The Graycliff Cigar company has a maverick reputation of doing the unexpected. They started making super premiums cigars in 1998 at the end of the cigar boom. They enlisted the help of Cuban master roller and blender Avelino Lara, who was responsible for the Cohiba line and Castro’s personal cigars. Since 1998, they have produced cigars with body and flavor with out sacrificing balance or being overly harsh. They have surprised us again with the new Chateau Gran Cru line.

Unveiled at the 2005 RTDA, the new Chateau line appears positioned in the number one spot at Graycliff Cigars. The big news is that the Chateau line is made with estate tobacco. Yes, Graycliff is now in the tobacco production business. This gives them more control over the blends.

Many of the blend details remain known only to the Graycliff folk.  As this information filters out, we will update this review.  The Chateau line will come in 3 shapes similar to the other lines, the PG Robusto, the Pirate Torpedo, and the President Churchill.  Graycliff will also have a small petite corona with a belicoso tip called the Scooter, along with the unbelievably delicious new Salamone size.

We believe the Graycliff Chateau Gran Cru is a great cigar period.  We tried a small selection of these cigars including the Scooter, Salamone, Presidente, and Pirate. This cigar has typical Graycliff construction… near perfect. The Gran Cru might be the most complex and flavorful smoke to come out of the Graycliff factory. But the taste is a total departure from previous lines, lacking their signature spiciness. A mix of complex earthy flavors with a floral and grassy aroma create a great smoking experience. Additionally, this is a cigar that can be appreciated by the novice and experienced cigar smoker alike.

For those of you that stayed away from the Graycliff line due to the spiciness of their cigars, this is a must try.  Actually, that doesn't sum it up, this is a must try for everyone.  If your looking for a cigar that refuses to attack your palate while consistently delivering a smooth yet complex taste, these are wonderful smokes.

You have to concentrate on this cigar when you smoke it.  We found ourselves often overwhelmed by all the different flavors materializing from these cigars.  Do yourself a favor when smoking a Graycliff Chateau Gran Cru...don't walk, run, mow the lawn, or anything else, sit down and devote some time to this cigar, and you'll find it pays you back in tenfold.

Vital Statistics: - Pirate
Size: 6 x 52
Shape: Torpedo

Vital Statistics: - PG
Size: 5 1/4 x 50
Shape: Robusto