Peterson Gran Reserva, Peterson Gran Reserva reviews, Cigar Guide

Peterson Gran Reserva

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You Don’t Have to be a Harvard MBA for this One
 

For the well-read smokers, business majors and MBAs out there, I bring the following news based on empirical research: the Efficient Market Theory, though it may apply to the stock market, does NOT necessarily apply to cigars. For all who may not appreciate theories, markets or even efficiency, it means exactly what I wrote in my inaugural column titled, Introducing the Reviewer: “There are some good smokes out there at all price ranges! Like virtually everything in the world, there is some overpriced, over-hyped shit out there - and some hidden treasures that can be had for a song as well.” Today, I bring you a song -- the Peterson Gran Reserva cigar.   

A little background research on the cigar reveals that it is made by Ashton, a well-known and respected premium cigar brand. The Peterson branding on this particular line is reported to be the same well-known, respected brand in the pipe tobacco products segment of the broader tobacco industry. It appears that Peterson wanted to extend its brand into the cigar market segment, and Ashton wanted to play in a less expensive segment of the cigar market. The solution to the problem: If you produce and distribute a great cigar at a reasonable price, then you will find success.   

The cigar has enjoyed very favorable reviews by many of the bigger names in the business, and I believe it has even been named in a fairly recent listing in one magazine as a Top 25 cigar of the year. I had it on my list of intriguing “must try” cigars for a while, when I recently noticed significant pricing deals on the brand. I started with a five-pack purchase of the Toro size and most recently purchased a box of the Churchill size. So far, my preference has tended slightly towards the Toro.   

The bottom line: A helluva cigar! Prices are easily available in the sub-$5-a-stick range, and if buying in bulk (a box), the $2-to-$3-a-stick range has been there for a while now. I cannot explain why such a good cigar is available at such an attractive price, but I’m not complaining – I will leave the explanations to Ashton, Peterson and the retailers selling them. 

If you’ve tried the Peterson, want to share a cigar recommendation, or have questions, please email me at: cigarreviews@bullz-eye.com. Your feedback and comments are encouraged. 

Let’s get smokin’. 


Cigar Review:

Peterson Gran Reserva  

Size: Toro 6” X 50

Originally priced in the $6 to 7.50 range 

Tobacco blend:

  • Wrapper: Cameroon
  • Filler: Honduran, Nicaraguan Blend
  • Manufactured in Honduras
 
Context 

I’ve smoked four of my five-pack of Toros in various settings and have paired them with everything from a vodka martini (dirty) to a Diet Coke. I have not had a bad experience yet.   

Look and feel

This cigar has a good enough look, although it’s not one of the best looking cigars either. It is firm and rolled traditionally (round and straight), with an attractive gold and black band with the Peterson name prominently in white lettering. With the exception of its good construction, there is no evidence of the Ashton brand on the individual sticks, though the Ashton name is stamped on the bottom of the box of Churchills that I purchased.   

Aroma and Taste 

I followed my typical routine: toast the foot of the cigar, and then puff it to ensure an even and full light. The draw was good from the start, and the flavor starts with an almost grass-like taste, slightly sweet and nutty. The slight spiciness throughout the cigar can probably be attributed to its Cameroon wrapper. The Nicaraguan / Honduran blend provides the earthy undertones which were welcomed, with a slightly burnt toast flavor. The finish is flavorful and lasting on this medium-bodied cigar. The burn was straight and maintenance free for the first half of the cigar, but I had one complaint – the second half did require some maintenance (at least one relight on each of the four cigars that I smoked). I suspect that this cigar will only get better with a little rest time in the humidor (a few months), but that is not really required for a pleasurable smoke.    

RATING: 9.0 (on a scale of 1 to 10)

Considering the prices out there, a real winner, if not a steal.   

Quote to ponder for those with an oral fixation:

"Smoking is indispensable if one has nothing to kiss." Sigmund Freud

DISCLAIMER:  At the risk of sounding too much like a TV commercial, I do want to sincerely state:  This feature is NOT intended to advocate the smoking of cigars any more or any less than you already do, nor do I intend to influence the non-smoker to begin smoking cigars.  Make no mistake about it; CIGAR SMOKING MAY BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH.

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