GR88

The Warped Serie Gran Reserva 1988, better known as the GR88, is a Nicaraguan puro built on an Aganorsa-grown Corojo '99 wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and a filler of vintage Cuban-seed Aganorsa tobaccos. Kyle Gellis created it to mark his birth year and his 30th birthday, and offers it in a single 5 1/4 x 50 robusto rolled at TABSA in Esteli. The result is a medium-to-full cigar with the polish that only well-aged leaf delivers.

The flavor opens on baking spices and graham cracker, then settles into cedar, malted chocolate, and coffee bean. Cream softens the middle, toasted almond carries the back half, and a honeyed sweetness laces the finish. It is rich without being heavy, and the balance is what people remember.

The GR88 is for the collector who appreciates a single, perfected size, and its 95 rating and No. 3 finish on Cigar Aficionado's 2019 Top 25 back that up. Save it for an unhurried evening with an aged rum or a cup of strong coffee. Boxes move quickly when they land, so grab a few while they are on the shelf.