What Are Reserva and Gran Reserva Cigars?
Explore the manufacturing secrets of the Reserva and Gran Reserva Editions, the most prestigious cigars in the Habanos S.A. catalog…
The Reserva and Gran Reserva Editions are among the jewels of Habanos S.A. Coveted by collectors around the world, these exceptionally rare cigars embody the pinnacle of luxury and sophistication. They stand out for a unique manufacturing process, extremely limited production, and a value matched only by their prestige. In this article, we invite you to discover the manufacturing secrets behind these extraordinary editions and to immerse yourself in a world where artisanal excellence and tradition come together to create unique tasting experiences.
What distinguishes Reserva and Gran Reserva cigars from other cigars?
The Reserva and Gran Reserva cigars are special limited-production editions. Introduced to the market in 2003 and 2009 respectively, these editions are elevated versions of emblematic vitolas from Habanos’ regular portfolio, with the exception of the Cohiba Media Coronas Reserva 2003, which introduced an entirely new vitola to the range. They are generally made by the 6 global Habanos brands, namely Cohiba, Partagas, Hoyo de Monterrey, H. Upmann, Montecristo and Romeo Y Julieta. However, the Reserva 2020 broke with this tradition, since the Belicosos Finos were produced by Bolivar.
These editions stand apart from standard production cigars through the extreme attention given to every stage of production and a prolonged aging period for the tobacco. As the flagship creations of Habanos production, they reflect exemplary quality and unmatched craftsmanship. For this reason, they are made by the industry’s best Master Blenders and rolled by the most experienced torcedors.
What are the differences between the Reserva and Gran Reserva editions?
To produce these exceptional cigars, the manufacturers select tobacco leaves of the highest quality, capable of withstanding a prolonged aging process without losing their distinctive aromas. Tobacco producers know, in fact, that aging can sometimes soften certain characteristic flavors of Cuban tobacco. Each leaf is therefore hand-harvested and chosen according to very precise characteristics. The tobacco used to make each Reserva and Gran Reserva Edition also belongs to a specific vintage and comes exclusively from the best plantations of la Vuelta Abajo, in the Pinar del Rio region.
If the quality of the selected tobacco leaves and the extreme care taken in the production process are common characteristics of the Reserva and Gran Reserva Editions, the latter stand out for the aging period of their tobaccos. The tobacco used to make the Reserva Editions thus undergoes a minimum 3-year aging process, while that used for the Gran Reserva Editions is aged for a minimum of 5 years.
This extended aging gives the cigars aromas of exceptional roundness and smoothness. It also adds extra complexity, which is not found in standard production cigars. The aim is to ensure the production of exclusive, top-of-the-range cigars capable of arousing the interest of collectors. The Reserva and Gran Reserva concept thus represents the very best of Habanos production, as evidenced by the silver and gold bands that adorn these cigars.
Reserva and Gran Reserva Editions: Collectors’ Pieces
To emphasize the exclusive character of these Limited Editions, they are presented in sumptuous boxes whose luxurious aesthetic contrasts with standard production boxes. Coated in a black lacquer finish, these boxes feature a clean and elegant design that instantly captivates the eye. The Reserva Editions stand out with silver calligraphy and the presence of two stylized “R”s in a mirrored effect. The Gran Reserva Editions, meanwhile, feature gold calligraphy that reflects their importance within the Habanos catalogue. Each box is adorned with the initials “G and R” and the mentions “Habano” and “Cuba”. These designs were created respectively by Dennis Hernandez, the commercial director of Tabacuba (2001 – 2006), and Nelson Alfonso, director of the design company Golden Age. They are also featured on the special bands applied to each cigar.
The Reserva and Gran Reserva Editions are released on average every two years, alternating between them. The former therefore appear in even-numbered years, while the latter are issued in odd-numbered years. Only 5,000 boxes are produced for each edition, and each case is individually numbered to underscore its rarity and authenticity. Reserva Editions are presented in boxes of 20 cigars, while Gran Reserva Editions contain 15 habanos. Each box features the tobacco harvest year used to make that edition, preceded by the term “Cosecha”.
Because of their rarity and exceptional quality, the Reserva and Gran Reserva Editions are especially sought after by collectors. Their price reflects this exclusivity, and it is not uncommon to see them at auction fetching far more than their purchase price. Along with the special humidors and commemorative editions presented each year at the Festival del Habano, they represent the very best Cuban cigar makers have to offer and a high-value investment for aficionados around the world.
List of Reserva Editions
The very first Reserva release dates back to 2003. It was the Cohiba Seleccion Reserva, a box of 30 cigars made from tobacco harvested in 1999. The box included many Cohiba classics, such as Cohiba Coronas Especiales, Cohiba Espléndidos, Cohiba Robustos and Cohiba Pirámides, as well as a previously unreleased vitola, Cohiba Media Coronas.
- 2005 – Partagás Serie D No.4 : Robusto (50 × 124mm) Reserva Cosecha 2000
- 2007 – Montecristo Montecristo No.4 : Petit Corona (42 × 129mm) Reserva Cosecha 2002
- 2012 – Romeo y Julieta Churchill : Churchill (47 × 178mm) Reserva Cosecha 2008
- 2014 – H. Upmann Upmann No.2 : Pyramid (52 × 156mm) Reserva Cosecha 2010
- 2016 – Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2 : Robusto (50 × 124mm) Reserva Cosecha 2012
- 2018 – Cohiba Robusto : Robusto (50 × 124mm) Reserva Cosecha 2014
- 2020 – Bolívar Belicosos Finos : Pyramid (52 × 140mm) Reserva Cosecha 2016
- 2022 – Montecristo Edmundo : Robusto (52 × 135mm) Reserva Cosecha 2018
- 2024 – Romeo y Julieta Short Churchills : Robusto (50 × 124mm) Reserva Cosecha 2019
List of Gran Reserva Editions
- 2009 – Cohiba Siglo VI : Robusto Extra (52 × 150mm) Gran Reserva Cosecha 2003
- 2011 – Montecristo Montecristo No.2 : Pyramid (52 × 156mm)
- Gran Reserva Cosecha 2005
- 2013 – Partagás Lusitanias : Double Corona (49 × 194mm) Gran Reserva Cosecha 2007
- 2015 – Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchills : Robusto (55 × 130mm) Gran Reserva Cosecha 2009
- 2017 – H. Upmann Sir Winston : Churchill (47 × 178mm) Gran Reserva Cosecha 2011
- 2019 – Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona : Double Corona (49 × 194mm)
- Gran Reserva Cosecha 2013
- 2021 – Partagás Serie E No.2 : Robusto Extra (54 × 140mm) Gran Reserva Cosecha 2015
- 2023 – Cohiba Espléndidos :Churchill (47 × 178mm) Gran Reserva Cosecha 2017
FAQ
Reserva and Gran Reserva cigars are special limited-production editions, introduced to the market in 2003 and 2009 respectively. They represent elevated versions of iconic vitolas from Habanos’ regular portfolio, crafted with extreme care at every stage of production and with an extended aging period for the tobacco.
The Reserva and Gran Reserva Editions are mainly distinguished by the length of time their tobaccos are aged. Reserva cigars are aged for a minimum of 3 years, while Gran Reserva cigars undergo an aging process of at least 5 years.
The Reserva and Gran Reserva cigars are presented in sumptuous boxes finished in black lacquer and adorned with silver calligraphy for the Reserva and gold for the Gran Reserva. Each box is individually numbered and displays the harvest year of the tobacco used to make each edition.
The Reserva and Gran Reserva Editions are released alternately every two years on average. The Reserva are available in even-numbered years, while the Gran Reserva are released in odd-numbered years. Only 5,000 boxes are produced for each edition, further enhancing their rarity and exclusivity.