What is old, is new again. That is the current mantra of the cigar world as we face FDA Regulations. Today’s cigar follows that adage as it is a redux of the 2012 TAA Edition of the Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial. The cigar which is a ramped up version of the regular JG release. If the size of the cigar is familiar, it is because it is the same vitola as the My Father Le Bijou Box Pressed Torpedo.
Cigar Review: Jaime Garcia 2017 TAA Edition
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Size: 6 1/8″
Ring Gauge: 52
Vitola: Box Pressed Torpedo
The Look: The packaging of the Jaime Garcia 2017 TAA Edition is similar to that of the regular release of the line. Its in a basic wood box, with two rows of 8 cigars which is 4 cigars fewer than the original release of the Reserva Especial. The box however is branded with TAA Edition. The cigar has an attractive Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper that is slightly toothy and feels like fine sand paper under the fingers. Exceptionally rolled and pressed, the stick features the Reserva Especial band along with a blue and gold foot-ribbon denoting TAA.
The Notes: The cold draw of the Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial 2017 TAA Edition is right in my wheel house with a cocoa like sweetness and some nuttiness. The aroma off the wrapper is sweet cocoa while the foot of the stick has leather qualities to it.
Once the cigar is toasted with my Vertigo lighter there are notes of pepper that is synonymous with cigars that come out of the My Father factory. As the pepper fades, notes of espresso develop along with some earthy components. As the first third comes to a close, this limited edition cigar reminds me of seared steak with a subtle maple sweetness on long finish.
The second third sees notes of seared steak dominate the palate with subtle hints of leather and espresso. While the retrohale of the cigar has an abundance black pepper notes there is also a subtle maple like sweetness that lingers on the lengthy finish.
The last third sees leather notes become dominant on the finish, with espresso dominating the palate. The retrohale of the cigar since the pepper notes intensify and they linger on the aroma. The cigar however remains smooth and balanced allowing me to smoke it until there is nothing left to hold.
The Finish: The first TAA of the season is like opening day for baseball fans. It’s the start of geek-stick season, and the Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial 2017 TAA Edition is a win for the home team. It changes things enough up from the regular release. There is more power, and more complexity from this box-pressed edition. If all TAA releases follow suit, this could be a great year for fans of limited edition exclusive smokes.
Score: 91
Price: $9.69 / $136.99
Jaime Garcia 2017 TAA Edition
Jaime Garcia 2017 TAA Edition Foot
Jaime Garcia 2017 TAA Edition Burn
