Reinado Grand Empire Reserve Elegidos is a Nicaraguan puro. The tobaccos used in the Grand Empire Reserve are, in comparison to the classic line, fermented for a longer period of time.
The wrapper is a Nicaraguan Select Maduro and presents itself smooth to the touch, without any major veins. The look of the Elegidos is particular. The cigar, slightly box-pressed with the measures of 55 x 127mm, wears two bands, that are reminiscent to the Cuban ones. The filing is impeccable, only the draw is, with the cigars unlit, open. Thought this improves one the cigar is lit.
Smoking Notes:
Reinado Grand Empire Reserve Elegidos: the cold draw reveals intense notes of cocoa and mature fruits. The opening brings back the cocoa, flanked with fine spices.
The first third brings aromas of cocoa, tobacco and cedar to the palate. There is white pepper well perceivable in the back. Continuing, there are notes of coffee added. The strength is at a medium (3/5). The burn is very slow, regardless of this the burn line is uneven and needs some touching up.
The second third sees intense earthy notes added to the aroma palate. The coffee notes, with the earth, pushes itself to the foreground. The cigar produces tones creamy and sweet smoke. The puffs are full and well balanced. The strength stays at a medium level (3/5). The burn line, in this third, corrects itself and becomes even. The ash is compact.
The final third showcases great harmony of the main aromas of cocoa, coffee, cedar and tobacco. The pepper changes from white to black and intensifies. The spice become spicy in the finish and bring the strength to medium to full level (4/5).
Overall a harmonious and balanced cigar. Not one of the most complex, but the entwining and intensity of the aromas make it a more then enjoyable.
Rating in hundredths: 88