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Let’s face it, there are some very special cigars out there, and I’m sure you all have your personal tastes – just like fine wines and caviar.
But if you are out to get something special as a one off, a gift for someone or you’re looking for something new, but don’t want to risk forking out the cash and then being utterly disappointed – you’re in the right place.
There is such a wide selection of quality cigars on the market from a wide variety of famous brands, it can be a test knowing where to start sometimes. So in this article, we’ll run through what are considered 12 of the best cigars out there – and they’re all readily available online.
This guide will provide a nice broad selection of blends from various master cigar makers, describing the flavors, aromas, strengths, where they are made, where the wrappers come from, and other key features.
Ultimately, the idea is to give you a strong starting point where you can begin to explore new complex and aromatic blends, that you get with the finest cigars.
A very subjective topic to discuss but the popularity of certain cigars over others speaks volumes for their quality. There really isn’t a definitive answer to this question but let us take a look at the best cigars available!
Best Cigars Brands
Davidoff Grand Cru No. 2 cigars are slightly longer than standard Coronas to allow for a higher proportion of Ligero tobacco.
Key Features
- Dominican origin
- 5 ⅝ x 43 size
- 30 minute smoke time
- Ecuador Connecticut Shade wrapper
- Dominican Republic binder
- Dominican Republic filler
- 2 out of 5 strength Davidoff rated (Mellow)
Expect extra strength from the Ligero tobacco, which lets off a mellow and sophisticated aroma with a mixture of nuts, pepper, cream and wood, filling the nostrils and the tastebuds alike. It really is a cigar to blow off some steam and relax with, to enjoy by oneself or to share after achieving something masterful.
Pros
- Higher than average proportion of Ligero tobacco
- Excellent depth and earthy flavors
- Full bodied, rich tasting, but mellow
- Ideal for relaxation
- Would pair well with a single malt
Cons
- Price
Why it’s recommended : Great for relaxation, not too bold, a good 30 minute smoke time and a good whisky in hand wouldn’t go amiss.
2. Montecristo White Churchill
Montecristo White Churchill cigars offer a whole new level up from the original Montecristo Whites.
Key Features
- Dominican origin
- Medium strength
- Churchill shaped
- Natural coloring
- Ecuadorian wrapper
- Nicaraguan binder
- 7 x 54 size
- Dominican/Nicaraguan blend
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.
Pros
- Available as a 27 box
- Handpicked long fillers
- Extremely popular blend
- Medium strength/creamy flavors
- Very much sought after
Cons
- You may be after something more exotic and less known
Why it’s recommended: 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.
3. Asylum 13 The Ogre
The Asylum 13 The Ogre cigars have an ultra-smooth, intriguing, and complex flavor profile.
Key Features
- Nicaraguan origin
- Medium strength
- Toro shaped
- 6 x 60 size
- Barber Pole wrapper leaf
- Barber Pole origin
- Nicaraguan wrapper origin
So this isn’t the most expensive cigar you’ll find on the market, but it is very unique and distinguished in style, flavor, and aroma. It is a very complex and interesting inpuro when you consider the unconventional way it has been put together, and this does replicate into something special and should be enjoyed without question.
Pros
- Dual Nicaraguan Habano/Candela wrappers
- Unique savory flavor profile
- Complex inpuro
- Ultra-smooth
- They have a “modern edge”
- Available in a 50 box
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Not a traditional type of cigar
Why it’s recommended: If you’re wanting to explore beyond the traditional blends and try out new cigar concepts, Asylum 13 The Ogre is a great place to start.
4. La Gloria Cubana
La Gloria Cubana cigars were originally blended by Ernesto Perez Carrillo in the Cuban tradition of his father.
Key Features
- Dominican origin
- Medium strength
- Corona shaped
- 5 1/2 x 43 size
- Natural leaf color
- Sumatra wrapper
- Ecuadorian wrapper leaf origin
- 25 box, 5 pack, single available
This is surely going to be one of the most nostalgic cigars on the list because of its popularity in the 90s cigar boom era. They offer a powerful tobacco flavor due to the classic Nicaraguan-Dominican long-filler center and Sumatra wrapper blend. It’s a medium-bodied, super smooth, and consistently satisfying cigar.
Pros
- Classic Nicaraguan-Dominican long-filler
- Strong tobacco flavors
- Medium-bodied
- Smooth and satisfying
- A nostalgic smoke
Cons
- It’s a classic tobacco flavored cigar, nothing more
Why it’s recommended: It’s on our list because of its pure Cuban style blending heritage and it’s a very popular go-to cigar for many.
5. Lonsdale Punch
The Punch cigar is one of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s favorites where he’s been quoted saying it’s “actually my favorite size, it’s good for an after-dinner smoke or during the day”.
Key Features
- Honduran origin
- Medium strength
- Ecuadorian wrapper origin
- Lonsdale shape
- Natural color
- Sumatra wrapper leaf
- 6 1/4 x 44 size
If you’re looking for an affordable medium-bodied cigar in a classic Lonsdale shape, the Punch Lonsdale is a highly sought-after and popularised cigar.
It surely is a good after-dinner smoke, or just an evening delight that shines above many for its Honduran, Nicaraguan, and Dominican tobacco blends wrapped with an exquisite Ecuadorian-grown Sumatra wrapper. Plus, you can feel a little bit like Arnie when you smoke it!
Pros
- Arnie’s favorite after-dinner smoke
- Excellent tobacco blend
- Classic lonsdale shape
- Exquisite wrapper
- Affordable
- Naturally colored
Cons
- It’s more of an everyday best rather than a cigar that you’d pull out for special occasions
Why it’s recommended: It has that hollywood allure, tried and tested, and works great as an after-dinner cigar.
6. Partagas
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.
Key Features
- Dominican origin
- Full strength
- Dark natural color
- Medio Tiempo wrapper leaf
- Connecticut wrapper origin
- Toro shaped
- 6×50 size
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 are 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.
Pros
- Very traditional cigar
- Excellent strength
- Natural coloring
- ‘La Vega Especial’ binder
- Complex flavors/aromas
- Big gauge/toro shaped
Cons
- Difficult to get hold of sometimes
Why it’s recommended: This cigar is bursting with immense and complex flavors, making it a bold favorite for many cigar connoisseurs.
7. Acid Cold Infusion
Acid Cold Infusion cigars are a refreshing and mellow smoke that can be enjoyed at any time of fancy.
Key Features
- Nicaraguan origin
- Medium strength
- Connecticut rapper origin
- Connecticut Shade wrapper leaf
- 6 3/4 x 44 size
- Infused flavor
If you’re searching for one of the best well-balanced infusion flavored blends in a Lonsdale format, Acid Cold Infusion cigars could be for you. They have a light character and aroma, and this particular blend is one of the best introductory cigars to the Acid brand.
It’s also a solid choice for traditional cigars smokers who want something slightly different, and it smokes well with a cup of tea!
Pros
- Unique/attractive cigar box
- Natural coloring
- Mellow and refreshing
- Slightly sweet
- Great balance
Cons
- Not a traditional blend
Why it’s recommended: Sometimes a mellow daytime cigar is what every cigar smoker needs, and this one works very nicely with a cup of joe or tea.
8. Dutch Masters
Dutch Master Palmas are probably the best machined made and affordable cigars out on the market right now.
Key Features
- Mellow strength
- Corona shaped
- Dominican Republic origins
- Connecticut Shade wrapper leaf
- 5 5/8 x 42 size
A really enjoyable everyday cigar doesn’t have to break the bank, and these Dutch Master Palmas are the real deal. They have no flavoring, but instead contain a smooth blend of mild tobaccos, wrapped up nicely with natural tobaccos leaves.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Quality wrapper leaf
- Iconic brand
- Everyday cigar
- Box of 55
- Singles available
- Mild blend for everyday smoking
Cons
- Not as flavorsome as some of the premium tobaccos out there
Why it’s recommended: This is by no means a top-flight cigar, but it’s on this best list because it is definitely one of the best machine-made cigars out there that can be afforded to smoke daily.
9. Baccarat King
Baccarat Kings are made with a 100% mild blend of Honduran tobacco with an old Cuban-style sweet cap.
Key Features
- Honduran origin
- Mellow strength
- Natural color
- Sweet tip flavor
- Connecticut Shade wrapper
- Houduran wrapper
- Presidente shape
- 8 1/2 x 52 size
These super-size cigars are smooth and rich in flavor. They give off an enticing and moorish aroma that can be savored throughout the day. They’re also a popular choice and very affordable when considering the sublime quality you get with these Honduran cigars.
Pros
- Super-size
- All-natural
- Mellow and flavorsome
- Affordable
- Smooth and rich
- Cuban style sweet cap
Cons
- It could be too mellow for some people’s tastes
Why it’s recommended: It’s quite clear that Baccarat offers a classic mellow cigar here that oozes with richness and flavor, yet it can be smoked regularly throughout the day without overpowering your senses.
10. Padron Serie
These special Anniversary Padron Maduros are a 5-year-aged blend of bold Nicaraguan filler tobaccos.
Key Features
- Full strength
- Maduro coloring
- Nicaraguan origin
- Nicaraguan wrapper
- Habano wrapper leaf
- 6 1/2 x 54
- Torpedo shaped
Either as a gift or something special for yourself, these Limited Edition Maduros are quite something. They incorporate bold tobacco flavors and have mouthwatering ebony wrappers that will make this cigar extremely satisfying – especially with scotch, bourbon, brandy, or the very traditional cognac pairing.
Pros
- Limited Edition
- Bold flavors
- Ebony wrapper
- Ideal gift
- For special occasions
- For the torpedo cigar lover
Cons
- Torpedo shaped cigars aren’t for everyone
Why it’s recommended: These Padron Maduros are something special and should be pulled out on the best of occasions.
11. Arturo Fuente
The 858 Natural cigars are arguably the best they have to offer in their line of quality cigars.
Key Features
- Dominican origin
- African wrapper origin
- Cameroon wrapper leaf
- Corona shaped
- Natural coloring
- 6 x 47 size
- Medium strength
For a relatively inexpensive price for a cigar of this quality, Arturo Fuente 858 Natural cigars are well proportioned and aged beautifully. The wrapper gives you a silky-sweet type of texture and the smoke is mild, cedary, and well-balanced. These are also a very popular cigar that sell exceptionally well.
Pros
- Very popular cigar
- Aged well
- Inexpensive
- Silky-sweet wrapper texture
- Well-balanced/mild
- Cedary taste/aroma
- African origins
Cons
- Some might prefer more strength in their cigar
Why it’s recommended: The 858 Natural is an incredibly popular, well-balanced, and cedary flavored cigar that has many coming back for more.
12. Altadis Sampler
The Altadis Super Sampler is the perfect way to introduce yourself or someone else into the world of quality cigars.
Key Features
- 10 different quality cigars
- Varied strengths
- Different shapes
- Reputable brands
- Chosen by cigar experts
If you’re really not sure which brand or style of cigar that you’ll like the best, here is a very popular little sampler so you can find out for yourself – without spending a fortune. Here’s what’s included in the 10 pack:
- Montecristo Robusto
- House Of Capulet Robusto
- H.Upmann S.G. Short Churchill
- Monte By Montecristo Jacopo
- Trinidad Esteli Robusto
- RYJ 1875 Nicaragua Toro
- Montecristo Nicaragua Toro
- AGR Quattro Conn Vibrato
- AGR Quattro Nica Vibrato
- Aging Room Bin #2 C Major
Pros
- Great selection
- Classic cigars
- Various sizes/shapes
- Ideal starter pack
- All quality wrappers
Cons
- It’s not guaranteed you’ll like everyone
Why it’s recommended: The Altadis Super Sampler is the perfect way to ease into the world of quality and classic cigars.
Bottom Line
There is such a large variety and range of quality cigars to indulge in on the market today. It’s obviously very difficult to know which ones to go for, especially if you’re new to the pastime.
Of course, many will disagree with some of the choices in this list, but that’s the wonderful thing about the world of cigars – there’s something for almost everyone’s taste. However, this guide is intended to help out anyone that wants tried and tested quality from their cigars, without having to fork out large sums of money trying to find their favorite.
Each cigar reviewed is proven to be popular year in and year out with cigar connoisseurs. Many are true classics and have decades of heritage, while others are more modern blends that offer unique flavors and aromas.
Still haven’t found what you’re looking for? The Cigar Cigar team has also reviewed the following cigars:
I have been smoking cigars for 30 years and counting, I started at 18 years old with mild Cubans and worked my way up to medium and now bold. I own 4 humidors, that I try to keep stocked at all times.
