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
If you’re a fan of the Original Havana VI, this edition will give you more of what you enjoyed across the board. This dark stick raises the needle on the flavor strength meter into the medium to full bodied range.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Habano
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
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
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
Joya De Nicaragua Antano Gran Reserva is one of this iconic company’s great achievements. In fact, it could be said that when this entry came to market, many, many newcomers gave it a try and loved it.
In 2018 the expertly box pressed Gran Reserva line was rated 93 by Cigar Aficionado and placed #16 as one of the best cigars of the year! While this masterfully made cigar contains the same overall blend used in the Original, all the leaves were allowed to age a long, long time. The results are all the signature characteristics of the Original with a smoother, medium bodied taste creating a tamer, friendlier smoke that everyone can enjoy. And enjoy that have…..and still are to this day!
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua Oscuro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Fabrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua S.A.
Blender: Juan Martinez, Alejandro Martinez Cuenca
FYI: No matter what strength, taste and body your palate prefers, there’s a Joya blended with you in mind. Check out all the other Joya De Nicaragua cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
This masterfully crafted Herrera Esteli Brazilian Maduro proves yet again just how great Willy is at blending cigars. Herrera himself describes this complex cigar perfectly. “With the Brazilian Maduro, I wanted to bring the Mata Fina to the forefront of this blend. This tobacco has such a unique texture and it showcases the lush floral and earthy notes I wanted to capture in this cigar. In addition, now that the Herrera Esteli line has been repackaged blending modern simplicity with classic Cuban style, it really shines on our retailers’ shelves and brings unity to the brand.”
With Cigar Authority rating it at 91 and Stogie Press at 92, there’s no doubt that this Brazilian Maduro is another winner,
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Brazilian Mata Fina
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Nicaraguan
Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
Blender:Willy Herrera
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)
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 is a top seller throughout the world. If you’re a fan of medium-full bodied cigars I highly recommend a five pack of short torpedos. This very unique size is rarely found and produces an immediate satisfying robust taste. When you don’t have the time to have a large cigar, this little guy is a pleasure to enjoy!
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Dominican
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
Montecristo White Vintage Connecticut is a boutique cigar lover’s dream come true.
Enter this special White Vintage Connecticut edition in 2016 with a three country blend of fillers and binder encased in a US grown Ct. shade wrapper from 2008 and the bar becomes seriously raised! This is an extremely smooth smoke with an all encompassing bouquet of flavors that everyone enjoys. With attention to detail, all the tobacco in these grows on Montecristo’s company farms and is exclusive for these special cigars.
Blind Man’s Puff rates the Double Corona a respectable 91. Their description is still spot on. “I really enjoyed this cigar. I loved the peculiar first third that was able to undergo a metamorphosis into other complex flavors.” Without doubt, this Montecristo is a winner!
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: U.S. Connecticut Shade Vintage 2008
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Peru
Factory: Tabacalera de Garcia
Blender: Grupo de Maestros
See all the Montecristo cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
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 wrapper is a rarity in the budget friendly category. Enjoy!
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Honduran
Binder – Connecticut
Wrapper Type – Connecticut-Connecticut Broadleaf-Sumatra
