Stogie Reviews: Graycliff Profesionale Vintage 1999 PG

With limited production, high prices, and very few retailers, Graycliff is among the most elusive of the super premium cigar brands. So when company founder Enrico Garzaroli uncovered a lost supply of sticks from the original release of his Profesionale line in an aging pilon, he knew he had some magic on his hands.

Dubbed “Vintage 1999,” these cigars are a four-country blend of tobacco from Indonesia, Brazil, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic. They usually retail for over $15 apiece, but outstanding deals can be found online if you keep your eyes open.

Not unlike the Château Grand Cru, the five and ¼ inch by 50 ring gauge PG has a striking appearance. With a metallic sheen of blue and gold, the band easily catches the eye, and its style conjures memories of Merlyn the Magician from The Sword in the Stone. The oily, rustic wrapper is appealingly similar to an Alonso Menendez.

Bountiful pre-light aromas of fruit and coffee turn up as soon as the cellophane is removed. The nice cap cuts neatly and the foot lights easily.

Despite hearty pre-light fragrances and the deep, dark color of the wrapper, the flavor profile is surprisingly light, airy, and a bit papery. Pleasant, especially with an added caramel sweetness on the lips. After a few inches the taste takes on a unique dryness as notes of hay and oats warm up, and cedar and spice build towards the finish line. The burn is straight, but the ash is weak.

It’s worth mentioning here that this Graycliff can grow bitter if you pull too quickly through its moderate draw. Be sure to take your time if you intend to properly enjoy the mild tufts of smoke.

This is no doubt a fine mild cigar with a complex taste, but we’re not convinced it’s worth the extremely high cost. Since the Château Grand Cru series better justifies the excessive Graycliff price tag, we’re giving the Profesionale Vintage 1999 PG three and ½ out of five stogies.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here. Cigars for this review were provided by CigarsDirect.com, and can be purchased here.]

–Patrick A & George E

photo credit: Stogie Guys