Reserva, Gran Reserva & Gran Reserva XO Supreme Cigars: The Pinnacle of Aged Cigar Artistry

Introduction

A ultra premium cigar is more than an object of enjoyment — it is a symbol of taste, status, and tradition.

In the premium world, the Reserva and Gran Reserva series hold a special place: not just aged cigars, but true masterpieces crafted from select tobacco, patiently fermented and refined by the hands of the finest torcedores.

Today we explore the true gems of this category — Cuban Reserva and Gran Reserva cigars, as well as the Dominican Gran Reserva XO Supreme by Zaven by G.P.Grant — a fine cigar in which time itself becomes art. Each note is a symphony of aromas: from honey, vanilla, and nuts to chocolate, spices, and noble wood.

History of Reserva and Gran Reserva

The tradition of selecting exceptional harvests and aging them longer has existed for decades, but the modern standards were shaped in the 21st century under the guidance of Habanos S.A. (Cuba):

• 2003 — First-ever Reserva: Cohiba Selección Reserva (tobacco from the 1999 harvest).

• 2005 — The legendary Partagás Serie D No. 4 Reserva, later named one of the finest cigars of the year by Cigar Aficionado.

• 2009 — Debut of Gran Reserva: Cohiba Siglo VI Gran Reserva, unveiled at the XI Festival del Habano.

Since then, Reserva and Gran Reserva editions have become symbols of exceptional quality and collectible prestige.

Differences Between Aged Cigars Reserva, Gran Reserva & Gran Reserva XO Supreme

	Tobacco Aging Before Rolling	Features	Example
Reserva Cigars	minimum 3 years (all leaves: tripa, capote, capa)	Smoothness, balance, and the creamy texture of classic Cuban style	Cohiba Robusto Reserva — gentle sweetness and the elegance of aged rum
Gran Reserva Cigars	minimum 5 years	Velvety depth, rounded aromas, silk-like structure; rare collectible editions	Montecristo No. 4 Gran Reserva 2010 — cocoa, leather, tropical fruit
Gran Reserva XO Supreme Cigars	12 years (ultra-aging) + 5–7 years post-rolling	Dominican philosophy of aging from Zaven by G.P.Grant; four fermentations, micro-batches, unmatched singularity	Zaven Gran Reserva XO Supreme — depth comparable to XO cognac

Important Distinction

Reserva and Gran Reserva are official categories defined by Habanos S.A. (Cuba),

while Gran Reserva XO Supreme is a brand-driven interpretation, based on a genuine 12-year tobacco aging process verified by the manufacturer.

Gran Reserva XO Supreme Cigars — The Absolute Peak of Aging

Gran Reserva XO Supreme represents the very pinnacle of aging philosophy.

While a traditional Gran Reserva requires five years of tobacco maturation, here every leaf undergoes an extraordinary 12-year ultra-aging cycle that includes three fermentation stages. After rolling, the cigars rest for an additional 5–7 years under controlled conditions and complete a fourth fermentation, which finalizes the development of their profile.

The aging process covers all components — tripa (filler), capote (binder), and capa (wrapper) — creating exceptional softness, depth, and balance.

Flavor Characteristics

Reserva and Gran Reserva aged cigars are known for their aristocratic refinement:

• The aggressiveness of young cigars disappears

• The profile becomes velvety, layered, and harmonious

• Notes of dried fruits, chocolate, cedar, spices, and honey emerge

• The finish is clean, long-lasting, and perfectly balanced

Gran Reserva XO Supreme enhances all of this with an aging philosophy comparable to the rarest XO cognacs and vintage rums.

Presentation & Prestige

Each batch is released in strictly limited quantities.

Every box carries an individual number and a certificate of authenticity signed by the master blender.

Production ranges from a few hundred to around a thousand boxes, making each series a coveted collector’s item.

Geography of Aged Cigar Series

Country	Brands & Series
Cuba	Cohiba, Partagás, Montecristo, Hoyo de Monterrey (Reserva / Gran Reserva / Añejados)
Dominican Republic	Davidoff Oro Blanco, Arturo Fuente Añejo, G.P.Grant, Davtian
Nicaragua	Padrón Family Reserve, Oliva Serie V Melanio

G.P.Grant Philosophy: Gran Reserva XO Supreme Cigar

Gran Reserva XO Supreme cigar is more than aging — it is the art of time.

Only 1.5–2% of leaves from each harvest pass the strict selection process.

Every batch is produced in micro-series, each one unique and never replicated again.

The cigar unites four stages of fermentation, 12 years of tobacco preparation, and an additional 5–7 years of post-roll aging.

The abbreviation XO (Extra Old) emphasizes maturity and rarity,

while Supreme highlights its status as the highest point in the evolution of Gran Reserva.

This is one of the few famous cigars in the world where time enriches not only the leaves — but the cigar itself.

Conclusion

Reserva Cigars and Gran Reserva Cigars represent the essence of cigar artistry —

where aging transforms tobacco into harmony.

But Gran Reserva XO Supreme goes further.

It is no longer just a best cigar, but a unique masterpiece in which time itself becomes the main ingredient.

It is a choice reserved not for everyday smoking, but for special moments —

comparable to tasting the rarest XO cognacs or exceptional vintage wines.

Gran Reserva XO Supreme is the new pinnacle of cigar aging and the modern standard of exclusivity.