The world of cigars is vast and exciting, offering a seemingly unlimited variety of flavors and experiences for both the connoisseur and the casual smoker. In this post, we’ll cover some of the best cigars, as picked from the community and popular lists, alongside our personal favorites that deserve their spotlight.
Top 10 Best Cigars From the Community
With so many cigars out there, it can be hard to choose what to smoke next, especially if you’re new to cigars. With so many opinions pointing you in different directions, finding the best of the best cigars can be difficult. This list of the top 10 best cigars consists of opinions from other bloggers, community forums, accredited lists like Cigar Aficionado, and our own personal opinions as well. There are of course phenomenal cigars out there that beat these by a mile, but this list contains cigars that are relatively affordable and available – not $500 cigars that you could call “the best.”
Fuente Fuente OpusX Reserva d’Chateau
Fuente Fuente OpusX Reserva d’Chateau was number one on Cigar Aficionado’s 2023 top picks. This cigar is renowned for its robust and complex flavor profile. This Dominican cigar consists of notes like vanilla and nutmeg. The OpusX Reserva d’Chateau delivers a rich, full-bodied experience, making it a coveted choice among cigar enthusiasts.
Oliva Serie V Toro Melanio
The Oliva Serie V Toro Melanio is a popular cigar, being voted the #1 cigar in 2014. It offers a deep and engaging smoking experience. Being a lighter cigar, it still offers notes such as coffee and chocolate, which creates a richly layered taste that evolves as you smoke. In addition to its wonderful flavor profile, it’s also a box pressed cigar, giving it a smoother draw.
Rocky Patel A.L.R Second Edition
Known for its exceptional aging process, this edition from Rocky Patel provides a distinct, refined taste. It has notes of coffee, cherries, and nuts. This is a medium cigar that consists of a rich flavor without being overpowering, showcasing the craftsmanship that went into this cigar.
Alec Bradley Prensado Torpedo
The Prensado Torpedo is made by Alec Bradley, and consists of a full-bodied flavor profile. Expect a bold combination of chocolate and leather, accented with a spice that adds to its complexity. This cigar’s rich, robust character is a journey through layers of depth, making each puff a discovery.
Padron 1926
The Padron 1926 Series is another great choice for those looking for a top-tier cigar. This box pressed masterpiece offers a smooth, yet complex flavor profile. With a blend of cocoa, coffee, and nutty flavors, it delivers the perfect smoking experience. With tobacco aged 5 years, its smoothness is matched by its complexity, making it a favorite for those who appreciate nuanced cigars.
Montecristo Anniversary Edicion Diamante Grande
This edition is a blend of creamy, smooth flavors, with a hint of woodsy and nutty notes. It’s an amazing smoke that offers a mellow yet rich experience. The Anniversary Edicion Diamante Grande is perfect for those looking for a relaxing and easy-going cigar.
Ashton Virgin Sun Grown Illusion
The Ashton Virgin Sun Grown Illusion offers a rich, creamy flavor, with notes of espresso, dark chocolate, and nuts. It’s a great full bodied cigar that’s known for both its smoothness and flavor.
Romeo y Julieta Línea de Oro Hidalgos
Offering a balanced, medium-bodied flavor, this cigar combines floral and fruity notes with a traditional tobacco core. The Línea de Oro Hidalgos is a testament to the Romeo y Julieta heritage, providing a smooth yet engaging smoke.
Perdomo Lot 23
Perdomo Lot 23 is a medium-bodied cigar known for its earthy and creamy flavors, with a hint of spice and cocoa. This cigar has a blend that offers consistency and quality, always bringing you an enjoyable experience.
Cohiba Red Dot
Cohiba is a name any cigar smoker would recognize. The company has a long history, being founded in 1966. They have a lot of popular picks, with one of their most iconic being the Cohiba Red Dot. This cigar is renowned for its smooth, medium-bodied profile, featuring creamy, woody, and slightly spicy flavors. It’s a classic choice for both beginners and seasoned cigar smokers, as it provides the perfect balance of flavor and smoothness. If you’re looking for an easy-going smoke at a reasonable price, this should be your go-to.
Our 5 Personal Favorites
Some of our favorites were actually listed under the top 10, including the Oliva Vs and Padron 1926. These are just great cigars that are pretty much loved by anyone who smokes cigars, but we’ll include 5 unique ones that seem to stay under the radar and didn’t make other people’s lists.
Caldwell Blind Man’s Bluff
Caldwell’s Blind Man’s Bluff is one of the best cigars out there. Not being on any of the biggest lists, this cigar is a hidden gem that you definitely need to try. This cigar starts off with a smooth and creamy flavor, and its hints of spice become more prominent as time passes. Smoking this is always a treat, and we highly recommend it.
Alec Bradley Magic Toast
Alec Bradley is a brand that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Their Prensado Torpedo even made Cigar Aficionado’s list. However, for those looking for the same level of quality but in a darker format, the Magic Toast is one to try. It’s a bold cigar with notes of espresso and dark chocolate and a little bit of spice. This is a cigar that has a more complex flavor profile, and should make your list if you’re looking for a new experience.
Plasencia Alma Fuerte Robusto I
The Plasencia Alma Fuerte Robusto is a darker cigar with a rich yet smooth flavor profile. It includes notes of chocolate and coffee while providing a consistent flavor in its duration.
Perdomo 20th Anniversary Maduro
The Perdomo 20th Anniversary Maduro is another cigar that’s enjoyed by many, but doesn’t seem to get the recognition it deserves. With hints of chocolate and espresso, this smooth cigar never disappoints.
Drew Estate Undercrown Maduro
The Drew Estate Undercrown Maduro is another cigar that’s always a pleasant treat. With notes of coffee, chocolate, and spice, the Undercrown Maduro offers a delightful medium to full-bodied smoke.
With so many options in the vast pool of cigars to pick from, hopefully this list gives you an idea of some new experiences you can try. Maybe you’ll even find a whole new brand you haven’t heard of before that becomes your new favorite. Either way, all of the cigars listed are good, quality cigars that we recommend adding to your list and trying at some point.
SHOP CIGAR ACCESSORIES
Whether you’re a long-time cigar enthusiast or new to cigars as a whole, you need the right accessories to accompany your cigars. It’s crucial to have a quality humidor to keep your cigars fresh and in prime condition, and to have a cigar cutter that won’t cause your cigar to unravel. Shop our selection of cigar accessories to find the right tools for a quality smoke.
The Best Cigars FAQ
What are the best cigars for beginners?
For beginners, we recommend medium to light cigars. Blind Man’s Bluff, Cohiba Red Dot, and the Oliva Serie V Toro Melanio are excellent options for new smokers. However, the Oliva V is on the larger side, so smoking the entire thing might be a challenge depending on the person.
What are the best dark cigars?
For those looking for deeper, richer flavors, we recommend trying the Padron 1926, Plasencia Alma Fuerte Robusto I, and the Alec Bradley Magic Toast.