Review Notes: Unlike other lines under the FdG brand, which are made in Nicaragua, the Reserva Gold is manufactured ONLY in the US. The handful of artisans who build these in Hialeah, FL are doing a helluva job. Five months after a box of these landed in my humi, they're smoking beautifully. Tasting notes are essentially unchanged, but now the flavors open up right away. A creamy, toasty texture throughout. This one fits into the same category as the Gran Habano #1 or the 601 CT -- a rather robust blend balanced by the smoothness of a shade wrapper. Strength-wise, it probably fits between the GH and the 601. The build of the FdG trumps both.

Review Notes: I knew nothing of this brand until JR ran them on weekly special at a box price of around $2.35/stick. These look rather ordinary, with an even, shade grown wrapper. Light in the hand, but densely packed. The draw is predictably firm, but not bothersome. In fact, I would say the construction is first rate, as the burn is slow, straight and cool. Both CA and JR billed this one as full-bodied, but I didn't see it. Flavor was slow to develop. Pleasant, but mild-to-medium. Overall, it had a smooth, toasty character with occasional hints of coffee with cream, peanut, and slight floral notes that I attributed to the Indonesian binder. Reminiscent of those late 90s Montagues that were popular among fellow bargain hunters a few years back. For now, I would call this a nice morning smoke. We'll see what a little time brings.