Reinado Cigars was an up-and-coming boutique brand in the early 2010s that included some well-received lines, like the Grand Empire Reserve. At the end of 2014, the brand went on hiatus due to health issues of the father of Antonio Lam, owner of Reinado. Seven years later, in 2021, Reinado announced their return with the Grand Apex, which pays homage to Lam’s father and his climb from Cuban emigrant to vice president of the Chase Manhattan Bank in New York.
The cigars are made at the Tabacos Valle de Jalapa S.A. (TABSA) in Estil, Nicaragua, and parts of the proceeds will be donated to the Dementia Society of America.
The wrapper is of an Oscuro color (it has been a while since I have seen a wrapper this dark), with a decent amount of oil to it. It is firmly rolled without any gaps present, and the draw is slightly open.
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Size: 52 x 140 mm (5 1/2″)
- Wrapper: Mexican San Andres
- Binder: Nicaragua
- Filler: Nicaragua
- Price: $12 | € –
Reinado Grand Apex: the cold draw brings aromas of earth, wood, and nuts to the palate, with a bit of spice in the background. Once lit, the cigar opens with a mix of spice, leather, earth, and wood.
Overall, the Reinado Grand Apex is a full-bodied and full-flavored smoke from start to finish. While it may not have the broadest evolution, the fact that the flavor profile is complex and rich, paired with a great balance and a long finish on the palate, makes more than up for that—a great cigar for a comeback.