Quesada released the Quesada Reserva Privada in April 2015 to select retailers throughout the US and later to the rest of the Quesada retailers.  This special released is blended with special tobacco that Quesada had been sitting on for a special project.  The tobacco used in this cigar is from 1997 when Manuel Quesada Sr. had an amazing San Vicente crop of tobacco which his son, Manuel Jr., convinced him to store for a future special project.  The tobacco was baled in palm bark and palm leaves which is an old Cuban method which protects the tobacco from outside influences like temperature and humidity.  This lets the tobacco ferment on his own in a slow way which they stored for 18 years.  Patricia and Raquel, daughters of Manuel Quesada Jr., convinced their father to finally used the special tobacco along with some newer tobacco to strengthen the blends for today’s smoker.  Manual loved the idea and the Reserva Privada was born.  The Reserva Privada is available in 3 sizes:  4 3/4 x 52, 5 5/8 x 54, and 6 1/2 x 56.  For this review, I’m smoking the 4 3/4 x 52.

Wrapper:  Ecuadorian Connecticut

Binder:  1997 Dominican San Vicente

Filler:  1997 Dominican San Vicente and Pennsylvania ligero

MSRP:  $12.95

The construction of this cigar is amazing.  The wrapper is silky smooth with a perfectly applied cap.  As I cut the cap, I tested out the draw which is also spot on, as expected.  The cigar burned perfectly all the way down with a very thin burn line and tight ash.  I got flavors of cedar, graham cracker, honey, nuts and cinnamon that developed exquisitely from beginning to end.  With a medium body and full flavor, this cigar is approachable by pretty much any cigar smoker.

Overall, this is one of the best cigars of the year by far.  The flavors are amazing and the price is right for limited release cigar.  I think you will see this cigar on several Top 10 lists near the end of the year including mine.  You must try this cigar.  You won’t regret it.