When you have a chance, click the “Ask Richie” icon on the upper left hand side of the screen and check out the “Bundles of Joy” article. It was just a matter of time before Ernesto Carrillo joined the club of offering hand made premium cigars for around $3 that we could readily enjoy every day without guilt. This edition is just that. The difference between this value brand and many others is the Master Blender behind it. This five country blend produces a complexly balanced medium bodied stick yielding a great aroma, easy draw and wonderful taste. Thank you Ernesto for thinking about us mere mortals! Pick you favorite size and you’ll see what I mean. PS, let them age and they get even better!!
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican – Ecuadorian – Mexican – Nicaraguan – United States
Binder – Ecuadorian
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Habano
Those folks that found the Original 13 edition a bit too strong were delighted when this Connecticut style was introduced. This stick burns long and cool yielding a mild to mellow flavor throughout with enough complexity to set it apart from other mild manner entries. I still can’t believe the massive 7×70 Gordo is the top seller!
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Honduran
Binder – Honduran
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Connecticut
Aptly named for a preference for darkness or the night, this edition pushed the flavor meter just about as far as you could go. With a Nicaraguan blend of fillers and binder within a near black San Andreas Mexican wrapper, this stick combines sweetness and spice in a flat out full bodied, strong cigar. Buckle up!
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – San Andres Maduro
This edition is a very slow burning stick that’s jammed packed with tobacco. Even though it has a combination of sweet and spicy tastes, this is a very strong cigar that gains intensity on all fronts as you move along. Buckle Up!
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Nicaraguan
We know Master Blender Christian Eiroa understand what Corojo is all about about what it’s supposed to taste like. After all, his signature Camacho Corojo serves as the category’s benchmark. This very full bodied Honduran puro is balanced and strong from the start and gains intensity as you move along. Buckle up!
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Honduran
Binder – Honduran
Wrapper Type – Corojo-Honduran
This was the second Insidious entry utilizing the same blend of fillers and binder as the mild tasting Original. The addition of a San Andreas Mexican Maduro wrapper moved it’s character into the medium bodied range while retaining its smoothness.
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Honduran
Binder – Honduran
Wrapper Type – San Andres
Padron Damaso is one of this iconic company’s most popular and newer entries.
With attention to detail, this round, mild tasting, flavorful, hand crafted and limited production cigar is encased in a specially created Ecuadorian grown Connecticut wrapper. What’s more important is this cigar was blended by Jorge Padron himself. To that end, Damaso is a cigar with a unique flavor profile that is medium to full-bodied and super smooth.
So if you’re looking for all the signature characteristics of Padron cigars with tamer strength, Damaso is a perfect choice!
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian grown Connecticut Seed
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Damaso (near Piloto Cigars Inc.)
Blender: Jorge Padron
Check out all the Padron Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Foundation owner Nick Melillo traveled to the island of Jamaica in 2015 to have some fun along with searching for the country’s rarely used tobacco. He soon located one of the oldest farms growing and processing leaves utilizing traditional methods that have been employed for over a thousand years. He then put his mad scientist hat on and combined his Master Blender skills by applying what he calls “Caribbean atmospheric herbal fusion.” The short version of this is that the combination of this process with coveted Jamaican and vintage Nicaraguan leaves produced a series of cigars ranging from mild and smooth to medium-full bodied and beyond. Yes, they’re totally different and have become pleasant diversions for experienced smokers as well as newcomers.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Jamaican – Nicaraguan
Binder – Coming Soon!
Wrapper Type – Varied
This cigar is probably one of the best examples of Just how smart Founder Robert Johnson is. The Miami edition represents some of the best Master Blending skills that famed cigar maker Don Pepin Garcia offers. We’ve often heard about “Cuban Seed” tobacco. As good as that crop generally is, as the seeds continue to get replicated, they lose some of their original growing traits. Rarely are first generation seeds of this calibre found and used and that’s exactly what has made this stick so highly coveted. Yes, this is a medium-full bodied smoke that’s uniquely complex as we’ve come to expect from Tatuaje. But this one offers an unduplicated taste that stands alone. Get them when we have them. They’re worth more than they cost. Enjoy…BIG TIME!
Origin – United States
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Habano – Oscuro
Since its launch in 2003, Pete Johnson’s Tatuaje cigar portfolio has grown to include more than 20 brands—both in regular and limited production and has grown from unknown status to one of the cigar industry’s highly rated and sought-after boutique cigar brands. Johnson himself has also evolved from an unknown newcomer to visionary and respected industry entrepreneur.
An important thing to know is that the Avion was blended in its entirety by Johnson himself. It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost 10 years since this gem came to market. Many feel this is Pete’s signature smoke. While we know the selected vintage blend of fillers and binder are the exact ones contained in his Fausto brand, the creative use of a rare, nearly black USA grown Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper produces a very unique stick. This box pressed, old school perfecto is a solidly medium bodied smoke that gains a smooth intensity as it moves along. But make no mistake, this is a bold, rich and dense cigar.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf – Ecuador Habano
It’s hard to believe it’s been a dozen years since this special cigar was launched. This solidly medium bodied cigars reputation speaks for itself with all facets of its being. The complex blend yields just enough of just about every taste characteristic in the spectrum with smoothness, strength, balance and spice to name a few. It was from this very stick’s concept that Tatuaje continued producing more editions for all our smoking enjoyment. Enjoy…BIG TIME!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Nicaraguan Corojo
If you’re a fan of the Original Havana VI, this edition will give you more of what you enjoyed across the board. This dark stick raises the needle on the flavor strength meter into the medium to full bodied range.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Habano
Since its launch in 2003, Pete Johnson’s Tatuaje cigar portfolio has grown to include more than 20 brands—both in regular and limited production and has grown from unknown status to one of the cigar industry’s highly rated and sought-after boutique cigar brands. Johnson himself has also evolved from an unknown newcomer to visionary and respected industry entrepreneur.
This edition came on the scene back in 2011 and received deservedly high ratings culminating in being awarded one of the top cigars of 2018 with 93 points. As you can see, Fausto has been a truly consistently great stick for about a decade. In short; this is a dark, strong, hearty and spicy cigar from the get go and increases in intensity and you move along with it. Buckle up!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Habano Maduro
What most people don’t know is that these value priced sticks are produced in the Florida by J.C. Newman, the folks that bring us some of the best Super Premiums available like Julius Caesar, Diamond Crown and Brick House. Believe it or not, more than pretty good tobaccos are utilized here in a short filler machine made form. What that means is instead of containing long leaves for fillers and binder, the contents is made up of all other leaf parts that haven’t been used in hand made premiums. They’re all encased in different shades of really nice Sungrown Ecuadorian wrappers in a variety of 3 sizes and styles. While their appearance is not perfect, each one is mild-mellow in taste with its own character. The 59 Sweet 6×45 has always been my pick of a short pleasant smoke for a whopping $1.65 price tag.
WRAPPER: Ecuador Sungrown
FILLER: Dominican and Nicaraguan
FACTORY: J.C. Newman El Reloj
No one disputes that Rocky Patel is one of the few Titans of the Premium Cigar Industry. Over 20 years ago as he began his quest to get a foothold in the marketplace he actually got in his car and traveled the country visiting high volume Tobacconists unannounced! When he wound up in my store to sell his first entry , I hesitantly took a chance on him. Actually, he was such a nice and appreciative person I couldn’t resist! The rest is cigar history!
If you’ve read my posts you know I’m bullish on aging your cigars to enhance their taste. This 92 rated style was listed as one of the top 25 cigars in 2017. Not only does it have a beautiful rare Cameroon wrapper, it’s been aged 8 years!
The result is a sold medium to full bodied, well rounded smoke that is uncommonly smooth.
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Cameroon
No one disputes that Rocky Patel is one of the few Titans of the Premium Cigar Industry. Over 20 years ago as he began his quest to get a foothold in the marketplace he actually got in his car and traveled the country visiting high volume Tobacconists unannounced! When he wound up in my store to sell his first entry , I hesitantly took a chance on him. Actually, he was such a nice and appreciative person I couldn’t resist! The rest is cigar history!
If you’ve read my posts you know I’m bullish on aging your cigars to enhance their taste. As with the other Vintage series cigars, the ’90 is perfectly box pressed. The big difference is the very dark 10 year old Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper giving this medium bodied stick a thick smoke that draws and burns perfectly.
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Sumatra
No one disputes that Rocky Patel is one of the few Titans of the Premium Cigar Industry. Over 20 years ago as he began his quest to get a foothold in the marketplace he actually got in his car and traveled the country visiting high volume Tobacconists unannounced! When he wound up in my store to sell his first entry , I hesitantly took a chance on him. Actually, he was such a nice and appreciative person I couldn’t resist! The rest is cigar history!
When he launched the Tavicusa line in 2018 it was well received and was highly rated. This Nicaraguan puro is as superior as his Vintage series with a bit of a twist. This medium to full bodied stick utilizes a unique Mexican San Andreas wrapper giving it a bit of toasty sweetness for you smoking pleasure.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaragua
Wrapper Type – San Andres
No one disputes that Rocky Patel is one of the few Titans of the Premium Cigar Industry. Over 20 years ago as he began his quest to get a foothold in the marketplace he actually got in his car and traveled the country visiting high volume Tobacconists unannounced! When he wound up in my store to sell his first entry, I hesitantly took a chance on him. Actually, he was such a nice and appreciative person I couldn’t resist! The rest is cigar history!
This edition has an interesting back story. Hamlet Paredes is a very well known cigar roller hailing from Cuba that Rocky actually assisted leaving Cuba to come to the US. This cigar is his first creation that Rocky commissioned him to make. The three country blend actually delivers a Cuban Style taste with a medium flavor strength. Its 90 rating is a testament to this well made, carefully blended entry.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Brazil-Mexican
Wrapper Type – San Andres
No one disputes that Rocky Patel is one of the few Titans of the Premium Cigar Industry. Over 20 years ago as he began his quest to get a foothold in the marketplace he actually got in his car and traveled the country visiting high volume Tobacconists unannounced! When he wound up in my store to sell his first entry, I hesitantly took a chance on him. Actually, he was such a nice and appreciative person I couldn’t resist! The rest is cigar history!
If you’ve read my posts you know I’m bullish on aging your cigars to enhance their taste. Proudly displaying the 94 rating inside the box as shown, this super premium, box pressed beauty is medium to full bodied in taste with a spicy complex flavor that garnered a “Top 25 of the Year” placement in 2014 when it was introduced.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Connecticut-Connecticut Broadleaf
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Sumatra
Rocky Patel Java Red is the latest edition of this hugely popular line of sharply box pressed premium cigars. What our headline doesn’t state about the great Java Brand is that this cigar was a joint collaboration between Rocky Patel and Jonathan Drew of Drew Estate fame! These two masters created a brand that is still going strong after 16 years!
Java Red combines the smooth Java signature taste with a hint of chocolate along with the gentle infusion of wild cherry flavors!If you are a fan of Drew Estate and Rocky Patel, this one is a must try.
Check out the other Java blends available on The Cigar Thief HERE!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan [Undisclosed]
Binder – Nicaraguan [Undisclosed]
Wrapper – Corojo [Undisclosed]
Shipping Restrictions:
CONGRATULATIONS…….to anyone celebrating this blessed event! If you’re looking to pass out a cigar that’s more than a token celebratory stick, what better brand can you pick! Rocky has put together a fairly tame, mild to medium bodied beauty for this joyous occasion.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Coming Soon!
Wrapper Type – Connecticut
Rocky Patel is a great guy. This special edition is a tribute to all of those who bravely serve our country in the military. It also happens to be a fairly priced great cigar! This is a smooth, creamy, medium bodied stick with a bit of coffee undertones that make for very enjoyable smoking experience.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Sumatra
No one disputes that Rocky Patel is one of the few Titans of the Premium Cigar Industry. Over 20 years ago as he began his quest to get a foothold in the marketplace he actually got in his car and traveled the country visiting high volume Tobacconists unannounced! When he wound up in my store to sell his first entry , I hesitantly took a chance on him. Actually, he was such a nice and appreciative person I couldn’t resist! The rest is cigar history!
We all love Rocky Patel Cigars. Over the years he’s provided a style for everyone’s taste. What most of us will agree to is that you get what you pay for and you have to pony up real money for one of his signature sticks. Not that he doesn’t deserve it!
When Catch 22 was launched in 2015 everyone did a double take to make sure it was coming from him. This six country blend of tobaccos is expertly made and yields a complex medium bodied flavor for a great price! I recommend a five pack and you’ll see how Rocky got a whole new group of price conscience smokers in his fold. Thanks Rocky!
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Dominican-Honduran-Mexican-Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan-Sumatra
Wrapper Type – Corojo
As you may or may not know, Nish is rocky’s younger brother. What most people don’t know is that this cigar is a hybrid masterpiece. The double binder of Connecticut seed and Mexican leaves blended with two distinct vintage Nicaraguan long fillers is encased in a dark Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. The result is a powerful stick possessing sweetness and spice, with coffee and clove undertones. And yes, it ramps up as you move along as well. Buckle up!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Connecticut-Mexican
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf
No one disputes that Rocky Patel is one of the few Titans of the Premium Cigar Industry. Over 20 years ago as he began his quest to get a foothold in the marketplace he actually got in his car and traveled the country visiting high volume Tobacconists unannounced! When he wound up in my store to sell his first entry, I hesitantly took a chance on him. Actually, he was such a nice and appreciative person I couldn’t resist! The rest is cigar history! One of the keys to Rocky’s success over the years is the number of choices he continues to create for all of us to enjoy.
When this edition launched in 2010, shortly after it was awarded the #6 Best Cigar of 2011. Then in 2018 it garnered another top 25 placement. All along the way getting 90+ ratings year after year. This still amazing medium-full bodied stick is jammed packed with tobacco yielding a slow, smooth burn that increases in intensity as you move along. If you’re a fan of Rocky’s stuff you’ve tried it. If you’re not, you will be after trying it! Enough said!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Habano
Nick Perdomo and his Dad are well renowned cigar makers. I’ve watched them grow to one of the world’s powerhouse teams producing a wide array of highly rated premiums. In fact, over 20 years ago I remember Nick personally traveling around the country and winding up in my Long Island store soliciting for business! Many years later when I went to the last big Cigar Show trying to see him was like trying to see a rock start! His success is well earned.
When the 20th Anniversary line was launched all editions were highly rated first class sticks. This Sun Grown Nicaraguan puro edition is a Cuban style, full flavored stick. It’s strong, robust taste increases in intensity along the way. Buckle up!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Sun Grown
Nick Perdomo and his Dad are well-renowned cigar makers. I’ve watched them grow to one of the world’s powerhouse teams producing a wide array of highly-rated premiums. In fact, over 20 years ago I remember Nick personally traveling around the country and winding up in my Long Island store soliciting for business! Many years later when I went to the last big Cigar Show trying to see him was like trying to see a rock start! His success is well earned.
When the 20th Anniversary line was launched, all editions were highly rated first-class sticks. This Maduro edition is hard to describe. Some folks say it’s totally full-bodied while others claim its medium to full-bodied. I guess what makes this so is because this box-pressed stick’s wrapper is triple fermented and aged in Cedarwood boxes then placed in bourbon barrels for just over a year. You’ll just have to judge for yourself.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Habano Maduro
This great brand traces its roots back to 1886 when Melanio Oliva began growing tobacco in Cuba. After the revolution, his grandson Gilberto went to Spain and then settled in Nicaragua. In 1995 Gilberto and his son Gilberto Jr. launched the company.
The 90 rated, box-pressed, Serie G came on the scene in 2007. Cameroon wrapped cigars are among my favorite. Box press them and you’ve won my heart! Oliva’s proprietary blend of Nicaraguan fillers with a vintage Cuban seed grown Habano binder produces a rich, well rounded medium-bodied cigar without any hint of harshness. Many feel that this cigar remains one of the company’s finest to this day. If you’ve had them, you know. If you haven’t tried them, I urge you to grab a five-pack. Serie G is one of my absolute favorites.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Cuban Seed Habano
Wrapper Type – Cameroon
This 92 rated cedar wrapped edition was appropriately named paying homage to Oliva’s founder. Encasing this stick with an Ecuadorian grown Connecticut seed wrapper over the Nicaraguan long fillers and Ecuadorian binder produces a much mellower overall flavored taste than its original red labeled counterpart. This well made cigar yields a pleasant combination of sweetness and slight spice that’s smooth and creamy.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Habano
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Connecticut
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Connecticut
Don Pepin Garcia of My Fathers Cigars fame originally created this cigar over 15 years ago. As the company rocketed to fame with numerous 90+ rated, full bodied Cuban style smokes, Vegas Cubanas kind of got lost. This mellow to slightly medium bodied stick is a welcome addition to the My Father lineup. It’s very flavorful with just a bit of spice and draws perfectly. Make no mistake. This is a highly rated smoke for those of us that steer towards milder tastes.
Wrapper: Nicaraguan- Habano Rosado Claro
Binder: Nicaraguan Criollo
Filler: Nicaraguan- Cuban Seed ’99 Corojo, Criollo
What makes this 90 rated edition a great cigar is its offering of a classic Garcia Cuban style blend yielding a solid medium-full bodied taste that’s just a bit tamer than his other offerings. The vintage Criollo wrapper brings out the sweet and spicy character and keeps on lid on the intensity. Interesting thing is that this sticks flavor profile get stronger if you let them sit around for a while. Smoke them when you get them unless you want them to grow teeth!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Criollo ’98
This Black Label edition represents Master Blender Garcia’s strongest blend of Nicaraguan long fillers and binder since the brand’s inception. The addition of a deceivingly medium colored vintage Corojo wrapper completes the formula which yields a full flavor to ultra full flavored Cuban styled smoking experience. While this 92 rated powerhouse delivers a great array of pleasant tastes, there’s no questioning it’s outright intensity which increases along the way. Buckle up!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Corojo
I like to call this 92 rated masterpiece, “The Ribeye Steak” of cigars. When I look into the top it seems as though the leaves appeared marbled. This dark and oily , medium to full bodied stick is perfectly made and starts out almost on a sweet note. As you move along it increases in strength at a very slow pace and remains uncommonly smooth uniquely balanced .
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan-Peruvian
Binder – Dominican-Corojo
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Habano
The crafting that went into making this edition in 2012 produced one of Kristoff’s best cigars ever. The four country blend of this 93 rated stick yields a most tasty and interesting smoking experience. From its pig tailed cap to its uncut foot, this dark knight is a medium to full bodied banquet of flavors that gain intensity and sweetness as you move along. Enjoy this one, BIG TIME!
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Honduran-Nicaraguan
Binder – Honduran
Wrapper Type – Brazilian
When Kristoff launched this beauty in 2012 it became one of Cigar Aficionado’s top 25 cigars of the year garnering a 93 rating. The Cuban seed tobaccos used in the cigar have been slowly fermented over a long period of time giving way to a medium bodied super smooth taste with a Cuban style character.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan
Binder – Coming Soon!
Wrapper Type – Corojo
If you’re looking at the Punch line….no pun intended, you’re obviously a fan of Cuban Style solid tasting medium to full bodied smokes. You’re my Hero!
When the Diablo came to market is was awarded a 93 rating upon entry. The four country blend of dark tobaccos were aged from four to six years yielding an over the top taste. Powerful yet smooth and undeniably Punch. Try a five pack of any size and buckle up!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Honduran-Nicaraguan
Binder – Connecticut Broadleaf
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Sumatra-Oscuro
You definitely know the name. The Punch brand has been around forever and continues to create offerings appealing to a wider array of smokers tastes. This Chateau series contains a proprietary four country blend requiring a big commitment of time to enjoy it. These complex medium to full bodied sticks gain noticeable strength and intensity from beginning to end. It seems like they goes on forever with the Maduro edition being at the top of the scale.
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Dominican-Honduran-Nicaraguan
Binder – Connecticut Broadleaf
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf
Macanudo Maduro is the first darkly wrapped vitola from this iconic company.
The Maduro edition arrived over 20 years ago with a dark Broadleaf accompanied with a complex blend of premium tobacco. The result moved the needle on the taste meter into medium bodied flavor range opening up the brand to new smokers that wanted a more robust smoke while enjoying Macanudos quality and consistency.
Don’t be fooled by it’s gorgeous exterior, Macanudo Maduro is a mellow to medium cigar handcrafted with tobaccos that surpass the rest. The secret is in the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, handcrafted in the Dominican Republic, and thanks to a proprietary curing process, this leaf is one of the most intriguing and flavorful Maduros in humidors everywhere.
WRAPPER: Connecticut Broadleaf
BINDER: Connecticut
FILLER: Mexican, Dominican Piloto Cubano
Looking for more Macanudo products available on The Cigar Thief? Click HERE
Macanudo Inspirado Black is one of the company’s four hugely successful boutique Inspirado entries.
Coming off the success of the Inspirado Orange, this Black edition amps up the game across the board. Worth noting is the Black line is not your grandpa’s Macanudo. Crafted by a proprietary and experimental process, General Cigar declares, “Cigar lovers who now see Macanudo in a new light should be prepared to be wowed yet again.” With this in mind by contrast, this Inspirado is more full bodied. With attention to detail, this blend possesses a broadleaf wrapper, Ecuador Sumatra binder and Nicaraguan filler from Estelí.
So if you’re looking for a great medium to full bodied cigar with character, this Macanudo should fit right in. A standout in the Inspirado line, Inspirado Black delivers full-bodied boldness in an innovative and balanced cigar. In short, Black is a modern interpretation of timeless knowledge and experience, and the proof is evident in each and every puff.
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Factory: General Cigar Dominicana
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Filler: Nicaragua (Estelí)
I’m a huge fan of this brand. I have not been a fan of their increasing prices. When this edition was launched in 2015, not only did I feel it was the best one I ever smoked, I was delighted at the affordable everyday price. Getting a 91 rating and being named one of the top 25 cigars of the year was a statement that I wasn’t alone. I feel this stick ranks as one of the greatest Cuban style, medium to full bodied cigars available on our whole site. If I could give it a sixth star, I would ! Enough said. Buckle up!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf
I’m a huge fan of this brand. I have not been a fan of their increasing prices. When this edition was launched in 2015, not only did I feel it was the best one I ever smoked, I was delighted at the affordable everyday price. Getting a 91 rating and being named one of the top 25 cigars of the year was a statement that I wasn’t alone. I feel this stick in either its natural or maduro wrapper ranks as one of the greatest Cuban style, medium to full bodied cigars available on our whole site. If I could give it a sixth star, I would ! Enough said. Buckle up!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf
This cigar which is still being made in Cuba is the masterpiece created when the founding family fled to the United States. Without access to Cuban tobacco the family developed a signature blend that many feel exceeds the Cuban original. With a size for every smoker this medium to full bodied cigar has been enjoyed for decades by countless smokers.
Yes it’s an old one but a superlative and consistent smoke.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Brazilian-Dominican-Mexican-Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf
You’re looking at this iconic old school brand because you either know what they’re all about or you’re curious. Yes, they’re still made in Cuba and yes, the ones we offer here are terrific. After the revolution, some of their seeds made their way to Honduras and the rest is cigar making history. Enter Master Blender A.J. Fernandez putting his signature blend into this storied name and you have everything the original is with more strength, complexity and spicy flavor that gains considerable strength as you move along. Buckle up and enjoy! Origin – Honduras Filler – Dominican-Honduran-Nicaraguan Binder – Connecticut Broadleaf Wrapper Type – Ecuador Sumatra
Don Tomas has been around for over 50 years. It had a heritage of being a good cigar for a fair price. Fifteen years ago General Cigar snatched the company up to bring this “Old School” icon back to the glory it deserved.
As with the Original blend, no bells and whistles here. This well made Sun Grown edition is priced right with a great draw, even burn and a complex medium bodied sweet and spicy flavor .
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Honduran
Binder – Honduran
Wrapper Type – Sun Grown
Don Tomas has been around for over 50 years. It had a heritage of being a good cigar for a fair price. Fifteen years ago General Cigar snatched the company up to bring this “Old School” icon back to the glory it deserved.
As with the Original blend, no bells and whistles here. This well made maduro is priced right with a great draw, even burn and a surprisingly complex medium to full bodied flavor.
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Dominican-Honduran-Nicaraguan
Binder – Honduran
Wrapper Type – Connecticut-Connecticut Broadleaf
OK…I know what you’re saying, Five Stars? As I’ve said before, I’m an old guy. Don Tomas has been around for over 50 years. It had a heritage of being a good cigar for a fair price. Fifteen years ago General Cigar snatched the company up to bring this “Old School” icon back to the glory it deserved. The result for this Senior Citizen of the cigar world? How about a 90 Rating and being one of the top 25 cigars of 2006!
No Bells and whistles here. Well made, priced right, great draw, even burn and a surprisingly complex medium bodied flavor. Try a five pack of Robustos and you’ll see what I mean.
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Dominican-Honduran-Nicaraguan
Binder – Honduran
Wrapper Type – Honduran
Diesel Whiskey Row is a great medium bodied. More importantly, the tobacco is cured with Rabbit in the Hole Single Barrel Bourbon. It’s taste is not overpowered by this, just enhanced. A pleasant diversion from your everyday smoke!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Mexican
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Habano
The Grind edition was Master Blender A.J. Fernandez’ first entry of the hugely popular Diesel brand. As expected, it’s a rich, full flavored stick that’s also uncommonly smooth considering its strength and very friendly price.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Habano
CAO World: Nicaragua is one of this company’s very popular World Series.
All the fillers in this spectacular cigar all come from Nicaragua, specifically Condega, Estelí and Jalapa. The Honduran wrapper and binder comes from the Jamastran Valley.
While the jury’s still out deciding if this edition is either medium to full bodied or just flat out full flavored from the get go, what has been decided is this 90+ rated cigar is the most uniquely tasting one of the entire series. It’s generally agreed this darker cigar is robust and spicy. But who would have thought that a two country blend could produce a spearmint undertone in its overall taste bouquet?!
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Honduran (Jamastran)
Binder: Honduran (Jamastran)
Filler: Nicaraguan (Esteli, Jalapa, Condega)
Factory: STG Esteli
Blender: Rick Rodriguez
See all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
CAO World: Italia is one of this company’s very popular World Series.
The addition of rarely grown Italian long filler leaves to this cigar’s mix produces a highly rated full bodied, thickly sweet and spicy, bold masterpiece. Cigar Aficionado rates this jewel a very respectable 92. Their description is spot on. “There’s a reddish, colorado-maduro gleam to this dark cigar, whose creamy smoke is lush with fruity, ripe apple notes, molasses and brown sugar. The finish is long and spicy. Tasty and bold.”
And don’t forget about the large volume of wonderfully aromatic smoke thats perfectly matched to its long finish. Ciao Bella!
Wrapper: Honduran Habano
Binder: Honduran
Filler: Italian Habano Cuban Seed, Nicaraguan, Peruvian
See all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
CAO World: Colombia is one of this company’s very popular World Series.
This highly rated cigar utilizes a unique blend of Colombian and Brazilian leaves found nowhere else. But the key to this amazing, medium bodied cigar is the Cameroon African binder. The cigar is well constructed and tightly packed from head to foot. Despite the amount of tobacco, this vitola has a wide open draw with a slow burn.
When Cigar Aficionado gave it a score of 92, the industry took serious notice. Their review still holds up. ” A large, thick cigar that draws and burns evenly. It’s core of earth and wood is balanced by sweet, fruity notes of black cherry and nougat with a nutty touch of cashew.” What more do you need to know about this very exceptional cigar?
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Cameroon
Filler: Columbian and Brazilian
Factory: STG Esteli
Blender: Rick Rodriguez
See all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
CAO World: America is one of this company’s very popular World Series.
Yes, you’re right! This terrific cigar has two different wrappers! It’s what we call a barber pole! Or in this case, more like a candy cane. With attention to detail, this highly rated cigar has a four country blend including rare tobacco from Italy! This America blend’s combination of fillers along with a twin Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper gives this smoke a very unique medium to full bodied taste with a bit of sweetness. Be Patriotic and give it a try!
Origin – Honduras
Wrappers: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro and Shade
Binder: Brazil
Filler: Ligero from Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Italy, and USA
See all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
CAO New Age: Consigliere is a sequel or remake of sorts of the CAO “Sopranos” Cigar from the HBO series.
Consigliere is handmade in Nicaragua, with a Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper, bound with a Honduran leaf and features a blend of Nicaraguan,Dominican and Colombian leaves. This complex four country blend produces a rich, balanced medium bodied smoke that burns smoothly to its finish. The results when the jury returned were….Cigar Aficionado @90, Cigar Coop @ 90 and Blind Man’s Puff @ 91. Looks like this CAO offering is one you can’t refuse!
See all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Brazilian Mata Fina
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Nicaraguan, Dominican and Colombian
Factory: STG Estelí
Blender: Rick Rodriguez
See all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Looking for something completely different? CAO Flavour editions are well made, very mild, nice diversions that can be appreciated and enjoyed for what they are.
This Gold Honey style has a respectable three country tobacco blend that’s been infused with the nectar of orange blossom honey.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Connecticut Broadleaf
Wrapper Type – Cameroon
Shipping Restrictions:
These items cannot be shipped to Massachusetts state addresses
Looking for something completely different? CAO Flavour editions are well made, very mild, nice diversions that can be appreciated and enjoyed for what they are.
This Cherrybomb style is just what it says. As soon as you light them up, you’re mouth is filled with a bunch of very defined cherry flavors.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Connecticut Broadleaf
Wrapper Type – Cameroon
Shipping Restrictions:
These items cannot be shipped to Massachusetts state addresses
Looking for something completely different? CAO Flavour editions are well made, very mild, nice diversions that can be appreciated and enjoyed for what they are.
This Bella Vanilla style’s tobacco blend has been infused with the extract of Madagascar beans which are well known as being the Rolls Royce of the plant. Enough said.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Connecticut Broadleaf
Wrapper Type – Cameroon
Shipping Restrictions:
These items cannot be shipped to Massachusetts state addresses
CAO Classic: Maduro is formally known as the CAO L’Anniversaire Maduro.
Its wrapper is fermented under extreme heat for three months until it becomes rich and dark with an even burn and razor-thin carbon ring. It’s then wrapped around an Ecuadoran binder and a blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican tobaccos to produce an outstanding smoke with a lavish finish.
The result is a spectacular cigar standing the test of time for over 25 years. This is a medium plus to full bodied smoke is meant for seasoned smokers and passionados. Newcomers need not apply.
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Ecuador
Filler: Nicaragua, Dominican Republic
CAO Classic: Gold Maduro is the long awaited follow up to the original Gold entry.
It took about ten years for CAO to come up with this darkly wrapped counterpart to their legendary gold line. Cigar Aficionado had kind words in 2007 for this flavorful and medium bodied maduro, as well. “Near black, this cigar has a solid core of sweet tobacco, complemented by nuts, coffee and a hint of leather on the finish.” It goes to show you that after 15 years, this cigar is still a winner!
If you liked the original Gold, you’ll love this maduro!
Origin:Nicaragua / Filler:Nicaraguan / Binder:Nicaraguan / Wrapper:Brazilian Maduro
See all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
CAO Classic: Cameroon is formally known as the CAO L’Anniversaire Cameroon.
This amazing cigar was crafted by Nick Perdomo way back in in 1999. Since then it has remained a hugely popular edition of the CAO lineup. Becoming one of Cigar Aficionado’s Top 50 Cigars and giving it a ’92’ rating, the magazine noted, “Nicely pressed, with rich color. The cigar has a lovely draw and burn. It’s nutty and toasty, with coffee, cocoa, and dry wood flavors. The finish is long.”
If you consider yourself an aficionado and haven’t tried one of these amazing smokes, what are you waiting for? See what countless smokers have been enjoying for almost 25 years.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper – Cameroon
See all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE