Felipe Gregorio Classic Robusto (Full Box 25 Cigars)

• Length: 127mm
• Ring Gauge: 50
• Flavour: Medium-Full
• Wrapper: Habano 92
• Binder: Sun Grown Habano 44
• Filler: Habano 92
• Origin: Dominican Republic

Felipe Gregorio Classic Robusto – Full Box of 25 Cigars

There are few sights in a tobacconist's shop quite as agreeable as a freshly opened box of twenty-five cigars. All neatly arranged, bands facing upwards, wrappers looking splendid. The Felipe Gregorio Classic Robusto is particularly handsome in this respect, arriving in a traditional wooden box with a colourful coat of arms displayed inside the lid.

Felipe Gregorio is the creation of Philip Wynne, an American cigar entrepreneur who has spent a considerable portion of his working life travelling through the tobacco-growing world. His interest has always extended beyond the finished cigar to the leaves themselves, their cultivation and the different characteristics they bring to a blend.

The Classic Robusto makes interesting use of three tobacco components. The wrapper is Habano 92, the binder is Sun Grown Habano 44, and the filler returns to Habano 92. It's a blend with a definite emphasis on Habano tobacco, and the choice of two different varieties gives the composition its own particular identity.

Habano tobacco has a long and distinguished association with the cigar trade. Its character depends considerably on where and how it's grown, and the relationship between wrapper, binder and filler is central to the finished cigar. Here, Felipe Gregorio has chosen to build the blend around closely related tobacco varieties.

The cigars themselves have attractive golden-brown wrappers, displaying the natural markings and fine veins of the leaf. Each wears the familiar navy blue and gold Felipe Gregorio band, decorated with a red crown and heraldic insignia. They look rather distinguished lined up together, like a small gathering of visiting dignitaries.

The Robusto is one of the most enduring shapes in the cigar world. Its relatively short, broad proportions give it a substantial appearance, while the straight-sided body and rounded head make it a familiar and convenient format to prepare.

In terms of strength, the Classic Robusto is classified as medium-to-full. This places it among the more substantial offerings in the humidor, particularly appealing to those who already have some experience with fuller tobacco blends.

There's a practical side to buying the full box, too. Twenty-five cigars provide a useful supply for somebody who has already tried the Classic Robusto and decided it deserves a regular place in their rotation. Keeping the box in a suitably maintained humidor also allows the cigars to be stored together in their original presentation.

The wooden box is nicely finished, with the Felipe Gregorio name across the front and a large heraldic emblem inside the lid. Each cigar is individually protected by cellophane, and the arrangement is secured with a ribbon. It's a traditional presentation that looks the part on a tobacconist's shelf.

I've always maintained that the best reason to purchase a full box is simply knowing you enjoy the cigar inside it. The attractive packaging is a pleasant bonus, but the tobacco is what matters once the lid is closed.

Of course, there's also the satisfaction of having twenty-five cigars ready and waiting. Although in my experience, the moment somebody discovers you've got a full box in the house, you'll suddenly find yourself considerably more popular. Funny how that works.