Nestor Miranda Grand Reserve 2024

The Nestor Miranda Grand Reserve 2024 was released back inAugust as part of Miami Cigar’s 35^th Anniversary celebration. Made in the My Father Cigars factory in Nicaragua, the 6 1/8 x 52 Belicoso is a beautiful cigar to behold. The Nicaraguan Puro cigar is dressed in a dark wrapper. It’s not smooth in the traditional sense – subtle veins add a touch of texture without creating raised surfaces. The feel is similar to fine sandpaper, there’s a certain rustic roughness that adds character to this well-rolled cigar.

The band on the Grand Reserve 2024 is nothing short of stunning. Rich gold, red, and black hues combine to create a reflective, gemstone-like appearance. The intricate design appears to have Egyptian influences with loops, ribbon-like details, and paisley flourishes all intricately framed in gold inlays. The craftsmanship here is notable, with Nestor Miranda’s name and the “Grand Reserve 2024” branding elegantly displayed.

Pre-Light Experience

On the nose, the foot of the cigar exudes a deep coffee-espresso aroma, while the wrapper itself surprises with a unique pasty note that wakes up the senses. It’s not mint, but there’s a fresh and lively quality that’s unmistakable. Once lit, the draw is effortless, requiring no extra effort to pull in generous clouds of smoke. Combustion is consistent, and the burn line remains razor-sharp from the first puff. Smoke production is plentiful, cool on the palate, and wonderfully fragrant.

First Third

The cigar opened with a bright citrusy spice that lingered on the finish. The retrohale, though slightly sharp, delivered a peppery zest that was invigorating without overwhelming the senses. It was the kind of spice that keeps you engaged, offering flavor without discomfort.

The aroma was for me, one of the highlights of the Nestor Miranda Grand Reserve 2024. There was a savory, almost chocolatey sweetness that lingered in the air, adding an extra layer of enjoyment. The construction remained impeccable, with even combustion and excellent airflow that continued to produce ample, satisfying smoke.

As the first third progressed, the spice level built gradually. The retrohale became more potent, layering additional spice that could begin to irritate the sinuses if overdone. It was a reminder to slow down, as this cigar had more complexity to reveal.

Second Third

Transitioning into the second third, the profile shifted to a more woody, earthy, and mineral-rich experience. There was a faint charred note that added depth, while a subtle sulfur note appeared on the finish. The cigar continued to burn warm, prompting me to go at a slower pace. The ash remained solid, holding well and breaking off cleanly in chunks when tapped off.

One drawback for me that I noticed at the midway point: the wrapper leaf was wet with my saliva, leading to tobacco flaking and breaking off in the mouth. While irritating, it could indicate the type of tobacco used, which was contributing to excessive salivation.

Final Third

The Nestor Miranda Grand Reserve 2024 excels in three key areas: aroma, smoke production, and draw. It’s a very fragrant cigar, chocolate-like scent combined with a steady, effortless draw makes for a highly enjoyable smoking experience. The evolving profile keeps things interesting, with bright citrus, pepper, and earthy notes working in harmony.

However, the cigar is not without its quirks. The build-up of spice on the retrohale demanded  moderation, and the wrapper leaf’s tendency to flake slightly detracted from an otherwise flawless construction.

Final Thoughts

For fans of Nestor Miranda and full-bodied Nicaraguan blends, the Grand Reserve 2024 is a solid addition to the portfolio. It offers a flavorful journey with ample smoke production and a refined aroma that makes it a standout in its class. While the minor issues with wrapper durability and spice layering may give pause, they don’t overshadow the overall enjoyment of this cigar.

Burn Time: ~1 hour 40 minutes
Strength: Medium
Body: Full

The Nestor Miranda Grand Reserve 2024 is a worthy smoke for aficionados who appreciate a cigar that evolves, engages the senses, and delivers bold yet balanced flavors.