PCA 2023: Gran Habano

Gran Habano has returned with the same sharp-looking black and gold booth celebrating the company’s 20th anniversary. I walked by the booth several times before I felt there was enough of a lull to chat with owner George Rico. He gave me information about the new stuff coming from the brand, graciously shot a quick video with me, and then had to run to his next meeting with a retailer who was kind enough to understand the delay.

I was glad to see the return of last year’s booth theme. While 2021’s Miami-themed booth was fun, and the previous booth used up to 2019 was more elaborate with walls and built-in display cases; this one is open, inviting, and much easier to photograph.

While it is hard to top last year’s Gran Habano XX Aniversario Edicion Limitada release, Rico was excited to discuss the upcoming G.A.R. American Standard.

Gran Habano G.A.R. American Standard

This new line was created to create a more affordable option for its customers who don’t want to sacrifice the experience that they have come to expect from the brand. It’s a Nicaraguan puro, but the company is not specifying the varietals. What has been said is that it is a medium-to-full-bodied profile with “a rich dark chocolate flavor, infused with black peppery notes in the finish.” Rico mentioned that coming in January, a second release will be featuring a Pennsylvania broadleaf wrapper to celebrate American-grown tobacco.

• Wrapper: Nicaragua
• Binder: Nicaragua
• Filler: Nicaragua

• Gran Habano G.A.R. American Standard Robusto (5 x 50) — $5.50 (Box of 50, $275)
• Gran Habano G.A.R. American Standard Gran Robusto (6 x 54) — $6 (Box of 50, $300)
• Gran Habano G.A.R. American Standard Imperial (6 x 60) — $6.40 (Box of 50, $320)
• Gran Habano G.A.R. American Standard Czar (6 x 66) — $6.80 (Box of 50, $340)
• Gran Habano G.A.R. American Standard Grandioso (7 x 70) — $7 (Box of 50, $350)

Production: Regular Production

Release Date: September 2023