It’s been a while since I visited this brand, considering the last time I enjoyed one was probably back in July. And with the weather warming up slightly this week here in New England, I felt like something that would bring me back to those warm summer nights. Don Pepin Garcia is a legend in the premium cigar industry. He’s been blending and rolling cigars for many years, and recently, his son continued the tradition. Jaime Garcia uses tobaccos from several of his families farms to create his own line of cigars. Today, I’ll be taking a look at the Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial.
What am I Smoking?
Cigar: Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial Robusto
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 5.25 Inches
Ring Gauge: 52
Packaging & Design
All of Jaime’s cigars are rolled in Esteli, Nicaragua and come to us packaged in wooden boxes of 20. The packaging is simple, showcasing the brands logo on top and the size designation on the side. The bands are a large and classic looking, with Jaime Garcia’s name and “Reserva Especial” written in script on a thick cream and blue band.
The Look
The cigars themselves have substance to them. They feel heavy in the hand, and the thick broadleaf maduro wrapper adds a nice texture. It’s a firm cigar, yet the prelight draw has a great resistance and offers up notes of coffee bean and sweet leather.
The Smoke
Right away there is a quick burst of black pepper on the first draw, followed by notes of earth and dark tobacco. The burn had a little difficulty staying straight during the first third but slowly evened itself out. The finish lasts a good long while until the next draw.
At the start of the second third, the body of the Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial increases to just under full. Notes of rich dark fruit and black pepper coat my palate evenly with a finish that includes nuances of espresso coffee.
Finishing up on this cigar and the tasting notes have continued to change up. The cigar has become more balanced since the beginning and shows off subtle complexities of dried prunes and nutmeg spice.
Final Thoughts
Overall this was an enjoyable cigar. Although the burn started off a little rough, it did not affected the taste. These are a solid choice if you’re looking for a classic Nicaraguan cigar that has those traditional spicy characteristics. Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial is a powerful smoke. However, these also come in a Connecticut shade wrapper as well, and they are next on my list to try out.
Rating: 89
Price: $6.99 / $121.99
Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial
Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial Burn
