Graycliff G2 Pirate
Size: 6 x 52
Wrapper: Connecticut wrapper from Ecuador
Filler: Dominican/Nicaraguan
Price: $3

So, Shaun Brannen came back again last weekend for the inspection on his new house, which in a happy not-quite-coincidence is right next door to mine; we will share a fence. So after a spirited St. Andrews community group party on Friday night, which featured lots of fried turkey, political debate, and whisky, the last three survivors of the festivities--Steve, Shaun, and myself--wound down on the back porch with some Graycliff G2 torpedoes.

The Pirate vitola sports a light brown wrapper with a soft, earthy prelight aroma. Cigars International advertises this cigar as Graycliff's only mild blend, and at first light, this seems to be accurate. The taste is mild to the point of blandness with a hint of nuts. But as you continue to smoke, this cigar begins to change, gradually picking up a subtle spiciness and replacing that initial nutty taste with more woody notes. By the end, it has transformed itself into a solidy medium-body cigar.

Goes great with an Islay single malt, such as Old Pulteney.