The Graycliff Chateau Gran Cru is one of the more recent releases from Graycliff. These full-bodied cigars are meticulously rolled at the prestigious Graycliff restaurant and resort in Nassau.
Graycliff is one of the most exclusive boutique cigar brands the world has ever known. Rolled in Nassau at the Caribbean’s first 5 Star restaurant, each Graycliff cigar is the result of careful aging and expert rollers that are hand selected and trained by Avelino Lara, the founder of the Cuban Cohiba and man in charge of the Laguito factory in Cuba before moving to Nassau.
The Graycliff Chateau Gran Cru debuted in 2005 with a rich and robust flavor and full body. The cigar draws most of its flavor from its Costa Rican wrapper that covers a mix of Costa Rican filler. Most of the tobacco that goes into the Chateau Gran Cru comes directly from a farm owned and managed by Graycliff and its owners, the Garzaroli Family. While this stronger blend has a lot of flavor, it is perfectly balanced and never overwhelming to the palate. The Chateau Gran Cru is yet another masterpiece from Graycliff.
Origin: Bahamas
Size: 5.25" x 50
Ring: 50
Wrapper: Costa Rica
Binder: Ecuador
Filler: Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras
Taste: Full Bodied
Price: ~$18.00 each
More info about purchasing: Graycliff Chateau Grand Cru Cigars
The Graycliff Chateau Gran Cru, also known as the Purple Label, was released in August of 2005 and was quickly noticed. It was rated as one of the best new cigars on the market at the 2005 Retail Tobacco Dealers Association tradeshow.
Appearance : 
The PG is a robusto-sized stick with dimensions of 5.25 inches and a ring gauge of 50. The wrapper is a bit granulated and veiny, but not unattractive, and the band is a shiny purple and gold. The texture of the surface is slightly oily. The wrapper is sweet on the nose with obvious notes of red pepper corns and spices.
Construction : 
The cap was well formed and after clipping the draw was superb with a leathery pre-lit flavor. The cigar toasted-up nicely and the first few puffs were quite flavorful. Quite complex actually with a shot of spice on the finish. Since the cigar drew so easily the smoke was very creamy and became a little spicier with each puff. The draw was flawless from beginning to end.
Flavor :
The cigar is rewarding form the start. The first inch or so is chock-full of toasted almond notes with some pepper hints. The flavor is bold yet smooth, earthy and creamy at the same time. The flavor profile evolves past the half way mark toward cedar accompanied by roasted nuts and light spices in the background. These notes stay in place through to the end.
Burn :
The cigar burned very well for the most part. At times it started to angle but quickly righted itself. The even burn means no retouching with the lighter, which keeps the aromas pleasant. The ash was somewhat flakey with a dark grey and silver pattern. After the first inch, the cigar settled down a bit. The smoke never became too overpowering but by the halfway mark I was convinced this cigar was made to be spicy.
Overall Rating :
Although the Graycliff Chateau Grand Cru comes with a hefty price tag, I recommend this bold and complex cigar heartily to everyone. This is one cigar you really have to smoke for yourself to appreciate. If you like very spicy luxury cigars not unlike the Fuente Fuente OpusX, I’d say this Chateau Gran Cru PG Robusto is a must-try.
