by Rikesh Chauhan
There’s a reason the process of ageing is synonymous with quality. As the old adage goes, the best things are born from it. The year on a bottle of wine will be of significant interest to the connoisseur. The casks used in the creation of that single malt you’ve been saving for a special occasion will typically run into double digits. Some of the best pieces of tailoring my father owns are older than I am. The point is, one cannot rush excellence, and when excellence has been created, it makes the experience that much richer.
If you’re anything like me, the terms reserva and gran reserva will likely give you goosebumps, whatever the context. These are the crème de la crème of Cuban heritage, presented annually to cigar aficionados the world over, in limited supply and usually at a price point that can only be considered an investment. These cigars are something phenomenal for the primary reason that the tobacco leaves are graded and then aged for a minimum of three years. Only when they are of a premium age, where the notes are so unique and interesting, will they be rolled to create truly remarkable sticks that one could only hope to one day own.
The H. Upmann No. 2 Reserva Consecha 2010 cigars
It is our pleasure to be able to present some incredibly special reservas and gran reservas that offer value, investment and will, ultimately, make for truly memorable experiences once you take the time to enjoy them. Let’s begin with an incredible reserva and gran reserva from the house of Montecristo. The No. 4 Reserva Consecha 2002 was created by Habanos S.A. as an homage to one of the most popular cigars of all-time: the Montecristo No. 4. The tobacco used in these special cigars was aged for a touch over three years before being rolled in a limited quantity of only 5,000 boxes. If you want to go further, the No. 2 Gran Reserva was the first to be released under the world-famous Montecristo. Made in 2011, it is also limited to 5,000 cases — these ones being uniquely numbered and containing fifteen cigars — and is considered by many experts (and fans) as one of the finest Cuban cigars ever made. The cigar sports the iconic Piramides vitola, measuring in at 156mm by a 52 ring gauge. It’s the ageing process that enables the ‘Gran’ element of the title, with it taking slightly longer than your reservas. The tobacco for the No. 2, therefore, has been aged for a minimum of five years, and makes the 1.5 hour smoke time a remarkable experience.
The H. Upmann No. 2 Reserva Consecha cigars adorned in its stunning case
Some of my favourite smokes are that of H. Upmann, so a reserva from this brand is certainly one I’ll happily recommend time and time again. The No. 2 Reserva Consecha 2010 has been a standout since its inception, and as production here was also capped at 5,000 boxes, these cigars are certainly hard to come by, so don’t miss your chance to invest in them while you read this. Speaking of rare, getting your hands on Cohiba’s Robusta Reserva Consecha 2014 will not only give you something incredible to enjoy in good company, but the branded, lacquered and imprinted box alone is a talking point when you break it out. For Havana aficionados, these cigars come in the most popular Robusto vitola at 124mm long. The tobacco leaves come from the Vuelta Abajo area of Pinar del Rio, a well-known and exciting district for the growth of tobacco.
Also from the region, Partagas presented their Lusitanias Gran Reserva Consecha 2007 during the 2013 Habanos Festival. Part of the Gran Reserva series which we take pride in stocking, these limited editions have been aged for five years — filler, wrapper, binder and all. The unique and aromatic leaves are hand-rolled by the finest torcedores in Cuba into this much loved Lusitania format. What more could one want? Well, there may be one thing.
One that catches the eye: Bolivar Belicosos Finos Reserva Consecha 2016 cigar
The most recent Reserva to hit the market this year, The Bolivar Belicosos Finos Reserva Cosecha 2016 was unveiled by Habanos S.A. during the XXII Festival Del Habano in Club Havana no less, and is now — after long last — available to order on our website. These will certainly not be with us for a great deal of time, so be sure to place your order now to avoid disappointment. This Reserva features the Campana vitola, measuring 140mm and a 52 ring gauge. In comparison to its non-reserva equivalent, these cigars offer a significantly more gentle yet refined flavour. Whichever you decide to opt for, we can assure you that your collection — and your friends — will thank you.