premium cigars
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Saint Luis Rey Serie G Maduro
$147.16 – $188.44This 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. As time passed the brand began to evolve attracting new smokers. Over 10 years ago the Series G Natural came to market giving folks who enjoy medium bodied cigars a treat that captured the brand’s heritage of rich taste in a slow burning, smooth stick.
Soon after, the addition of pitch black Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper on this maduro edition raised the needle of the taste meter just a bit more than it’s natural counterpart.
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Connecticut Broadleaf
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf -
Romeo y Julieta Aniversario
$252.22 – $334.08Romeo y Julieta Aniversario is a very, very special cigar to say the least.
You’re definitely a serious shopper if you’re looking at this amazing cigar. In 2003, Altadis reached out to Master Blender Jose Seijas who is a veritable icon of the industry for over 40 years. With attention to detail, his skillful multi country blend of long fillers is encased in a dark Ecuadorian Sumatra seed wrapper. Without a doubt this produces an amazingly complex, smooth tasting medium bodied cigar. While this masterpiece took a while to get passed around, it’s eventual 92 rating is a testament of Seijas’ ability to give smokers a truly great experience.
Just so you know, along with the high score, Cigar Aficionado placed this great cigar in the top 25 of the year. If you want to see what has been pleasing discerning smokers for over twenty years, this Romeo has to be in your humidor today. Hands down!
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan-Peruvian
Binder – USA Connecticut Broadleaf
Wrapper – Ecuadorian SumatraSee all the Romeo y Julieta cigars available at The Cigar Thief HERE
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Omar Ortez Maduro
$76.55 – $240.68More full bodied than it lighter sister and value priced as well! If you’re a fan of robust taste and want an everyday smoke that’s budget friendly….look no more! A 90 rating doesn’t hurt either!
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Nicaraguan-Panamanian
Binder – Mexican
Wrapper Type – Maduro
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Montecristo Monte by AJ Fernandez
$54.00 – $157.19Montecristo Monte by AJ Fernandez is another fantastic collaboration between Master Blender A J Fernandez and this iconic brand. This is the fourth cigar blended and rolled by Fernández for Altadis U.S.A.
With attention to detail, this creation contains vintage Dominican piloto cubano and criollo 98 fillers along with a prime Nicaraguan corojo 98 binder. And encasing all this is a 17-year-old Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. How’s that for complexity and craftsmanship! Without doubt the blend yields a balanced, smooth medium-full bodied flavor. To say the least, this dark, box pressed cigar is perfectly made with an exceptional draw.
When renowned industry reviewer Katman rated it at 95, his description of this flavor bomb is spot on. ” This may just be the maltiest blend I’ve smoked. In addition, flavors of chocolate, caramel, creaminess, red pepper, dried fruit, roasted nuts, cedar, and toasted buttered French bread make this cigar a winner.”
If you consider yourself a fan of Montecristo and AJ Fernandez, this one must be in your humidor for sure!
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Nicaraguan Corojo 98
Filler: Nicaraguan Criollo 98, Dominican Republic Piloto Cubano
Factory: Tabacalera Fernandez S.A.
Blender: AJ FernandezSee all the Montecristo cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
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Montecristo Espada
$58.00 – $157.75Without doubt, Montecristo Espada is one of this iconic company’s best cigars ever!
The Spanish lesson for today is: Espada means sword. When the Espada appeared garnering a 92 rating and becoming one of the top 25 cigars of the year we all knew it was worth the price. What must be remembered is Espada is made in Nicaragua at Plasencia Cigars and is a collaboration between Plasencia and the Altadis blending team, Grupo de Maestros.
With attention to detail, the very rare wrapper from 2010 encases vintage Nicaraguan filler and binder tobacco from three prized growing regions. In fact, the filler and binder leaves are even older! The result is a medium bodied purebred with an interesting combination of sweetness and spice thats creamy and balanced. Cigar Aficionado describes this amazing smoke perfectly. “An exceptional smoke offering the spice of a gingersnap with touches of cinnamon that build to a sweet, spicy finish.”
It’s no surprise Espada has been pleasing cigar smokers for almost a decade and is still going strong.
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano (Jalapa) Vintage 2010
Binder: Nicaraguan Habano (Jalapa) Vintage 2009
Filler: Nicaraguan Habano (Jalapa) Seco Vintage 2008, Nicaraguan Habano (Jalapa) Viso Ometepe Vintage 2008, Nicaraguan Habano (Condega) Ligero Vintage 2008 -
Juan Lopez Seleccion
$30.00 – $118.98This is probably one of the best full bodied cigars you’ve never heard of. This 90 rated stick has been flying under the radar for over six years. What sets this Nicaraguan puro aside from many others is the characteristic of its blend, Soon after lighting up it hits you with a robust burst of flavor that begins to settle down with a bit of sweetness as you move along then ramps back up again. This is a very very flavorful cigar with a great aroma.
Origin – Nicaraguan
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Nicaraguan -
H Upmann Vintage Cameroon
$117.75 – $158.26You found it! While most of us know the H. Upmann brand, few know the rarity of this 90 rated beauty. Yes, it’s medium to full bodied like most Upmanns are. What may folks don’t know is something I’ve talked about before. The Cameroon wrapper is amazing! It changes the character of this cigar to yield a smoother, tastier Upmann. Not that the others aren’t great! These Cedar wrapped beauties are unique and are even better if you let them age.Try a five pack for yourself.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan-Peruvian
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Cameroon -
Casa De Garcia Maduro Blend
$32.78 – $48.82When 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 dark Maduro wrapper is a rarity in the budget friendly category. It gives this particular cigar a more robust taste without increasing its overall strength Enjoy!
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Honduran
Binder – Connecticut Broadleaf
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf
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Alec Bradley Spirit of Cuba Habano
$67.32 – $72.00Alec Bradley produces many top rated premium cigars. Black Market, Prensado and Tempus to name a few. Spirit of Cuba is their value priced addition giving you a mild to medium bodied premium grade cigar hat can be enjoyed on a daily basis for a nominal price. This Habano is a solid medium bodied smoke.
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Colombian-Honduran-Nicaraguan-Mexican
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Nicaraguan Habano
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Alec Bradley Black Market
$140.40 – $232.20Alec Bradley Black Market is one of this great company’s most popular cigars. For starters, Cigar Aficionado named the Black Market Churchill the 2022 #6 Cigar Of The Year with a rating of 94.
With attention to detail, this medium to full bodied gem encases a Sumatran binder and Panamanian/Honduran filler with a dark and oily Nicaraguan Maduro wrapper. To say the least, this is a medium to full bodied Cuban style smoking experience that’s hard to beat. In fact, when it came to ratings, Black Market beat out many of it’s Cuban counterparts! How’s that for value!
With this in mind, it’s hard to believe this terrific cigar has been around for over 10 years. If you consider yourself a discerning smoker and haven’t yet tried one, what are waiting for!
Factory: Tabacos de Oriente in Danli, Honduras
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Jalapa- Colorado Maduro
Filler: Honduran Jamastran Valley, Panamanian
Binder: Ecuadorian SumatraSee all the Alec Bradley cigars available at The Cigar Thief HERE
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AJ Fernandez New World
$151.20 – $166.32AJ Fernandez New World is another one of this company’s best offerings.
Master Cigar Maker A J Fernandez teamed up with his son Ismael to create a solid medium to full bodied cigar. With attention to detail, the company describes this cigar perfectly, “A true work of art blended with the finest tobaccos found in the four main tobacco regions of Nicaragua. The hand selected wrapper and fillers from are showcased in a beautiful medium to full-bodied box pressed cigar.”
With this in mind, it’s no surprise Cigar Aficionado rates this blend a very respectable 92. Their description says it all. ” This dark, oily box pressed cigar burns and draws well, showing a spicy and chocolate character buttressed by an earthy, nutty core and a hint of caramel before the herbal finish.”
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacalera AJ Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua S.A.
Wrapper: Nicaragua (Oscuro)
Binder: Nicaragua (Jalapa)
Filler: Nicaragua (Condega, Estelí & Ometepe)Check out other AJ Fernandez cigars available on The Cigar Thief here!
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AJ Fernandez Last Call Maduro
$135.00 – $162.00AJ Fernandez Last Call Maduro is one of this company’s best cigars you never knew about.
This Last Call Maduro edition has all of what made the original a hit and more! More robust taste, more balanced spice and a unique sweetness that only AJ can muster up! With attention to detail, the Nicaraguan grown Pennsylvania Broadleaf seed wrapper gives this smoke a boost on all fronts.
When the highly critical folks at Blind Man’s Puff gave it a core of 94, they described it perfectly,”Overall a pretty damn good cigar. If you like dipping into the spice cabinet realm this one is for you. I detected notes all over, from cinnamon to nutmeg to all spice to cumin. Tasted like I was smoking a Thanksgiving dessert. Very warm and nice flavors. Due to the strength, I would recommend this as an after dinner smoke and pair with a bourbon or blended whiskey and a piece of pie.”
To say the least, for the price, this one is a must try!
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaraguan grown Pennsylvania Broadleaf-Seed Maduro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacalera Fernandez
Blender: A.J. FernandezCheck out other AJ Fernandez cigars available on The Cigar Thief here!
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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 -
RoMa Craft Intemperance BA XXI
$64.63 – $199.80Two 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 90 rated BA edition follows a similar blend as its EC sister stick with the exception of noticeably darker wrapper raising the needle on the taste meter into the medium-full bodied range. I highly recommend the Envy Short Perfecto which is a joy to behold. Origin – Nicaragua Filler – Dominican – Nicaraguan Binder – Indonesian Wrapper Type – Brazilian
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Rocky Patel Vintage 12 Yrs 1990
$114.75 – $239.40No 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!
If you’ve read my posts you know I’m bullish on aging your cigars to enhance their taste. This 93 rated beauty is a rich, medium bodied cigar that remains consistent down to the end.
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf -
Rocky Patel The Edge Connecticut
$112.50 – $185.40Cigar legend Rocky Patel initially created Edge to offer a robust full bodied flavorful smoke with a Cuban punch.
Soon thereafter the Connecticut style was born for the rest of us! When this cigar received a 91 rating more of us took a closer look. This version is tamer but still delivers a smooth mild to medium bodied taste.Origin – Honduras
Filler – Honduran
Binder – Coming Soon!
Wrapper Type – Connecticut -
Rocky Patel Java Maduro
$121.73 – $288.00Rocky Patel Java Maduro is one of the four sharply box pressed editions of this hugely popular line of premium cigars. What our headline doesn’t state about the great Java Brand is that this cigar was a joint collaboration between Rocky Patel and Jonathan Drew of Drew Estate fame! These two masters created a brand that is still going strong after 16 years!
Don’t let the dark, oily Maduro wrapper scare you! This Java style’s long fillers have been slightly infused with Espresso and Cocoa beans offering you the classic smooth Java medium bodied signature taste combined with a chocolatey coffee twist! A perfect match with any after dinner drink!
If you are a fan of Rocky Patel and Drew Estate, this Java is a must try! Any size you choose is a top pick!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan [Undisclosed]
Binder – Nicaraguan [Undisclosed]
Wrapper – Brazilian [Undisclosed]Check out the other Java blends available on The Cigar Thief HERE!
Shipping Restrictions:
- These items cannot be shipped to Massachusetts addresses
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Rocky Patel It’s a Boy
$88.20CONGRATULATIONS…….to anyone celebrating this blessed event! If you’re looking to pass out a cigar that’s more than a token celebratory stick, what better brand can you pick! Rocky has put together a fairly tame, mild to medium bodied beauty for this joyous occasion.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Coming Soon!
Wrapper Type – Connecticut -
Rocky Patel A-10 Special Edition
$149.40 – $214.20It hard to believe The Edge is over 15 years old. This massively popular edition has been pleasing so many smokers so consistently for so long. If you haven’t tried one, please check them out on our site. When the brand celebrated its 10th birthday, Rocky decided to do something entirely different to celebrate. Most twin wrapper sticks don’t stand up to their appearance when it comes to content and character. The medium bodied A-10 achieves both. It took a lot of thought blending this stick. The crispy, light tasting taste changes to a spicy, cedary flavor about mid way. As you move along, all of this intensifies. Very unique smoking experience. Enjoy!
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Nicaraguan-Panamanian
Binder – Honduran
Wrapper Type – Corojo
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Perdomo 20th Anniversary Connecticut
$199.80 – $248.40Nick 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 the 20th Anniversary line was launched all editions were highly rated first class sticks. This Connecticut blend yields a complex mild to mellow flavor with a bit of spice and sweetness along the way.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Connecticut
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Oliva Serie O
$80.89 – $182.01This great brand traces its roots back to 1886 when Melanio Oliva began growing tobacco in Cuba. After the revolution, his grandson Gilberto went to Spain and then settled in Nicaragua. In 1995 Gilberto and his son Gilberto Jr. launched the company.
When Series O appeared in 2008 it was highly rated and remains so all these years later. This top-selling medium-bodied “go to” stick is well made with a smooth draw. It’s really well balanced with a nice bit of sweetness and spice while not being overpowering.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan Habano
Wrapper Type – Habano
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Oliva Flor De Oliva Gold
$89.30This great brand traces its roots back to 1886 when Melanio Oliva began growing tobacco in Cuba. After the revolution, his grandson Gilberto went to Spain and then settled in Nicaragua. In 1995 Gilberto and his son Gilberto Jr. launched the company.
If you’re a fan of Oliva cigars, you’ll agree that this company delivers what you pay for. While their super premiums are priced fairly considering the great sticks they are…….they ain’t cheap! When the Flor De Oliva bundles of value-priced premiums were launched, the company made it very clear that everyone can now enjoy their brand every day for around $3 each! Even those folks that smoked long cigars with big ring sizes.
This Gold edition is a mild to mellow bodied cigar.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Connecticut
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Kristoff Sumatra
$31.58 – $186.30This four country blend edition produces a complex medium to full bodied flavor that some say is acquired taste. I’m sure if you’ve had them and enjoy them, another start or two is warranted. This stick is another effort by Kristoff to broaden the brand’s appeal to more smokers.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan
Binder – Coming Soon!
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Sumatra
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Partagas Black Label
$81.00 – $213.00First off, this is a “Hard” cigar because it is absolutely jammed packed with terrific tobaccos. It burns slow and cool increasing in robust taste along the way. It’s a solid medium-full bodied smoke
Origin – Connecticut
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Dominican
Wrapper Type – Domninican -
Odyssey Connecticut
$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 your preference is for Mild cigars, the Connecticut blend is for you!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Coming Soon!
Binder – Coming Soon!
Wrapper Type – Connecticut -
Macanudo Cru Royale
$145.95 – $155.95Macanudo Cru Royale is not your Dad’s Macanudo for sure! This four country blend produces a solid medium bodied smoke that’s smooth and consistent. For the record, Cru Royale is far stronger than Macanudo Café. It’s also hard to believe this complexly blended cigar is more than 10 years old.
Cigar Aficionado bestowed this edition with a score of 91 and named it one of their top 25 cigars of the year. Their reason for such accolades was well said. ” This cigar draws and burns beautifully delivering leathery, nutty flavors, and a richness that isn’t ordinarily associated with the Macanudo line.”
What we know for sure is that this medium bodied Macanudo is a perfect choice for seasoned smokers and new comers alike.
Wrapper: Ecuadoran Habano
Binder: Proprietary Dominican “La Vega Especiale”
Filler: Brazilian Mata Fina, Dominican Republic and Nicaragua VisoLooking for more Macanudo products available on The Cigar Thief? Click HERE
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Foundry Chillin’ Moose Too
$59.75 – $68.85Foundry Cigars is the boutique arm of General Cigar. Many of Foundry’s small batch cigars have achieved high ratings and wide acceptance as unique “out of the box” editions into the marketplace.
Soon after the introduction of the original Chillin’ Moose line, Foundry quickly launched Chillin’ Moose Too. This heartier more robust smoke is a solid medium bodied entry offered at the same great price.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf -
Cohiba Macassar
$122.50 – $317.61In case you didn’t know, Macassar wood is rare. The multi country blend of highly selected dark leaf tobaccos used in this masterpiece have been aged more than four years giving this extraordinary cigar a complex mild to medium bodied taste that is as hard to find as the Macassar wood itself. This cigar is perfectly made with a smooth draw and yields huge volumes of aromatic smoke. Each size listed here requires a time commitment of at least an hour. Grab a glass of your favorite libation and you’ll forget about the price! Just think how much better they’d get if you let them age a while. Any size you pick is a top pick. The box they come in is worth the price of admission.
Wrapper: Connecticut Habano
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Dominican (Mao) | Nicaraguan (Jalapa)
Factory: General Cigar Dominicana (Dominican Republic) -
CAO Classic: Pilon
$138.42 – $179.82CAO Classic: Pilon continues to be one of this company’s best sellers for almost a decade.
Pilon gets its name from the fermentation technique that goes back to 1800s Cuba. Skilled workers called piloneros used a slow, 18-month fermentation technique using smaller round pilons instead of today’s huge square ones. The result is an enjoyable smoke producing a complex medium to full bodied flavor with a great blend of sweetness and spice. In fact, when Blind Man’s Puff recently revisited this cigar, their rating went from 91 to 93!
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: STG Estelí
Blender: Rick RodriguezSee all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
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Perla Del Mar Shade (Natural)
$150.75 – $176.62This is one of the best mild to mellow bodied cigars you’ve probably never heard of. Brought to market in 2013 by J.C. Newman, makers of such premium jewels as Brick House, Julius Caesar and Diamond Crown, this highly rated stick is a pleasure to smoke. Its definitely is a smooth, creamy and tasty cigar from beginning to end yielding a very generous volume of aromatic smoke throughout.
WRAPPER: Ecuador Connecticut
BINDER: Nicaraguan
FILLER: Nicaraguan
FACTORY: J.C. NewmanRATINGS:
Cigar Aficionado: 90
Cigar & Spirits: 91
Cigar Insider: 90
Cigar Snob: 91 -
Perla Del Mar Maduro
$150.75 – $176.62This is one of the best mild to mellow bodied cigars you’ve probably never heard of. Brought to market in 2013 by J.C. Newman, makers of such premium jewels as Brick House, Julius Caesar and Diamond crown, this highly rated stick is a pleasure to smoke. This maduro is a smooth, creamy and tasty cigar from beginning to end yielding a very generous volume of aromatic smoke throughout. The greatest aspect of this cigar is how just the right amount of spiciness, along with cocoa and espresso undertones exist without it being strong or harsh.
WRAPPER: Connecticut Broadleaf (Maduro)
BINDER: Nicaraguan
FILLER: Nicaraguan
FACTORY: J.C. NewmanRATINGS:
Cigar Aficionado: 90
Cigar & Spirits: 91
Cigar Insider: 90
Cigar Snob: 91 -
Arturo Fuente It’s A Girl
$71.00CONGRATULATIONS…….to anyone celebrating this blessed event! If you’re looking to pass out a cigar that’s more than a token celebratory stick, what better brand can you pick! , Arturo Fuente has produced the medium bodied economical Breva for decades. These branded favorites will definitely add class to your very special occasion!
Box Count: 25
Wrapper: Cameroon
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican -
Tabak Especial Dulce
$72.00 – $202.70Tabak Especial Dulce the original coffee infused premium cigar. The underlying taste of roasted coffee beans combined with a unique blend of tobacco produces a very enjoyable medium bodied smoke. Needless to say, it’s great with a cup of espresso! Enjoy!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf*These items cannot be shipped to Massachusetts state addresses
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Joya De Nicaragua Black
$109.88 – $132.84Joya De Nicaragua Black is one this iconic brand’s newer amazing selections.
When Black hit the scene in 2018, not only did it get a 93 rating, it was also named one of the top 25 cigars of the year! The addition of a dark and oily San Andreas Mexican wrapper made this medium bodied, slow burning stick a huge hit at a fairly friendly price.
With this in mind, it’s no surprise why so many seasoned smokers are rediscovering this time honored brand.
Check out all the other Joya De Nicaragua cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Negro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Fabrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua S.A.
Blender: Juan Martinez -
Isla Del Sol Maduro
$38.95 – $48.79Isla 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 -
Cusano MC
$52.20 – $66.60When you have a chance, click on the “Ask Richie” icon on the upper part of the screen and read my “Bundles of Joy” submission. You’ll then understand how important the valued priced bundle category has been to both cigar makers and lovers.
This edition is one of the best medium bodied smokes available for the price. It’s well made with a great draw yielding a smooth, satisfying smoking experience across the board.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Connecticut
Wrapper Type – Cameroon
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Avo XO
$45.00 – $232.20I 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
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Avo Syncro Nicaragua Fogata
$40.00 – $279.00I have to admit that the rarely made Short Torpedo size is one of my go to cigars.
A year after the Synchro line arrived, Davidoff wrapped the unique blend of fillers and binder with a Habano 2000 wrapper ramping up its predecessors medium bodied taste to the medium-full bodied scale. If you enjoy the the first Synchro, the Fogata gives you more!
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan
Binder – Mexican
Wrapper Type – Habana 2000
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San Cristobal Elegancia
$198.75 – $237.50After years of planning the first original style San Cristobal was launched in 2007, crafted by famed Master Blender Jose “Don Pepin” Garcia along with the owners of the Ashton brand. The Elegancia blend is a mild to medium bodied cigar that can be enjoyed any time of the day.
Check out other San Cristobal styles here!
Wrapper: Connecticut seed Ecuadorian
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan -
Ashton Aged Maduro
$313.75 – $393.75There’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!
Don’t let the dark, oily Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper scare you off! This 92 rated beauty is still true to Ashton’s classic mild taste. This maduro edition yields a more complex flavor that’s uniquely smooth to the finis
Filler – Dominican Binder – Dominican Wrapper -USA/ Connecticut Broadleaf
ACCOLADES
92 Rated – Cigar Aficionado, March 2023
92 Rated – Cigar Aficionado, August 2018
90 Rated – Cigar Aficionado, December 2000 -
Saint Luis Rey Natural Broadleaf
$23.00 – $180.72This 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. As time passed the brand began to evolve attracting new smokers. This edition was launched in 2017 and is a special one. Those of us that know this brand understand what full bodied smokes are.
The great part of this one is that it is literally packed with tobacco to the point of it feeling hard to the touch. This is one of the slowest burning, best drawing sticks around. The blend yields a very robust tasting mixture of sweetness and spice that increases as you move along.
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Honduran
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf -
Romeo y Julieta Vintage
$106.95 – $237.33Just so you know, Romeo y Julieta Vintage will soon celebrate it’s 30th birthday.
When this original Vintage style was launched in 1994, it was introduced as a “Luxury Cigar”. Without a doubt, it remains so to this day! Unlike most of its medium to full bodied counterparts, this edition gives us a perfectly made, mild to mellow tasting masterpiece. The strategically blended combination of tobaccos utilized in these smokes yields a perfect draw and super smooth flavor. In fact, many of this cigar’s smokers are younger than what they’re smoking! How’s that for longevity!
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Mexican
Wrapper – Ecuadorian grown Connecticut ShadeSee all the Romeo y Julieta cigars available at The Cigar Thief HERE
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Romeo y Julieta Romeo San Andres
$181.15 – $188.05Romeo y Julieta Romeo San Andres is another collaboration between Altadis’ Rafael Nodal and Master Blender AJ Fernandez in 2018.
Reaching out to A. J. Fernandez to create a Cuban style, medium to full flavored edition for the RJ collection results in a very unique cigar for this iconic company. With attention to detail, Fernandez and Nodal put together a complex blend for seasoned smokers. With this in mind, Cigar Coop rates it a respectable 90 along with Blind Man’s Puff’s score of 91. Cigar Aficionado’s description in spot on. “A near-black cigar topped with a round head. The earthy, nutty smoke shows additional notes of coffee and anise before a strong finish of dark roasted coffee.”
Needless to say, If you’re a fan of Romeo y Julieta, Nodal and Fernandez, this one is a must try!
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Dominican Republic & Nicaraguan
Factory: Tabacalera AJ Fernandez
Blender: Rafael Nodal and AJ Fernandez -
Romeo y Julieta 1875 Reserve Maduro
$158.37 – $218.42Romeo y Julieta 1875 Reserve Maduro consists of a four country blend that’s a joy to behold.
It’s hard to believe this great smoke is over two decades old. In fact, way back in 2003 Cigar Aficionado gave it a 90 rating. With attention to detail, this cigar is jam packed with vintage tobacco. Once lit, the wrapper combines with Dominican, Nicaraguan, and Peruvian filler to create tasty nut and coffee flavors. While being medium-full bodied in taste, it remains smooth to the finish with very rich flavor. Think coffee beans, dark chocolate and natural tobacco for starters.
With this in mind, don’t be afraid of the dark. Grab some of these outstanding Maduros today!
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan-Peruvian
Binder – Dominican
Wrapper – USA Connecticut BroadleafSee all the Romeo y Julieta cigars available at The Cigar Thief HERE
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Don Diego Original
$14.00 – $256.86Don 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
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Alec Bradley Black Market Esteli
$140.40 – $232.20Alec Bradley Black Market Esteli is the second version of this very popular brand.
With attention to detail, the Esteli cigar is a more refined version of the popular Black Marker Cigar line. While the original Black Market is made in Honduras, Estelí is produced at Plasencia Cigars S.A., Nicaragua. For starters, Cigar Aficionado rates this blend an astounding score of 93 naming it in their top 10 cigars of the year. In fact, Esteli beat out many of it’s Cuban made competitors.
Their review describes it best. ” It’s earthy and leathery with sweet, concentrated undertones of raisins and cocoa. The draw is flawless, delivering a weighty, substantial smoke to the palate, which speaks to the cigar’s excellent construction and fine tobacco. ”
Without doubt, this medium to full bodied Esteli blend gives you more of what you love about the Original Black Market. The Torpedo is a top pick.
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua | Honduras
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Plasencia Cigars S.A. (Nicaragua)See all the Alec Bradley cigars available at The Cigar Thief HERE
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La Aurora Maduro 1985
$103.50 – $112.50Origin – Dominican Republic? Filler – Nicaraguan Binder – Nicaraguan Wrapper Type – Brazilian Maduro
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La Aurora Connecticut 1987
$103.50 – $112.50Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican and Nicaraguan
Binder – Dominican
Wrapper Type – USA Connecticut Shade -
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 -
Casa Fernandez Miami Anniversario
$123.66 – $197.86The Miami series is a family of very highly rated offerings. This edition is produced annually and delivers exceptionally smooth medium to full bodied smooth flavors of pepper, caramel and cocoa that gains considerable intensity as you move to the finish.
Origin – United States
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Nicaraguan -
Casa Fernandez Miami Reserva Maduro
$46.00 – $208.44When you consider the vast array of entries this iconic company offers, it can become pleasantly difficult deciphering what sets each one apart from another. The Miami Reserva editions stand out in that what’s known as Medio Tiempo leaves are added to the fillers. These smallest leaves located at the very top of the plant contain the highest concentration of oil. Hence, they noticeably enhance the entire flavor spectrum of the cigar’s character. I’ve often said that taste is a personal preference. What I can say is that the dark San Andreas Mexican maduro wrapper added to this cigars blend produces a solidly full bodied stick with very defined undertones of sweetness, spice and fruit that noticeably increase in intensity and strength as you move along. Buckle Up! Origin – United States Filler – Nicaraguan Binder – Nicaraguan Wrapper Type – Nicaraguan
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Casa Fernandez Miami Arsenio Maduro
$38.00 – $71.00Master Blender Arsenio Ramos has been turning out 90+ editions at Casa Fernandez for many years. This Maduro cigar is one of a trio produced in celebration of his 80th birthday. All three are extraordinary to say the least. To say this one is just a great robust full bodied cigar doesn’t do it justice.Yes, it’s smooth and complex and everything you’d expect from these guys. What’s great about this stick’s incredible blend is that it’s rich taste gains a powerful intensity as you move to the finish. Buckle up! Origin – United States Filler – Nicaraguan Binder – Nicaraguan Wrapper Type – Nicaraguan
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Guardian of the Farm
$202.28 – $224.78This very interesting edition launched in 2018. It’s unique undertones of coffee and hazelnut yields a smooth smoking medium to full bodied taste that caught a lot of us by surprise. I recommend a five pack of Rothschilds. Origin – Nicaragua Filler – Nicaraguan Binder – Nicaraguan Wrapper Type – Nicaraguan Corojo
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Aganorsa Leaf Maduro
$43.00 – $145.13This Aganorsa Maduro edition contains the same vintage Nicaraguan long-filler leaves as the Corojo entry. The big difference is the triple fermented, very dark San Andres Mexican wrapper. Don’t let this stick’s top coat scare you! While medium to full bodied in overall taste, it retains a smooth flavor that’s very enjoyable. With a 93-rating and landing on the 2016 Top 25 list, what more do you need to know?
Oh, by the way, this amazing US made cigar is also known as the CASA FERNANDEZ MIAMI AGANORSA LEAF MADURO
Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés Maduro
Binder: Nicaraguan Aganorsa
Filler: Nicaraguan Aganorsa -
Aganorsa Leaf Corojo
$40.00 – $124.88It’s been said that this original edition of the series is an “acquired taste”. Yes, it was rated 93 and generally described as a very good medium bodied stick. And yes, it utilized a vintage blend of Nicaraguan long fillers and binder combined with a Corojo wrapper from 2006. While some folks felt it wasn’t strong enough, others said it was just right. As I’ve always said, taste is a personal preference.
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacos Valle de Jalapa S.A. (TABSA)
Blender: Eduardo Fernandez -
Cabaiguan by Tatuaje
$135.00 – $226.80Since 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 -
Tatuaje Black
$153.00 – $220.00Since 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 Black edition was very elusive to most folks for a long while. After an exhausting series of sporadic releases, it’s nice to know you can get it on our site. This 92 rated, full bodied Nicaraguan puro wears a dark, oily, aged sun grown Criollo wrapper encasing a very interesting blend of fillers and binder. The result is smooth and strong smoking experience that actually yields a sweetness reminiscent of a nice red wine! The petite lancero is my favorite.Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Criollo -
Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua
$118.32 – $232.58Founded 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.
There are a lot of different Aging Rooms made in different factories as you can see on our site. This stunning cigar was the ultimate vision of Rafael Nodal and was crafted by A.J. Fernandez in Nicaragua. Rated at 96 and the best cigar in 2019, leaving even the Cuban competitors in the dust. This medium-full bodied Nicaraguan purebred is astounding on all fronts. If you’re a fan of Aging Room, consider this cigar the brand’s crowning achievement. Enough said!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Nicaraguan
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Rocky Patel Vintage 2006 San Andreas (11y)
$195.30 – $239.40No 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!
If you’ve read my posts you know I’m bullish on aging your cigars to enhance their taste. What sets this Vintage edition apart from the others is the 11 year old San Andreas Mexican wrapper along with Nicaraguan fillers and Connecticut Broadleaf binder. This highly rated, expertly made combination produces a solid medium to full bodied taste that contains coffee and chocolate flavors.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Connecticut Broadleaf
Wrapper Type – San Andres
