Cigar Review: Goss 5th Anniversary

The cigar industry is full of characters from shop owners, brand owners and factory owners. However, often overlooked are the cigar representatives who are usually unknown outside their territories and those who do know them are far from the average smoker. This bring us to Nick Goss, a cigar broker (one who reps multiple brands) in New England where he acts as the liaison between shop owners and brands like Illusione and Foundation Cigars. He is a character who isn’t afraid to step outside the box and if you watch our podcast he might give Mr. Jonathan a run for his money in terms of outlandish outfits.

To celebrate his 5th year in the cigar industry he has created a limited edition with the help of a brand in his portfolio, Cavalier. It’s available in one size and today we offer our review.

Cigar Review: Goss 5th Anniversary
Wrapper: San Andres
Binder: Connecticut
Filler: Pennsylvania (USA), Condega, Jalapa (Nicaragua) and Jamastran (Honduras)
Length: 6.5″
Ring Gauge: 48
Size: Short Churchill
Humidimeter Reading: 66%

The Look: Packaged in 10 count boxes that features art work showcasing Goss’s signature smug pose were he channels his inner George Michael on the front which is also showcased on the band. If it wasn’t for the embossing of the word Goss one would think these were made on a home printer. The dark San Andres wrapper that adorns he cigar is coarse under the fingers with some prominent veins visible near the foot and on the back of the cigar. In the hand the cigar has a nice weight to it and a slightly porous foot.

The Notes: The cold draw reveals notes of salted cashews and a subtle mocha while the aroma off the foot is non-existent. Once the cigar is toasted and lit there are notes of dark chocolate, espresso and a hint of leather. As you approach the end of the first third a subtle dried apricot begins to appear especially on the retrohale of this medium-full bodied smoke.

As we cross over into the second half a raisin sweetness begins to emerge along with graham cracker where it is joined by continued notes of espresso and dark chocolate. As we conclude the Goss 5th Anniversary, notes of black peppercorn develop on the finish while the cigar holds on to a touch of mocha sweetness.

The Finish: The Goss 5th Anniversary was an enjoyable cigar that is full bodied and it would pair well with a high proof bourbon or after a steak dinner. I’ll probably smoke another one after a black peppercorn encrusted Filet Mignon cooked black & blue dinner with a healthy pour of Old Forrester 1920.

Score: 91
Price: $12.99 / $116.99 (Box of 10)