Villiger 1888 Gran Reserva isn’t an original name but it is a new release from the Germany based company that features tobacco aged at least two years as well as another year after it has been rolled.
The history of Villiger dates back to 1888 when 28 year old businessman Jean Villiger, then 28 years old, founded a cigar factory named Villiger in his own home in Pfeffikon, Switzerland. In 1910 the company would expand into Germany only to lose their factories to bombing in the second world war. In 1950 the company would begin rebuilding their German factories . In 2013 the country would expand their factory blue print to Brazil. In 2021 the company which has remained in the Villiger family hands since its inception would open a factory in Nicaragua where today’s cigar is made.
Cigar Review: Villiger 1888 Gran Reserva
Size: 6 x 54 (Toro)
Wrapper: Mexico (San Andres)
Binder: Ecuador Habano
Fillers: Nicaragua
Factory: Villiger de Nicaragua
Release Date: May 2025
Production: Limited (1,000 Boxes)
Box Size: 10
The Cigar: The Villiger 1888 Gran Robusto is an impressive looking cigar with colors of black, gold and red over three bands. The foot-band denotes Gran Reserva, the secondary band 1888 and the primary showcasing the company logo. The chocolate color wrapper has some mottling and a few thin veins but there is also a nice amount of tooth. It’s box pressed to perfection with no voids of tobacco and an average weight for its size.
The Notes: If you’ve been lucky enough to visit a cigar factory there is a certain aroma in the tobacco processing areas. The is the dense air from the heat and humidity and the smell of raw tobacco. Every now and then I come across a cigar that encapsulates that experience in the aroma and the Villiger1888 Gran Reserva is added to that short list. The cold draw has some cedar and earth present but its tame compared to the foot.
Once the cigar is toasted and lit there is a vanilla like sweetness that appears on the first few puffs before sliding into the background. The first third continues with notes of caramel, milk chocolate and almonds. The retrohale sees roasted coffee beans and a very subtle lavender over a base of baking spices.
Moving into the second third of the Villiger Gran Reserva notes of espresso become dominant before we reach the halfway point. The perceived flavors of the tobacco turn darker as the sweetness of the first third exits stage left. Joining the notes of espresso are leather and black peppercorns. The retrohale continues to see roasted coffee beans with additional leather notes and a very subtle spice.
The final third sees notes of leather become dominant with roasted nuts and espresso. The cigar is smooth and balanced creating an enjoyable smoke with a perfect draw and solid ash. As we remove the primary band espresso notes become dominant once again increasing in intensity until we put the cigar down The retrohale adds some roasted nuts and peppercorns to the profile.
Conclusion: I’ve never been a big fan of Villiger cigars and to be honest I didn’t realize they were making cigars in Nicaragua. This is how much the company has been off my radar. Now for the disclaimer. Recently I started a podcast called Cigar Court with Frank Herrera a well known trademark cigar lawyer in the cigar industry. Our first advertiser on that podcast was Villiger Cigars so as a courtesy I threw their ad up here on The Barrel Burner. It should also known I go way back with Rene Castaneda, the current President of Villiger North America. I have known Rene from before I worked for Miami Cigar & Company of which he was once an employee as well. With that said and done Rene knows I am brutally honest with my thoughts and opinions and for him to send me a box of cigars was a HUGE gamble on his part. We haven’t always seen eye to eye and he knows I would pull no punches.
With all the said and done, Villiger 1888 Gran Robusto, where have you been all my life. I know some of you might roll your eyes at that based upon the relationship, but if you truly know me there are only a small amount of brands I smoke religiously and I blame this site for that as I am always searching for what is new in order to provide content. However, on days I am not writing a review there are 3-4 cigar brands I will always reach for in my humidor. Had this been a regular release the number would go to 4-5. Simply put this is an OUTSTANDING cigar and when you see them, you should buy multiple boxes of them.
Score: 98
Price: $22.00 (Before any local or state taxes)
