There’s something about the spartan packaging of the Warped Serie Gran Reserva 1988 that makes one instantly curious. It’s a simple, unvarnished slide-lid box—nothing too unusual there. But the lone crown burned into the lid and the clean label on the side of the cabinet really make you want to know what’s inside. Adding to the mystique is the number 976212 printed on each band.

Brand owner Kyle Gellis knows that design in the cigar world is extremely important. An intriguing aesthetic builds anticipation, and that’s a precursor to the overall smoking experience. Over the past few years, Warped has accrued a dedicated following, and smokers have truly responded to his business model, combining small-batch production and quaint packaging evocative of old lithography with a sophisticated, modern twist that can span from the understated to the ornate.

The number 1988 refers to the birth year of Gellis, who will turn 32 in 2020. The Serie Gran Reserva only comes in one size, a robusto, but one size may be all he needs. It’s difficult to imagine that this cigar could be improved upon in another format.

The blend is a mélange of Nicaraguan tobaccos grown by agricultural giant Aganorsa that come together brilliantly with a balanced profile of malted chocolate, coffee bean and an earthy undertone, all of which reflect the packaging: noticeable but never obtrusive and with tasteful restraint.