Quick Smoke: Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial Limited Edition 2011

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

This limited edition smoke features a Connecticut broadleaf wrapper, hard-to-grow Nicaraguan pelo de oro binder, and Nicaraguan filler. It’s a rich combination of earth, chocolate, black coffee, and lots of spice, especially in final third. It reminds me of the the 2009 Tatuaje La Verite, probably because both use pelo de oro, though the Jamie Garcia has a bit more bite and less balance. Ultimately, this is a good cigar with the only major drawback being the price tag, which is a hefty $16.50. At that price, I can’t give it my most enthusiastic recommendation, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth trying at least once.

Verdict = Hold.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys