Gellis Marevas - By Gellis Family Cigars

The Leaf

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic

Factory: [Factory not disclosed]

Wrapper: Ecuador Corojo '99

Binder: Dominican Republic

Filler: Dominican Republic Piloto Cubano, Dominican San Vicente, Nicaraguan Jalapa Corojo '99

Size: 5 1/8 x 43

Body: Medium

Strength: Medium

Purchased At: Creekside Cigar Co.

Personal Rating: 7.5 / 10 – A Solid Companion

If you like this, you might also like: Rojas Bluebonnets, Tatuaje Black, Illusione Original Documents

What We Do Here

The beauty of cigars isn’t just in the smoke...it’s in the ritual, the memory, the lore. Each review starts with the basics: how it smokes, how it tastes, whether it’s worth lighting up again or buying a box. Then, for those chasing the full story, we peel back the layers, deeper notes, subtleties, and the craft behind the leaf. At the end, we leave you with a little folklore to match the mood. Because around here, the smoke always carries a story.

Casual Take

A trim, elegant smoke with musty oak, toasted marshmallow sweetness, and a gentle herbal mint lift. Not flashy, but smooth and approachable. The kind of cigar you reach for when you want an easygoing hour without overthinking.

Deep Burn

From the first light, a familiar mustiness and toasted oak lead the way, evoking the character of an old wood paneled library. The oak briefly drifts into cedar before settling back, joined by the soft sweetness of burnt marshmallow and creamy tobacco.

Midway through, the profile gains a subtle herbal mint note, keeping things fresh without distracting from the core flavors. Unexpected for sure, but a very welcome note to find! The burnt marshmallow and sweet tobacco notes are still hanging around with a subtle pepper on the retrohale.

In the final third, that pinch of black pepper takes a more forward stance on the retrohale, gently sharpening the edges of the sweetness and earth. The Marevas never shifts into high gear which is perfectly fine. Instead, it keeps a steady, medium bodied pace from start to finish. This restraint is both its strength and limitation: dependable, enjoyable, and clean, but outside of that mint note in the second third, not likely to surprise you.

The Heart of the Leaf

The Gellis Marevas plays in the classic, understated lane. Small ring gauge, balanced profile, and a pace that invites conversation more than contemplation. It doesn’t aim to overwhelm, but rather to recreate a familiar, comfortable experience in a new setting. "Cubanesqe" if you will. While it won’t knock your socks off with complexity, its size and refinement make it an easy repeat buy for lovers of petite formats, consistent flavors, and Corojo '99. Earning a 8/10 - A Solid Companion.

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The Lore

In Cuban folklore, the Duende is a mischievous spirit said to live among the sugarcane fields and tobacco barns, slipping in and out of sight like a wisp of smoke. Farmers claimed the Duende could bless a harvest with sweetness or curse it with rot, depending on how it was treated. The musty, toasted oak and marshmallow sweetness of the Marevas feel like a cigar touched by the Duende’s gentler hand. Grounded in earth, lifted by a playful herbal freshness, and carrying just enough pepper to remind you that even in kindness, the spirit’s touch has a bit of mischief.

The cigar in this review was paid for by me.

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