Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a newbie just dipping your toes into the world of stogies, there’s no denying that there’s a certain charm attached to these rolled beauties. From the moment you run your fingers along its well-crafted body to that initial sniff of its intoxicating aroma, you’re on a sensory journey that only the best cigars can evoke.
The popularity of smoking cigars actually saw an uptick during the pandemic, according to a recent study. About 40 percent of respondents were smoking more often since the start of the outbreak. Researchers say it could be due to stress, anxiety, boredom, or a combination of things. Everyone copes in their own way, right?
For many, the experience of smoking a cigar is unforgettable, from the subtle notes of cedar and cocoa to those bold hints of spice and leather. It’s like a fine wine but for your senses. If that is not enough, do you ever notice the camaraderie that forms around a group enjoying cigars? It’s as if these little rolls of magic are a secret handshake into a world where time slows down, and conversations deepen.
How to Distinguish Cigar Quality
When choosing a cigar, it is important to be able to distinguish between high-quality and low-quality cigars. Here are a few tips:
- Look at the wrapper: The wrapper is the outer leaf of the cigar. It should be smooth and free of blemishes. A high-quality wrapper will also have a consistent color.
- Feel the cigar: A high-quality cigar will be firm to the touch but not hard. It should also have a slight springiness to it.
- Cut the cigar and inspect the draw: The draw is the airflow through the cigar. It should be smooth and easy. If the draw is too tight or too loose, the cigar is likely to be low quality.
- Light the cigar and take a few puffs: The first few puffs should be flavorful and smooth. If the cigar is harsh or bitter, it is likely to be low quality.
Ever wondered what makes a cigar brand stand head and shoulders above the rest? StudyFinds compiled the ultimate list of the best cigars, according to what experts recommend. Did we overlook your cherished smoke? Share your sentiments in the comments.
The List: Best Cigars, According to Experts
1. Arturo Fuente
Number one on the list of experts’ recommendations for the best cigars is Arturo Fuente. “Few cigars sell faster than Arturo Fuente cigars. With a penchant for affordability and a keen eye for quality, these all-time Dominican classics are in exceedingly high demand, thanks to Fuente’s painstaking craftsmanship and dedication,” explains Famous Smoke.
Whether you’re celebrating a big win, catching up with friends, or just enjoying a quiet evening on your own, a well-chosen cigar elevates the experience to a whole new level. Cigar Aficionado recommends the Rare Pink Vintage 1960s Series. “The name is certainly curious. And if you’re familiar with Carlos Fuente Jr.’s sense of humor, it won’t surprise you that there’s a double entendre here. Sophisticated Hooker refers to the name of a fishing boat (‘hooker’ being a term for a fisherman) the Arturo Fuente owner and blender remembers from his younger days. It’s the largest size in the Rare Pink line, a series of shapely figurados, much like Fuente’s Hemingway series…The cigar is as intriguing as the name. First puffs are cedary and herbal, but the cigar takes on a nutty, graham cracker sweetness showing big notes of red meat, black pepper and caramel before the sweet-and-nutty finish,” says Cigar Aficionado.
Another popular variety from this brand are the OpusX cigars. “In 1998, the OpusX’s downfall was to cigar smokers’ benefit: After Hurricane Georges created a shortage of wrapper tobacco, the brand switched to Connecticut broadleaf maduro wrapper aged in Cognac barrels, and the Anejo was born. The OpusX returned, of course, but the Anejo stuck around, treasured for the sweetness that wrapper layered atop the spicy, robust binder and filler,” describes GearPatrol.
2. Joya de Nicaragua
Number two on the list of experts’ recommendations for the best cigars is Joya de Nicaragua. “With new brands and new blends coming to market each year, it’s easy to forget the classics. The Joya de Nicaragua Antaño 1970 Churchill is one such example: It comes from the oldest producer of handmade cigars in Nicaragua. It’s made in a traditional size. And the blend is what brand owner Alejandro Martínez-Cuenca regards as quintessentially Nicaraguan, with tobacco that represents the country’s most important growing regions in a cohesive way, giving us a sense of place and origin. The cigar’s steady balance of earth, sweetness and power also remind us of why the house Joya de Nicaragua has been standing for so long,” says CigarAficionado.
The kaleidoscope of flavors broadens with the Joya Red. “Joya Red is a Nicaraguan puro-lover’s dream. With tobaccos from three growing regions and a Habana wrapper leaf, the cigar balances strength and flavor for a medium-bodied swath of nuts, pepper, leather, earth, and natural sweetness,” adds Famous Smoke.
Every puff is a whisper of its legacy. “The Joya de Nicaragua (JdN) Cinco Décadas presents a flavor profile that no JdN fan could miss: dark oak and charcoal, creamy cocoa, leather, and light spiciness. What Cinco Décadas achieves is to take the JdN flavor profile that we know and love and elevate it into the realm of art. I know that is high praise, but it is true, particularly given the cigar’s sheer complexity and balance. Highly recommended,” writes Fi0neTobaccoNYC.
3. Davidoff of Geneva
“Davidoff is possibly the most consistent manufacture in the biz. This is exemplified by blends like Davidoff Signature Series that balance mellow-bodied flavors via flawless Connecticut wrappers and a core of Dominican tobaccos,” says Famous Smoke.
Every brand is a chapter in our journey through the illustrious world of cigar-making, and the tale is far from over. “It was quite the revelatory moment in Davidoff’s history when the company went completely off script and introduced the Nicaragua line nearly 10 years ago. For decades, Davidoff was known for producing milder cigars with Dominican tobacco and light, Connecticut-seed wrappers. But then, in 2013, for the first time in its history, Davidoff launched a cigar made entirely of Nicaraguan tobacco. Made in the Dominican Republic to Davidoff’s exacting standards of construction, the cigars were given a black label—another stark change to the brand identity—and suddenly, Davidoff occupied a whole new space in the cigar world. Shortly after the brand was released, Davidoff added to the line by creating a figurado shape called the Diadema. The blend was already bold to begin with, but the tapers and curves of the Diadema seem to sharpen this already tasty assemblage of tobacco, bringing the overall smoking experience into better focus,” adds Cigar Aficionado.
“Like the rest of the Aniversario line, only the highest-quality leaf makes it into the Short Perfecto. But this smaller cigar won’t break the bank, and it is an excellent example of a mild-bodied cigar that’s still rich and complex. Coming in at just under five inches with a 52-millimeter ring gauge, this cigar is perfect for a short drive or a stroll around the block. It starts with hay and buttery smoke, transitioning into earthiness and even a touch of pepper spice in its final third,” writes GearPatrol, deeming the brand the “Mercedes-Benz of cigars.”
4. Rocky Patel
With a gentle ash fall, we tip our hats to Rocky Patel Cigars. Why? “Rocky Patel loves to celebrate birthdays, milestones or anniversaries of any kind. So, when he turned 60 in 2021, nobody was surprised that Patel thought a new cigar was in order. In reality, he had been thinking about a 60th birthday project for quite some time. According to Patel, the cigars were already aged for two years before they were released, and it shows. Made in Nicaragua at his Tavicusa factory, the cigar is composed of Nicaraguan tobacco wrapped in a dark Mexican cover leaf from the San Andrés region,” says CigarAficionado.
“Rocky Patel Sun Grown Maduro are part of one of the most diverse portfolios in the industry, making Rocky Patel one of the best manufacturers out there. Indulge in these full-bodied cigars, and your reward is a dark and spicy masterpiece,” shares Famous Smoke.
“With its woody, leathery and coffee aromas, this large cigar provides the perfect foundation for the sweetness of brioche, caramel, and cocoa, as well as peppery spice, and toast,” says CigarJournal, of the Rocky Patel Sixty.
5. Padrón Family
As the smoke twirls, Padrón steps into the limelight, poised with panache. “A complex, spicy, peppery Gordo with base notes of earth, lush aromas of cedar, leather, cocoa, as well as cloves. From time to time, coffee notes and more sweetness come to the fore,” writes CigarJournal, of the Family Reserve No.95 Cigar.
The Padron family reputation is unmatched. “The Padron family has been making cigars since 1964, and this cigar maker family has established itself as one of the top cigar brands in the world. The Padron 1926 Serie is a must-try for a cigar aficionado. This blend was created to commemorate the 75th birthday of Jose Padron, the founder of Padron Cigars. The 1926 Serie has a rich, full-bodied flavor with dark chocolate, espresso, and earth notes. The wrapper is a deep, oily Maduro leaf that gives the cigar a complex flavor profile,” shares GroovyGuyGifts.
Three cheers for this brand of cigars, that won’t let you forget their taste and after taste. “If you want a cigar that delivers big-time taste, but won’t break the bank, then this crowd-favorite is the best choice. While not the most complex smoke, the always-dependable Padron Maduro 2000 outpaces others in its class with consistency and taste,” adds SwissCubanCigars.
6. Partagas
Number six on the list of experts’ recommendations for the best cigars is Partagas Cigars. “Partagás is a brand that originated in Cuba in the 19th century and is still produced today. They are known for using the world’s finest tobaccos, specifically from the Vuelta Abajo region of Cuba. The tobacco is hand-selected and aged for several years, producing a rich and smooth flavor. Partagás have a strong reputation for being bold and full-bodied cigars, making them a popular choice for a cigar aficionado,” says GroovyGuyGifts.
This expedition through the enriched world of cigars unveils a hallmark of elegance and craftsmanship with this brand. “The Partagas Serie D No. 4 has been one of my favorite cigars since I first smoked one. This year I’ve had the pleasure of smoking several very memorable ones. When I turned 40 back in April, I smoked my final D4 from a box dated 2014 and what an amazing treat that was,” writes Pandora CigarBox.
“With over 170 years of tradition in the cigar trade, it all began for Partagas in Cuba, and their Partagas Black Label Maximo Tubo epitomize this tradition. These are rich-tasting big gauge cigars that use a robust blend of Nicaraguan and Piloto Cubano Ligero tobaccos. Then these tobaccos are laced in a powerful Dominican-grown ‘La Vega Especial’ binder. The construction of these cigars is seamless and you get smooth, creamy, super-rich flavors from every puff you take. You also might sense some mild sweetness that lingers amongst the other flavors. This cigar is bursting with immense and complex flavors, making it a bold favorite for many cigar connoisseurs,” explains CigarCigarInfo.
7. Montecristo
Finally, number seven on the list of experts’ recommendations for the best cigars is Montecristo Cigars. “The name of Montecristo is bound to come up when you are talking about Cuban cigars…The cigars provide a consistent experience in all aspects and ideal for people stepping into the realm of Cuban tobacco for the first time. Montecristo N4 cigars are firmly constructed and well packed. The 4-inch long short and thin cigars are perfect after lunch providing you a flavorful smoke for 30 minutes to 1 hour. The sticks light up with the touch of a flame and the first half offers you a hint of spice and earthy notes,” says RevolucionStyle.
Montecristo 80 Aniversario.
The cigars were released specially for the 80th anniversary of the legendary Cuban brand in a limited edition in 2015.
The true premium level of this cigar is revealed during tasting. pic.twitter.com/5QIh1ILkcr— FUENTE CIGAR (@Arturo_DOMR) November 2, 2023
Montecristo culminates the art of fine cigar-making. “Montecristo White Churchill cigars offer a whole new level up from the original Montecristo Whites. Available in a special box of 27, plus a box 10, 5, or as a single, the Montecristo White Churchill is a world-renowned cigar and very sought after. It’s medium strength with vibrant, bold, and creamy flavors that keep gentlemen across the globe coming back for more. This is due to the handpicked Dominican & Nicaraguan long-fillers used to create a wonderful balance. The original Montecristo White has to be one of the most loved, so these Churchills with hand-selected Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrappers really should be celebrated,” adds CigarCigarInfo.
Can you say timeless? “This timeless classic is one of the most revered cigars of all time. This is due to its unique shape and beautifully refined blend. Even after you’ve smoked 50 of them the next one still makes for an extraordinary cigar smoking experience. Perfect for weddings, job promotions and other celebrations, the Montecristo No. 2 is the ultimate special occasion cigar,” writes SwissCubanCigars.
You might also be interested in:
Sources:
- Famous Smoke
- CigarAficionado
- GearPatrol
- FineTobaccoNYC
- CigarJournal
- GroovyGuyGifts
- SwissCubanCigars
- RevolucionStyle
- CigarCigarInfo
- Pandora CigarBox
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.