GraycliffHotel

The latest cigar from Graycliff is so new it doesn't even have a name. For now, it's called "Project X," though a name is in the works. When this cigar comes to market, it will be nothing short of mind-blowing.

Several sizes and shapes are available, but I was drawn immediately to the largest available (I tend to prefer bigger cigars), which is rolled with a shag foot. Sure, I was attracted to the unusual appearance, though I was skeptical about how it would burn – the shag just didn't seem likely to lead to an even burn. Needless to say, I was absolutely wrong. In fact, few cigars have burned as evenly as the Project X. The frayed ends all turned to ash at the same pace, and by the time the shag was exhausted the rest of the cigar moved upward almost in a perfect circle.

The Project X is medium-bodied and incredibly smooth throughout, though the flavor does lose a little momentum in the middle (they are more pronounced up front). The cigar regains the strength of flavor toward the end – without becoming harsh or acidic.

Doubtless, the Graycliff is an upscale cigar brand, and I don't expect the Project X to be inexpensive. The impressive construction is upstaged only by the style points this cigar wins. If you're looking for a conversation piece, burn some shag.

[Photo via @brianhewitt]

Disclosure: Graycliff provided me with the cigars for this review.

What happens to the world's oldest wines? Many bottles sit in private collections, some remain in the custody of the originating winery (like the world's oldest champagne which was recently opened) and some is in restaurant cellars. At the Graycliff Restaurant at the Graycliff Hotel in the Bahamas one of the world's oldest wines is in residence. The restaurant, which serves Bahamian fusion food, has a comprehensive wine cellar that includes the 1727 Rudesheimer Apostelwein from Bremer Ratsfeller in the "Rheinghau" region of Germany which is considered to be the oldest drinkable wine. The bottle and label date from the 1950s when the wine was drawn off from the cask which remains in the city of Bremen.

Should you prefer something a bit younger, there's always the 1865 Château Lafite and of course, a whole host of modern vintages in a wide range of prices. The wine cellar has over 275,000 bottles with over 4000 selections from 15 countries. Graycliff also has a Cognacteque, a unique collection of Cognacs, Armagnacs and Ports which can be paired with one of the cigars from Graycliff's humidor. An average dinner for two costs $150 not including wine.