The De La Concha Grand Reserve

The De La Concha Grand Reserve is made completely by hand, using only Nicaraguan tobacco, and as a result, it is a rich, robust cigar with complex earthy tones and notes of pepper and spice.  The Grand Reserve emulates the traditional Cuban construction, with a consistent burn, even taste and triple-wrapped crown, the signature of a Cuban roller.  For an even richer Cuban-style flavor, try our Grand Reserve Fuerte, which has distinct notes of pepper and spice. The Fuerte is among the strongest cigars on the market, making it ideal after dinner.  Pour a glass of cognac or port, light a Fuerte and enjoy the pleasure of the leaf.

The Man behind the Grand Reserve

Jose “Pepin” Garcia was born into a tobacco family in Las Villas, Cuba in 1950.  Starting as a young boy in his parents’ factory, Pepin refined his skills and became the country’s top cigar roller.  He traveled Cuba as a technician, improving production and quality control at many of the company’s premier factories.  Pepin left Cuba at age 51 to join his daughter in Miami, FL.  Through Nicaragua then Mexico, he reached the United States and sought political asylum.

In 2003, Pepin achieved his ultimate goal, opening his own factory.  El Rey De Los Habanos (The King of the Habanos) has provided top-tier cigars to cigar shops throughout the US, some of which have attained scores of 88 to 91 in Cigar Aficionado.  One was listed among the “Best 25 Cigars” in a 2005 issue of the magazine.  To demonstrate his mastery, Pepin has rolled cigars in the shapes of pipes and baseball bats.

The De La Concha Grand Reserve was launched in 2003, quickly becoming the store’s most popular cigar.  Through 2002 and into 2003, De La Concha’s customers helped Lionel and Ron Melendi evaluate numbered samples from the Pepin cigar factory.  The winner?  Blend #6 became the De La Concha Grand Reserve.  Available in Double Corona, Churchill, Robusto and Toro, the Robusto is the most popular cigar’s most popular size.