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
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 is the company’s first limited edition offering available in just one size. While its medium in body, it’s very complex in taste. There’s a lot of earthiness and natural tobacco taste throughout that mixes with a bit of spiciness and sweetness along the way. This is a very unique cigar like its sister brand. And this characteristic is garnering a lot of attention from seasoned smokers and newcomers alike.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaragua
Binder – Nicaragua
Wrapper Type – Ecuadorian Habano
Origin – Nicaragua Filler – Nicaraguan Binder – Nicaraguan Wrapper Type – Maduro
Origin – Nicaragua Filler – Nicaraguan Binder – Nicaraguan Wrapper Type – Corojo
If you have a chance, click the “Ask Richie” icon at the top of the page and check out my “Bundles of Joy” article. The short version is that many of the world’s greatest cigar companies are making value priced bundles of premiums to offer their customers good quality, affordable everyday sticks. Casa Fernandez is one of the biggest and best. New Cuba is their entry into this growing category giving you their signature taste in a $2 stick. Great humidor stuffers and dog walkers! The Connecticut version listed here is mild to slightly medium bodied in taste.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Connecticut
This edition is yet another wonderfully balanced Nicaraguan puro. This perfectly made stick is a slow burning, super smooth and creamy medium-bodied joy to behold. It’s rare when you find such an enjoyable cigar that goes as well with a morning coffee as it does with cognac and Coke! The tiny bit of spice combined with the blend’s complex velvety taste is totally unique. I recommend a five pack of Torpedos to get the full experience.
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo ’99
Binder: Nicaraguan Corojo ’99 and Criollo ’98
Filler: Nicaraguan
Factory: Sabor Aganorsa S.A (SABOR)
Blender: Arsenio Ramos, Eduardo Fernandez, Max Fernandez
The “Back2Back” brand was launched by Davidoff in 2018 as a fairly priced “Meat and Potatoes” smoke. My only issue with the company was only offering them in huge boxes of 50 sticks. This dark and oily Nicaraguan puro is a smooth, flavorful medium bodied cigar. This well made stick is balanced and consistent with pleasant notes of coffee and spices. While the overall taste increases slightly in intensity as you move along, it remains balanced and enjoyable to the finish.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaragua
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Nicaraguan
The “Back2Back” brand was launched by Davidoff in 2018 as a fairly priced “Meat and Potatoes” smoke. My only issue with the company was only offering them in huge boxes of 50 sticks. In short, they’re well made mild to slightly medium-bodied cigars with a pleasant complexity. Even the enormous Gordo remains consistent with its smaller siblings yielding a slight sweetness and balanced, mellow smoothness. If you enjoy tamer tasting cigars, this is a good one to try. The Nicaraguan contents contribute a brighter character without being overpowering. Pick a size and try a five-pack.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaragua
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Ecuadorian Grown Connecticut
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaragua
Binder – Nicaragua
Wrapper Type – Nicaragua
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Dominican Republic/Honduras/Nicaraguan
Binder – Honduras
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Shade
Curuvari is one of the brands you’ve probably never heard of. The complexity of this beautifully made, semi pressed edition’s blend produces a delicious medium to slightly full-flavored body. This slow-burning, rich cigar has a wonderful chocolate-like undertone with just the right bit of peppery spice and natural tobacco flavors. You can’t spend your money on a better cigar for the price. One of my favorites!
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Honduras and Nicaragua
Binder – Nicaragua
Wrapper Type – Candela & Mexican San Andrés
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés Oscuro
Binder: Ecuador
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacalera La Alianza S.A.
Blender: E.P. Carrillo
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Joya De Nicaragua Cuatro Cinco was created in 2015 to celebrate the company’s 45th anniversary.
With attention to detail, the 5 year old tobaccos are stored in oak barrels and continue to age producing a complex, medium-full bodied smoke with amazing flavors. Giving it a respectable 92 rating, Cigar Aficionado’s description is short and sweet” Box-pressed with a full draw. The cigar starts sweet with hints of molasses that segue into spicier elements and big notes of hickory.”
With this in mind, it’s no surprise why so many seasoned smokers are rediscovering this time honored brand. Cuatro Cinco stick is still one of today’s true Luxury cigars.
See all the Drew Estate brands available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Criollo
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Nicaraguan
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: Fábrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua SA
Many moons ago, Davidoff introduced this elegant, perfectly made brand to smokers that enjoyed consistently smooth and mild cigars. Over the years Griffins have garnered a fiercely loyal fan club despite their price. The huge array of available sizes and styles is a rare testament of the company’s desire to cater to smokers preferences of this Luxury cigar throughout its long history.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Coming Soon!
Wrapper Type – Connecticut
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Dominican
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf
It took five countries worth of leaves and dozens of blending attempts to produce this ominously near black beauty for those smokers that want strength above all. This Camacho Triple Maduro edition will take your palate to the very edge of its taste capabilities without destroying it. The key words here are rich, robust and powerful. Definitely not for beginners. Buckle up…BIG TIME!
Origin – Honduras
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Maduro
Binder: Authentic Honduran Corojo Maduro
Filler: Maduro (Honduran, Brazilian, Dominican)
The highly rated Camacho Ecuador is being made at Agroindustras Laepe, S.A. in Honduras and features a complex four country multi-national blend. The results are a medium plus to full bodied experience that seasoned smokers have been enjoying for years. As potent as this cigar is, the array of flavors are defined and creamy. Grab a five pack and enjoy this great cigar with your favorite libation.
When the folks at The Cigar Authority gave it a 93 on their scale, one senior reviewer summed it up as follows, “A subtle mix of spices and sweetness that are enjoyable at any time of day, this is a cigar that is definitely box worthy and a welcome addition to the great Camacho portfolio.”
Wrapper: Habano Ecuador
Binder: Brazilian Mata Fina
Filler: Corojo, Criollo Ligero, Pelo de Oro (Honduras and Dominican Republic)
What do you get when you take the original 90 rated Corojo edition blend and add a triple fermented maduro wrapper? Increased strength, intensity and more of what made the original terrific. If you like Corojo, you’ll love this blend encased with its near black, oily top coat that’s been aged for 18 months. These medium to full bodied cigars don’t trade flavor for strength. The result is a terrific smoke that’s rich in color, deep in flavor and with a texture of raw leather. Sweet, dark and packed with unique spice. Camacho’s Corojo Maduro is a winner!
Wrapper: Grade A Maduro Corojo (Authentic Corojo 5th Priming)
Binder: Corojo (Authentic Corojo)
Filler: Corojo (Authentic Corojo 3 Primings)
Factory: AgroIndustrias Laepe, S.A. (Camacho factory in Honduras)
Camacho Corojo is blended with a high-grade, fifth-priming wrapper leaf and grown from the original Corojo seed that made Camacho famous.This highly rated cigar has a true Cuban styled taste that heads into the full bodied flavor range while retaining smoothness along the way. There is no doubting the rich and robust taste of this amazing flavor bomb. Grab a five pack to see why seasoned smokers have been enjoying this powerhouse blend for years.
Wrapper: Corojo (Authentic Corojo 5th Priming)
Binder: Corojo (Authentic Corojo)
Filler: Corojo (Authentic Corojo 3 Primings)
Factory: AgroIndustrias Laepe, S.A. (Camacho factory in Honduras)
While the Camacho Connecticut Box Press edition shares the same wrapper, binder, and filler as their rounded counterparts, the one big difference is the incorporation of Pennsylvania Broadleaf in the filler. So not only do you get all the flavor and taste of the original, the extra zing and richness from the broadleaf adds to the overall enjoyment. The bonus is how the box pressing enhances the draw amplifying the experience. No doubt it’s a little bolder than your traditional Connecticut.
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Authentic Corojo
Filler: Generoso, Aleman Ligero, American Broadleaf
Country of Origin: Honduras (Diadema Cigars de Honduras, S.A)
First off this value priced brand is produced by Davidoff and has remained one of America’s top sellers for 20 years. Why? It’s mild, consistent and affordable. Baccarat is an everyday smoke for countless smokers throughout the country. So why a Maduro? Not only did it gives the brand’s legion of smokers another choice that’s just a bit more flavorful, it attracted new smokers that wanted more than what it’s classic counterpart offered. I’m not saying there’s anything not great about the Original blend at all! It is what it is and is loved by many, many folks. This dark edition is still a mild smoke with a bit more dimension to it.
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Honduran
Binder – Honduran
Wrapper Type – Honduran
Avo cigars have never been cheap. In fact, their kind of pricey. What’s undisputed is that Davidoff has continued to produced the Avo line 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.
This third addition to the line continues expanding the flavor experience that the Synchro name is becoming known for. This South American hybrid blends six countries worth of leaves into one very, very complex tasting medium bodied cigar. I’ve often said that taste is a personal thing. If you’ve tried the Synchro line and like them, you’ll love this cigar. If you haven’t, this one will be like no other.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Brazilian-Honduran-Nicaraguan-Peruvian
Binder – Mexican
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Habano
I have to admit that the Short Robusto is one of my favorite go to cigars. With that said, you need to know that when this brand style was launched in 2015, not only did it get 90+ ratings across the board, it was also awarded a Top 25 status. This is not just any Avo! Yes, it’s well made, draws perfectly and burns evenly. But this sold medium bodied stick is like a flavor freight train! Unlike like it’s Dominican purebred Classic counterpart, the Synchro’s complex blend is a totally different experience that brought countless new smokers in the Avo fold!
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan-Peruvian
Binder – Dominican
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Connecticut
Avo Uvezian was a master cigar maker for may years leading up to him selling his brand to the Davidoff company. His signature natural blend remains as one of the world’s top selling cigars. It’s proprietary blend of purely Dominican fillers and binders combined with a flawless Connecticut wrappers stands as the barometer for mild complexity. By that I mean its mild to your palate but possesses an overall taste full of character not harshness. If you haven’t smoked an Avo, please do and you’ll see what I mean. Totally satisfying night and day!
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Dominican
Wrapper Type – Connecticut
This brand started in Cuba in 1940 and is still being made there. When Cigar Giant Altadis acquired the name for the US, production went from the Dominican Republic to Honduras where it remains. This 90 rated stick is a staple at just about every worthwhile tobacconist in the country. This cigar’s complex blend produces a rich, full flavor with thick plumes of smoke. It’s smooth, slow burning and very strong. Buckle up!
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Honduran-Nicaraguan-Peruvian
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Habano-Ligero-Maduro-Nicaraguan-San Andres
This brand started in Cuba in 1940 and is still being made there. When Cigar Giant Altadis acquired the name for the US, production went from the Dominican Republic to Honduras where it remains and is a staple at just about every worthwhile tobacconist in the country. This maduro edition is similar to its Original counterpart in that it produces a rich, full flavor with thick plumes of smoke. It’s also smooth, slow burning and just a bit more robust. Buckle up!
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Honduran-Nicaraguan-Peruvian
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – San Andrés Marrón
