The Best Churchill Cigars for a Long, Flavorful Smoke

If you’re the kind of cigar smoker who enjoys savoring every moment of a long, smooth draw, Churchill cigars should be at the top of your list. Named after the legendary British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, these cigars are known for their generous length, slow burn, and complex flavor profiles. In this post, we’ll explore what makes Churchill cigars special, what to look for when choosing one, and highlight some of the best options available today.

What Is a Churchill Cigar?

Churchill cigars are defined by their size and format. The classic Churchill measures around 7 inches in length with a 47-ring gauge, though slight variations exist depending on the brand. This larger size means a longer smoking time—often 60 to 90 minutes or more—making them ideal for relaxed settings where you can truly enjoy the experience.

The name itself pays tribute to Winston Churchill, who was rarely seen without a cigar in hand. His signature style and appreciation for fine tobacco led to the cigar world adopting the term “Churchill” for this particular size. Due to the extended length and slower burn rate, Churchill cigars allow for more nuanced flavor transitions throughout the smoke. They’re also well-suited for smokers who appreciate subtle complexity and are willing to invest time in a full-bodied experience. Whether you’re smoking on a quiet evening or celebrating a milestone, a Churchill is an excellent companion.

Top 10 Best Churchill Cigars

Here are ten of the best Churchill cigars available today, each offering something unique in terms of flavor, body, and smoking experience:

1. Romeo y Julieta 1875 Churchill

• Wrapper: Indonesian
• Binder/Filler: Dominican Republic
• Flavor Notes: Cedar, spice, and roasted nuts
• Strength: Medium
• Why It’s Great: A well-balanced, approachable Churchill that has stood the test of time. This is a go-to for many smokers due to its consistency, affordability, and classic flavor profile.

2. Arturo Fuente Hemingway Churchill

• Wrapper: Cameroon
• Binder/Filler: Dominican Republic
• Flavor Notes: Sweet cedar, baking spices, and earth
• Strength: Medium to Full
• Why It’s Great: Known for exceptional craftsmanship and a smooth yet rich profile. The Hemingway series offers something a little more refined for those who appreciate subtle transitions and masterful blending.

3. Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Churchill

• Wrapper: Nicaraguan Maduro
• Binder/Filler: Nicaraguan
• Flavor Notes: Cocoa, coffee, dark fruit, and pepper
• Strength: Full
• Why It’s Great: A luxurious smoke with deep, complex flavor transitions. It’s also box-pressed, which many find provides a more even burn and comfortable mouthfeel.

4. Montecristo White Series Churchill

• Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
• Binder/Filler: Dominican and Nicaraguan
• Flavor Notes: Cream, almond, and white pepper
• Strength: Mild to Medium
• Why It’s Great: A smooth, mellow smoke that’s perfect for beginners. It’s also a great daytime cigar thanks to its lighter profile.

5. Oliva Serie V Churchill Extra

• Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Sun Grown
• Binder/Filler: Nicaraguan Ligero
• Flavor Notes: Dark chocolate, espresso, and spice
• Strength: Full
• Why It’s Great: Bold and powerful, yet incredibly refined. This is for smokers who want a full-flavor experience from the first puff to the last.

6. Ashton Classic Churchill

• Wrapper: Connecticut Shade
• Binder/Filler: Dominican Republic
• Flavor Notes: Cream, toasted almond, and mild pepper
• Strength: Mild
• Why It’s Great: A classic, easygoing Churchill with elegance and consistency. It’s a reliable choice for any cigar collection.

7. My Father Le Bijou 1922 Churchill

• Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano Oscuro
• Binder/Filler: Nicaraguan
• Flavor Notes: Dark chocolate, leather, black pepper
• Strength: Full
• Why It’s Great: Award-winning cigar that delivers robust, rich flavor. Great for experienced smokers who want intensity without sacrificing refinement.

8. Cohiba Red Dot Churchill

• Wrapper: Cameroon
• Binder/Filler: Dominican Republic
• Flavor Notes: Wood, nuts, and subtle spice
• Strength: Medium
• Why It’s Great: A prestigious cigar with smooth complexity and balance. Often a celebratory pick thanks to its iconic brand recognition and smooth draw.

9. Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 Churchill

• Wrapper: Honduran Broadleaf
• Binder/Filler: Dominican and Nicaraguan
• Flavor Notes: Earth, chocolate, and subtle caramel
• Strength: Medium
• Why It’s Great: Aged tobaccos offer a refined, mellow character with depth. A great pick for relaxing evenings when you want something dependable and flavorful.

10. La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor Churchill

• Wrapper: Mexican San Andres
• Binder/Filler: Nicaraguan
• Flavor Notes: Cocoa, spice, and leather
• Strength: Medium to Full
• Why It’s Great: A rich and flavorful smoke with great complexity at a reasonable price. It’s a great example of high-end flavor at an accessible cost.

How to Store and Age Churchill Cigars

Due to their size and length, Churchill cigars require proper storage to maintain their quality. Here are a few storage tips:

• Humidity Level: Aim for around 65% to 70% relative humidity.
• Temperature: Keep your humidor between 65°F and 70°F.
• Long-Term Aging: Churchills age beautifully. If stored correctly, they can develop deeper and more refined flavors over time.
• Positioning: Store them horizontally and avoid overcrowding to allow proper airflow.

If you’re serious about aging, consider rotating your cigars occasionally to promote even aging throughout your humidor. Also, keep in mind that larger cigars may require more time to reach their full potential when aging.

What to Look for in a Great Churchill Cigar

When selecting a Churchill cigar, there are a few key factors to consider:

Construction Quality
Look for a cigar with a firm, even feel and no soft spots. The wrapper should be smooth, with minimal veins. A well-constructed Churchill will draw consistently and burn evenly over the course of your smoke. Poor construction can lead to uneven burns or a tight draw that interrupts the experience.

Flavor Complexity
One of the joys of smoking a Churchill is experiencing how the flavors evolve. A top-tier Churchill will start with one flavor profile and transition smoothly into another, offering layers of taste such as earthiness, spice, cocoa, wood, or cream. This complexity is a major reason why many aficionados choose Churchills for special occasions.

Strength Profile
Churchill cigars range from mild to full-bodied. Choose a strength level that matches your personal preference and experience level. If you’re new to longer smokes, starting with a medium-bodied option may be best. Seasoned smokers may appreciate a full-bodied Churchill that delivers bold, complex notes from start to finish.

Burn Time
Churchills are not quick smokes. Choose one when you have the time to truly enjoy it. Ideally, the burn should be slow and steady, allowing the flavors to fully develop. This makes Churchills great for unwinding at the end of the day or sharing during long conversations.

Price and Value
Churchills can vary widely in price. Fortunately, there are excellent options at every price point. Focus on value—a cigar that delivers great construction and flavor at a fair cost. Some premium blends may cost more but offer a truly memorable experience, especially if aged properly.

Final Thoughts

If you want to enjoy your cigars the way they’re meant to be smoked, having the right accessories matters. A sharp cutter, a solid lighter, and a good desktop humidor can make a big difference in how your cigars taste and burn. Browse our selection of quality cigar accessories at Cubano Central and get set up with the tools every cigar lover needs.