Gatekeeper is the second line from Alec & Bradley Rubin following their first release, Blind Faith. It was announced in June and shipped in September.
Gatekeeper is rolled at E.P. Carrillo‘s Tabacalera La Alianza in Santiago, Dominican Republic. It shipped in four sizes: Corona, Robusto, Toro and Gordo and sells for $8.75 to $12.25 per cigar. The blend uses an Ecuadorian Habano Wrapper, Nicaraguan Binder and fillers from Nicaragua and Domican Republic. All come in 20 count boxes.
“A beautiful dark reddish brown wrapper coats the cigar. It’s slightly oily to the touch and expertly applied with almost invisible seams. The well applied triple cap and uniform shape just highlights how well made it is. ” –Alan (Eulogy)
Aroma: 92
“Nice notes of chocolate and dry hay from the foot. Curious to see what comes next. ” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)
Flavor: 93 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Medium
“On the dry draw I get the milk chocolate flavors I was getting off the wrapper. There is a slight sea salt and pepper finish at this point. Let’s get lit and see how it goes! The first few puffs were sweet and salty with a smooth white pepper retro. Very nice indeed. The first third of this Cigar has been pure enjoyment. Excellent draw and a sweet and earthy flavor profile is right up my ally. ” –James H. (Keikan Jim)
“From first light I’m met with lots of dry cocoa and tobacco. Flavors feel muted throughout the first third. Nothing really outshines the other. I get quite a bit of red pepper on the retro. Not enough to burn the nostrils but enough to keep my interest. Let’s hope the flavors open up going into the second third. ” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)
Flavor: 93 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Medium
“The second third of this Cigar became more earthy with the cocoa fading into the background. The retrohale and strength amped up slightly but this has remained a smooth cigar. The dark ash has held on for days before fallling in a solid chunk. ” –James H. (Keikan Jim)
“There’s still a note of tobacco but it’s not quite as oily and rich as the first third. I’m getting a very earth and spice profile this half. Lot’s of baking spice, black tea, cedar, and very mild pepper work very well together adding a lot of depth so far. the cracked wrapper burned away without any trouble and even produced a very impressive ash. ” –Alan (Eulogy)
“Flavors continue to keep my interest to the nub. Tasting almost like a chocolate covered cashew or peanut cluster. Enjoyed this while watching the Chiefs game so perhaps that helped the experience. ” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)
“A rich note of anise is the star of the show now and even though I hate the flavor in food I find it enjoyable in a cigar. The level of pepper has ticked up just slightly but is still very mild with a leather and cedar note rounding the profile. ” –Alan (Eulogy)
Overall Impressions
Draw: 95
“Excellent draw with a slight resistance throughout the entirety of the smoking experience.” –James H. (Keikan Jim)
Burn: 95
“Needed a few touch ups but nothing severe. ” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)
Construction: 93
“Draw was great. Burn was solid and the smoke output was great. Very well constructed. Was expecting this thing to split on me due to the dry air but thankfully it didn’t. ” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)
“Other than the bitterness in the final third, this was an excellent smoke. I will definitely smoke this again once I find out what it is. Bourbon, Peaty Scotch, and nearly any beer would pair well.” –James H. (Keikan Jim)
“This is something that I’m going to smoke again; as soon as I find out what it is. It’s a big cigar but the profile changes kept me engaged, the smoke output was fantastic, and the construction was perfect. Go out and get some.” –Alan (Eulogy)
“No sir. I didn’t like it. Lots of bitterness interspersed with wet dog, funky notes of raw tobacco. But at least the burn was disappointing. ” –John I. (John I.)
“Other than the muted flavors of the first third, this was a winner. The second and third parts really redeemed it. Flavors were on point once they opened up. I’d give it a solid “good”. Would definitely try these again. ” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)
Smoking Time (in minutes): 79
To view the complete scores and notes, click here.
