Corona Gorda
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La Gloria Cubana Maduro
$137.99 – $192.99This cigar which is still being made in Cuba is the masterpiece created when the founding family fled to the United States. Without access to Cuban tobacco the family developed a signature blend that many feel exceeds the Cuban original. With a size for every smoker this medium to full bodied cigar has been enjoyed for decades by countless smokers.
Yes it’s an old one but a superlative and consistent smoke. This maduro blend has just a bit more kick than its natural sister.Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Brazilian-Dominican-Mexican-Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Sumatra -
Ashton Virgin Sun Grown
$320.00 – $688.20The VSG is the Bentley of the Ashton Brand. This sometimes hard to locate 94 rated cigar takes you to a whole different level of taste. This is without question an amazing full flavored cigar that rivals many Cubans with a big difference….
It’s super smooth while being very complex. If you consider yourself a connoisseur and haven’t tried one, you’re not a connoisseur!
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Factory: Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra “Cloud Grown”
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican RepublicTop 10 Cigars of the Year – Cigar Aficionado, 2013
Top 10 Cigars of the Year – Cigar Aficionado, 2009
Top 10 Cigars of the Year – Cigar Aficionado, 2007
Top 10 Cigars of the Year – Cigar Aficionado, 2004
Top 25 Cigars of the Year – Cigar Aficionado, 2020
Top 25 Cigars of the Year – Cigar Aficionado, 2010
94 Rated – Cigar Aficionado, March 2023 -
Ashton Heritage Puro Sol
$225.21 – $265.16There’s a few reasons why 90 rated Ashtons have remained in the top ten for decades. They are made by the folks at Arturo Fuente. They are insanely consistent and remain one of the benchmarks for mild to mellow taste. If you’ve smoked them you know. If you haven’t, I envy you!
Those of us that have enjoyed Ashton’s Classic series over the years have become accustomed to their signature taste. When the Puro Sol edition was launched it was Ashton’s first venture into the medium bodied category. Bang! Not only did it get a 94 rating, it placed #7 of the top 25 best cigars of the year. So if you’ve enjoyed Ashton Classics, you must step up and try the Ashton Heritage Puro Sol flavorful beauty.
Country: Dominican Republic
Strength: Medium-Full
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano wrapper
Binder: Dominican
Filler: DominicanACCOLADES
Top 10 Cigars of the Year – Cigar Aficionado, 2012
Top 10 Cigars of the Year – Cigar Aficionado, 2008
Top 10 Cigars of the Year – Cigar Aficionado, 2005
Top 25 Cigars of the Year – Cigar Aficionado, 2021
Top 25 Cigars of the Year – Cigar Aficionado, 2004
94 Rated – Cigar Aficionado, May 2021 -
Dunbarton Umbagog Bundle
$82.88 – $93.08If you’ve read my “Bundles of Joy” article posted in the ASK RICHIE section of this website, you know how most cigar makers increased the amount of bundled value brands they offer to budget conscious smokers. Umbagog, named for Dunbarton’s owner’s favorite New Hampshire lake, doesn’t quite fall into this category. While the cigars are wrapped in paper and priced considerably lower than their other entries, they’re definitely not bargain smokes. What they are is another great medium to full bodied edition that is well made like the others offering a more straightforward taste. Natural tobacco, black licorice and some peppery spices appears early on and remain throughout.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaragua
Binder – Nicaragua
Wrapper Type – USA Connecticut Broadleaf
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Davidoff Escurio
$40.80 – $234.84Davidoff Escurio is another spectacular example of why this company is one of the world’s greatest cigar makers.
Launched in 2015, the Escurio contains a very interesting mix of tobaccos. This very highly rated medium to slightly bodied cigar is flawless in design and jam packed with vintage tobacco. The flavor notes of pepper, chocolate, licorice, and coffee are exceptional. No doubt this is a smooth, slow burning smoke from start to finish.
Need more proof? CIGAR COOP – 93, CIGAR AUTHORITY – 94, BLIND MAN’S PUFF – 93
Needless to say, if you consider yourself a connoisseur of truly boutique blends, the Escurio is a must try.
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Havana Seed
Binder: Brazilian Cubra Seed
Filler: Meta Fina & Cubra tobaccos (Brazil), San Vicente, Piloto & hybrid Olor/Piloto Seco leaves (Dominican Republic)
Factory: Cigars Davidoff (Dominican Republic) -
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Aganorsa Leaf Casa Fernandez Sabor Maduro
$24.00 – $180.00This 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 -
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Aganorsa Leaf Casa Fernandez Sabor Corojo
$157.50 – $180.00This 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 -
CAO Classic: Gold
$83.21 – $176.22CAO Classic: Gold is the first cigar this legendary company created.
In the height of the “Cigar Boom’ of the 90’s, CAO added this line of cigars to their offerings. Until then, they were known for pipes, humidors and other smoking accessories. When this cigar hit the streets, Cigar Aficionado’s review then still holds true today. “A silky, smooth wrapper on a well-made medium bodied cigar. It is earthy, with wood and sweet spice notes.” Oddly enough, in 2109 they rated this blend a score of 91. No doubt the CAO Gold was a winner then and is still pleasing smokers today.
Origin:Nicaragua / Filler:Nicaraguan / Binder:Nicaraguan / Wrapper:Ecuadorian Connecticut
See all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
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Alec Bradley Kintsugi
$167.40 – $226.80Alec Bradley Kintsugi is the third creation from the company founder’s sons, Alec and Bradley Rubin.
With attention to detail, this collaboration between these talented young men and the Raíces Cubanas factory in Danlí, Honduras produces an outstanding cigar. Kintsugi follows Blind Faith from 2018 and Gatekeeper from 2019. All things considered, at this point, it’s safe to say these guys are well on their way to becoming Master Blenders.
Out of all the accolades, Blind Man’s Puff describes it best. “After initial inspection I wasn’t sure what to expect, however, this cigar smoked fantastically and produced delicious flavors. From pre-light draw to last puff, the cigar performed above expectations and had great smoke output. Not exactly my cup of tea as it was a little sweeter than I prefer, but I would gladly smoke another. Fantastic smoke if you have under an hour. Nub was the best part. Puff slowly and enjoy the end my friends.” These words coupled with a score of 91 make Kintsugi another winner for sure!
Country of Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Honduras Habano
Binder: Honduras & Nicaragua
Filler: Honduras & Nicaragua
Factory: Raices Cubanas
Blender: Alec & Bradley RubinSee all the Alec Bradley cigars available at The Cigar Thief HERE
