Gilbert de Montsalvat Anniversary Gran Robusto

I would like to tell you something about the Gilbert de Montsalvat Anniversary Gran Robusto cigarSit down, choose a drink, feel the cigar, cut it, light it, enjoy. End of the announcement. Actually, the story would be over now if it weren't for... Please read on. This cigar will go on sale in February 2021.

Background information

The blend of this Gran Robusto cigar is identical to the limited edition Gran Toro cigar for the 10th anniversary of Gilbert from 2018, except the format is different. The cigar was so well received by connoisseurs that Raymondo Bernasconi (the brand owner) decided to add it to the standard range.

That's why the "Anniversary" in Gran Robusto format (140 mm long, ring 54) was released at the beginning of 2021. Perhaps the box imprint 10 Anniversary is confusing and you might think that this is another limited edition. The "10" only has to do with the contents of the box: That's why there are 10 cigars inside, waiting for you and your enjoyment.

Tasting notes

Fact Sheet Gilbert de Montsalvat Anniversary Gran Robusto cigar

• Format: Gran Robusto (length: 140 / ring gauge: 54)
• Tobacco:
  • Wrapper: Ecuador
  • Binder: Dom. Republic
  • Filler: Nicaragua
• Price: CHF 11.50 each / box of 10
• Buy cigar: Google Search > Attention! Beginning of January 21 >>> Make sure it is the Gran Robusto. Google is currently indexing all the stores with this new cigar because the retailers are currently putting them online. Otherwise you will mistakenly buy the 10-year edition. It has a second anilla on the end of the cigar that says 10 Years.

Personal impressions of the taste of Gilbert de Montsalvat Anniversary Gran Robusto cigar

First half

• The aftertaste is intense
• Tongue, palate: sweetish, slightly peppery, cocoa (bittersweet), tart
• Retronasal sweetish, nutty, slightly peppery, cocoa (bittersweet), coffee beans, tart
• R+ ZiZo vacuum technology: nutty, slightly peppery, cocoa (bittersweet), coffee beans, tart
• Umami: Juicy, slightly astringent
• Strength 3/5

Second half

• The cigar constantly intensifies during the smoke. The flavor nuances become more intense.

What is "retronasal"? Especially ingenious with this Gilbert de Montsalvat Anniversary Gran Robusto cigar

Retronasal cigar enjoyment enhances the taste. What it is and, why it works and how to do it please read here. Especially look at the ZiZo vacuum technology. Incredible increase in the enjoyment of the cigar!

What is the "R+ ZiZo vacuum technology"?

The Gilbert de Montsalvat Anniversary Gran Robusto cigar is fantastic. This is the ultimate pleasure of a cigar. Hard to describe. I'll try. Here's an example: a baby sucking on a pacifier. Try this technique with a cigar. Very little smoke gets into the mouth. But it passes over the tongue and goes straight through the nose. I tried it with about 10 cigars before I mastered it. Please be very careful with this technique when practicing: the smoke hit the back of my larynx several times. That was really bad. But now that I can do it, it's a perfect technique for enjoying a cigar.

What is umami?

This means "savory", "spicy", "essence", "meaty". This blending of taste sensations is perceived in the middle of the tongue. You can find a good article about it on Wikipedia. The impression of this Gran Robusto cigar is slightly meaty and slightly astringent.

Recommendation acclimatization: With cellophane 4 weeks in the humidor.

Non Cuba cigars and the important acclimatization

The fact is: You don't know when the cigar was imported and how long its resting period was at the importer. You also do not know how long the resting phase was at the dealer. The cigars have a shock after their transport from the tropics to us in Europe. They have to acclimatize first. The industry is sales-oriented. The cigars have to get to the retail market quickly. Therefore, they may not taste as they should. I recommend a general acclimation in your humidor of at least 2 weeks after purchase. Depending on the brand and series, even longer, which I highlight in this article.

If you buy single copies

Place the cigar with the cellophane in the humidor. If your cigar does not have cellophane: Put them in tubos and then in the humidor. Or you can put the single cigar in a Zippo bag and put a small Boveda in it. Then you put it closed in the humidor. Cigars that are stored open without cellophane or a box lose their flavor very quickly. This is proven in this article with experiments.

Conclusion Gilbert de Montsalvat Anniversary Gran Robusto cigar

This cigar has rough edges. Sometimes it goes "WUMMS" and then it is very sweet for a certain distance before it goes "PENG" again. Fantastic. I think the guys had a great time testing the blends of this cigar. Well done!

It lights well even though the remaining tobacco has not been cut off. This is not laziness on the part of the manufacturer, but a chic design element. The curly tail forms the end of the cigar. Normally you can twist it away to open the cigar. However, you then end up with the wrapper rolled up in your mouth. But not with this cigar: the curly tail is twisted with the cigar cap. That's why the wrapper remains undamaged after the cut. Very well thought out, guys!

The draw resistance was a little too light for me with both specimens. Everyone has their own preferences.

After purchase, I recommend acclimatizing for 4 weeks. Of course, the cigar is suitable for consumption immediately after purchase. It is therefore better to buy several cigars so that you can compare them.

The strength of my second specimen is 4/5. My first sample had a strength of 2/5 for me and increased to a maximum of 3/5. Interesting how your own daily form always plays a part. Full flavor, great enjoyment. Recommendation: You bet!