Distilled Cigar Reviews: Gispert Intenso Belicoso

Distilled Cigar Reviews: Gispert Intenso Belicoso (6 1/8×52)

The new, full-bodied version of Altadis USA’s Gispert cigar, the Intenso came across my desk this afternoon. Naturally, I decided to set it on fire.

Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Dominican/Nicaraguan

Origin: Nicaragua (unlike the original Gispert, which is made in Honduras)

Blended by tobacco virtuoso A.J. Fernandez & the Grupo de Maestros, this cigar smelled absolutely amazing upon removing it from the cello. But would it be just another “dark, bold take on a classic,” or something a bit more memorable?

The Intenso came on strong with a spicy and earthy taste that only grew more audacious with each puff. Deep earth, pepper, coffee, pepper, nougat, pepper, leather, and did I mention pepper? Some necessary, balance-bringing cream finally surfaced after the first inch. Smoking was smooth now. Deceptively so. I’m no nicotine new jack, and this cigar had me reeling a bit before I hit the halfway mark. The flavors listed above morphed, warped, and co-mingled in various interesting ways until I finally had had enough.

This gutsy new Gispert delivered on its promise of potency and bullied my senses sufficiently. While not overly complex, it had a good range of tasting notes that worked together to create a nice symmetry of flavors. Burn and draw were both right on point, allowing me hassle-free enjoyment of the hearty and warm profile the cigar conveyed so smoothly. On all accounts, the Intenso’s a winner, and I recommend it for those who have a palate for power.