Alec Bradley Gatekeeper Robusto - BOX OF 24

The most compact size in a cigar built around a genuine collaboration. When Alec and Bradley Rubin set out to create the second release under their own Alec & Bradley subsidiary brand, they partnered directly with Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, a Cigar Aficionado Hall of Fame cigarmaker, and named the cigar in his honor, describing him as a gatekeeper to new opportunities and experiences for us as second-generation cigar makers.

At 5 x 50, the Robusto carries the same Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and Nicaraguan-Dominican filler blend found across the line, all handcrafted at Perez-Carrillo's own Tabacalera La Alianza factory in Santiago. Cigar Aficionado rated the overall blend 95 points and later named it the #7 cigar on their Top 25 list for 2020, and buyers who've smoked this specific size have generally confirmed the reputation: a smooth, rich profile built around cedar, roasted nuts, and leather, backed by solid construction and an even burn.

As with the Toro, reception here isn't universally glowing, and it's fair to mention that upfront. At least one buyer specifically noted their Robusto burned unevenly and didn't deliver the sweetness other reviews described, finding mostly cedar and little else. This kind of variation is worth keeping in mind, particularly if you're purchasing based on the critical acclaim alone rather than having tried the blend firsthand. That said, the more common experience across reviews leans clearly positive, a well-rounded, medium-bodied smoke with genuine complexity that's earned this line a loyal following among Alec Bradley fans looking for something a bit different from the father's more traditional Honduran lineup.

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Flavor progression:

1. Opening: cedar and roasted nuts lead the way, with a subtle sweetness and a smooth, creamy draw
2. Mid-smoke: leather and cacao develop, mineral and floral notes appearing alongside a honey-like sweetness in the background
3. Close: wood and a touch of pepper settle into the retrohale, the medium body carrying through to a satisfying finish

Key Features:

1. Brand: Alec & Bradley
2. Line: Gatekeeper
3. Release: September 2019, second release from Alec & Bradley subsidiary brand
4. Concept: A tribute to cigarmaker Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, who co-blended the cigar
5. Factory: Tabacalera La Alianza S.A., Santiago, Dominican Republic
6. Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
7. Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
8. Binder: Nicaraguan
9. Filler: Nicaragua, Dominican Republic
10. Construction: Handmade
11. Vitola: Robusto
12. Size: 5 inches x 50 ring gauge
13. Strength: Medium
14. Flavor Profile: Cedar, roasted nuts, leather, cacao, honey, mineral, floral
15. Rating: 95 points; #7 Cigar of 2020, Cigar Aficionado
16. Box Count: 24 cigars
17. Price per Cigar: approximately $8.75