Robusto
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Fratello Arlequin
$171.00 – $189.00Fratello Arlequin is another extraordinary smoke from this great company coming to market in 2020.
With attention to detail, the Arlequin is box-pressed with a dark, oily wrapper that’s silky to the touch. This medium to full bodied blend is sporting a Mexican wrapper with an Ecuadorian binder and filler tobaccos from Peru and Nicaragua.
In 2021 Cigar Dojo rated it a respectable 90. Their description is…well….very descriptive. “The smoke is smooth in character, offering jungle-like flavors throughout, including vegetation-rich soil, ripe juiciness, and a unique Banana Runts sweetness. It’s an atypical experience that earns its place for those on the constant hunt for flavor challenges to the palate.”
In 2022, Cigar Aficionado bestowed it with a generous score of 91. Their words say it all. ” There is a rusty, reddish hue to the dark wrapper of this thick toro, which draws and burns evenly. First puffs of oak and leather are brightened by sweeter notes of chocolate, caramel and nougat. The finish hints of coffee bean.”
Whoever you believe, without doubt, Arlequin is a must try!
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés
Binder: Ecuador Habano
Filler: Nicaragua & Peru
Factory: Fabrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua S.A.
Blender: Omar de FriasSee all the Fratello cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
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Fratello Oro
$156.60 – $180.00Fratello Oro is likely to be this company’s most popular cigar.
With attention to detail an Ecuadorian Wrapper combines with a Cameroon binder and a mix of filler tobaccos from Columbia/Dominican Republic/Nicaragua. The result is a super smooth smoking mild to medium bodied, very flavorful smoking experience. It’s safe to say the jury verdict is unanimous. To put it another way: Stogie Press @ 90 and Halfwheel @ 91. Add Cigar Dojo @ 91, Cigar Coop @ 92 and Leaf Enthusiast @ 95. Without a doubt Oro is a stone cold winner!
With this in mind, Oro is a great cigar for new comers. Its also a favorite of aficionados seeking a milder smoke with amazing taste and flavor. The interplay of different tobaccos provides great complexity to say the least.
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Cameroon
Filler: Nicaraguan and Dominican
Factory: La Aurora Cigars S.A.
Blender: Omar de FriasSee all the Fratello cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
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Camacho Nicaragua
$158.40 – $174.60The Camacho Nicaraguan edition is considered by many to be the finest Camacho release in years. When the robusto scored an astounding 94, Cigar Aficionado plainly stated it was one of the best cigars they’ve smoked all year. This oily wrapped gem is actually a four country blend of vintage leaves. This complexity creates a medium to full bodied cigar possessing a sweet and spicy taste with pronounced flavor notes of cocoa, nougat, fruits and hardwoods. When this cigar launched, the folks at Davidoff described it best. “This series creates depth to our Camacho Core portfolio appealing to a wider range of consumers’ tastes. Although bold, the blend is balanced and remarkably flavorful.” Enough said! It’s time to taste an amazing cigar that rated higher than its Cuban counterparts!
Country of Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Ecuadorian
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic
Factory: Diadema Cigars de Honduras S.A. -
Caldwell Eastern Standard Sungrown
$194.40 – $228.60Caldwell Eastern Standard Sungrown is one of four versions of this company’s first entry.
This medium to full bodied cigar was best described by Robert Caldwell himself as follows,”The Sungrown is a creamy cigar with noticeable nicotine. Its peppery nature is balanced perfectly by its creamy balance. It is slightly sweet, a bit nutty and rich. It is full-bodied and best enjoyed with a stiff drink.” Noted reviewer KATMAN confirmed this great cigar’s complexity best, ” Very creamy, black pepper with a touch of red pepper, chocolate, apple butter, cumin, fresh pear, cedar, and malts.” Enough said!
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Factory: Caldwell Cigar Factory
Wrapper: Hybrid Mexican/Habano
Binder: Ecuador
Filler: Dominican Republic & Mexico -
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Alec Bradley Gatekeeper
$189.00 – $264.60Alec Bradley Gatekeeper is the first creation from the company founder’s sons, Alec and Bradley Rubin.
With attention to detail, this very impressive cigar is a collaboration between the Rubin brothers and industry veteran Ernesto Perez-Carrillo who makes the cigar in the Dominican Republic. With an astounding score of 95, Cigar Aficionado describes it perfectly. ” The Gatekeeper finds synergy and balance with its backbone of pepper (both red and black), nougat and caramel that’s spicy in the right places, sweet in the right places and pops with savory snaps of leather. ” Becoming their #7 cigar of the year didn’t hurt either!
Still not convinced? With Blind Man’s Puff @ 94, Cigar Coop @ 90 and Cigar Dojo @ 90, what more do you need to know about this masterfully blended medium body cigar? No doubt the Rubin brothers will no longer be considered “rookies” moving forward.
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua, Dominican Republic
Factory: Tabacalera La Alianza S.A.
Blender: Alec Rubin, Bradley Rubin, E.P. CarrilloSee all the Alec Bradley cigars available at The Cigar Thief HERE
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Alec Bradley Coyol
$137.70 – $189.00Alec Bradley Coyol is named after a plantation of the same name, Coyol Farm.
Brand owner Alan Rubin believes that the Coyol farm produces tobacco of distinction. And this blend surely proves him right!
With attention to detail, there are elements of Coyol tobacco in each part of the cigar.The wrapper is from Coyol, as is one of the binders and part of the filler. The result is a thoroughly enjoyable medium to full bodied smoke. Cigar Aficionado rated this cigar a score of 93. They described it perfectly. ” Malty and rich with a floral quality complemented by layers of cocoa, honey and cloves. The draw and burn are lush and flawless.”
Coyol is probably one of the best cigars you’ve never heard about…until now! Without doubt, it’s another long time winner for Alec Bradley.
Country of Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Honduras Trojes
Binder: Honduras Trojes and Nicaragua Jalapa
Filler: Honduras Trojes and Nicaragua (Esteli + Condega)
Factory: Fabrica de Tabacos Raíces Cubanas S. de R.L.
Blender: Alan RubinSee all the Alec Bradley cigars to choose from at The Cigar Thief HERE
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Aganorsa Leaf Anniversario
$213.12 – $249.75The Aganorsa Anniversario is a beautifully crafted, highly rated medium to full bodied cigar that’s flavorful, balanced and totally enjoyable.
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacos Valle de Jalapa S.A. (TABSA)
Blender: Eduardo Fernandez -
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Crowned Heads Luminosa
$24.99 – $152.15Origin – Dominican Republic Filler – Nicaraguan Binder – Nicaraguan Wrapper Type – Ecuadorian Grown Connecticut
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Casa Turrent 1901 Maduro
$100.00 – $240.00Origin – Mexico
Filler – Nicaraguan and Mexico
Binder – Nicaraguan and Mexico
Wrapper Type – Mexican
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La Aurora Corojo 1962
$103.50 – $112.50Origin – Dominican Republic? Filler – Dominican and Nicaraguan? Binder – Dominican Wrapper Type – Ecuadorian
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Casa Fernandez New Cuba Maduro
$43.20 – $63.00Origin – Nicaragua Filler – Nicaraguan Binder – Nicaraguan Wrapper Type – Maduro
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Casa Fernandez New Cuba Corojo
$36.45 – $54.00Origin – Nicaragua Filler – Nicaraguan Binder – Nicaraguan Wrapper Type – Corojo
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Casa Fernandez New Cuba Connecticut
$43.20 – $65.25If you have a chance, click the “Ask Richie” icon at the top of the page and check out my “Bundles of Joy” article. The short version is that many of the world’s greatest cigar companies are making value priced bundles of premiums to offer their customers good quality, affordable everyday sticks. Casa Fernandez is one of the biggest and best. New Cuba is their entry into this growing category giving you their signature taste in a $2 stick. Great humidor stuffers and dog walkers! The Connecticut version listed here is mild to slightly medium bodied in taste.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Connecticut -
Casa Fernandez Miami Arsenio Oro
$186.12 – $193.68Master Blender Arsenio Ramos has been turning out 90+ editions at Casa Fernandez for many years. This cigar was a celebration of his 80th birthday. It’s extraordinary to say the least. To say it’s just a great medium to 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 burns long and cool to the finish. A true taste balancing act achievement!! Enjoy BIG TIME!! Origin – United States Filler – Nicaraguan Binder – Nicaraguan Wrapper Type – Corojo
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Casa Fernandez Miami Reserva Corojo
$45.00 – $155.25When you consider the vast array of entries this iconic company offers, it can become pleasantly difficult deciphering what sets each one apart from another. This Miami Reserva edition stands 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 this is a crispy, solidly medium to full bodied stick with very defined undertones of sweetness, spice and fruit. Origin – United States Filler – Nicaraguan Binder – Nicaraguan Wrapper Type – Nicaraguan
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Casa Fernandez Miami Arsenio Corojo
$37.00 – $70.00Master Blender Arsenio Ramos has been turning out 90+ editions at Casa Fernandez for many years. This 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 medium 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 burns long and cool to the finish. A true taste balancing act achievement!! Enjoy BIG TIME!! Origin – United States Filler – Nicaraguan Binder – Nicaraguan Wrapper Type – Nicaraguan
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JFR Corojo Gold
$256.50 – $359.55Origin – Nicaragua Filler – Nicaraguan Binder – Nicaraguan Wrapper Type – Corojo
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Aganorsa Signature Selection
$198.00 – $236.25Here’s the recipe for this medium to slightly full flavored robust creation:
-Use long filler leaves from the very top of the plant consisting of 1998 Criollo and 1999 Corojo vintages
-Use 1999 Rosado Corojo Wrapper
-Age for seven years
The results are a rare combination of balanced sweetness, spice and overall complexity that hasn’t been duplicated.Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Corojo
Wrapper Type – Corojo -
Aganorsa Leaf Connecticut
$76.50 – $171.00Out of all the Aganorsa editions offered, this one has the “secret sauce”! We know that the specifics of the fillers and binder are not really disclosed, it is widely known that Aganorsa only uses the finest vintage leaves. The Ecuadorian grown Connecticut seed wrapper gives this stick a unique twist. While Connecticut usually means mild to mellow in taste, this cigar’s coat combined with the inners yields an extremely flavorful, medium bodied smoke with the signature character the company is known for. This is a wonderful smoking experience in the morning as well as a satisfying nightcap.
Wrapper: Ecuadorian grown Connecticut
Binder: Nicaragua (Aganorsa)
Filler: Nicaragua (Aganorsa) -
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Back 2 Back Nicaragua
$71.10 – $355.50The “Back2Back” brand was launched by Davidoff in 2018 as a fairly priced “Meat and Potatoes” smoke. My only issue with the company was only offering them in huge boxes of 50 sticks. This dark and oily Nicaraguan puro is a smooth, flavorful medium bodied cigar. This well made stick is balanced and consistent with pleasant notes of coffee and spices. While the overall taste increases slightly in intensity as you move along, it remains balanced and enjoyable to the finish.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaragua
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Nicaraguan
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Back 2 Back Connecticut
$243.00 – $355.50The “Back2Back” brand was launched by Davidoff in 2018 as a fairly priced “Meat and Potatoes” smoke. My only issue with the company was only offering them in huge boxes of 50 sticks. In short, they’re well made mild to slightly medium-bodied cigars with a pleasant complexity. Even the enormous Gordo remains consistent with its smaller siblings yielding a slight sweetness and balanced, mellow smoothness. If you enjoy tamer tasting cigars, this is a good one to try. The Nicaraguan contents contribute a brighter character without being overpowering. Pick a size and try a five-pack.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaragua
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Ecuadorian Grown Connecticut
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Rocky Patel Vintage 2003 Cameroon (8y)
$186.30 – $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. This 92 rated style was listed as one of the top 25 cigars in 2017. Not only does it have a beautiful rare Cameroon wrapper, it’s been aged 8 years!
The result is a sold medium to full bodied, well rounded smoke that is uncommonly smooth.
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Cameroon -
Rocky Patel Vintage 1992 Sumatra (10y)
$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. As with the other Vintage series cigars, the ’90 is perfectly box pressed. The big difference is the very dark 10 year old Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper giving this medium bodied stick a thick smoke that draws and burns perfectly.
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Sumatra -
Rocky Patel Tavicusa
$210.60 – $231.30No 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!
When he launched the Tavicusa line in 2018 it was well received and was highly rated. This Nicaraguan puro is as superior as his Vintage series with a bit of a twist. This medium to full bodied stick utilizes a unique Mexican San Andreas wrapper giving it a bit of toasty sweetness for you smoking pleasure.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaragua
Wrapper Type – San Andres -
Rocky Patel Tabaquero
$161.80 – $178.61No 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 edition has an interesting back story. Hamlet Paredes is a very well known cigar roller hailing from Cuba that Rocky actually assisted leaving Cuba to come to the US. This cigar is his first creation that Rocky commissioned him to make. The three country blend actually delivers a Cuban Style taste with a medium flavor strength. Its 90 rating is a testament to this well made, carefully blended entry.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Brazil-Mexican
Wrapper Type – San Andres
