Today, we review the Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial in the Gordo Extra size, a 7 x 70 offering. The Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial is a Connecticut Broadleaf line that debuted late in 2009. The cigar is the namesake of Jaime Garcia, the son of the legendary Don Pepin Garcia. Jaime has undoubtedly made a name for himself as he is the mastermind behind many My Father Cigars portfolio offerings. The Gordo Extra was one of three line extensions introduced by My Father Cigars in 2023. The other two line extensions released were the Figurado – J.G. (5 5/8 x 48 x 52) and Corona Grande (6 1/4 x 48).
SPECIFICATIONS
In addition to the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, the binder and filler of the Reserva Especial utilize all Nicaraguan tobaccos. Production is handled at the My Father Cigars factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. The Gordo Extra is a regular production offering.
- Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
- Binder: Nicaraguan
- Filler: Nicaragua
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Factory: My Father Cigars S.A.
- Gordo Extra: 7 x 70
PERFORMANCE
The Gordo Extra opened up with a combination of mocha, fruit, earth, and pepper notes. Mocha is a term I use to describe a fusion of coffee and chocolate. Early on, the mocha and fruit notes moved to the forefront. There was a layer of black pepper on the retro-hale. By the second third, the mocha notes morphed into coffee notes. The fruit notes receded into the background, and some mineral notes joined the fruit, earth, and pepper in the background. It was during the second third when the pepper increased. By the final third, the pepper was quite intense on the retro-hale. The pepper closed in on the coffee notes on the tongue. There still were mineral and earth notes with touches of fruit. Finally, there was an underlying harshness that emerged in the final third.
The flavors delivered started out medium to full-bodied before progressing to full-bodied in the second half. This was countered by medium to full-level strength. The draw had a touch of resistance, but this was still low maintenance from which to derive flavor. The burn required frequent touch-ups to maintain a straight burn line and burn path.
OVERALL ASSESSMENT
Final Thoughts
The Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial Gordo Extra is big and bold. The cigar begins with a pleasant flavor and a smooth smoking experience. However, things break down as the flavors become ordinary in the second and harsh in the final third. Throw in a high-maintenance burn, and this cigar becomes a letdown. While I enjoy 7 x 70 cigars and have enjoyed the Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial line, this combination simply did not work. This is a cigar I don’t see myself coming back to, and it’s not one I’d recommend.
Summary
Key Flavors: Mocha (Coffee, Chocolate), Earth, Mineral, Fruit, Peppe
Burn: Good
Draw: Excellent
Complexity: Medium
Strength: Medium to Full
Body: Medium to Full (1st Half), Full (2nd Half)
Finish: Fair
Rating
Value: Not Recommended
Score: 85
REFERENCES
Previous Assessment: Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial TAA Exclusive 2017
News: My Father Cigars Adds Three New Sizes to Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial Line
Price: $12.40
Source: Purchased
Brand Reference: My Father
Photo Credit: Cigar Coop
