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
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
Don Diego cigars have been around forever. This amazingly consistent cigar often gets lost in a sea of new entries. It is probably one of the mildest , smoothest and mellowist smokes in existence. The prefect Connecticut Shade wrapper is your first sign of how special this cigar is. The bit of Nicaraguan filler combined with selected Dominican leaves from the top of the plant yields a perfectly balanced smoke. Want mild with character…….Don Diego is it!
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan
Binder – Dominican
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Shade
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
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
Believe it or not, La Vieja Habana was Drew Estate’s first brand! This great mixed filler value priced line is affordable to everyone!
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 Connecticut edition mixed filler cigar has a blend of Nicaraguan Tobaccos from the Jalapa Valley and Estelí and covered by a pristine Connecticut shade wrapper. It is mild and smooth with hints of coffee and a short finish that leaves with a nutty aftertaste. This creamy smoke makes for an excellent morning cigar, especially if paired with a steamy latte.
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 – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Connecticut
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
Out of all the Aganorsa editions offered, this one has the “secret sauce”! We know that the specifics of the fillers and binder are not really disclosed, it is widely known that Aganorsa only uses the finest vintage leaves. The Ecuadorian grown Connecticut seed wrapper gives this stick a unique twist. While Connecticut usually means mild to mellow in taste, this cigar’s coat combined with the inners yields an extremely flavorful, medium bodied smoke with the signature character the company is known for. This is a wonderful smoking experience in the morning as well as a satisfying nightcap.
Wrapper: Ecuadorian grown Connecticut
Binder: Nicaragua (Aganorsa)
Filler: Nicaragua (Aganorsa)
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Honduras and Nicaragua
Binder – Nicaragua
Wrapper Type – Varied
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 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
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
The crafting that went into making this edition in 2012 produced one of Kristoff’s best cigars ever. The four country blend of this 93 rated stick yields a most tasty and interesting smoking experience. From its pig tailed cap to its uncut foot, this dark knight is a medium to full bodied banquet of flavors that gain intensity and sweetness as you move along. Enjoy this one, BIG TIME!
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Honduran-Nicaraguan
Binder – Honduran
Wrapper Type – Brazilian
When Kristoff launched this beauty in 2012 it became one of Cigar Aficionado’s top 25 cigars of the year garnering a 93 rating. The Cuban seed tobaccos used in the cigar have been slowly fermented over a long period of time giving way to a medium bodied super smooth taste with a Cuban style character.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan
Binder – Coming Soon!
Wrapper Type – Corojo
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
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)
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
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
