GR Specials Black Label

The golden brown Habano 99 wrapper is somewhat rugged in appearance, with some noticeable but inoffensive veining and feeling a bit like leathery velvet, or maybe velvety leather. Rolled with enough leaf to where each stick yields slightly to pressure without being spongy, the draw is smooth through and through and carries a hint of red pepper. With a lit profile primarily comprised of crisp and well-fermented tobacco taste, there is still enough flavor variety from beginning to end to please the most discerning of palates. Leather and nutmeg are most easily detected in the thick, creamy smoke followed by some cedar and fresh hay during a clean finish.

A bundled cigar that sits atop many a smoker’s go-to list, it punches well above its weight when the time comes to make comparisons. It’s like a stronger La Palina Classic or a milder Padilla Reserva Habano, but available at a price that will allow you to enjoy one more than twice a decade. For what little we’re charging, even twice a day doesn’t sound too unreasonable. So prepare some space in your humidor and get ready for some GR Specials Black Label.