Cigar Demo and Rum Tasting at Graycliff Cigar Company

Travelers looking to add a touch of luxury and tradition to their Bahamas visit might find the Graycliff Cigar Company’s tour offers a compelling glimpse into an age-old craft. This 1.5-hour experience combines hands-on cigar making with a curated rum tasting, perfect for those with an appreciation for fine spirits and finely crafted cigars.

What caught our eye are the personalized guidance from knowledgeable guides, the chance to learn about cigar artistry firsthand, and the opportunity to sample world-class rums. On the downside, some reviewers mention that the tour can be quite warm, and the walk-through may feel brief. Still, this experience appears tailor-made for cigar aficionados, curious travelers, or anyone wanting an authentic taste of Bahamian craftsmanship.

Good To Know

• Authentic Cigar Craftsmanship: Learn from master rollers who have won awards, including the prestigious Cigar of the Year.
• Hands-On Experience: Try your hand at sorting, cleaning, storing, and even rolling your own cigar.
• Curated Rum Tasting: Sample renowned Caribbean rums like Mount Gay, Barbancourt, and John Watling’s.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable staff make the learning engaging and approachable.
• Small Group Atmosphere: Personal service and a relaxed, intimate setting.
• Convenient Location: Close to Nassau cruise port, easy to include in a day ashore.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Location

The tour begins at the Graycliff Cigar Company on W Hill Street in Nassau, just a short walk from the cruise port. Its central location makes it a convenient stop, especially if you’re exploring Nassau by cruise. The building itself exudes a sense of history, with its elegant, old-world charm hinting at the craftsmanship within.

The Story of Graycliff

Your guide kicks off by sharing how Graycliff evolved from a small cigar roller working in a restaurant doorway to a globally recognized boutique producer. The company’s 16 master rollers have earned top awards, including the 2001 Cigar of the Year, and multiple accolades from the Robb Report. This background adds a layer of appreciation, making the hands-on part of the tour more meaningful.

The Cigar-Making Process

The core of the experience is observing and participating in the art of cigar rolling. As you watch the master rollers at work — with some guides even inviting you to try rolling your own — you’ll learn how cigars are made from the selection of tobacco leaves to the blending and rolling process. The guides are praised for their knowledge and ability to translate technical details into engaging stories, making it accessible even for newcomers.

One reviewer noted, “Great experience learning about the art of rolling cigars and the importance of selecting specific leaves on the tobacco plant for flavor,” emphasizing how this personal touch makes the tour special. Meanwhile, another mentioned the skill involved in choosing leaves, which directly impacts flavor and quality.

Learning to Smoke and Store Cigars

Beyond making cigars, the guide offers tips on how to store and smoke high-quality cigars properly. This includes advice on humidity control, curation for aging, and the best way to enjoy a cigar to truly appreciate its nuances. This insight can transform casual cigar smoking into a more refined, savoring experience.

The Rum Tasting

Following the cigar lessons, the tour shifts gears into the Bahamian tradition of rum tasting. You’ll sample a lineup of premium rums from around the Caribbean, including Mount Gay, Barbancourt, and John Watling’s, a Nassau-produced English-style rum. The tasting is curated to showcase the variety of flavors and styles, giving you a broader understanding of the region’s spirits.

The reviews highlight that the rum tasting exceeded expectations, with some guides bringing out extra rums and even pairing them with chocolate, making the experience more enjoyable and memorable. The friendly guidance ensures that even newcomers feel comfortable exploring the different flavors.

Atmosphere and Group Size

The tour is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, which helps maintain a personalized and relaxed environment. Visitors consistently praise the friendly staff and intimate setting, which encourages questions and interaction. Some reviewers mentioned the indoor setting can get warm, especially in peak weather, so dress appropriately.

Duration and Price

At around 1 hour 30 minutes and costing $176 per person, the tour offers decent value—especially considering the high-quality cigars and rums included. Comparing the price to similar experiences, it leans toward the premium side, but the hands-on aspect, expert guides, and small group size help justify this.

Practical Tips

• Book in advance — it’s popular and often booked 26 days ahead.
• Arrive early to avoid the heat, especially if visiting during warmer months.
• Wear comfortable clothing and consider bringing a fan or choosing a cooler time of day.
• No need for cash — Graycliff is cashless; credit cards only.
• Age restriction: You must be 18 or older to participate.

Authentic Experiences and Insights from Reviewers

Travelers emphasize the expertise of the guides as a standout feature. One reviewer called their guide “knowledgeable and friendly,” which contributed to an engaging and informative experience. Another appreciated the personalized service in a small group, making every question easy to ask.

While some found the short walk-through of the cigar factory a bit underwhelming, others noted that the hands-on experience of rolling cigars and learning about tobacco selection was surprisingly in-depth. The rum tasting was consistently highlighted as a fun, educational addition, with some reviewers mentioning they learned to appreciate different rum styles they might not have otherwise sampled.

One guest humorously pointed out that the indoor temperature was quite warm, which is worth considering if visiting during a hot spell. Still, the overall sentiment was that this is a memorable, worthwhile experience for those interested in luxury craftsmanship or Bahamian spirits.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect if you’re curious about cigars or spirits, want to understand the craftsmanship behind luxury products, or simply enjoy interactive, guided tastings. It’s especially suitable for those who value small group intimacy and expert guidance.

If you’re a cigar enthusiast or rum lover, this tour offers both an educational component and a chance to sample some of the best Caribbean spirits. It’s also great for travelers seeking an authentic, locally rooted activity that’s a little different from typical island excursions.

Final Thoughts

The Graycliff Cigar Company tour combines learning, tasting, and hands-on fun, making it a well-rounded experience for those with a taste for the finer things in life. While it’s priced at a premium, the quality of the cigars, the caliber of the rum, and the warmth of the guides make it worth considering.

For travelers who love authentic craftsmanship, expert storytelling, and intimate group settings, this experience will deliver a memorable slice of Bahamian culture. Whether you’re a cigar novice or a connoisseur, the chance to see the art of cigar making up close and taste exceptional rums makes this tour stand out.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for non-smokers?
While the tour involves cigar making and smoking tips, it is primarily an educational experience about cigars and spirits. Non-smokers can still enjoy the learning aspect and rum tasting.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes a professional guide, a rum tasting session, and Graycliff cigars to sample or take home.

Is there an age restriction?
Yes, participants must be at least 18 years old to join the tour, in compliance with legal drinking age laws.

How long does the tour last?
Expect approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, including all demonstrations and tastings.

Are there any transportation options?
The tour begins and ends at Graycliff Cigar Company near Nassau’s cruise port, so transportation is not included but the location is easily accessible.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellation is free if done at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

This Graycliff tour offers a rich, authentic experience that blends craftsmanship, Caribbean spirit, and local flavor. Perfect for those wanting a taste of Nassau’s finer side, it promises a memorable adventure into cigar artistry and rum appreciation.