Graycliff Crystal torro

[weak_link]

Yes my ashtray is dirty!



Partnered with Johnny Walker Green
Setting: garage with dog, 101 F, NorCal Summer

Pre-light inspection:
Dark, slightly toothy wrapper with slightly grassy pre-light draw. Nothing remarkable, nor nothing negative to report.

First 1/3

Cap cuts off easily with a twist and snip of the Palio cutter and reveals an even, smooth draw.

Fires right up with a torch and draw remains smooth.

Earthy tones hit the palate with a thick smoke that's fun to roll around in the mouth. Finish has a hint of sweetness with a lingering spice. The JW Green is really bringing out the spice at the finish. Working towards the end of the first third, the draw reveals the earth tones and leather building in intensity while keeping the slightly spicy finish. Ash has been holding firm and keeping the draw cool and very smooth.



2/3

Smoke gets richer, fuller in body. While still smooth, the spice is becoming more ****ounced it's very easy to pass the smoke though the nose. Heating up a little at the end of the second third but mostly likely because I'm smoking it a bit on the fast side. Ash refuses to drop but the burn line has gone from laser even to a slightly flowery edge. Nothing horrible, just an observation. Very relaxing smoke thus far and leaves my mouth with a little tingle.

3/3

Ash finally dropped. Earth and leather have edged the spice out of the way on the draw. Finish is almost like the warmth from a jalapeño pepper oils on the tip on my tongue. The Crystal has that Graycliff flavor profile I can't quite place from the Original and Professional, just a bit less of it. Maybe it's a bit fuller bodied and less grassy but I'm not good enough to tell you what that profile is. This smoke has gone though several subtle changes I wish I could tell you more about but again, my palate just isn't developed enough to describe them all to you.



Liked it: Yes

Buy again? Yes

Recommend? Yes, goes great on a full stomach. I enjoy the subtle changes all the way throughout this smoke and appreciate that it remains smooth to the nub.

[Don Fernando]

you have to clean your ashtray.

Nice review, heard good stuff about Graycliff, I never smoked them but i have one in my humi.

[weak_link]

Originally Posted by Don Fernando

you have to clean your ashtray.

Nice review, heard good stuff about Graycliff, I never smoked them but i have one in my humi.

I promise I've cleaned it and usually keep it 50% less disgusting than in the photos. Sloppy for a review but you get what you pay for around here.

[Scottw]

Nice review. I have only had the PG and 1666, hit or miss with them but sometimes good.

[Cybervee]

Yes, but are they worth the high price?

[weak_link]

Originally Posted by Cybervee

Yes, but are they worth the high price?

I get them on cbid for about $100/bundle. I give away the ci branded ones and keep the rest.

[Ratters]

The Crystal is pretty darned good. I like it much better than the red and blue labels.

[TideRoll]

Thanks for the review. I've had several in one of my boxes for a while. Maybe it's time to break one out.

[BlackIrish]

Thanks for the review. I'm put off by the price, but maybe I'll see if I can pick up a crystal.

[Gargoyle]

Originally Posted by BlackIrish

Thanks for the review. I'm put off by the price, but maybe I'll see if I can pick up a crystal.

Keep a watch on the Devil Site for these. You can usually find them ~7 a stick there... which is still a LOT, but makes it a bit more reasonable.