Thanks to Donzz for sending me the Gridiron Great - a special release by Diamond Crown. Am generally fan of all things made by Fuente, so was drawn to checking out the Gridiron Great. A portion of sales goes to the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund to provide hands-on assistance and financial aid to help retired NFL players deal with some of the hardships they may encounter after football.
Another reason I was drawn to this cigar - my local B&M opened a box of "regular" CT wrapper Diamond Crowns he ordered (side note, he has been a direct B&M with Fuente for years). He found what appeared to be Gridiron Greats. But after calling Fuente to confirm what he was sent (since he hadn't ordered them), they admitted a few boxes had been shipped that had been banded incorrectly. (Note the real Gridiron Great is a churchill - not a torpedo.)
The true GG (pictured on the left) has a cameroon wrapper. As my B&M Frank says - no one does cameroon like Fuente. While the price point is a bit high (about $20 with CT taxes), the Gridiron Great was an overall awesome smoke - medium bodied but an interesting smoke all the way to the end. No harshness - just great tobacco - Fuente-made smoothness. Great construction - an enjoyable hourlong+ smoke.
John