premium cigars
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San Cristobal Original
$238.80 – $294.00After years of planning San Cristobal was launched is 2007. Crafted by famed Master Blender Jose “Don Pepin” Garcia along with the owners of the Ashton brand, this Original blend is a rich, full bodied well balanced Cuban style smoke that garnered a 92 rating right from the start. All the tobaccos used in these beautifully made cigars are aged 2 and 3 years respectively and are triple fermented which ensures an overall flavor unto itself. This is a true Connoisseur’s Luxury smoke!
Wrapper – Nicaraguan Corojo
Binder – Nicaraguan
Filler – Nicaraguan -
Butera Royal Vintage
$148.05 – $226.52When this cigar was Introduced at the height of the cigar boom in 1993 it represented being the first boutique entry made to date. I remember the hoops I had to jump through to buy them for my stores. As time passed Butera got passed over by the hundreds on new brands and manufacturers since it’s introduction. This still amazing cigar combines six whole leaf tobaccos with a near perfect Connecticut Shade wrapper. The Indonesian binder adds the final magic to create a mild to medium bodied super smooth smoking experience. I heartily recommend at least a five pack of Toros. This cigars unique heritage will give you a real insight into what launched a whole industry within the cigar universe!
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Indonesian
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Shade
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Alec Bradley Texas Lancero
$91.35 – $456.75Attention all Tough Guys! So you’re a big ring fan! Feast your eyes on Alec Bradley’s 7×70 Monster. This medium bodied gargantuan is actually a smooth, well balanced smoke. Needless to say, it’s slow burn will get you through all 18 holes on the course!
Wrapper : Nicaragua
Filler : Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Honduras
Binder : IndonesiaSee all the Alec Bradley cigars available at The Cigar Thief HERE
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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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Rocky Patel Ray Lewis Legends 52
$70.00 – $140.00If you’ve landed on this cigar you either know it or you’re curious. Yes, it’s a great stand out limited edition blend yielding a smooth medium to full bodied signature taste that Rocky does better than many. And yes again, it won’t be around forever to say the least.
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Honduran-Nicaraguan
Binder – Brazilian-Mexican
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Habano -
Oliva Nub Habano
$113.12 – $244.09Origin- Nicaragua
Filler- Nicaraguan
Binder- Nicaraguan
Wrapper- Ecuadorian Sun Grown Habano -
Camacho Connecticut
$31.68 – $180.00The 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) -
Casa Turrent 1942 Maduro
$99.00 – $145.00Origin – Mexico
Filler – Nicaraguan and Mexico
Binder – Nicaraguan and Mexico
Wrapper Type – Mexican
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Alec Bradley Project 40
$119.88 – $205.20Alec Bradley Project 40 is the first of the company’s new Experimental Series blended by Alan Rubin himself.
With attention to detail, Project 40 is being produced at Jesus Fuego’s factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. With this in mind, it includes a complex blend made up of a Nicaraguan wrapper covering a Brazilian habano binder and filler tobaccos from Nicaragua. What’s more amazing is that this amazing medium bodied cigar sells for around $5.
It’s safe to say that this 2019 “Experiment” is a huge success. To put it another way, Cigar Aficionado @ 92, Halfwheel @ 91, Blind Man’s Puff @ 92 and Cigar Authority @ 91. And that’s just for starters! Need we say more about this fantastic cigar that you can thoroughly enjoy any time of the day!
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Colorado
Binder: Habano Brazilian
Filler: Nicaraguan
Factory: J. Fuego Cigar Co. De Nicaragua SA.
Blender: Alan RubinSee all the Alec Bradley cigars available at The Cigar Thief HERE
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Punch Gran Puro Nicaraguan
$124.02 – $154.62The dark, oily appearance of this cigar may lead you to believe its something its not. In fact, this stick is a very rich medium to full bodied smoke with a subtle sweetness paired with complex, earthy natural tobacco flavors. They burn slowly and cooly and can be enjoyed from start to finish. I love the Double Coronas when I have the time to kill.
Origin – Nicaraguan
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf -
Punch Classico EMS
$57.53 – $256.05Origin – Honduras Filler – Honduran, Nicaraguan, and Dominican Binder – Connecticut Broadleaf Wrapper Type – Ecuadorian Sumatran
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Tatuaje Nicaragua
$168.75 – $292.50The carefully chosen Nicaraguan fillers and binder that are encased with a USA Grown Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper produce what some have said is an acquired taste. Although it’s medium in body, it’s also light in taste. This is a long burning stick that’s easy to handle.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf -
Perdomo 10th Anniversary Champagne
$49.00 – $227.03Nick Perdomo and his Dad are well renowned cigar makers. I’ve watched them grow to one of the world’s powerhouse teams producing a wide array of highly rated premiums. In fact, over 20 years ago I remember Nick personally traveling around the country and winding up in my Long Island store soliciting for business! Many years later when I went to the last big Cigar Show trying to see him was like trying to see a rock start! His success is well earned.
When this 10th Anniversary Champagne line was launched it was well received. Let’s face it, Perdomo only makes great cigars! The Ecuadorian Connecticut seed wrapper encasing this Nicaraguan stick yields a mild taste with a nice bit of sweetness.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Connecticut
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Ferio Tego Host Selection Maduro
$27.00 – $191.26The 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 -
Kristoff Brittania Reserva
$36.00 – $163.17The 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 -
CAO New Age: Flathead
$39.57 – $265.46CAO New Age: Flathead is still one of this company’s most popular cigars, HANDS DOWN!
CAO introduced the Flathead into the marketplace in 2015 and it received 90+ ratings immediately! This solid medium to full bodied cigar is a box pressed beauty. It’s dark oily wrapper encloses a terrific blend of fillers and binders that yield a great open draw, slow burn and robust complex taste.
When Cigar Aficionado rated it an astounding 95, everybody took notice. Their review still stands. “From the first light, this seriously squared-off cigar takes off with notes of ripe fruit, leather and molasses that only gain intensity as it smokes.”
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: USA Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: USA Connecticut Habano
Filler: Nicaragua, Dominican Republic
Factory: STG Danlí
Blender: Rick RodriguezSee all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
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Bolivar Original
$53.00 – $187.00What most people don’t know is that Bolivar has a rich Cuban heritage. In fact, their still be made there! This very modestly priced cigar is a full bodied smoker’s dream. As soon as you light it up you’re off to the races! The robust flavor increases along the way culminating in an extraordinarily overwhelming taste experience .
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan
Binder – Connecticut Broadleaf
Wrapper Type – Ligero
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VegaFina Natural
$123.72 – $155.08The 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 -
Romeo y Julieta 1875 Nicaragua
$69.30 – $180.45Romeo y Julieta 1875 Nicaragua is a great example of why this legendary brand retains its top spot in the industry.
With attention to detail, this great cigar is the creation of the Plasencia factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. Arriving in 2018, it surprised a lot of smokers. For starters, unlike many Nicaraguan puros, this one is actually mild to medium bodied. The big difference is it has all the flavor and taste you’d expect from a Romeo without being overpowering.
FYI, the folks at Blind Man’s Puff rated it a 91. One reviewer describes it perfectly. ” For a mild cigar this one checked off many of the points I like from a fuller bodied and fuller flavored cigar. I feel this is a cigar for almost anyone to enjoy, and look forward to smoking one again soon!” To put it another way, if you prefer a tamer smoke but don’t want to miss out on the best of what Nicaraguan tobacco has to offer, this one is a must try!
See all the Romeo y Julieta cigars available at The Cigar Thief HERE
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua Habano
Binder: Nicaragua Habano
Filler: Nicaragua Habano
Factory: Plasencia Cigars S.A.
Blender: Grupo De Maestros -
Alec Bradley It’s A Boy
$76.50Alec Bradley It’s A Boy or Girl editions are the best way to celebrate the birth of a child in the cigar world.
With attention to detail, these cigars have a Connecticut Habano Leaf wrapper encasing Honduran and Nicaraguan tobacco. In fact, this is the same blend in the popular Classic line. With that in mind, there’s no doubt these medium bodied and flavorful smokes will be enjoyed by novices and aficionados as well.
The greatest feature of these is as the picture shows you can insert your own picture of the new arrival inside the wooden frame on the box top to create a personal touch for you or a recipient to remember forever!
To sum up, Alec Bradley It’s A Boy is available in the popular 6×50 Toro size in boxes of 20
Find the It’s A Girl here!
Origin:Honduras
Wrapper: Connecticut Habano
Filler: Honduran and Nicaraguan
Binder:Honduran -
Tatuaje Reserva Broadleaf
$81.00 – $270.00We’ve often spoke about age as it pertains to tobacco. When this edition launched ten years ago, many felt it came to market before its time. While all the right components were in place, the fillers and binder were considered a bit young. With passing years, this cigar has gotten better and better. As the guts of this stick have matured and seasoned, their encasement around a Porterhouse grade of USA Grown Connecticut Shade wrapper turned the tide. In fact, this medium to full bodied stick has gotten so good they’re difficult to find most of the time. Get them when we have them.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf -
RoMa Craft Neanderthal
$121.50 – $540.00Two young guys from Austin Texas formed the Roma Craft company back in 2012. Since then they’ve made a huge impact on the small batch cigar market. All of their entries have been highly rated and are well made with an ample draw. As smokers palates have evolved over the years, this company has stood out by offering unique and complex blends pleasing the folks that steer towards high quality, medium-full bodied cigars. This strange looking little guy is Roma Craft’s He-Man stick that’s been around since 2015.. The exclusive blend of U.S. grown Pennsylvania Broadleaf, Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers along with a U.S. grown Connecticut binder encased in a Mexican wrapper is not for the squeamish. This is an extremely robust cigar that increases in spiciness and intensity as you move along. Buckle up, big time! Origin – Nicaragua Filler – Dominican – Nicaraguan – United States Binder – Connecticut Broadleaf Wrapper Type – San Andres
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Rocky Patel Sun Grown Maduro
$192.60 – $233.10No one disputes that Rocky Patel is one of the few Titans of the Premium Cigar Industry. Over 20 years ago as he began his quest to get a foothold in the marketplace he actually got in his car and traveled the country visiting high volume Tobacconists unannounced! When he wound up in my store to sell his first entry, I hesitantly took a chance on him. Actually, he was such a nice and appreciative person I couldn’t resist! The rest is cigar history!
This cigar is a masterpiece. Not only did it rank #2 of the top 25 cigars in 2016, it garnered a 95 rating beating out many of its Cuban competitors! Make no mistake, this dark cigar is a very complex extra full bodied smoke. While the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper gives this box pressed stick a bit of sweetness along the way, the bold, robust taste is smooth to the finish.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf -
Odyssey Maduro
$34.02 – $52.02The Odyssey line is a super value priced array of everyday cigars brought to us by Premium powerhouse General Cigar. When the makers of Macanudo, Partagas and Punch…to name a few, decided to produce a well made economical smoke for everyone’s taste, they hit the mark!
If you enjoy medium to full bodied smokes, the Maduro style has your name on it. These types of dark, oily wrappers are usually found on cigars four times as expensive!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Maduro-Nicaraguan -
Cohiba Nicaragua
$119.21 – $299.38You know the name. When this Nicaraguan Cohiba came to market it received a 91 rating for starters. When Cuban Cohiba smokers tried it they did a double take! When I was given a small corona to try, I couldn’t believe the robust yet smooth full bodied taste of this little guy! If you’re a mild to medium guy, move away from this one unless you’re game for an eye opening experience and introduction to a whole new level of taste. Buckle Up!
Wrapper: Honduran Sun Grown Colorado Oscuro
Binder: Nicaraguan (Jalapa)
Filler: Nicaraguan (Esteli & Jalapa) -
Diamond Crown Julius Caeser
$70.00 – $350.10Ok. So you found yourself looking at Julius Caesar cigars. You’ve heard about them being very, very good and being somewhat expensive. You heard right! Truth is they’re better than very, very good and kind of pricey. Granted, they’re priced better at our site than in your local store. J C Newman is a well renowned name not only in making terrific cigars like Diamond Crown, Brick House and Quorum, the company is the exclusive arm of distributing Arturo Fuente throughout the United States.
The key word about Julius Caesar is SMOOTH. It’s rich taste is a pleasure to your palate. Many, many folks that smoke only mild cigars have tried them and become converts! No matter what your preference, if you’ve never tried one, pick your favorite size and you’ll be back for more. If I could give Julius Caesar another start I would! Enjoy!
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Havana Seed
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Central American Tobaccos, Dominican
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Factory: Tabacalera A. Fuente y CiaRATINGS:
Cigar Aficionado: Top 25 Cigars of 2011 and 2014
Cigar & Spirits: Cigar of the Year 2017
Cigar Insider: 93
Cigar Journal: 94
Cigar Snob: 92
Smoke Magazine: 93 -
Brick House Maduro
$159.00 – $181.12The first thing you have to know about the Brick House brand is that its brought to us from JC Newman, The purveyors of the Julius Caesar and Diamond Crown Super Premiums. When the medium bodied Brick House Classic Original came onto the scene in 2010 it was listed as one of the top 25 cigars of the year. Six years later when it was reviewed again it received a 93 rating. It’s safe to say that 10 years later, every savvy tobacconist’s humidor has Brick House available.
This spectacular Brick House Maduro appeared in 2017 to rave reviews and a 91 rating. This full flavored, rich tasting aromatic stick is so smooth you’ll never want it to end.
WRAPPER: Brazilian Arapiraca BINDER: Nicaraguan FILLER: Nicaraguan FACTORY: J.C. Newman
RATINGS:
Cigar Aficionado: 91
Cigar & Spirits: 93
Cigar Journal: 90
Smoke Magazine: 90Check out the Brick House Classic!
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Undercrown Shade
$46.00 – $241.08Just in case you didn’t know, Undercrown is made in the image of the coveted limited production Liga Privada line from Drew Estate. The company describes it as follows. “Incorporating many of the same rare tobaccos of different vintages and primings, this cigar is no mere replacement.”
Those smokers that felt the Undercrown maduro was a bit too strong will absolutely love this Shade edition. The most compelling evidence is the great reviews. Halfwheel @ 90. Blind Man’s Puff @ 93 and Stogie Press @ an astounding 95! And this is just a few! One taster says it best.“Want a smoke that’ll blow your pants off with delicious medium bodied notes of vanilla wafers and pancakes, pick this one up now!” What more would you like to know? This Undercrown is another winner for sure.
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade
Binder: Sumatra
Filler: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua
Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
Blender: Willy HerreraThe Maduro and Sun Grown versions offer more medium to full bodied flavor and are equally wonderful!
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La Vieja Habana Corojo
$20.00 – $81.96La Vieja Habana Corojo is another one of Drew Estate’s masterpieces that are totally affordable for everyone to enjoy!
Believe it or not, La Vieja Habana was Drew Estate’s first brand! 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 cigar combines a beautiful Cuban Corojo wrapper with filler tobaccos from Estelí and the Jalapa Valley in Nicaragua. Like the other styles, it is a mixed filler cigar with a premium wrapper. Medium bodied with lots of flavors, it has an earthy taste with hints of spice and a pleasant aroma.
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 – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Cuban Corojo Seed -
Isla Del Sol Sungrown
$40.00 – $99.58Isla 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
$37.69 – $52.84Factory 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 nuancesYou 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 -
La Aroma De Cuba Mi Amor
$223.75 – $248.75It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years since this 90+ rated highly acclaimed edition came to market. Since then, Mi Amor has remained a consistent favorite for all the right reasons. This medium to full bodied stick is absolutely stuffed with tobacco yielding a great draw and slow burn. The selected blend of Nicaraguan inners combined with the dark, vintage San Andreas Mexican wrapper yields a totally enjoyable cigar for a more than fair price. The balance of sweetness and slight spice combined with hints of chocolate and espresso are wonderful. Try a five pack and you’ll see what we mean.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – San Andres -
Montecristo White
$124.78 – $469.68Montecristo White is one of this long storied company’s most popular cigars.
When this White banded edition appeared in 2017, an entirely new group of smokers discovered this brand for the first time. Many of those folks that gravitated to mild to mellow tasting cigars now had a Montecristo to call their own. The addition of tamer Nicaraguan fillers with Dominican leaves and encasing it with an Ecuadorian grown Connecticut seed wrapper yields a smooth, lighter smoke with a tiny bit of crispy spice that’s enjoyable for everyone.
There was no doubt this cigar was a hit as the accolades poured in. When Blind Man’s Puff rated it at 94, they said it best. “Excellent smoke! One of the best mild-medium smoked I have ever had the pleasure of enjoying. The rich buttery and vanilla notes that were the backbone of this cigar were thoroughly enjoyable. Only smoke this cigar when you have the time to sit back, relax, and savor a truly high quality cigar. ”
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan, Dominican Republic
Factory: Tabacalera de Garcia
Blender: Grupo de MaestroSee all the Montecristo cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
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Aging Room Solera Maduro
$119.02 – $136.30Aging Room Solera Maduro is another great addition to this hugely popular line ! Aging Room was specifically created in at the end of 2010 to produce small batch boutique blended cigars that are not for everyone. Founded by Rafael Nodal and launched in 2011, Aging Room cigars are made by Jochy Blanco of Tabacalera La Palma in Tamboril, Dominican Republic. Some Aging Room brands are also produced in Nicaragua by Nestor Plasencia Jr. and A.J. Fernandez. All three cigar makers are considered Master Blenders to say the least. The brand’s portfolio includes several high-scoring cigars across many lines
The Solera line utilizes the Solera drying process which is used in Spanish Wine making. This technique employs staggering the aging of leaves and slowly combining new leaves as the process continues. This time consuming method adds a totally enhanced taste to the tobaccos.
The Aging Room Solera Maduro is a beautifully made cigar that is incredibly smooth with sweet-smelling natural tobacco smoke.Think medium to full bodied notes of chocolate, cocoa, warm spice, leather, and toasted almonds for starters! Without a doubt, the Solera Maduro is another winner!
Wrapper: Dominican Corojo
Binder: Dominican Habano
Filler: Dominican Habano -
Alec Bradley Spirit of Cuba Corojo
$67.32 – $71.10Alec Bradley Spirit of Cuba Corojo is one of this super premium maker’s value priced edition.
The Alec Bradley Spirit of Cuba is an everyday cigar for everybody! We all know Alec Bradley produces many top rated premium cigars. Black Market, Prensado and Tempus to name a few. With attention to detail, this budget entry consists of a Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper, Honduran binder, and Nicaraguan & Honduran fillers. Without doubt, the result is a mild to medium-bodied premium grade smoke that can be enjoyed on a daily basis for a nominal price.
With this in mind, if you’re looking for a top quality smoke that’s totally affordable, this one is a top pick for you!
Origin:Honduras
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo
Binder: Honduran
Filler: Nicaraguan and Honduran -
Crowned Heads Juarez
$23.99 – $252.00Origin – Nicaragua Filler – Dominican and Nicaraguan Binder – Ecuadorian Sumatra Wrapper Type – San Andreas Mexican
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Dunbarton Sobremesa
$148.75 – $317.69This amazing medium to full-bodied cigar is deliciously complex. No doubt the Matacapan Mexican binder and the USA grown Pennsylvania Broadleaf ligero filler combined with Vintage Nicaraguan leaves is a key contributor. As with all Dunbarton sticks, this one is perfected made and gives off a wonderful aroma. The bonus here are the tasting notes, and there are many. Black cherry, cinnamon, red licorice, dark coffee and of course…just enough spices. Enjoy this truly great cigar!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan and USA Connecticut Broadleaf Ligero
Binder – Mexican
Wrapper Type – Ecuadorian Sungrown Habano -
Warped Futuro
$184.50 – $189.00What is it about Warped Futuro? As the story goes, Eduardo Fernandez created Fernandez Aganorsa farms in 1998 to produce the finest cigar tobacco in the world along with the most talented growers from Cuba. Warped Futuro came to market in 2016 as a collaboration of Eduardo and Warp’s young founder. This edition’s intricate blend of 1998 Criollo and 1999 Corojo long leaf fillers encased in a 1999 Corojo wrapper represents Aganorsa rarest and finest vintage tobacco. The rarely applied tri-seamed cap is another testament to the attention paid in making this spicy and creamy medium to full bodied jewel.
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo ‘99
Binder: Nicaraguan Criollo ’98 and Corojo ‘99
Filler: Nicaraguan Criollo ‘98
Factory: TABSA
Blender: Kyle Gellis and Max Fernandez -
Warped La Hacienda
$182.70 – $250.00One of the reasons this cool company’s founder has been so successful over the recent years is him knowing the need to continue offering cigars that appeal to a wider range of smokers. While his array of medium to full bodied sticks are a joy to behold, his ability to co-author the La Hacienda blend for those folks that enjoy lighter, medium flavored smokes is to be commended. Coming to market in 2016, this fairly priced entry starts off on a mild note and very slowly evolves into a smooth, balanced and slightly sweet smoking experience. Origin – Nicaragua Filler – Nicaraguan Binder – Nicaraguan Wrapper Type – Nicaraguan
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Aganorsa Leaf Habano
$33.00 – $128.25This is a strong, robust, full bodied, Cuban style cigar. Buckle Up!
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua Corojo ’99 and Criollo ’98 -
Rocky Patel Sun Grown
$99.50 – $235.00No one disputes that Rocky Patel is one of the few Titans of the Premium Cigar Industry. Over 20 years ago as he began his quest to get a foothold in the marketplace he actually got in his car and traveled the country visiting high volume Tobacconists unannounced! When he wound up in my store to sell his first entry, I hesitantly took a chance on him. Actually, he was such a nice and appreciative person I couldn’t resist! The rest is cigar history!
The sun grown edition is a chameleon like flavor changer. The 5 year old Ecuadorian Sun Grown wrapper gives it a spicy/sweet kind of taste that starts off medium bodied and smoothly escalated to a fuller level. The key word here is smooth. The 90+ rating it has while offering a lower price point is a bonus. I recommend a five pack of petit coronas to wet your whistle with. for starters. And if you do, leave one in your humidor for a year for a real treat!
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Sumatra
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Rocky Patel Nording
$127.80 – $180.90No one disputes that Rocky Patel is one of the few Titans of the Premium Cigar Industry. Over 20 years ago as he began his quest to get a foothold in the marketplace he actually got in his car and traveled the country visiting high volume Tobacconists unannounced! When he wound up in my store to sell his first entry, I hesitantly took a chance on him. Actually, he was such a nice and appreciative person I couldn’t resist! The rest is cigar history! One of the keys to Rocky’s success over the years is the number of choices he continues to create for all of us to enjoy.
This 90 rated edition is very special to me. Erik Nording has been one of world’s master pipe makers for decades. He actually visited my store in the late 90’s to meet with all my pipe smoking customers. What many people don’t know is that Erik is a huge cigar guy as well. As luck would have it, he and Rocky got together in 2011. This collaboration allowed Erik to create his own signature stick under Rocky’s banner. This medium-full bodied oily cigar is cool burning and smooth. It’s old school pig tailed cap gives you a hint about the complex, subtle tastes you’ll enjoy encompassing tiny bits of sweetness, spice, coffee and buttered toast.
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan
Binder – Coming Soon!
Wrapper Type – Nicaraguan -
Rocky Patel Fifty Five
$193.50 – $281.70When I turned 55….a very long time ago….I went out for dinner. When Rocky turned 55 a few years ago, he created this small batch edition. This stick is a continuation of his efforts in blending vintage Nicaraguan fillers encased in the same country’s wrapper. The twist here was adding a Costa Rican binder and letting the finished product age way longer than most would. The result has become a favorite for many smokers. This medium to full bodied stick tastes very different than his other creations yielding an interestingly smokey flavor combined with creamy sweetness and spice. The prefecto shaped Corona is my favorite of the bunch.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Costa Rica
Wrapper Type – Nicaraguan
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Oliva Nub Cafe Cappuchino
$119.07 – $166.70Oliva launched this Cafe’ Series in 2015 consisting of three distinctly unique flavors: Espresso, Cappuccino and Macchiato.
While I consider myself a purist, I absolutely love each of these sticks! Every one is a top quality, well made cigar with vintage tobaccos in the Oliva tradition available in a huge array of sizes. The flavor infusions are subtle but defined. The aroma is delicious and wonderful in each edition. Pick your favorite brew listing and grab a five pack of 4×38’s for a taste.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Dominican
Wrapper Type – Ecuadorian
Shipping Restrictions:
These items cannot be shipped to Massachusetts state addresses
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Ferio Tego Metropolitan Selection Habano
$27.00 – $161.10When 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
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Kristoff Connecticut
$41.00 – $176.13Kristoff 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 -
Gurkha Ghost
$24.00 – $187.02Gurkha is an amazing brand with a long heritage. The Ghost tube is one of my favorites! This medium bodied torpedo size cigar is satisfying, consistent and price friendly!
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan
Binder – Criollo ’98
Wrapper Type – Brazilian -
Macanudo Inspirado Red
$51.49 – $133.49Everyone knows that if you occasionally enjoy a full bodied Cuban style smoke, Macanudo isn’t your first choice. That was then and Red is now! Macanudo Inspirado Red is another of the company’s hugely successful boutique entries.
For the record, Macanudo claims this Inspirado is the boldest of the line. With attention to detail, this box pressed Red blend uses an Ecuadoran Habano ligero wrapper blended with Nicaraguan fillers including twelve-year aged Nicaraguan Ometepe, ten-year aged Honduran Jamastran and five-year-aged Nicaraguan Esteli, and a Jalapa binder. To say this is a very complex blend is an understatement!
Cigar Coop rates the Red a respectable 90. The description is spot on on all fronts. “This was an excellent offering. While it’s not a cigar that will knock you down with strength, it is a cigar that delivers on a fuller-bodied experience. I found the flavor profile to be quite enjoyable and things worked nicely in the box-press format. While it is fuller, it’s a great cigar for a novice to graduate to something fuller – and will appeal to the more seasoned cigar enthusiast.”
Needless to say, this four country blend will gently push you back in your seat! If your a fan of robust and flavorful cigars, look no further. This box pressed beauty will satisfy every full bodied smoker’s palate.
Country of Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Honduras/Olancho San Agustin
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Dominican, Honduran, Nicaraguan
Factory: HATSA
Blender: Jhonys DiazLooking for more Macanudo products available on The Cigar Thief? Click HERE
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Macanudo Cafe
$64.25 – $225.25Macanudo Cafe
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Mexican
Binder – Dominican-Mexican
Wrapper Type – Connecticut -
CAO World: Brazilia
$85.46 – $179.82CAO’s World Series has been a huge success bringing us cigars using the best tobacco from many countries.
This highly rated Brazilia edition continues this experience by using the finest Brazilian Maduro wrapper leaves cut from the top of the plant and then triple fermented. The result is awesome. What makes it stand out is that it’s a cool burn to the finish.
Over 20 years ago Cigar Aficionado rated this blend’s Torpedo a very respectable 91. Their description still holds up. “A dark, oily cigar with a beautiful torpedo tip. It has an easy draw, burning with a rich aroma. The smoke is complex, with an earthy, floral flavor and a toasty, nutty quality. Full bodied, with a long, toasty finish.”
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Brazilian-Maduro
See all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
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Brick House Double Connecticut
$155.00 – $181.12Brick House Double Connecticut is rolled with the same highly-acclaimed Brick House filler blend with a genuine Connecticut Shade wrapper and Connecticut Broadleaf binder. Fewer and fewer cigars are being made with genuine Connecticut wrapper because many cigar manufacturers have found it to be more profitable to take Connecticut seeds and plant them elsewhere, like Ecuador or Honduras. J.C. Newman takes the use of genuine Connecticut tobacco by using it both in the wrapper and binder.
The result of this combination is a very spicy and peppery rich flavor- one not only unlike regular Brick House- but one unlike any other cigar on the market today. Using both Connecticut Shade wrapper and Connecticut Broadleaf Binder is what makes this new Brick House Double Connecticut such a truly unusual and unique cigar.
WRAPPER: Genuine Connecticut Shade
BINDER: Genuine Connecticut Broadleaf
FILLER: Nicaraguan
FACTORY: J.C. NewmanRATINGS:
Cigar Aficionado: 89
Cigar & Spirits: 93
Cigar Journal: Top 25 Cigars of 2018
AromaG: 91
El Gusto: “El Gusto’s Favorite” -
Nica Rustica Broadleaf
$103.32 – $132.84Nica 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 -
Kentucky Fire Cured Swamp Thang
$40.80 – $69.70Kentucky Fire Cured Swamp Thang is perfect for fans of both Fire Cured and Candela tobaccos. Pairing this deliciously sweet green candela wrapper with the smoky & tasty Kentucky Fire Cured tobaccos creates a uniquely balanced, complex and savory cigar.Yes! You have two wrappers on this cigar!
Wrapper: Dominican Candela plus Kentucky Fire-Cured
Binder: Undisclosed
Filler: Undisclosed
Factory: Joya de Nicaragua (Nicaragua) -
Factory Smokes Shade
$38.69 – $52.84Factory 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 -
Cusano Premium Maduro
$24.99 – $95.84Don’t’ let the plain Jane packaging fool you. This is one of three great blends offered by Davidoff under the storied Cusano name for a more than fair price considering what you’re getting.
This Maduro edition is well made, medium bodied, smooth and tasty with a great draw. It also possesses a nice bit of sweetness and spice.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Coming Soon!
Wrapper Type – Maduro
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Cusano 18 Double Connecticut
$27.99 – $124.74Ok, 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
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Camacho Corojo Box Pressed
$36.00 – $176.40Wrapper: Honduran Corojo (5th Priming)
Binder: Honduran Corojo
Filler: Honduran Corojo | Pennsylvania Broadleaf
Factory: Diadema Cigars de Honduras, S.A. (Honduras) -
Caldwell Savages
$101.70 – $155.70What we don’t know about this interesting edition is the blend with the exception of the wrapper. What we do know is that it’s terrific! This brand launched in 2016 on a very limited edition basis in only its corona size. As with most of Caldwell’s entries, it was well received, pricey and quickly sold out. It’s now generally available in a variety of popular sizes. This cigar stays firmly in the medium bodied range and has a slightly sweet and pepper like complexity that isn’t overpowering. This cigar is incredibly rich, complex, well-balanced, smooth and enjoyable any time of day.
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Factory: Caldwell Cigar Factory
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Undisclosed
Filler: Undisclosed -
Ashton Cabinet Selection
$262.50 – $430.00There’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!
The Cabinet Selection edition amped up the flavor to a medium bodied smoke retaining the silky smoothness that Ashton is known for. The Dominican fillers used in these great sticks are aged between four and five years along with aging the Connecticut wrapper for a year. This expertly made beauty draws perfectly, burns evenly and delivers more of what the classic series offers.
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: USA Connecticut Shade
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
Factory: Tabacalera A. FuenteACCOLADES
91 Rated – Cigar Aficionado, October 2019
90 Rated – Cigar Aficionado, February 2019
90 Rated – Cigar Aficionado, June 2006
