Gran Habano Connecticut #1 Imperiales

I had the pleasure of trying a Gran Habano Connecticut #1 Imperiales not too long ago.  The Imperiales is a 6 x 60 size, which is a bit larger than I typically smoke.  This cigar, with its Nicaraguan fillers and binders and it's Ecuadorian wrapper, has an overall good look and firmness.  However, there was a slight blemish in the middle which you can see in the first photo.  This was the first from a newly opened box, so I believe it came from the factory where someone overlooked this one.  The veins were noticeably present with a bit of a dry feeling, yet there was a slight oily sheen to the stick.

Initially, I detected hay and a woodsy aroma.  Upon lighting, I tasted a bit of sweetness in the tobacco as well as the hay.  There's a bit of creaminess that slowly develops, but it never builds to anything too powerful. The smoke is plentiful and the burn seems to remain pretty even and consistent.

Entering into the 2nd third, the creaminess continues with the sweet tobacco falling off, and the hay settling down for a bit.  Spice notes seem to pop up but it does not become too strong, and it blends pretty well with the cream.  The ash seems to remain steady of around an inch before falling.

Entering into the final third, notes of cedar become present with less cream and spice.  The smoke and burn have remained constant the entire time.  The finish ended with no heat at the nub

The Connecticut #1 is definitely a mild - light medium cigar.  It doesn't require multiple lights, it's not too complex, and it's not too bold with spice.  I would say that this would be a great introductory cigar to a newbie, or something you might want on a hot afternoon working in the yard, especially for the price.  I give this an 85.