end of the medium spectrum, but this cigar is a solid mid-day smoke or a great smoke on a hot day with some good tequila and lime. For some morning kick, it would also go very well with a nice French Roast coffee with cream and sugar. The cigar was very well constructed and well blended (balanced) and offered a nice, consistent flavor profile throughout. The only drawbacks that I found was a slight burn issue for a short time at about the midpoint of the smoke and a slight bit of monotony in the flavor profile. These are only 2 minor flaws that are easily overlooked with this A level cigar, that I would highly recommend.