Review Villiger 1888 Gran Reserva - Breakfast with depth and umami

Three samples tested and here is my review Villiger 1888 Gran Reserva - the first sample before breakfast. Yes, really. And yes, you might be able to tell by my hair 😁 But who needs croissants when you have this Villiger 1888 Gran Reserva? My rating: 92 points. And a satisfied smile. On sale in Germany & Switzerland from 17.07.2025. Limited to 500 boxes of 10 cigars each for Germany and Switzerland, this masterpiece is not made for the masses - but for true connoisseurs with good timing.

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Even before breakfast, my Villiger 1888 Gran Reserva review began with the first sample.

I apologise to the ladies that my hair is not styled.

Boxpressed elegance with character

As soon as you look at it, you know: this cigar means business. The Villiger 1888 Gran Reserva comes in an elegant Boxpressed format a look that is perhaps not so popular with us. But, hey: you want to develop as a cigar aficionado, right? And it's not just for show: this beauty was created with patience and craftsmanship.

Light it up - and off you go

My Villiger 1888 Gran Reserva review starts immediately with a pleasantly spicy kiss on lips and tongue. Not a rough pepper board, but a subtle invitation. And then it comes: Umami! After just a few minutes, the centre of the tongue develops a wonderful „meaty“, spicy flavour wide - like a good broth of dark tobacco and grilled wood.

First half - a retronasal treat

The first half surprises with fantastic depth in retronasal smoke. This is where the blend shows its best side: complex, balanced, but without being overpowering. You glows evenly and quietly, with only very occasional waves, which, however Correct independently. No post-fire work, simply relaxed enjoyment.

Second half - here we go

In the second half In my Villiger 1888 Gran Reserva review, the cigar picks up the pace. The blend becomes stronger, develops more bite, but remains balanced. Depending on the form of the day, I would say: Strength 3 out of 5 - maybe even 4. Wood, leather, dark tobacco - Everything is there. Not a wild jumble, but Slightly complex and very harmonious.

Finale - a grand finale

The final act is simple great: Lots of flavour, perfect balance, no spicy spike, no bitter finish - but rather a harmonious, aromatically dense finish. This is exactly how a cigar should end.

Background information on the Villiger 1888 Gran Reserva

On the PCA Convention & Trade Show 2025 in New Orleans celebrated its world premiere - and from the 17 July 2025 she is Officially available in stores in Germany and SwitzerlandThe new VILLIGER 1888 Gran Reserva. And she brings more to the table than just a pretty face in boxpressed format.

Dark, elegant, triple matured.

This Toro (6 x 54) comes with an oily, Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper leaf therefore. Underneath is a binder from Ecuador as well as Nicaraguan filler tobaccos, which were stored for two years - before they were even rolled.

Factsheet

• Format: Toro Box-Pressed (6 x 54)
• Cover sheet: Mexico San Andrés Maduro
• Cover: Ecuador
• Insert: Nicaragua
• Origin: Nicaragua, VILLIGER de Nicaragua manufactory, Estelí
• Ripening time: Tobacco aged for two years and a further year of maturation in the VILLIGER de Nicaragua manufactory in Estelí
• Strength: Medium to strong
• Availability: On sale in Germany & Switzerland from 17.07.2025
• Price: 20,00 € / 20,00 CHF
• Limitation: 500 boxes of 10 cigars each for DE & CH

Conclusion Review Villiger 1888 Gran Reserva

This cigar is not a loud rock star, but a mature jazz musician with depth, soul and perfect timing. For connoisseurs, not for blenders. If you get your hands on them, don't hesitate.

Have you tried it yet - and how do you like the cigar? Leave us a short comment! Without registration, following this post.

Picture credits

• Vasilij Ratej

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