I hate to continue repeating myself in describing these great brands editions. Some of you may think that they’re all just full-bodied sticks and that’s that. What Litto Gomez has achieved over the years as a master blender is almost unduplicated. The differences in taste characteristics is defined but the overall contents have remained consistent year after year. This has been proven by this product’s continual difficulty to purchase on an ongoing basis. This is another full-bodied masterpiece for those of us that can handle them.
Origin – Dominican
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Dominican
Wrapper Type – Maduro Oscuro
This 90 rated edition was appropriately named paying homage to Oliva’s founder. The interesting blend of tobaccos from four countries produces a mellow to medium bodied kind of crispy taste that’s unique for Oliva.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Habano
Wrapper Type – Indonesian Sumatra
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.
If you’re a fan of Oliva cigars, you’ll agree that this company delivers what you pay for. While their super premiums are priced fairly considering the great sticks they are…….they ain’t cheap! When the Flor De Oliva bundles of value-priced premiums were launched, the company made it very clear that everyone can now enjoy their brand every day for around $3 each! Even those folks that smoked long cigars with big ring sizes.
The Original edition is a medium-bodied stick that burns slowly and increases in intensity as you move along. I’ve often smoked the Churchills halfway down and thrown the rest away without any guilt!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf-Sumatra
There’s a reason why this brand has been around forever. They’re very good cigars! The intricate three country blend has remained eerily consistent over decades. This mellow to medium bodied stick draws well, burns perfectly and has a smooth finish. What it lacks in marketing sizzle it more than makes up for in substance and character.
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Honduran-Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Ecuadorian Connecticut shade wrapper
The collection of Limited Edition Opus X accessories offered here are a joy to behold. Are you a fan of the legendary Opus X? If so, any one of these meticulously crafted items is a top pick. Without doubt, from the beautifully made and vibrant colored ashtrays to the Signature cigar case, all these products are first class. To say nothing of the amazing Opus X glasses set!
What better way to enjoy your Opus X cigar than with one of these Limited Edition accessories? Get one while the supply lasts!
Want to learn more about Arturo Fuente Cigars? Visit their website HERE.
Want to see Opus X cigars available on The Cigar Thief? Click HERE.
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: My Father Cigars S.A.
Wrapper: Ecuador (Habano Rosado)
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua (Criollo 98 & Pelo de Oro)
Davidoff Royal Release is a very, very, very special edition from this iconic company.
According to Davidoff, there are only eight rollers who work on the Royal Release cigars, each of which has at least 15 years experience. The tobaccos come from a 2004-05 harvest that had a year of near perfect growing conditions and ideal rainfall.
When the highly critical folks at Half Wheel gave it a 91 rating, they described this Super Premium Luxury smoke best. “The cigar is a flavor-bomb, with a profile full of rich, decadent and complex notes. The construction was fantastic overall. Of course, the price tag will keep most people away. But if you can afford it, you won’t be disappointed in the experience.” With attention to detail, this exclusive cigar is made for affluent connoisseurs. If you fit the bill, this very unique cigar is for you!
Wrapper: Aromatica Dominicana [Seed grown in the Dominican Republic]
Binder: Ecuadorian Habano
Filler: 8 Year Aged Dominican ~ 5 Varieties: San Vincente Ligero, San Vincente Mejorado Visus, Piloto Ligero, Hybrid Olor/Piloto Ligero, Criollo Ligero.
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic (TABADOM)
The name of this amazing edition is a shout out to a historic tree and its surrounding land in the Connecticut valley where Native American Indians would gather to grow their own smoking tobacco. And there’s your history lesson for today! Foundation owner’s love for his home state and the amazing leaves he grows is combined with a vintage blend of Nicaraguan and Indonesian inners producing an amazing cigar. This 93 rated stick yields a smooth, creamy, mild to slightly medium bodied flavor that’s complex and wonderful! The old school uncut foot is a nice touch as well.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Sumatra
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Connecticut
Ok, I’ll admit it. This is one of my personal favorites. Henry Clay has a rich heritage dating back to Cuba. Cigar giant Altadis has done a great job with this old school brand. This complex little guy is wrapped in a near black USA grown Connecticut Broadleaf with a Honduran Broadleaf binder. The Dominican fillers are combined with a rarely used, very powerful Capa Dura Honduran leaf which oddly enough, is a leaf thats grows on the plant after its been harvested. The result is a highly rated medium-full bodied pigtailed powerhouse with a $4 price.
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Honduran
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf
Rated 96 and named Cigar of the Year in 2012 beating out every other cigar including all the Cuban entries. Medium-full bodied. Amazing. Enough said.
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: My Father Cigars S.A.
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Sun Grown
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Take the band off this Habano wrapped cigar, give it to your buddy, let him light it up and get it going and then tell him it’s about a $3 smoke! General Cigar produced Las Estrella to give us a value priced BOXED cigar worthy of any occasion.
It’s medium bodied in taste with an even burn.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Coming Soon!
Binder – Coming Soon!
Wrapper Type – Habano
It’s hard to believe this Arturo Fuente made premium brand is approaching a 30th birthday. I was young and beautiful when I smoked my first one! While the blend of leaves is different from the company’s signature line, these well made, fairly priced, medium bodied, smooth tasting sticks have remained very popular over the years. I’ve often looked at them as kind of “comfort cigars”.
Filler: Dom. Rep.
Binder: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: U.S.A./Conn. Shade
Country: Dominican Republic
Factory Smokes Sweets are one of four of Drew Estate’s entries into the ever growing handmade Budget-Value category for all of us to enjoy for under $2 a stick!
With attention to detail, all Factory Smokes are made by hand. The big difference is the tobacco inside is made up of mixed fillers available at the factory. To put it another way, these leaves are the same crop used in their premiums! And on top of this, Factory smokes were created by Master Blenders Willie Herrera and Jonathon Drew himself!
This well made sweet capped cigar is medium bodied with definite hints of vanilla and coffee along with bits of gentle spices. For those who want a good tasting cigar without the associated price tag, Factory Smokes are surely the way to go!
Check out the other three Factory Smokes blends available at the Cigar Thief Here
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano
Binder: Indonesian Sumatra
Filler: Indonesia Sumatra
Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
Blenders: Willy Herrera, Jonathan Drew
When Master Blender Willy Herrera teamed up with Jonathan Drew (Drew Estate) it caught everyone’s attention. As this first Habano edition hit the street receiving an incredible 93 rating along with placing #8 in the top 25 cigars of the year, we all knew a new level of cigar making had begun.
This amazing blend is a super smooth, medium bodied, perfectly made cigar with an ample draw. Its slow burn is balanced with a complex taste that slightly increases in intensity as you move along. Only as it comes to a close do you experience a robust full bodied taste reminiscent of Cuban made powerhouses.
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
Blender:Willy Herrera
To begin with, Master Blender Jose “Don Pepin” Garcia created La Aroma de Cuba. This Ashton sister brand received a “Top 25” award twice! It’s 93 rating over 20 years ago is still a testament to its quality today. This Cuban seeded Nicaraguan blend of vintage fillers combined with a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper yields a Cuban style medium bodied smoke that’s hard to beat at any price! The Robusto is a top pick!
Want to see more La Aroma de Cuba cigars? Click HERE.
The Ashton Symmetry edition was Ashton’s first venture into adding Nicaraguan leaves with their traditional Dominican filler. The result has been several 94 ratings along with two placements in the top 25 category. This cigar was a real achievement. Not only did it offer a more complex robust taste, it retained Ashton’s classic smoothness with a medium-bodied flavor.
Filler- Dominican-Nicaraguan Binder- Dominican Wrapper Type – Ecuadorian Habano
ACCOLADES
Top 10 Cigars of the Year – Cigar Aficionado, 2017
Top 10 Cigars of the Year – Cigar Aficionado, 2015
94 Rated – Cigar Aficionado, January 2018
Check out other great Ashtons here!
There’s a few reasons why 90 rated Ashtons have remained in the top ten for decades. They are made by the folks at Arturo Fuente. They are insanely consistent and remain one of the benchmarks for mild to mellow taste. If you’ve smoked them you know. If you haven’t, I envy you!
Those of us that have enjoyed Ashton’s Classic series over the years have become accustomed to their signature taste. When the Puro Sol edition was launched it was Ashton’s first venture into the medium bodied category. Bang! Not only did it get a 94 rating, it placed #7 of the top 25 best cigars of the year. So if you’ve enjoyed Ashton Classics, you must step up and try the Ashton Heritage Puro Sol flavorful beauty.
Country: Dominican Republic
Strength: Medium-Full
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano wrapper
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican
ACCOLADES
Top 10 Cigars of the Year – Cigar Aficionado, 2012
Top 10 Cigars of the Year – Cigar Aficionado, 2008
Top 10 Cigars of the Year – Cigar Aficionado, 2005
Top 25 Cigars of the Year – Cigar Aficionado, 2021
Top 25 Cigars of the Year – Cigar Aficionado, 2004
94 Rated – Cigar Aficionado, May 2021
Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real is another highly rated offering of this iconic brand.
When the original 1875 White line was launched it rapidly became one of the country’s top sellers. Shortly after, the Reserva Real series hit the ground running. While this blend upped the flavor to the medium bodied level it remained smooth and balanced with just a hint of spice to liven up your palate.
As luck would have it, Cigar Aficionado recently rated the Lonsdale size a respectable 91. Their description says it best. Initial notes of dried citrus and vanilla combine on the palate for an orange creamsicle effect. There’s a slightly cedary element as well, making for a bright, sweet cigar that draws and burns evenly.” Not convinced yet? The Porto Real came in at 92!
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan
Binder – Dominican
Wrapper Type – Ecuadorian grown Connecticut
See all the Romeo y Julieta cigars available at The Cigar Thief HERE
Viaje Special 2023 Holiday Edition consists of two special blends from this great company.
With attention to detail, each one of these amazing cigars is a testament to the reputation of Andre Farkas. Here you go!
Holidays come and go, but these cigars are worth having all year round…..when you can get them!
See all the Viaje Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
The Asylum Martes 13 cigar is made with Honduran Corojo tobaccos that have been aged 6 years. They come in two sizes: 48×4 and 54×6, only 500 packs are available in each of the two sizes.
As usual, it ships free and humidified 🙂
The Cigar Thief Sampler #1 consists of:
It ships completely free and in a humidified resealable bag 🙂
Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua is one of this long storied company’s best cigars ever.
Celebrate the rich and flavorful heritage of Montecristo cigars with this specially made Nicaraguan super star. With attention to detail, this special Anniversary edition is an expertly crafted interpretation of the brand’s original blend from 1935. Rich and complex, with a creamy texture and hints of spice, these cigars will transport you to a world of luxury and sophistication. It should be noted that Master Blenders Rafael Nodal, and AJ Fernandez as well as the Montecristo’s Grupo de Maestros created this world class cigar.
Receiving an astounding 95-point rating and garnering the #2 spot of 2021 by Cigar Aficionado is well-deserved to say the very least. Their description is perfect. “…a spicy, earthy backbone refined by notes of leather, coconut and malted milk.” These medium to full bodied jewels are any cigar smokers joy to behold.
Without doubt, this Montecristo is an absolute must try.
See all the Montecristo cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: San Latano AJ Fernandez
Blenders: Grupo de Maestros, Rafael Nodal, AJ Fernandez
See all the Montecristo cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Joya De Nicaragua Numero Uno is yet another one of this iconic brand’s amazing newer selections. The line started as the No. 1 in 2017, and was only offered to World Leaders by Nicaraguan ambassadors.Número Uno is now part of the “Masterpieces” collection meaning Joya’s top of the line offerings.
Numero Uno is one of Cigar Aficionado’s highest rated cigars coming in at an astounding 95! This creamy, smooth, mild to medium bodied masterpiece is considered one of this company’s greatest achievements. If you prefer milder smokes with complex flavor notes and want to be impressed, this is the Joya to check out!
With this in mind, it’s no surprise why so many seasoned smokers and newcomers alike are rediscovering this time honored brand.
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Fabrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua S.A.
Blender: Juan Martinez, Alejandro Martinez Cuenca
Check out all the other Joya De Nicaragua cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
I’ve been asking our Web Master for the option to add a six star to use on rare occasions without success so far. This amazing cigar would most definitely be one of those instances. If you’re a mild to medium loving smoker you’ll have to pass this powerhouse by unless you want your taste buds stress tested to a very high degree. This stick was two years in the making to get the blend just right. After an inch or so after lighting up, your senses will be enveloped in a definitive array of cocoa, black coffee, spices and pure tobacco flavors that gain strength and intensity as you cautiously move forward. This is a true HE MAN stick that is a joy to behold and worth twice the price. Buckle Up….Big time!
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican – Nicaraguan
Binder – Sumatra
Wrapper Type – Maduro
Oliva has been turning out amazing cigars for many years. Most of their selections offer smokers a wide array of top rated cigars ranging in taste from mild to medium.
Enter the Series O Maduro and things change dramatically! The great aspect of this 90 rated stick is that it delivers a solid full flavor with an uncanny smoothness
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Coming Soon!
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro
It’s hard to believe that it’s been over 20 years since this jewel came to market. The Don Carlos has won more awards and 90+ ratings than I could count. It’s probably one of this company’s finest blending achievements that has remained amazingly consistent over the decades. For me it yields a true Cuban style rich taste without any harshness. They’re hard to find in any style so get ’em while we have em’!
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Cameroon
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
Factory: Tabacalera A Fuente y Cia
Blender: Carlito Fuente
This is a cigar like no other. The tobacco used is cured in barns that burn hardwoods like oak and maple to infuse a totally unique flavor into the leaves. This original edition started the brand and is pleasantly medium bodied.
With attention to detail, the blend features Kentucky seed tobacco, grown and fire cured in Kentucky, along with Nicaraguan and Brazilian fillers. The cigar is then wrapped with a Mexican San Andres wrapper to round out the flavor profile.
The result is a smoking experience that is totally unique in the world of premium cigars.
This item is subject to a $5.00 shipping/handling fee which is added to the order total.
