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Initial Thoughts
Reinado is a brand that seems to be quite popular on review/new/social media outlet, but is not a common feature on shop shelves yet. I have seen a lot of praise for their cigars on various sites, including “Top Cigar of the Year” on at least one or two of them. While I have known about them for about two years now, I have yet to pull the trigger on purchasing any. I kept waiting on someone to bestow upon me a sample or trade, and now my prayers have been answered!
The Reinado Grand Empire Reserve (GER) was originally released in one size, the 5 x 55 back in 2012. Since then, four more vitolas have been released; the Toro, Corona Gorda, Gordo, and a limited release Petite Lancero. The Robusto and Toro are box-pressed, the rest are round. All together, they make up the Premium Collection Grand Empire Reserve line. And that is a mouthful!
Like I said, this sample was a gift, from Mr. Scism, and his incredible generosity.
Looks
The Reinado Grand Empire Reserve is a very enticing cigar. It has a beautiful dark chocolate shade wrapper with minimal veins and smooth seams. The only spot where the seams are a little rough would be on the cap. The wrapper looks very smooth and the stick looks well packed. The box press is also quite attractive.
There are two bands on this cigar. The first is red, gold, and white with white print. It contains the brand name and country of origin. The second band is gold with black print. It distinguishes it as the Grand Empire Reserve (only line they have as of now). Both are easily removed later on in the smoke.
Function
Just like it looks, the Reinado GER feels very smooth and solid. There is only the slightest give when squeezed, a good thing in my opinion, especially for a box-pressed cigar.
This stick has some intriguing aromas. The foot is a nice mix of cocoa and molasses. The barrel is molasses, earth, and manure. Fortunately, the manure is more faint than the other two!
I clip the cap with my CRA cutter, but was tempted to punch it. There is excellent airflow on the draw. I get molasses, earth, and cocoa notes.
Smoking
The Reinado Grand Empire Reserve has a pretty large ring gauge (at least for me), so it takes a moment to get it lit evenly with my single torch lighter. Once I do, the burn line starts off a little wavy. It continues to be uneven for most of the cigar, finally requiring a touch up in the last third.
The ash on this cigar is a little flaky. As a whole, it hangs on for almost an inch. During that time, little pieces fall off and the whole bunch falls at the tightest tap. It is mostly white with some gray in the first half, but mostly gray in the second.
The highlight of the construction is the draw. The draw is excellent throughout the smoke. I get copious amounts of smoke on each puff and that is a good thing!
Flavor
So far, the Reinado Grand Empire Reserve Robusto has been a beautiful cigar with a great draw, but not so great burn and ash. While those things matter, the real test is the flavor. How did it do?
The first third begins with a spicy black pepper and tangy sweetness, much like ketchup. The strength of the pepper begins to mellow a bit (but doesn’t become mellow), allowing some wood to join the tanginess. The retrohale is both spicy and floral.
The second third continues with the spicy, tangy, woody sweetness. It quickly adds some cocoa and floral notes as well. Soon after, the cigar becomes a little creamy as the pepper continues to mellow, except for on the retrohale. The wood increases as well.
The final third boils down to mostly woody and tangy notes. The cream is also present, but mostly on the finish. Near the end, the wood really takes over.
The Reinado Grand Empire Reserve is medium-full in both flavor and strength. Though the burn and ash are not ideal, they never interfere with the flavor or enjoyment of the cigar. Total smoke time was 1 hour 15 minutes, though I probably could’ve gotten another 10-15 minutes out of it.
Would I Buy It Again?
Yes. It is a little expensive but worth the price.
Is It An Everyday Smoke?
I would smoke one everyday.
Would I Buy a Box?
This one only comes in boxes of 20, which might be out of my price range. Other vitolas come in boxes of 10, which is more manageable for me.
Frequently Asked Questions
How strong is the Reinado Grand Empire Reserve?
The Reinado Grand Empire Reserve is medium-full in both flavor and strength — it’s got some muscle to it, but it never gets out of hand.
What are the flavor notes of the Reinado Grand Empire Reserve?
Expect spicy black pepper, tangy sweetness, wood, cocoa, and floral notes, with some creaminess in the second third. The wood takes over toward the end, with a creamy finish lingering behind.
Where can I buy the Reinado Grand Empire Reserve?
Reinado isn’t a common sight on shop shelves yet, so your best bet is ordering online directly or through a reputable online cigar retailer.
How much does the Reinado Grand Empire Reserve cost?
The Reinado Grand Empire Reserve runs around $10 per stick, with boxes of 20 available — though some vitolas come in more budget-friendly boxes of 10.
What bourbon pairs well with the Reinado Grand Empire Reserve?
Eric hasn’t paired this one on record yet, but the cigar’s bold, spicy, and tangy profile sets the stage — check the pairing notes below for some solid starting points.
Where to Buy Reinado Grand Empire Reserve
Average retail: ~$10 per stick. Prices vary by retailer.
| Retailer | Price | Availability | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Famous Smoke Shop | ~$10/stick | ✅ In Stock | Shop Now → |
| Cigars International | ~$10/stick | ⚠️ Check Stock | Shop Now → |
| Amazon (samplers) | Varies | ✅ Available | Search Amazon → |
Stogies on the Rocks may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Best Bourbon Pairings for the Reinado Grand Empire Reserve
As a full-bodied, high-strength Nicaraguan torpedo, the Cojonu 2006 demands a bourbon with presence. Here are our top three pairings based on complementary flavor profiles.
#1 — Knob Creek 9 Year
Knob Creek 9 Year’s deep caramel sweetness and bold oak backbone should play nicely against the cigar’s tangy-sweet notes and wood-forward final third.
Buy on ReserveBar → Read Our Review →#2 — Old Forester 1920
Old Forester 1920’s rich dark fruit, baking spice, and full-bodied weight make it a natural match for the Grand Empire Reserve’s black pepper kick and cocoa notes.
Buy on ReserveBar → Read Our Review →#3 — Russell’s Reserve
Russell’s Reserve’s softer, creamy vanilla and gentle oak profile should complement the creaminess that shows up in the second third without muscling out the cigar’s more delicate floral notes.
Buy on ReserveBar → Read Our Review →Pairing suggestions based on the Stogies on the Rocks flavor profile scoring system. Browse all bourbon reviews →
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Conclusion
Well, I am very happy that I finally got to try the Reinado Grand Empire Reserve. It was a great cigar, chock full of flavors I enjoy. The only complaints I have are the burn, ash, and the dominance of wood at the very end. Otherwise, it was a very enjoyable, flavorful cigar that I believe is worthy of its price tag. If you have access to them or don’t mind ordering online, do yourself a favor and try some today!
