Grimalkin
Monday, October 17, 2011 at 11:07AM 
This week's review is of one of those cigars that most people probably haven't heard of, the Grimalkin. I recently reviewed one of the Emilio cigars, and this one comes from the same company. Grimalkin means "old or evil looking female cat" which is why there are two cat eyes on the band. I must say it is one of the odder cigar bands I have come across. The origin of this cigar remains a secret, all I was told was that they are made in Esteli, Nicaragua and is a limited edition based on the limited quantities of tobaccos available for this blend. Like the other Emilio cigars, Gary Griffith sent me this one to try. I am smoking the Toro, which measures in at 6x50.
The Grimalkin is a nicely rolled cigar with a triple cap (that has a familiar look to it...) and a fair amount of veining along the wrapper. The overall construction looks solid. The aroma at the foot is strong and sweet with some cinnamon. The prelight draw has the right amount of resistance for me with some sweet and spicy flavors. Once lit this starts out with some spice, leather and cinnamon. I am already about 99% sure which factory this cigar is coming out of just from a few observations and the flavor profile, but I'll keep quiet for now until Gary decides to make that information public. The spice has backed off after the first inch, with more of that leather and cinnamon and some coffee flavors creeping in. The burn has been razor sharp so far and the ash holds on for just over an inch. At this point I would say this is a medium bodied and medium strength cigar with plenty of flavor.
At the halfway point the flavor profile has stayed pretty consistent and tasty! A nutty component has emerged and seems to be a cross between a hazelnut and walnut flavor. This works really well with the almost creamy coffee flavor that was already present. Entering the final third and I am still enjoying the Grimalkin. This cigar has been medium all the way through, both in body and strength.
The Grimalkin was a pleasant surprise! I have to admit that when I saw the band I thought it was a little big cheesy, but its a solid smoke! So far of the cigars I've had from Emilio cigars this was my favorite. These retail for $8.30, which seems like a fair price for this cigar. As I said before, this was a limited run but a little birdy told me the next edition should be available around March...
Reader Comments (1)
I tried the under crown you said you liked it and I agree it has loads of smoke great draw.thanks