La Conquista is the latest cigar from Gran Habano and was released at this year’s IPCPR Convention & Trade Show in July. La Conquista incorporates wrapper and binder from Nicaragua along with filler tobaccos from and Colombia, Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
This cigar was reviewed blind (no bands) by a panel of at least 4 reviewers. They did not know what they were smoking beforehand. The scores are an average of all the reviewers' scores with outliers removed. All of our cigars reviewed are shipped to the panelists with Boveda packs to ensure optimal smoking experience.
The line has launched with three different sizes packaged in 20-count boxes: Robusto (5 x 52) —$8 (Boxes of 20, $160) Gran Robusto (6 x 54 ) — $8.50 (Boxes of 20, $170) Imperial (6 x 60) — $9 (Boxes of 20, $180) , and all of the cigars are being rolled at the company’s G.R. Tabacaleras Unidas S.A. factory in Honduras.
The name translates to The Conquest.
Vital Stats:
Vitola: Toro
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 54
Country of Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Colombia, Costa Rica & Nicaragua
Factory: G.R. Tabacaleras Unidas S.A.
Blender: George Rico
Number of reviewers: 4 – Adam B. (Bushboy) Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd) Kyle (kaleehb) Gregg (McGreggor57)
Price: $8.50
Age: 2 Months
Release Date: July 2016
Contributed by: Gran Habano Cigars
Initial Impressions
Appearance: 88
“Dark chocolate wrapper covers this cigar. Lots of thick veins and seams that are visible to the eye. Foot of the cigar has a lopsided cut with bits of tobacco sticking out the end further than the cut line. Cap is a bit lumpy and applied as a triple seam. No soft spots detected upon physical inspection.” -Kyle (kaleehb)
Aroma: 88
“The foot gives off aromas of leather and graham cracker. The outer wrapper is just a faint smell of cedar. Cold draw feels good and has more touches of leather and cedar.” –Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd)
First Third
Flavor: 88
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“Pre light draw had notes of chocolate and red pepper. I thought this stick would be spicy and full flavored, although that is not the case. Extremely mellow, cedar flavored first third. Much lighter body than expected. Good stick to learn to retro hale. Flavors are pleasant and I am looking forward to transitions to come. Ash sort of crescent mooned on me, but held on for about an inch or so. Effortless draw.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
“Good flavor combinations from the first third. Each draw has plenty of smoke that bring notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, and a little pepper on the retrohale. Some mild coffee flavors come in on the finish.” –Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd)
Second Third
Flavor: 88
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“As the first third transitions into the second, an awesome caramel sweetness comes in. That is a great combo with the cinnamon and graham flavors that stick around from the first third. As the second third closes, a saltiness comes in on the finish.” –Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd)
“The woodsy notes are becoming more cedary as some baking spices find the finish. The leather continues to add a creaminess and provide a nice balance between the flavors. Some oak remains in the background giving this third a contrasting richness.” -Gregg (McGreggor57)
Final Third
Flavor: 88
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“Cedar and smokey earth was the motive. Not sure if I missed a subtle transition, but this smoke was enjoyable until the end. Burn stayed even enough to not have to fix, and even lasted through ~5min rests without having to be re-lit.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
“The leather fades leaving a more pronounced cedar and allspice. Some dry grass is in the background as a little heat returns to the retrohale. This third is on the edge of becoming a bit harsh.” -Gregg (McGreggor57)
Overall Impressions
Draw: 93
“The cigar had a very open draw that did not plug as the smoke went on.” –Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd)
Burn: 88
“Never burnt even, although never had to touch up. From initial inspection medium to large veins were noticed. Never affected the burn negatively.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
Construction: 89
“Cigar had a solid look, however, the bad cut on the foot coupled with some large veins could be easily fixed to help this cigar’s construction score.” -Kyle (kaleehb)
Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Overall Experience: 88
“Although a touch more mild than I usually prefer, and flavors stayed consistent for the most part…very enjoyable. Would definitely pick up a fiver, but would probably choose to enjoy before dinner. Would recommend to the novice who is tired of the same ol’ Connecticut mild experience. Great cigar to bridge the gap between beginner and connoisseur.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
“The flavors were really nice. I was always looking forward to the next draw. Even with a minute or so between draws, it still gave plenty of flavorful smoke from each puff. I would smoke this cigar again, and am very curious what it turns out to be.” –Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd)
“This cigar did have some flaws, however, wasn’t completely disappointing. The aroma was very enjoyable and the flavors presented in the first half of the cigar were quite pleasant. As the smoke went on it progressively started to have problems. Not sure I would pick any up but if you’re looking for a full bodied experience this cigar is for you.” -Kyle (kaleehb)
“I could smoke the first two thirds all day long. Not a lot of excitement, just some well balanced creamy flavors. The finale, however, was a let down by comparison.” -Gregg (McGreggor57)
Cigar Info
Initial Impressions
