HVC La Decoracion Cigars pay tribute to a classic 19th-century Cuban brand, revived with inspiration drawn from the rich traditions of Havana. Crafted in Nicaragua, the blend features an Ecuadorian Habano 2000 wrapper over premium Nicaraguan tobaccos from the Estelí and Jalapa regions. The Grandote is an imposing 6 x 60 box-pressed format.
The HVC La Decoracion Grandote is a dark chocolate-brown, box-pressed monster with an impressive presentation. The wrapper has a fine tooth and suede-like texture along with an oily sheen and a few visible veins. The cigar feels well-packed in the hand, and the overall construction is excellent.
The Grandote opens with chocolate and cocoa alongside a deep aged-tobacco character. Espresso, coffee bean, and pepper quickly join the profile, followed by graham cracker, cedar, a touch of honey, and baking spice. Fig Newton-like flavors bring together sweet fig and a bready quality, while hints of burnt toast add another layer to an intriguing start.
Moving into the second third, leather and woody notes begin to emerge along with a slightly toasted caramel sweetness reminiscent of the crisp top of crème brûlée. The coffee character remains but transitions from espresso toward a sweeter iced-coffee flavor. Cinnamon, chocolate, and fig continue through the profile, while an unexpected root beer bottle cap candy note adds a distinctive sweetness.
Bittersweet dark chocolate makes a return in the final third, joined by a richer, almost beefy quality and additional baking spice. Hazelnut, graham cracker, and touches of pecan develop while honey and cinnamon remain in the background. Black pepper and salt linger on the palate, with a slight spicy root beer character reminiscent of Barq’s adding another dimension to the finish.
The HVC La Decoracion Grandote is a very good cigar with an engaging flavor profile and excellent construction. The burn remained dependable, smoke output was plentiful, and the flavors stayed remarkably consistent throughout the large 6 x 60 format. It is an approachable, relaxing cigar that delivers enough complexity to remain interesting from beginning to end. While some STARS Reviewers felt the blend could shine even brighter in a smaller ring gauge, the Grandote proved beautifully consistent, enjoyable, and ultimately a cigar they would gladly smoke again.
Overall Score: 90.65 out of 100
Overall Strength Score: 6.05 out of 10
This blind cigar review (Cigar #37-B) was scored by a panel of cigar enthusiasts, including: Rev Eldon, Bill F, Jeff Endrizzi, Jeffery Knipe, Ryan M., Chris V, Joey Bagodonuts, Bryan, Anthony, Danial Ficek, MI_Cigar_and_Drink, & Tony Roberts
