Cigar of the year twice beating out every cigar including every Cuban entry. Box pressed, medium-full bodied gem. Get them when we have them so when we don’t, you do! Enough said!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Sumatra
Padron Series ‐ Maduro is one of this iconic company’s most popular entries.
This box pressed Padron Maduro is a beautifully balanced and full-bodied smoke of exceptional quality and value. With attention to detail, all the tobacco ages for a minimum of two-and-one-half years before production. It has a strong natural tobacco aroma with notes of leather and spice. Needless to say, this cigar has a perfect draw and produces a lot of aromatic smoke.
In other words, no matter what size or style, Padrons medium to full bodied cigars are always consistently perfect in every way. With a smooth draw, large volume of smoke and robust taste that increases in intensity along the way, it’s no wonder this company’s products are always difficult to find. Rightfully expensive and worth every penny.
Check out all the Padron Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Padron Series ‐ Natural is one of this iconic company’s most popular entries.
This Padron Natural is a Nicaraguan puro cigar with a rich, oily, and naturally sweet wrapper. It’s a robust cigar with a thick, creamy smoke and notes of coffee and cocoa. The cigar is hand-rolled with aged Cuban seed tobaccos and aged for at least 2.5 years.
No matter what size or style, Padrons medium to full bodied smokes are always consistently perfect in every way. With a smooth draw, large volume of smoke and robust taste that increases in intensity along the way, it’s no wonder this company’s products are always difficult to find. Rightly expensive and worth every penny.
Check out all the Padron Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Padron 1964 Anniversary Series Maduro is one of the most sought after cigars worldwide.
For starters, the Anniversary Series Maduro cigar rates a 94 with Cigar Aficionado. It’s a dark, box-pressed smoke with a perfect draw. This amazing cigar has complex flavors including nuts and toast, with hints of sweetness. The four year old tobacco creates a smooth and complex flavor. What more do you need to know?
No matter what size or style, Padrons medium to full bodied smokes are always consistently perfect in every way. With a Smooth draw, large volume of smoke and robust taste that increases in intensity along the way, it’s no wonder this company’s products are always difficult to find. Very Expensive and worth every penny.
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacos Cubanica S.A.
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Maduro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Check out all the Padron Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
I’ve often said that you can’t get a better blended cigar of this kind at a better price. The Dominican longleaf fillers and binder encased in a blond Connecticut shade wrapper yields a smooth, mellow to slightly medium bodied, creamy flavor that has been a consistent signature of this stick since 1996. Try a five pack of Churchills and you’ll see what I mean.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Dominican
Wrapper Type – Connecticut
Factory Smokes Maduro is 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 darkly wrapped beauties are medium bodied in taste with hints of dark chocolate and espresso. They have a great draw like the others and burn well.
Check out the other three blends of Factory Smokes available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Maduro
Binder: Indonesia
Filler: Indonesia
Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
Blenders: Willy Herrera, Jonathan Drew
Adding a near black Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper to the Natural style edition’s fillers and binder raises the needle on the taste meter into medium to full bodied territory. So if this stick’s light coated sister doesn’t give you enough strength, here’s your choice.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf
Like it’s (Blue) Connecticut edition sister, this dark version is not to be feared! While the Broadleaf wrapper used on this well made stick ups the needle on the flavor meter into the medium bodied range, it still remains smooth with a tiny bit of very mild spice. If you have the the whole day to kill smoking one cigar, get a five pack of [8×70] Tycoons!
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican Republic
Binder – Dominican Republic
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf
Origin – Dominican Republic Filler – Dominican and Nicaraguan Binder – Ecuadorian Sumatra Wrapper Type – Cameroon Africa
When you have a chance, click on the “Ask Richie” icon on the upper part of the screen and read my “Bundles of Joy” submission. You’ll then understand how important the valued priced bundle category has been to both cigar makers and lovers.
This edition is one of the best Cuban styled full flavor smokes available for the price. It’s well made with a great draw yielding a robustly satisfying smoking experience across the board.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Dominican
Wrapper Type – Sumatra
When Drew Estate launched Liga Undercrown Maduro back in 2017 not only did it get a 91 rating, it was placed in the top 25 cigars of that year. Those of us that have enjoyed the coveted, super exclusive Liga Privada brand over the years looked twice! Not only is this fantastic cigar made in the image of Liga Privada, it uses some of their signature blends blends as well.
This well balanced medium to full bodied beauty is a superb smoke that’s actually available available to us all in ample supply. The amazing Flying Pig is a top pick…..when we have them! Get your favorite whiskey, bourbon, beer or wine in hand and get ready for a superb smoking experience!
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Otapan Negro Ultimo Corte
Binder: T52 Connecticut River Valley Stalk Cut & Cured Habano
Fillers: Brazilian Mata Fina, Nicaraguan Cuban Seed
Blender: Willy Herrera
After the huge success of Tabernacle’s original entry, Foundation’s owner put on his mad scientist, Master Blender hat and went to work. With this edition, the wrapper was spawned from a combination of Cuban seed and Connecticut seed tobaccos encasing Nicaraguan and Honduran filler leaves with a San Andreas Mexican binder. The result is a smooth and balanced medium to full bodied stick that slowly increases in intensity as you move along with a pleasant sweetness that’s not overpowering.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Honduran – Nicaraguan
Binder – Mexican
Wrapper Type – Connecticut
La Vieja Habana Maduro is another one of Drew Estate’s masterpieces that are totally affordable for everyone to enjoy! Believe it or not, La Vieja Habana was Drew Estate’s first brand! Handmade from the quality leaf left over from the manufacture of Drew Estate’s premium cigar brands, the La Vieja Habana is an exceptional smoking value. This tripa mezclado cigar consistently delivers a great flavor with an excellent draw and burn.
The toothy, oily and dark Brazilian wrapper covers mixed filler tobaccos from Estelí and Jalapa Valley in Nicaragua. This cigar is medium bodied with rich flavors and lots of character with hints of chocolate and coffee. The La Vieja Maduro leaves you with a slightly sweet aftertaste that would have you craving for more. Great after a hearty steak with your favorite scotch.
But Beware! Due to the popularity of these these cigars, they are in and out of stock frequently. So if you’re looking for an affordable, hand made smoke that can be enjoyed everyday, pick one we have and enjoy!
Check out the other styles of La Vieja Habana available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Brazilian Maduro
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
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
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.
Muwat Original is of of this iconic company’s most unique entries.
In case you’re wondering, MUWAT is short for My Uzi Weighs a Ton! The MUWAT story began on the very first final consumer blending session at the Joya de Nicaragua factory in late 2010 during. This amazingly popular blend includes a San Andreas Negro Wrapper, Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade Binder and a hearty Brazilian Mata Fina Filler, coupled with Nicaraguan fillers provided by Joya. After months of attempts the final blend proved to be rich and earthy, with a bright, sweet undertone.
The bottom line is that MUWAT has been enjoyed by countless smokers for over a dozen years. If you’re a fan of complexly crafted cigars, this one is definitely for you.
Check out the review for the original blend of this terrific cigar. This is more of the same with a hint of sweetness
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Kentucky Fire-Cured-Nicaraguan
Binder – Connecticut Broadleaf
Wrapper – San Andres
The Cusano family sold their company to the folks at Davidoff some years ago. This value priced cigar is probably one of the best sticks available for under $3! This is a mild to medium bodied smoke that’s worth far more than its price!
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Connecticut
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Connecticut
First off this brand is produced by Davidoff. This value priced cigar is one of America’s top sellers. Why? It’s mild, consistent and affordable. Baccarat is an everyday smoke for countless smokers throughout the country. I recommend a five pack of very cool burning Lanceros and you’ll see what I mean. The bonus is that if you age them for at least six months they get better!
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Honduran
Binder – Mexican
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf
The Camacho website introduces the Connecticut by stating, “This is one Camacho smoke that doesn’t kick in the door. It knocks. And enters with a mild, smooth taste.” With that being said, as the high ratings came in, the industry knew this cigar was a winner. Without a doubt, this well made cigar is not your father’s Connecticut. When the highly critical folks at Cigar Dojo rated it a 90, they described it best, “The Connecticut begins with notes of spice that grows the further you go along. It’s the same bold flavor I have come to expect from Camacho, sans the heaviness you get from stronger blends. The blend of Dominican and Honduran tobaccos brought out the spice but with hints of sweetness not found in other Camachos.”
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Grown Connecticut
Binder: Corojo (Camacho’s original Cuban seed)
Filler: Generoso, Aleman Ligero
Factory: Agroindustrias Laepe S.A. (Honduras)
The Host Selection has served as the benchmark of mild to mellow bodied cigars over decades. The simple addition of a Broadleaf wrapper raises the needle on the flavor meter into the medium rage while remaining smooth. Many folks that enjoy its Natural counterpart like the bit of boost in taste this Maduro offers while retaining the same basic character of the Original.
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Honduran
Binder – Honduran
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf
When you get a chance, click the “Ask Richie” icon at the upper left-hand part of the screen above and read the “Bundles of Joy” submission. Value priced cigars have become big business for most of the manufacturers. These low cost, hand made premiums have been welcomed by countless smokers as everyday guilt-free enjoyment. My Fathers Cigars have become major players over the last several years producing some of the most popular, highest rated entries ever. If you’re wondering how such a Super Premium company can turn out a great stick for under $3, the first answer is short filler tobacco. Hence, the “SF”. These Nicaraguan puros won’t be around forever. They’re medium-bodied and smooth smoking with a bit of spice and………they even come in a box! Enjoy!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaragua
Binder – Nicaragua
Wrapper Type – Nicaragua
The first thing I can say about this brand is that it is still one of the most underappreciated mild to mellow bodied cigars available. It’s four country blend is smooth, balanced and pleasantly tasting with a wonderful aroma from it’s large volume of smoke. They draw great and are made well to boot!
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Colombian-Dominican-Honduran
Binder – Honduran
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Connecticut
EP Carrillo’s Inch series was specifically designed for smokers that prefer larger ring sizes. As each edition’s blend was formulated, the level of strength and overall character changed. The Ecuadorian Colorado wrapper encasing this stick results in an earthy tasting full bodied, fairly strong smoke not found in it’s Natural and Maduro counterparts.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Habano
Two young guys from Austin Texas formed the Roma Craft company back in 2012. Since then they’ve made a huge impact on the small batch cigar market. All of their entries have been highly rated and are well made with an ample draw. As smokers palates have evolved over the years, this company has stood out by offering unique and complex blends pleasing the folks that steer towards high quality, medium-full bodied cigars. This strange looking little guy is Roma Craft’s He-Man stick that’s been around since 2015.. The exclusive blend of U.S. grown Pennsylvania Broadleaf, Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers along with a U.S. grown Connecticut binder encased in a Mexican wrapper is not for the squeamish. This is an extremely robust cigar that increases in spiciness and intensity as you move along. Buckle up, big time! Origin – Nicaragua Filler – Dominican – Nicaraguan – United States Binder – Connecticut Broadleaf Wrapper Type – San Andres
Just in case you didn’t know, Undercrown is made in the image of the coveted limited production Liga Privada line from Drew Estate. The company describes it as follows. “Incorporating many of the same rare tobaccos of different vintages and primings, this cigar is no mere replacement.”
Those smokers that felt the Undercrown maduro was a bit too strong will absolutely love this Shade edition. The most compelling evidence is the great reviews. Halfwheel @ 90. Blind Man’s Puff @ 93 and Stogie Press @ an astounding 95! And this is just a few! One taster says it best.“Want a smoke that’ll blow your pants off with delicious medium bodied notes of vanilla wafers and pancakes, pick this one up now!” What more would you like to know? This Undercrown is another winner for sure.
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade
Binder: Sumatra
Filler: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua
Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
Blender: Willy Herrera
The Maduro and Sun Grown versions offer more medium to full bodied flavor and are equally wonderful!
La Vieja Habana Corojo is another one of Drew Estate’s masterpieces that are totally affordable for everyone to enjoy!
Believe it or not, La Vieja Habana was Drew Estate’s first brand! Handmade from the quality leaf left over from the manufacture of Drew Estate’s premium cigar brands, the La Vieja Habana is an exceptional smoking value. This tripa mezclado cigar consistently delivers a great flavor with an excellent draw and burn.
This cigar combines a beautiful Cuban Corojo wrapper with filler tobaccos from Estelí and the Jalapa Valley in Nicaragua. Like the other styles, it is a mixed filler cigar with a premium wrapper. Medium bodied with lots of flavors, it has an earthy taste with hints of spice and a pleasant aroma.
But Beware! Due to the popularity of these these cigars, they are in and out of stock frequently. So if you’re looking for an affordable, hand made smoke that can be enjoyed everyday, pick one we have and enjoy!
Check out the other styles of La Vieja Habana available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Cuban Corojo Seed
Isla Del Sol is another masterpiece from Drew Estate. This hand made Nicaraguan and Sumatran beauty is priced literally so everyone can enjoy them. You’ll notice a bit of sweetness when your tongue touches the cap and a hit of infused coffee/cocoa beans throughout. Depending on your taste this cigar steers toward the mild to slightly medium spectrum.
One thing that will not disappoint is the fine construction and aromatic smoke production, the latter of which Drew Estate has definitely mastered. These totally affordable well made cigars are smartly packaged and adorned with tobacco leaves inside.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper – Sun Grown Sumatra
Factory Smokes Sungrown is 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!
A point often overlooked is that bundled cigars are rarely review and rated. But it’s no surprise that many critics were duly impressed. With this in mind, here’s what some had to say about Factory Smokes Sungrown:
Smooth burn/Clean finish/Notes of cedar and spice/Good draw/No sour or bitter tastes/Great taste/
Notes of cream, natural tobacco, and sweet woodsy nuances
You be the judge. But without a doubt, these cigars are worth more than their price for sure!
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Habano Sungrown
Binder: Indonesia
Filler: Indonesia
Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
Blenders: Willy Herrera, Jonathan Drew
When this Habano edition was launched in 2017, it got serious notice as the Gordo size garnered a 91 rating. Venturing out of the mild to mellow flavor zone, this stick wandered into the solid medium body relm. What caught everyone by surprise that it’s Cuban style taste was tempered by the traditional Nat Sherman smoothness. A perfect draw gives way to a huge volume of aromatic smoke.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Nicaraguan
This Nicaraguan puro JJ edition is a collaboration of Garcia and his son. In order to make them exactly the way they wanted, production is tightly supervised at their Miami facility. The vintage Corojo and Criollo tobaccos yield a full body flavored cigar with a distinct mix of sweet and spicy tastes.
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: My Father Cigars S.A.
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua (Corojo & Criollo)
Kentucky Fire Cured Swamp Thang is perfect for fans of both Fire Cured and Candela tobaccos. Pairing this deliciously sweet green candela wrapper with the smoky & tasty Kentucky Fire Cured tobaccos creates a uniquely balanced, complex and savory cigar.Yes! You have two wrappers on this cigar!
Wrapper: Dominican Candela plus Kentucky Fire-Cured
Binder: Undisclosed
Filler: Undisclosed
Factory: Joya de Nicaragua (Nicaragua)
Factory Smokes Shade is 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! Jonathan Drew’s creation of Drew Estate started a revolution of amazing cigars. From Acid to Liga Privada , Undercrown and beyond. No matter which Premium or Super Premium brand he produced we knew one thing, we got what we paid for.
This Shade entry offers those of us that enjoy smooth tasting mild to medium bodied cigars an everyday choice. Blind Man’s Puff gave this cigar a 90 rating! And on top of this, Factory smokes were created by Master Blenders Willie Herrera and Jonathon Drew himself! What more do you need to know?
Check out the other three blends on Factory Smoke available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade
Binder: Indonesia
Filler: Indonesia
Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
Blenders: Willy Herrera, Jonathan Drew
Ok, I’m sticking my neck out here. I think this is one of the absolute best cigars you can buy for the price. Oddly enough, this edition has been flying under the radar for over 15 years. Since it’s been available, I’ve emphatically recommended it more times than I can remember. Davidoff acquired the Cusano brand many years ago and performed magic with the brand. All you need to know is that every component in these cigars has been seriously aged up to 18 years. The result of this true luxury blend is a spectacularly tasty, rich and flavorful mellow to medium flavored jewel with a great draw and a perfect burn. Try a five pack when we have them and see for yourself.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Dominican
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf
