Oliveros is a brand with Cuban roots that date back to 1927 and Boutique Blends’ Rafael Nodal has decided to resurrect it with the creation of Gran Retorno. The name translates to Grand Return and will be available in 3 different wrappers including today’s review of the Connecticut that debuted at the 2016 IPCPR in Las Vegas.
Cigar Review: Gran Retorno Connecticut
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Nicaragua Habano
Filler: Nicaragua
Size: 4.5″
Ring Gauge: 52
Vitola: Banjo (Robusto)
Cutter: Lotus Jaws
Lighter: Veritgo Glock
The Look: The Connecticut comes packaged in a red cabinet style box with a gold logo of Oliveros and text denoting Gran Retorno. The band mimics the box with colors of red, cream and gold. There is a number 2 denoted on the band, which is in reference to the 2nd test blend of the cigar. The shade grown Connecticut seed wrapper is golden in color and flawless in appearance. This exquisitely rolled cigar is firm in the hand with a well packed foot.
The Notes: The cold draw of the Gran Retorno offers up notes of cashews, earth and wheat while the aroma off the foot has elements of cedar and the aforementioned wheat.
Once the cigar is lit, I am amazed at how quickly the stress has left my body and I begin to relax. The smooth nature of the Gran Retorno definitely plays into that. There are elements of cuban toast, butter, nuts and the slightest hint of spice that makes this a modern Connecticut.
Moving into the second third of the Gran Retorno some notes of maple begin to develop as the toasty goodness moves to the background. On the retrohale there are elements of red pepper, peanuts and wheat.
As the cigar comes to a close notes of wheat take charge with some continued nuts and maple in the background, both of which are enhanced on the retrohale.
The Burn: For me the definition of a perfect draw is a cigar that offers a slight resistance and produces a nice amount of smoke on the exhale. The Gran Retorno fits that definition and has a near perfect burn with a thin combustion line. The cigar remained lit from first light to last puff and the duration of the cigar was just shy of 90 minutes.
The Finish: One of the first new release to arrive from IPCPR 2016, and this cigar sets the bar high. A mild cigar with a modern flair, the Gran Retorno Connecticut is a cigar that should is worthy of space in your humidor.
Score: 92
Price: $7.39 / $129.99 (Box of 20)
Gran Retorno Connecticut
Gran Retorno Connecticut Foot
Gran Retorno Connecticut Burn
