rkingfish's Full Review: Garcia Y Vega Game Palma Green 5/4 Pack Cigars
Ahhh... the memories. Nearly every snapshot that remains of my father is one where a cigar is prominently and orally displayed. Christmas meant that boxes and boxes of colorfully wrapped offerings from White Owl and Phillies would appear under the tree - courtesy of well-meaning gift-givers; providing his stash for the months ahead. In days of yore, a good domestic cigar and a Hershey bar could both be had for a nickel. Times change and, as the choices multiply, I ponder the (alleged) words of Sigmund Freud: Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar...
The Hunt . . .
As I drove around my new (very rural) hometown, the sudden hankerin for a fine cigar brought me to every mom-and-pop store available. Those cheap and unsophisticated domestic brands of my fathers time were the order of the day, until I found a four-pack of Garcia y Vega Green Game. A price of $5.39 (US) seemed a good risk for a slow burning Dominican Palma featuring a Candela wrapper in all its light green glory.
Burning the Candela at both ends . . .
In a current and on-going frenzy of interstate real estate realities, its nice to take a few minutes to sit on my spacious new deck with a quality cigar and stare at the distant hills. While this doesnt exactly serve to melt my troubles away, it does create a worthy diversion when combined with a good, strong cup of freshly brewed coffee. Or perhaps a shot of fine bourbon, as the case may be.
The Light . . .
The Green Game lights evenly and effortlessly; the draw being equally so. My initial sensual impression is one of dark chocolate with a nominal citrus edge - the wrapper is naturally sweet to the taste and imparts a trace of pure vanilla to the mix. The overwhelming quality here is in the smoothness and fine, mellow flavor that remains consistent throughout the burn of the cigars six-inch by forty-two configuration. This puppy is gentle and provides no bite to its burn.
Speaking of The Burn . . .
The Garcia y Vega Green Game is a well-constructed cigar, as demonstrated by the firm and quality two-inch ash it was able to generate with ease. The natural Candela wrapper is quite free of veining and I have yet to encounter too tight a roll; allowing for the consistent draw that contributes to a sublime aromatic and favorable experience.
The Presentation . . .
Each cigar is packaged in an opaque, neon green cellophane sleeve which, by comparison, provides the optical illusion of the Candela wrapper being greener than usual. Although there is no expiration date on the box, my four examples appeared to be properly cured and packaged in peak condition. While the packaging claims Dominican origin, Epinions product details suggest Nicaraguan roots. This discrepancy may be due to point of origin as opposed to that of manufacture.
Nevertheless . . .
Back before the act of smoking cigars was scorned and demonized, countless neighborhood dads partook of the occasional stogie or two. However, my memories were not always pleasurable - for the aerodynamics of the Ford Country Squire caused most drivers tobacco spit to re-enter the vehicle via the rear passengers window at speeds in excess of fifty m.p.h. (80.4672 k.p.h. for our Canadian friends). Funny how the youngest sibling always wound-up behind the driver.
Outstanding... and they are mild . . .
In my experience, the Garcia y Vega Green Game is a much better product than its price would suggest. For those in search of a mild and flavorful cigar capable of an easy draw, consistent burn and smooth finish, one could do much worse at risk of far greater expense.
The Green Game line is also available in Vanilla and Honey varieties
Garcia y Vega
Swedish Match North America, Inc.
Owensboro, Kentucky 42302
270-685-8777
Recommended:
Yes
Cigar Name: Garcia y Vega Green Game Cigar Rating: Better than most Price per cigar ($US): 4 @ $5.39
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