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. You might be confused by the box label 10 Anniversary and 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
  • Leaf: Dom. Republic
  • Filler: Nicaragua
• Price: CHF 11.50 each / box of 10
• Buy a cigar: Google Search > Attention! Beginning of January 21 >>> Make sure it is the Gran Robusto. Google is currently indexing all the shops 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 flavour of the 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, acidic
• R+ ZiZo vacuum technology: Nutty, slightly peppery, cocoa (bittersweet), coffee beans, acidic
• Umami: Juicy, slightly astringent
• Strength 3/5

Second half

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

What is „retronasal“? Especially brilliant with this Gilbert de Montsalvat Anniversary Gran Robusto cigar

Retronasal cigar enjoyment enhances the flavour. What it is, why it works and how to do it please read here. Take a look at the ZiZo vacuum technology in particular. Incredible enhancement of cigar enjoyment!

What is the „R+ ZiZo vacuum technology“?

The Gilbert de Montsalvat Anniversary Gran Robusto cigar is fantastic. This is the ultimate enjoyment of a cigar. Difficult to describe. I'll try. Here's an example: a baby sucking on a dummy. 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 practising: 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 „savouriness“, „spicy“, „essence“, „meaty“. This mixture of taste sensations is perceived on the centre of the tongue. You can find a good article about this on Wikipedia. With this Gran Robusto cigar, the impression is slightly meaty and slightly astringent.

Acclimatisation recommendation: 4 weeks in the humidor with cellophane.

Non Cuba cigars and the important acclimatisation process

The fact is: you don't know when the cigar was imported and how long it rested with the importer. You also don't know how long the resting phase was at the retailer. Cigars are in shock after being transported from the tropics to Europe. They have to acclimatise first. The industry is sales-orientated. The cigars have to be sold quickly. Therefore, they may not taste as they should. I recommend a general acclimatisation period in your humidor of at least 2 weeks after purchase. Depending on the brand and series, even longer, which I emphasise 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 individual cigars in a Zippo bag and put a small Boveda inside. You then seal it and place it in the humidor. Cigars that are stored open without cellophane or a box lose their flavour very quickly. This is demonstrated 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 boys 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 acclimatising 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 flavour, great enjoyment. Recommendation: You bet!