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
Padron 1926 Series ‐ Maduro is one on the most sought after cigars worldwide from this legendary company.
The multi award-winning 1926 Series premiered in 2002 to commemorate José O. Padrón’s 75th birthday. With attention to detail, these cigars are individually hand-crafted from five year old tobacco. This vintage blend creates an exceptionally smooth, complex, balanced and full-bodied flavor. The dark Maduro wrapper adds just a bit of welcomed sweetness to the already amazing smoking experience this cigar offers.
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. With this in mind, you just can’t go wrong with a Padron.
Check out all the Padron Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
As you would expect, this amazing edition got rated 97 and become the 2nd of the top 25 cigars in 2015 beating out a bunch of Cuban competitors. With that said, this stick is remarkably complex yielding a medium to very full bodied taste that gains a noticeable intensity as you move along. If you’re a My Father’s fan, it’s a must try. If you’re new to the fold, try a five pack of the perfectly made Box Pressed Torpedos and prepare to see God!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Habano Oscuro
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
Padron 1926 Series ‐ Natural is one on the most sought after cigars worldwide from this legendary company.
The multi award-winning 1926 Series premiered in 2002 to commemorate José O. Padrón’s 75th birthday. With attention to detail, these cigars are individually hand-crafted from five year old tobacco. This vintage blend creates an exceptionally smooth, complex, balanced and full-bodied flavor.
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. With this in mind, you just can’t go wrong with a Padron.
Check out all the Padron Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
After years of planning San Cristobal line was launched in 2007. Crafted by famed Master Blender Jose “Don Pepin” Garcia along with the owners of the Ashton brand. The Revelation blend is a medium to slightly full bodied and well balanced Cuban style smoke.
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
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
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
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 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
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
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)
After years of planning the first original style San Cristobal was launched in 2007. Crafted by famed Master Blender Jose “Don Pepin” Garcia along with the owners of the Ashton brand. The Quintessence style is a solid medium to full bodied smoke that received a Top 25 status in 2018 when it was introduced along with a 92 rating. When it was revisited in 2022 this cigar was elevated to a 95! It seems as though the Quintessence gets even better as time passes.
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: My Father Cigars S.A.
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
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 Kristoff Brittania Reserva is a mild-medium bodied cigar that is actually a creamy and buttery tasting experience. Yes, it’s mild and extremely smooth with a complex flavor that just doesn’t exist in other “Mild” cigars. A winner!
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan
Binder – Coming Soon!
Wrapper Type – Honduran Connecticut
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
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
Davidoff Small Batch cigars are considered one of the company’s most exclusive creations.
Discover the exquisite taste of these spectacular limited edition cigars. With attention to detail, Davidoff handcrafted these with the utmost precision and expertise. These exclusive vitolas offer the connoisseur a truly unique smoking experience. Explore the finest tobacco blends, meticulously selected for their exceptional quality. Indulge in the luxury of these sought-after cigars, available while we have them. Order these cigars today and elevate your smoking pleasure to new heights. Limited stock, so don’t miss out.
Small Batch No. 3: Is draped in an Ecuadoran cover leaf and contains a Mexican binder and Dominican filler.
Small Batch No. 7: Is wrapped in a cover leaf from Ecuador over Dominican binder and filler.
Small Batch No. 11: It’s a three-country blend made with a wrapper from Ecuador, a Dominican binder and filler from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic.
This is a strong, robust, full bodied, Cuban style cigar. Buckle Up!
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua Corojo ’99 and Criollo ’98
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)
Kristoff produces an extensive line of highly rated cigars. What sets their Connecticut aside from other top quality mild tasting cigars is that the four different Dominican leaves making up the filler actually gives this smoke a full flavored mild taste! Hard to explain I guess. Yes, it’s mild but it’s smoothness is unmatched.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Connecticut
Nica Rustica Broadleaf is another great brand from Drew Estate that came to market in 2013. Worth noting is that this cigar was blended by Master Blender Willie Herrera himself! The bonus for all of us is the affordable price.
This Original Nica Rustica entry is a medium to full strength cigar blended to showcase native Nicaraguan tobaccos from Esteli and Jalapa. Aficionados will enjoy this rustic smoke that is robust and deeply satisfying. Genuine Connecticut Broadleaf encases Nica Rustica and imparts a subtle natural tobacco sweetness and spice. The Robusto is a top pick for around $4.00!
Check out all Nica Rusticas available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro
Binder: Mexican San Andres Negro
Filler: Nicaragua (Esteli and Jalapa)
Blender: Jonathan Drew and Willy Herrera
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
Wrapper: Honduran Corojo (5th Priming)
Binder: Honduran Corojo
Filler: Honduran Corojo | Pennsylvania Broadleaf
Factory: Diadema Cigars de Honduras, S.A. (Honduras)
Without doubt, Montecristo Espada is one of this iconic company’s best cigars ever!
The Spanish lesson for today is: Espada means sword. When the Espada appeared garnering a 92 rating and becoming one of the top 25 cigars of the year we all knew it was worth the price. What must be remembered is Espada is made in Nicaragua at Plasencia Cigars and is a collaboration between Plasencia and the Altadis blending team, Grupo de Maestros.
With attention to detail, the very rare wrapper from 2010 encases vintage Nicaraguan filler and binder tobacco from three prized growing regions. In fact, the filler and binder leaves are even older! The result is a medium bodied purebred with an interesting combination of sweetness and spice thats creamy and balanced. Cigar Aficionado describes this amazing smoke perfectly. “An exceptional smoke offering the spice of a gingersnap with touches of cinnamon that build to a sweet, spicy finish.”
It’s no surprise Espada has been pleasing cigar smokers for almost a decade and is still going strong.
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano (Jalapa) Vintage 2010
Binder: Nicaraguan Habano (Jalapa) Vintage 2009
Filler: Nicaraguan Habano (Jalapa) Seco Vintage 2008, Nicaraguan Habano (Jalapa) Viso Ometepe Vintage 2008, Nicaraguan Habano (Condega) Ligero Vintage 2008
When Altadis, the cigar giant thats brings us Monte Cristo, Romeo and Upmann….to name a few decided to create a value priced entry they didn’t take any shortcuts. These handmade sticks use Dominican tobaccos across the board with a bit of Honduran binder giving it a mild to medium bodied taste that’s smooth and mellow. The Connecticut Shade dark Maduro wrapper is a rarity in the budget friendly category. It gives this particular cigar a more robust taste without increasing its overall strength Enjoy!
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Honduran
Binder – Connecticut Broadleaf
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf
This edition is yet another accomplishment of Casa Fernandez’s unique ability to continue crafting intricate blends appealing to every smokers desires and specific taste preferences. This Maduro is medium to full bodied and loaded with rich flavors of espresso, cocoa and light pepper. There’s also a bit of a cherry like sweetness throughout as well, if you can believe it!
Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés Maduro
Binder: Nicaraguan Aganorsa
Filler: Nicaraguan Aganorsa
This four country blend edition produces a complex medium to full bodied flavor that some say is acquired taste. I’m sure if you’ve had them and enjoy them, another start or two is warranted. This stick is another effort by Kristoff to broaden the brand’s appeal to more smokers.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan
Binder – Coming Soon!
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Sumatra
Joya De Nicaragua Black is one this iconic brand’s newer amazing selections.
When Black hit the scene in 2018, not only did it get a 93 rating, it was also named one of the top 25 cigars of the year! The addition of a dark and oily San Andreas Mexican wrapper made this medium bodied, slow burning stick a huge hit at a fairly friendly price.
With this in mind, it’s no surprise why so many seasoned smokers are rediscovering this time honored brand.
Check out all the other Joya De Nicaragua cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Negro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Fabrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua S.A.
Blender: Juan Martinez
Isla Del Sol Maduro is another masterpiece from Drew Estate.
As found with the Original Sungrown blend, this darkly encased edition offers an enjoyable smoke with hints of infused coffee/cocoa beans. The big difference is the oily maduro wrapper which gives way to a smooth medium bodied taste. The bonus is that this one is priced right for all of us to enjoy as well.
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.
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Maduro
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 medium bodied smokes available for the price. It’s well made with a great draw yielding a smooth, satisfying smoking experience across the board.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Connecticut
Wrapper Type – Cameroon
I remember when this line appeared in the early 90’s. Up to then, the Avo brand was as hugely popular with smokers who enjoyed mild cigars as it is to this very day. The medium bodied XO immediately appealed to two groups of folks. People that enjoyed Avo Classics and felt their palates were graduating towards a more flavorful smoking experience. And those smokers that wanted the renowned Avo quality who enjoyed medium bodied cigars as part of their daily diet.
Avo cigars have never been cheap. In fact, their kind of pricey. What’s undisputed is that Davidoff has continued to produced Avo cigars perfectly over decades. Each one is flawlessly made with an abundant draw. It’s wonderful to see so many new choices available to try within this iconic brand.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Dominican
BinderDominicanDominican
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Connecticut
I have to admit that the rarely made Short Torpedo size is one of my go to cigars.
A year after the Synchro line arrived, Davidoff wrapped the unique blend of fillers and binder with a Habano 2000 wrapper ramping up its predecessors medium bodied taste to the medium-full bodied scale. If you enjoy the the first Synchro, the Fogata gives you more!
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan
Binder – Mexican
Wrapper Type – Habana 2000
This edition is yet another accomplishment of Casa Fernandez’s unique ability to continue crafting intricate blends appealing to every smokers desires and specific taste preferences.
This beautifully made medium to slightly full bodied cigar delivers lots of aromatic smoke and a mouthful of intense spice, espresso, and even more peppery flavors. Oddly enough, there’s a pleasant sweetness towards the finish. Like spice? This is the one!
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Aganorsa Corojo
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
This very interesting edition launched in 2018. It’s unique undertones of coffee and hazelnut yields a smooth smoking medium to full bodied taste that caught a lot of us by surprise. I recommend a five pack of Rothschilds. Origin – Nicaragua Filler – Nicaraguan Binder – Nicaraguan Wrapper Type – Nicaraguan Corojo
Don’t be afraid of the dark! This edition is probably one of the best examples of why Ernesto Carrillo is the Master Blender he is.
Achieving a 92 rating and placing in the top 25 cigars of 2017 was well deserved. This super slow burning edition is jammed pack with tobacco and yields a smooth, creamy and slightly sweet medium to full bodied flavor that is balanced and can be enjoyed by everyone.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Nicaragua
Binder – Ecuadorian
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf
You enjoy smooth and creamy, mild to medium bodied cigars and want to see why everyone loves Ernesto Carrillo. Bingo! You found it! This sticks great aroma and ample draw will allow you to experience a refined, balanced and slightly sweet tobacco taste that has become one of this Master Blenders great offerings to many smokers with taste preferences like you!
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Connecticut
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.
The Cabaiguan brand has been made for Johnson by the Garcia family since 2006, first in Miami and later in Nicaragua where it is produced today. While Pete’s sticks usually range from solidly medium to full bodied in taste, this 92 rated pigtailed edition’s strength sits squarely in the middle on the medium spot. It’s smooth and balanced with an enjoyable mix of sweetness and spice that’s not overpowering to it’s finish. This blend attracted and introduced many new smokers into the Tatuaje fold.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf – Ecuador Connecticut
Like its Original edition counterpart, this Maduro entry is another world class medium to full bodied cigar with just a bit more of a robust character while still remaining smooth to the finish.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper – Ecuadorian grown Habano Maduro
Joya De Nicaragua Red is the first of this iconic brand’s amazing newer selections.
In 2015 Joya De Nicaragua began reinventing itself by reaching out to appeal to more smokers. This highly rated Red edition showed smokers they were on the right track! While retaining the original brand’s robust character, this new blend steered towards the middle realm of the taste scale. Well made with a perfect draw, it didn’t take long for this new entry to gain major traction.
With this in mind, it’s no surprise why so many seasoned smokers are rediscovering this time honored brand. By the way, Red is also a hit with newcomers alike!
Check out all the other Joya De Nicaragua cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua (Esteli, Condega, and Jalapa) Factory: Fabrica de Tabacos Joya De Nicaragua S.A.
Blender: Undisclosed
Ambrosia by Drew Estate is another great infused hand made cigar from this iconic company.
Many smokers know the hugely successful Acid cigar line. After all, they are one of the company’s biggest sellers. The Ambrosia line is also infused but in a very focused way. The key word here is clove, and a lot of it. This is a totally unique, medium bodied slightly spicy cigar. And yes, the omnipresent aroma and taste of clove increases as you move along. It’s safe to say it’s an “acquired taste” at the very least.
However, if you’re a fan of Acid or any infused cigars and you like the stand alone taste of clove spices, Ambrosia should be in your humidor. After all, these Nicaraguan puros have been around and enjoyed by discerning smokers for over 20 years.
Check out the whole line of top selling Acid infused cigars available at The Cigar Thief here!
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Connecticut
Wrapper Type – Maduro
When the highly critical folks at Cigar Coop rated this complex cigar at 92, they said it best,”This cigar delivered excellent flavor and had a nice amount of complexity. I also found the medium to full strength and body of this cigar clicked with the flavors perfectly.” Combine this with Cigar Coop’s similar ranking describing it as follows,” Flavor triumphs complexity here, with big, bright, lively notes of citrus, cedar, buttered nuts, and pour-over coffee leading the charge.” And you have a winner for sure! No doubt that the soft box pressing provides an enhanced draw allowing everything this great cigar offers to envelope your palate totally.
If you haven’t tried the Camacho Ecuador Box Pressed, grab at least a five pack to taste the meaning of complexity for a truly enjoyable smoking experience.
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano 2000
Binder: Brazilian Mata Fina
Filler: Honduran Corojo | Honduran Criollo Ligero | Dominican Pelo de Oro | Pennsylvania Broadleaf
Factory: Diadema Cigars de Honduras, S.A. (Honduras)
Unlike its pale, mild to mellow flavored white boxed sister, this edition is medium to full bodied in taste.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Habana 2000
Montecristo Pilotico is a very special edition from this long storied brand.
This 2017 creation has an interesting heritage. It turns out that around 50 years ago, Jose Pepe Mendez came upon a region in the Dominican Republic that proved to be perfect for growing tobacco leaves. It was here where he planted what is known as his Pilotico seeds. As time passed he also gained a reputation for establishing many growing techniques and grading guidelines that still exist today in the industry. The master blenders of Montecristo decided to pay homage to Mendez and his seeds by creating this three country blend that yields a sweet kind of medium bodied taste.
To put in another way, Blind Man’s Puff rated this one at 90. Cigar Coop gave it a 91. Without doubt, Pilotico is a must try for aficionados everywhere!
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican Pilotico, Nicaraguan
Factory: Tabacalera de Garcia
Blender: Grupo de Maestros
See all the Montecristo cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
A long time ago, a very wise and wealthy old man told me something I never forgot, ” When you learn how to do something right, do just that over and over again and you’ll eventually succeed.” This great brands original edition offered here has been satisfying discerning smokers for over 20 years. While their price has risen over the years like everything else, they remain well made, consistent and balanced medium to full bodied sticks. The pure Dominican fillers and binder are perfectly blended within a USA grown Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper create a rich flavorful cigar that has stood the test of time. I highly suggest a five pack of your preferred size to see for yourself.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Dominican
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro
Origin – Nicaragua Filler – Nicaraguan Binder – Nicaraguan Wrapper Type – Ecuadorian Habano
Origin – Dominican
Filler – Dominican icaraguan
Binder – Dominican Republic
Wrapper Type – Honduran
Shipping Restrictions:
These items cannot be shipped to Massachusetts addresses
