Kristoff GC Signature Series Robusto – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

The Kristoff GC Signature Series was released in 2011. The name GC comes from the owner of Kristoff, Glenn Case's, initials.

The GC Signature Series was designed for the experienced cigar smoker. It is full-bodied and uses a Brazilian Maduro wrapper, Dominican binder, and Cuban Seed Dominican, Cuban Seed Honduran, and Cuban Seed Nicaraguan fillers. The cigar comes in four sizes: 6 x 60, Robusto – 5.5 x 54, Torpedo – 6.25 x 52, and Churchill – 7 x 50.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Robusto
Length: 5 1/2″
Ring Gauge: 54
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Brazilian Maduro
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic, Honduras, Nicaragua
Factory: Charles Fairmorn Factory
Blender: Glen Case
Number of reviewers: 5 – Kevin A. (Kevin A.) Matt Cade (CadeTNCC) Sean F. (fullermaine) Vance T. (Vance) James H. (Keikan Jim)
Price: $9.74
Age: 5 Months
Release Date: 2011
Contributed by: Kristoff Cigars

Initial Impressions – Kristoff GC Signature Series Robusto

Appearance: 94

“Very attractive oily dark brown wrapper, with mostly invisible seams. There is an almost artistic marbling to the smooth wrapper from foot to the very nice pigtail cap.” –Kevin A. (Kevin A.)

Aroma: 92

“There's a very faint sweetness detected on the wrapper's aroma and very nothing else.” –Matt Cade (CadeTNCC)

First Third

Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“The cigar starts off pretty mellow with a little bit of grassiness, along with earth and dry roasted nuts. The grassiness fades rather quickly and a rye bread note appears, and the roast nuts increase in intensity. There is a little bit of floral on the finish, and the retrohale is pure cabinet spice. Strength is just a tad under medium in the mild range, and body is medium in intensity. Burn and draw are right on the money.” –Kevin A. (Kevin A.)

“The draw is wide open after twisting off the pigtail cap, so no further cutting is necessary. After detecting no noticeable flavors on the cold draw, I torch the foot and am greeted with a medium-strength pepper via the retrohale and an equal parts blend of woodsy notes and smoked almonds on the draw. That nuttiness continues to rule the first third, as that spice through the nose begins to gently recede…” –Matt Cade (CadeTNCC)

Second Third

Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium

“As I head into the second third I'm having some construction challenges. The wrapper is split in two places and the ash looks a bit like one of those fancy radish roses you get in your salad.Fortunately, it's still smoking beautifully and the flavors are evolving nicely with buttercream, cinnamon, and pie dough dominating the front and black pepper lingering between puffs. She's but pretty, but she's tasty. Strength is holding right at medium-strong through the midway point. I'm downgrading the flavor slightly here, though, as there's a little harshness at the end of this third.” –Vance T. (Vance)”

“Still not much going on here with the flavors. Sweet tobacco and spices and very smooth. I suspect this one will be a quicker smoking time than normal for me due to the fact I can't put it down. Although the flavors are somewhat muted, I really like them!” –James H. (Keikan Jim)

Final Third

Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Still the same profile – low key pepper via the retrohale and an equal mix of woodsy and almond notes on the draw. What can I say, it's a very consistent smoke. The burn line corrected itself in the final third and, overall, the cigar performed fine.” –Matt Cade (CadeTNCC)

“Getting into the final third, there is still not much of a shift here in flavors. The mineral element has stepped up a little however it is not off-putting. The sweet cherry coke and sweet spice follow closely behind. I find myself enjoying this cigar although I really can't pinpoint a specific flavor drawing me in.” –James H. (Keikan Jim)

Overall Impressions – Kristoff GC Signature Series Robusto

Draw: 97

“Perfect draw from beginning to end. No touch-up or relight needed.” –Sean F. (fullermaine)

Burn: 91

“Burn was wonky and never fully evened out at all but didn't impact performance. A couple of monitor touchups along the way.” –Vance T. (Vance)

Construction: 91

“A nicely made stick. By the craftsmanship of this stick, the makers of this cigar enjoyed making it for our pleasure.” –Sean F. (fullermaine)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Experience Overall: 91

“Overall this was a good experience. The cigar never strayed from medium as far as strength goes, with the body and intensity in the same zone. My main thought was the cigar is very one-dimensional. The flavor that was there was good, but it leaves one to imagine what the flavor would have been had there been more of a transition to it. I would definitely give it another chance.” –Kevin A. (Kevin A.)

“This was an okay cigar. It featured okay flavors that were highly consistent and construction was just fine. Would I seek it out again? No. If it was handed to me, would I smoke it again? Sure.” –Matt Cade (CadeTNCC)

“Great stick to have in your humidor. Notes of tea, maple, hickory, chocolate, and burnt toast make this an interesting cigar. A nice light coffee wrapper with a pigtail finish makes me want another. Worth seeking out at your favorite cigar shop.” –Sean F. (fullermaine)

“I thoroughly enjoyed the flavor profile and strength of this cigar. Great after dinner smoke with a port or neat bourbon.” –Vance T. (Vance)

“This was a great cigar overall. The flavors did not pop, but they were there. retro-hale was very smooth and It was a very easy cigar to smoke. I'd smoke it again over and over again if the price point were right.” –James H. (Keikan Jim)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 85

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Kristoff GC Signature Series Robusto – Blind Cigar Review