#25 | OSCAR VALLADARES SUPERFLY CONNECTICUT SUPER TORO

Due to groundbreaking presentations, formats and blends, Oscar Valladares has quickly become one of the most innovative tobacco men in the industry. His products aim to surprise. The SuperFly with its bright, purple color is just another example for that.

Tasting notes:

This cigar produces a great deal of creamy smoke with the sweetness of brioche and some pepperiness. It also develops hints of vanilla, caramel, cedar, nutmeg, and milk coffee.

Owner: Oscar Valladares Tobacco Co.
Factory: Oscar Valladares Tobacco Co.
Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Honduras
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Dom. Rep. Honduras, Nicaragua
Strength: 8 (of 10)
Size: 152 x 21.4 | 6 x 54
Released: 2020

#24 | A.J. FERNANDEZ ENCLAVE CONNECTICUT FIGURADO

A.J. Fernández is, without a doubt, one of the references to Nicaraguan tobacco in the world. His followers are used to cigars with character and great balance. In this cigar, Abdel Fernández has substituted the Enclave’s traditional Habano wrapper for an Ecuadorian Connecticut.

Tasting notes:

The smoke of this Figurado is buttery and has the sweetness of cotton candy on the palate. Earthy and cedary aromas, herbal spice as well as fresh pepper and licorice make for diversity.

Owner: A.J. Fernadez Cigars
Factory: Tabacalera A.J. Fernandez
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: 5 (of 10)
Size: 165 x 20.6 | 6 1/2 x 52
Released: 2021

#23 | EL REY DEL MUNDO L’EPOQUE 2021 ER FRANCIA

The regional and limited editions of Habanos are the most anticipated cigars by Cuban tobacco lovers. In this case, Habanos dedicates the Edicion Regional Exclusivo Francia to the 50th anniversary of its distributor in France, COPROVA.

Tasting notes:

This well-rolled cigar produces velvety smoke with luscious wood aromas, notes of leather, and a salty note. It develops a lot of spice, a light acidity, and some pepperiness.

Owner: Empresa Cubana del Tabaco (Cubatabaco)
Factory: Sancti Spíritus
Origin: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Filler: Cuba
Strength: 4 (of 10)
Size: 165 x 21.4 | 6 1/2 x 54
Released: 2021

#22 | CUMPAY MADURO ROBUSTO

A Nicaraguan offering from the Grande Dame of Honduran tobacco, Maya Selva. The cigars are known for the excellent quality / price ratio and have been on the market for more than twenty years, although this version with a Maduro wrapper is a recent addition to the portfolio. Cumpay is the Tawakha Indian name for a rolled tobacco leaf. 

Tasting notes:

This Robusto brings out lush chocolate, wood and toast aromas that are underscored by those of pepper, a caramel sweetness, and herbal spice. A harmonious cigar with a long finish.

Owner: Maya Selva Cigares
Factory: Tabacos Segovia
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: 7 (of 10)
Size: 121 x 19.8 | 4 3/4 x 50
Released: 2021

#21 | LEONEL CLASSIC CHURCHILL

This brand was founded in 2014 by a passionate father and son duo – Norbert and Daniel Höldke. They import numerous brands of cigars and supply more than 150 tobacconists in Germany, run their own retail shops, as well as a cigar lounge and academy and export to 15 countries.

Tasting notes:

This Churchill is mild and elegant with buttery smoke, cedary, coffee and leathery aromas, pepperiness, and herbal spice. Now and then, there are fruity notes and sponge cake.

Owner: Paul Bugge GmbH
Factory: n/a
Origin: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: USA Connecticut
Binder: Dom. Rep.
Filler: Dom. Rep., Nicaragua
Strength: 4 (of 10)
Size: 178 x 19.8 | 7 x 50
Released: 2020


 

#19 | JOYA DE NICARAGUA CINÇO DÉCADAS EL DOCTOR

Named after Dr Alejandro Martinez Cuenca, the man who originally purchased the then nationalised company and began the journey that sees JdN as one of the best known and most respected cigar factories in the world. It’s a beautiful perfecto, with a blend of Nicaraguan aged leaf and expresses all the delicacy, diplomacy, camaraderie and elegance of the great man himself.

Tasting notes:

Intense cedar aromas with a hint of cloves are in the foreground alongside coffee and cocoa flavors. Aside from this, this cigar unfolds the sweetness of dried fruit, espresso, leather, and fruity notes before it fades away with chocolate sweetness.

Owner: Joya de Nicaragua S.A.
Factory: Joya de Nicaragua S.A.
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: 7 (of 10)
Size: 152 x 20.6 | 6 x 52
Released: 2020

#18 | BUFFALO TEN NATURAL TORO

A handsome cigar from the Dominican Republic, this is a mild and well-priced daytime smoke and is available in packs of five. A tasty cigar at a sensible price and one that will feature on many daily rotations and which may well become an old reliable in the humidor.

Tasting notes:

In the creamy smoke of this soft box-pressed Toro there is a lot of cocoa sweetness of milk chocolate, notes of sponge cake, oriental spices with chili spice as well as (towards the end) strong espresso notes.

Owner: El Artista Cigars
Factory: Tabacalera El Artista
Origin: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Indonesia
Filler: Dom. Rep., USA, Nicaragua
Strength: 6 (of 10)
Size: 152 x 19.8 | 6 x 50
Released: 2020

#17 | SOUTHERN DRAW JACOBS LADDER UN PRESIDENTE

A mouthful by name and by nature, this is a bold, no-nonsense beast of a cigar. At 9 x 48, it is no quick smoke and every inch is to be savored, but aged leaf has knocked off the sharper edges and along with tons of flavor, there is delicacy and poise. A special occasion cigar.

Tasting notes:

This extra-long cigar develops earthy and cedar aromas and those of roasted coffee beans; there is also slightly sweet bitter chocolate with black pepper and a lot of herbal spice.

Owner: Southern Draw Cigars
Factory: Tabacalera A.J. Fernandez
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: USA
Binder: USA
Filler: Nicaragua, Dom. Rep.
Strength: 8 (of 10)
Size: 229 x 19 | 9 x 48
Released: 2020

#16 | ALEC & BRADLEY KINTSUGI ROBUSTO

Many of us can remember when the Alec Bradley brand hit the market and we found out it was named after owner Alan Rubin’s two sons. Now both are actively involved in the industry and making cigars themselves. This medium-bodied smoke offers complexity, spice and sweetness in a delicious melding of know-how and innovation.

Tasting notes:

The nut aromas of this cigar are underscored with cinnamon sweetness and pepper. Also earthy, coffee and cedar aromas, a malty sweetness, spice, and gentle bitter tones are present in the creamy smoke.

Owner: Alec Bradley Cigar Co.
Factory: Fabrica de Tabacos Raíces Cubanas S. de R.L.
Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Honduras
Binder: Nicaragua, Honduras
Filler: Nicaragua, Honduras
Strength: 7 (of 10)
Size: 127 x 19.8 | 5 x 50
Released: 2020

#15 | ZINO NICARAGUA ROBUSTO

The Zino brand continues to purr along, hand in hand with Davidoff and still creating classy smokes after all these years. Made in the style of the late, great Zino Davidoff himself, the line is for the endlessly curious and this mixture of leaves from Ecuador, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Dominican Republic again showcases the quality of the leaf and the skill of the blender.

Tasting notes:

At first, this Robusto has pronounced aromas of cedar and coffee. At the same time, it develops fine-spicy notes, a gentle sweetness, cream, and some pepperiness.

Owner: Oettinger Davidoff AG Basel
Factory: Diadema Cigars Honduras
Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Honduras, Nicaragua, Dom. Rep.
Strength: 6 (of 10)
Size: 127 x 21.4 | 5 x 54
Released: 2021


 

#14 | GURKHA TREINTA 30TH ANNIVERSARY ROBUSTO

From a beach in Goa to an innovative and unique brand sold in cigar stores across the globe, Gurkha has come a long way in 30 years. To celebrate, the Treinta 30 Anniversary Robusto, made in collaboration with Nicaragua’s Aganorsa Leaf factory, brings a smooth smoke in a beautifully oily cigar – perfect for those cherished moments of reflection.

Tasting notes:

At the beginning, this Robusto is floral, woody, and chocolatey. Then coffee and chestnut aromas unfold in the luscious smoke. A slightly peppery kick is also discernible, which later becomes stronger and is mixed with spice, fresh fruity acidity, nuts, and espresso.

Owner: Gurkha Cigar Group, Inc.
Factory: Aganorsa Leaf Factory
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: 8 (of 10)
Size: 127 x 20.6 | 5 x 52
Released: 2020

#13 | PERDOMO INMENSO SEVENTY SUN GROWN CHURCHILL

Originally introduced in the early 2000’s, the seventy ring gauge cigars were considered enormous back in the day. Back by popular demand, the line is blended with 5-year aged tobaccos and offered at extremely affordable price points.

Tasting notes:

In the first third, this huge format shows cedary, oak and roasted aromas as well as balanced pepperiness. Later, the aroma wheel turns more towards fruity notes and nuts with spice and sweetness.

Owner: Perdomo Cigars
Factory: Tabacalera Perdomo S.A.
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: 5 (of 10)
Size: 178 x 27.8 | 7 x 70
Released: 2021

#12 | PERLA DEL MAR COROJO TORO

Perla del Mar is a historic cigar brand that traces its roots to Cuba. The cigar features tobaccos from four distinct regions in the lush mountains of Nicaragua: Pueblo Nuevo, La Reina, Condega, and Jalapa. This blend is combined with an Ecuadorian Corojo wrapper. Perla del Mar cigars feature a Tampa-style press to help the natural flavors of its unique tobaccos to marry together.

Tasting notes:

This extremely box-pressed Toro develops nutty and wood aromas with caramel sweetness, pepperiness, and a hint of mint freshness. Fruity notes, coffee and leather aromas are also present.

Owner: J.C. Newman Cigar Co.
Factory: J.C. Newman P.E.N.S.A.
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: 7 (of 10)
Size: 159 x 21.4 | 6 1/4 x 54
Released: 2020

#11 | CASA TURRENT ORIGIN SERIES SAN ANDRES ROBUSTO EXTRA

The Casa Turrent Origin Series consist of four cigars, all in the Robusto Extra format, but with different wrappers. They are called Miami, Caribe, Nicaragua and San Andres and are named after places that represent important hubs for the Turrent company.

Tasting notes:

This cigar is a spicy-sweet bomb. The sweetness of the Maduro wrapper and the multifaceted notes of spice keep the palate on its toes: between tangy peppery, fruity acidic to roasted and tart, this cigar plays through all the variations.

Owner: A. Turrent Cigars
Factory: Nueva Matacapan de Tabacos S.A. de C.V.
Origin: Mexico
Wrapper: Mexico
Binder: Mexico
Filler: Mexico
Strength: 8 (of 10)
Size: 140 x 21.4 | 5 1/2 x 54
Released: 2020

#10 | LIGA PRIVADA UNICO SERIE YEAR OF THE RAT

The cigar debuted in 2016 as an exclusive for the Drew Estate Lounge inside the BB&T Center, home to the National Hockey League’s Florida Panthers, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the team’s only appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals. It is now available to all Drew Diplomat Program participants.

Tasting notes:

In the first few draws, this cigar is slightly salty, very nutty, and has roasted aromas. For good measure, caramel sweetness and pepperiness unfold. Herbal spice and then also the sweetness of dried fruit come through. Complex and well balanced.

Owner: Drew Estate, LLC
Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: USA
Binder: Brazil
Filler: Honduras, Nicaragua
Strength: 7 (of 10)
Size: 140 x 18.3 | 5 1/2 x 46
Released: 2020

#9 | PLASENCIA ALMA FUERTE SIXTO I

This is the newest blend in the Fuerte collection which has been introduced in 2016. While made like the rest of the Almas with a ten-year aging process, its Colorado Claro wrapper and hexagonal shape creates a distinctive taste with a tempered body.

Tasting notes:

This striking vitola is peppery sweet and unfolds woody, earthy and cocoa aromas as well as toast and leathery notes. The cigar then develops lush, creamy smoke with coffee and a lot of spice.

Owner: Plasencia 1865, LLC
Factory: Plasencia Cigars S.A.
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: 9 (of 10)
Size: 152 x 23.8 | 6 x 60
Released: 2020

#8 | LA AURORA PREFERIDOS HORS D’AGE 2020

The La Aurora Preferidos Hors d’Age is the result of an investment in time and world class tobacco. The tobacco’s used in his cigar was grown in 2008, but it was not put into a cigar until 2019. Once the cigars were rolled they were placed in the La Aurora aging room for two years before being released.

Tasting notes:

The cigar unfolds notes of wood and cinnamon with a subtle nuttiness. It also develops sweetness of cinnamon and a wood finish. A subtle leather component and a light kick of pepper appear.

Owner: La Aurora S.A.
Factory: La Aurora Cigar Factory
Origin: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Ecuador
Filler: Colombia, Dom. Rep., Nicaragua
Strength: 7 (of 10)
Size: 152 x 21.4 | 6 x 54
Released: 2021

#7 | OLIVA SERIE V MELANIO LIMITED EDITION 2020 TORO GRANDE

Debuting in 2006, the Oliva Serie V was followed six years later by the Oliva Serie V Melanio which paid tribute to the first man in the Oliva family to grow cigar tobacco. The Melanio version differs from the original with its Sumatra-seed wrapper grown in Ecuador. Fast forward eight years, and with three previous limited editions under their belts, this Toro Grande was released. Unlike previous Melanio iterations, it is not box-pressed.

Tasting notes:

As well as roasted and nut aromas, this cigar presents a malty cocoa sweetness with a fruity citrus note. This is followed by nutty, wood, coffee, leather, and earthy aromas that come through in the thick smoke.

Owner: Oliva Cigar Co.
Factory: Tabacalera Oliva S.A.
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: 7 (of 10)
Size: 152 x 21.4 | 6 x 54
Released: 2020

#6 | VEGAFINA 1998 VINTAGE 1 VF42L

Released in the middle of the year, the Vega Fina Vintage 1 is a limited edition extension to its VegaFina 1998 brand. The blend features similar components to the VegaFina 1998, but introduced two thinner ring gauge formats: VF40 and VF42L. Both cigars feature Dominican, Nicaraguan, and Colombian fillers, Indonesian binder and an Ecuadorian wrapper, with tobaccos aged three years.

Tasting notes:

This elegant format presents a potpourri of flavor sensations: sweetness and fruity acidity, herbal spice, and a gentle pepperiness. In the creamy smoke of this cigar there is a hint of the roasted flavors of coffee and aromas of sponge cake.

Owner: Tabacalera SLU
Factory: Tabacalera de Garcia
Origin: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Indonesia
Filler: Dom. Rep., Nicaragua, Colombia
Strength: 6 (of 10)
Size: 187 x 16.7 | 7 3/8 x 42
Released: 2021

#5 | A.J. FERNANDEZ NEW WORLD CONNECTICUT CHURCHILL

A line extension of A.J. Fernandez’s New World, this differs from the others, being a non box-pressed cigar and featuring Brazilian and Nicaraguan fillers bound with San Andres tobacco and wrapped in U.S.-grown Connecticut Shade. The Churchill complements five other sizes in the line, while the series is offered in three other lines: New World Oscuro, Puro Especial, and Cameroon.

Tasting notes:

The creamy smoke of this Churchill provides the palate with a lot of spice, subtle sweetness, and fruity tartness. The aromas of cedar, earth, nuts, bread rolls and cocoa are accompanied by both a subtle pepperiness as well as sweetness.

Owner: A.J. Fernandez Cigars
Factory: Tabacalera A.J. Fernandez
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: USA
Binder: Mexico
Filler: Nicaragua, Brazil
Strength: 5 (of 10)
Size: 178 x 19.8 | 7 x 50
Released: 2020


 

#4 | DAVIDOFF DOMINICANA ROBUSTO

The Davidoff Dominicana pays homage to the Dominican Republic, the brand’s home since 1990. The cigar, almost completely Dominican, features a hybrid leaf 257 wrapper, while the filler includes five Dominican tobaccos: Corojo 99 Seco, Piloto Viso, San Vicente Mejorado Seco, San Vicente Seco, and Yamasá Viso. The sole non-Dominican tobacco in the blend is another hybrid (151) from Ecuador. Rolled a year before their release the tobacco comes from the 2014 crop.

Tasting notes:

This Robusto with a pigtail develops sumptuous coffee aromas. These are joined by those of nuts. The aromas are underscored by sweetness, spice, acidity, some pepperiness, and earthy tones.

Owner: Oettinger Davidoff AG Basel
Factory: Tabadom
Origin: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Dom. Rep.
Binder: Ecuador
Filler: Dom. Rep.
Strength: 8 (of 10)
Size: 130 x 20.6 | 5 1/8 x 52
Released: 2021

#3 | CLE 25TH ANNIVERSARY ROBUSTO

Celebrating Christian Eiroa’s dedication to the cigar industry for many years, the CLE 25th Anniversary is a Honduran puro. Eiroa founded CLE Cigar Co. in 2012 after starting his cigar career with the Camacho brand and his father’s Caribe Imported Cigars. The 25th Anniversary is available in 4 different violas, with the 5×50 robusto being our pick.

Tasting notes:

With the freshness of aniseed, the bitter tones of espresso, herbal spice, and a light salty note, this cigar offers an exciting flavor profile. A fruity sweetness and nuts are also added.

Owner: CLE Cigar Company
Factory: Fabrica de Puros Aladino S.A. de C.V.
Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Honduras
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Honduras
Strength: 8 (of 10)
Size: 127 x 19.8 | 5 x 50
Released: 2020

#2 | SIXTY BY ROCKY PATEL TORO

One of the busiest, most energetic brand owners in the cigar business, Rocky Patel’s The Sixty by Rocky Patel commemorating Patel’s 60th birthday in February 2021 is available in 4 vitolas. But it is the 6 ½ x 52 Toro-sized cigar that caught our attention. Made in Nicaragua at Patel’s Tavicusa factory, Mexican San Andres leaf wraps Nicaraguan filler and binder which were aged for six years prior to rolling, then aged for another two years.

Tasting notes:

This extremely creamy Toro unfolds leathery, coffee and cocoa aromas with a chocolaty sweetness and a touch of pepper. It is full-bodied and perfectly harmoniously balanced.

Owner: Rocky Patel Premium Cigars
Factory: Tabacalera Villa Cuba S.A.
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Mexico
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: 8 (of 10)
Size: 165 x 20.6 | 6 1/2 x 52
Released: 2021

#1 | PERDOMO RESERVE 10TH ANNIVERSARY BOX-PRESSED EPICURE MADURO 

Originally celebrating Perdomo’s 10th anniversary, the Perdomo Reserve brand was updated with box-pressed Sun Grown and Maduro cigars. The Epicure Maduro is a box-pressed Toro (6 x 54) sized cigar wrapped in a Nicaraguan maduro leaf which has gone through a secondary fermentation, enjoying 14 months in ex-bourbon barrels. Six-year-aged Nicaraguan tobaccos are featured throughout the blend.

Tasting notes:

This cigar starts with cocoa, roasted notes of espresso, spices, caramel sweetness, and a pinch of pepper. Its smoke is soft and smooth on the palate. A hint of fresh mint comes up before the cigar presents a great finale.

Owner: Perdomo Cigars
Factory: Tabacalera Perdomo S.A.
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: 7 (of 10)
Size: 152 x 21.4 | 6 x 54
Released: 2020