Cigar Info
At this years’ PCA tradeshow in July 2022, Gran Habano showed off a new cigar celebrate their 20th anniversary. The Gran Habano XX Aniversario Edicion Limitada is offered in three sizes. Each of those vitola names represents a piece of Gran Habano history: El Sueño (the dream) 5 x 52 (MSRP $14), El Desafío (the struggle) 6 x 54 (MSRP $15), and El Triunfo (the success) 6 x 60 (MSRP $16.00).
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 Gran Habano XX Aniversario Edicion Limitada blend uses a four year old Nicaraguan Corojo Rosado Shade Wrapper from the Jalapa Valley, Nicaraguan binder, and Colombian, Nicaraguan, & Peruvian fillers. The company describes it as a medium-bodied and comes packed in boxes of 20 cigars. Production is limited to 4,000 boxes of each vitola each quarter. Only 200 retailers will be allowed to carry the cigar. The Gran Habano XX Aniversario Edicion Limitada is produced at the company’s factory in Danli, Honduras, Gran Habano Honduras.
Vital Stats:
Vitola: Robusto
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 52
Country of Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Columbia, Peru, Nicaragua
Factory: G.R. Tabacaleras Unidas S.A.
Blender: George Rico
Number of reviewers: 5 – John A. (Bostoneo) Jason H. (Jokey Smurf) Alan (Eulogy) Mickey T. (irratebass) Doug S. (Unpossible_1)
Price: $14.00
Age: 3 Months
Release Date: November 2022
Contributed by: Gran Habano
Initial Impressions – Gran Habano XX Aniversario Edicion Limitada El Sueño
Appearance: 88
“Looks fantastic pre-light. The dark chocolate brown is very oily and soft to the touch. The seams are tight, triple cap is large and well applied, and roll is solid.” –Alan (Eulogy)
Aroma: 92
“On the nose wonderful medium-bodied notes of leather, cashew, and lightly peppered cream provide a most wonderful scent. The cold draw teases out flavors of peppered earth with leather and cream on the backend.” –John A. (Bostoneo)
First Third
Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“Rich notes of tobacco are at the forefront of the profile. leather, red pepper, baking spice, and cream round out the profile. The draw is perfect so far and the smoke output is super creamy.” –Alan (Eulogy)
“The initial puffs of this cigar are surprisingly light and airy, leaving my palate with cream and green peppercorn. Through the nose the smoke is mild and has just the slightest tingle, daring me to retrohale every puff.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
Second Third
Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“The profile of multiple baking spices continues. As I reach the halfway point, a rich but bitter note of coffee steeps its way in. Almost reminds me of chicory coffee which has a touch more bitterness along with some lighter herbal notes.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)
“Musty leather mixed with black and some red pepper flakes here and there dominates this third, however, there is some mushroom and cream on the finish that is really nice.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
Final Third
Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
“Into the final portion, there has been a significant shift in profile and power. There are still creamy notes but the pepper has sharpened and the latte notes that were on the finish have become more of an americano with punchy espresso bitterness.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
“Rich dark chocolate notes permeate the final third. No sooner does the sweetness kick up a notch, the strength ratchets up too. Lavish coffee combined with dark chocolate is a marvelous way to come to a close.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)
Overall Impressions – Gran Habano XX Aniversario Edicion Limitada El Sueño
Draw: 93
“I used scissors and really mutilated the head, but the draw was open and gave me plenty of air and smoke output.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
Burn: 91
“I have nothing but good things to say for this cigar in regard to burn. I elected to perform one-touch up but I’m convinced the cigar would have self-corrected if I were more patient .” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
Construction: 91
“Looked very well constructed. The seams were drum tight and the cap was large and well-applied. I didn’t find any soft spots pre-light but the bunching was a little loose causing a slightly open draw.” –Alan (Eulogy)
Overall Strength: Medium-Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Experience Overall: 93
“Overall, this cigar was a solid performer. A wonderful medium-bodied profile of mainly leather, tobacco, cedar, and earthy black pepper paired with a slightly loose draw made for an awesome smoking experience. Towards the end, things got a bit bitter and syrupy, a sign that you must smoke this cigar at a slower pace. I wouldn’t hesitate to smoke this one again.” –John A. (Bostoneo)
“This was a very enjoyable cigar that finished completely different than it started. The lovely, subtle entry notes eased me into the experience and allowed my palate to wake up and prepare for the finale which was much fuller in flavors and body. I really enjoyed the smoke and would gladly buy more and recommend this to any of my smoking friends.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
“It does so many things right with a rich oily profile. The draw was just a touch loose but the smoke output was fantastic. If you’re a fan of earthy cigar that ends with a good amount of strength at the end this is a winner.” –Alan (Eulogy)
“This cigar was great! Lots of musty leather notes along with white, black, and even red pepper flakes. Mushroom and cream here and there, especially on the finish. I would like to try more, maybe in a 10 count… maybe a box purchase.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
“I’m not going to lie, I was worried when there was little to nothing going on with the aroma. Fortunately for you and me, it was redeemed by some phenomenal notes that included coffee, dark chocolate, and baking spices. It even took the coffee to another level with that chicory that you just don’t get too often. Add that along with great construction, this cigar experience was memorable and certainly one I’d like to have another go at.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)
Smoking Time (in minutes): 99
| Reviewer | Appear. | Aroma | 1/3 | 2/3 | 3/3 | Draw | Burn | Constr. | Overall Experience |
| John A. | 90 | 92 | 90 | 88 | 85 | 92 | 90 | 92 | 90 |
| Jason H. | 90 | 95 | 90 | 92 | 92 | 97 | 95 | 92 | 95 |
| Alan | 95 | 95 | 95 | 92 | 95 | 95 | 92 | 95 | 92 |
| Mickey T. | 88 | 85 | 88 | 88 | 88 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 92 |
| Doug S. | 85 | 80 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 92 | 92 | 90 | 92 |
To view the complete scores and notes, click here.