CA Year-End Report: 2019 TOP 25 Best New Cigars of the Year
Cigar Advisor’s Top 25 Cigars of the Year: The Best New Cigars of 2019
Besides the wild office Christmas party (and the ensuing need to update your resume), that staple December event is upon us: when everyone releases their Top 25 Cigars of the Year lists.
For our Top 25 list of cigars, we’re looking back at the smokes that came across our desks from the start of 2019, with a quick recap of what made each cigar special – along with a reason or two we think it deserves a space in your humidor.
Let’s finish off your year with something delicious…
We’ve heard some cigar smokers dismiss “cigars of the year” lists because they’re (supposedly) packed with sticks geared exclusively towards the pros: full bodied, wildly complex, and you need a PhD in Cigarology to enjoy them. Also, that they’re unicorns. And they’re expensive. Of course, a few of our picks do embrace those qualities – but with the “Connecticut Resurgence” of the past 18 months, we found there were plenty of tasty smokes that the beginner and occasional cigar smoker could enjoy.
That’s important – because in addition to turning our fellow cigar lovers on to these 25 new and (maybe) soon-to-be classics, part of our mission at Cigar Advisor is helping newcomers explore and expand their horizons. Everyone deserves to get satisfaction from smoking a cigar, and now you, too, can get in on the award-worthy smoking action with many of our Top 25 cigars.
As you’ve probably noticed in our reviews throughout this past year, you won’t find ratings, scores or grades for the cigars we’ve smoked and discussed here at Cigar Advisor. That’s because it’s not up to us to tell you if a cigar is good… it’s up to us to tell you how it smokes, what we taste, and who we think will enjoy it most.
But do we have favorites? You bet we do.
So the criteria for a cigar to make this year’s Top 25 cigar list was simple: “Damn, that was a good cigar.” (It was last year’s criteria, too. At least we’re consistent.) In addition to the notes we made when we smoked them, we consulted a wide range of palates to reach our 25 cigar consensus: the three Advisors, the Master Tobacconists in our retail store, and the Famous Smoke Shop buyers. And these are what we enjoyed most, our best of the best for 2019.
Now, on to our list…as we call out our Best New Cigars of 2019, we’re providing an extra detail or two about each cigar that stood out to us. If you decide to try one (or all) of these cigars, we hope you find some interesting details you can share in a comment at the end.
ACID 20
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres
Binder: Indonesia
Filler: Nicaragua
Surprised to see an Acid here? Don’t be: it’s up for more of this year’s cigar industry awards than maybe you realize…so we’re not alone on this one. Besides – whether you love or hate infused cigars, it’s undeniable that Drew Estate changed the face of the industry with Acid in 1999. Jonathan Drew says that this is the best Acid since Kuba Kuba – and that’s a tall order. For us, Acid 20 is more of a culmination of the line. The infusion seems gentler, giving greater emphasis on natural tobacco flavors than Acids of the past. There’s plenty of fruit, spice, and sweetness, but this cigar feels more like a bridge between the flavored and non-flavored realms. – Jared Gulick
Alec Bradley Project 40
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Colorado
Binder: Habano (Brazil)
Filler: Nicaragua
Inspired by the Project 40 initiative, the Alec Bradley Project 40 selection epitomizes what many cigar smokers already know—that cigars have a positive impact on the mind and body. Take the 06.52, for instance. Notes of cedar, sweet tobacco, and pepper transition to a creamy, well-balanced, and aromatic smoke with oak, light honey, berry, and spice notes. As noted in my #nowsmoking review of this cigar: no need to think too much about this cigar. Let it do its thing, and it will reward you generously. The Toro clearly exceeded my expectations, making it one Project worth green-lighting for the list. – Gary Korb
Crowned Heads La Coalicion
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Strength: Full
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro
Binder: Sumatra
Filler: Dominican Republic and Nicaragua
Quick: name a more buzzworthy cigar than La Coalicion in 2019…we’ll wait. Anticipation is one thing, but the promise on delivery, that’s another animal all together. And delivering…that’s exactly what Crowned Heads and Drew Estate did with this blend. Notes of nuts, cream, black pepper, wood, and citrus are perfectly balanced. And though the cigar is plenty strong, it still smokes smooth – reeling you in as it burns. Let’s hope that La Coalicion is the spark for additional collaborations in their future. – Jared
Crux Union Fire
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium Plus
Wrapper: Proprietary Nicaraguan Engañoso
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua
Inspired by the American colonies’ first fire department, Union Fire has arrived on scene to honor our nation’s bravest. And the Haugen clan has blended them a barnburner, wrapped in a savory Nicaraguan Engañoso capa (grown exclusively for their use, btw). Smooth, creamy, and complex, the Toro’s medium-plus smoke reveals some light saltiness plus flavors of sweet spice, roasted nuts, cedar, and citrus. What also got my attention were the floral notes in the mix – a rare facet in cigars made outside of Cuba. If you need rescuing from the average premium cigar fare, call the Crux Union Fire Department. – Gary
EP Carrillo Famous Smoke Shop 80th Anniversary
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Strength: Medium/Medium-Full
Wrapper: U.S. Hybrid Connecticut Habano
Binder: Ecuador Sumatra
Filler: Nicaragua
With last year’s #1 cigar of the year to his credit, and now an entry in our iconic 80th Anniversary collection, it’s clear that Ernesto Perez-Carrillo is on a roll. Among the highlights of this pleasurable Carrillo fix: the blend is a blood brother to La Historia and Encore, and uses a rare Connecticut-Habano hybrid wrapper that EPC unveiled just for this special project. This soft-press Toro smokes very complex, with what I previously called “drive-by flavors”: tasty, come-and-go nuances that complement a satisfying flavor profile of pepper, oak, earth and crispy zest. – John Pullo
Eiroa Dark Natural
Country of Origin: Honduras
Strength: Full
Wrapper/Binder/Filler: Honduran Corojo
A straight Honduran puro made with an extraordinary amount of high priming Corojo, Eiroa Dark exerts plenty of Ligero aggression; two extra years of fermentation smoothes much of the peppery edge. It’s also what gives the wrapper its distinctly dark color. Dense, chewy smoke warms the taste buds and the soul with coffee bean and spice, along with a cocoa note that you’ll want to savor…slowly. Powerful yet refined, with sweet, authentic Corojo charm that won’t quit. No wonder Eiroa Dark Natural quickly became one of the most wish-listed cigars of 2019. – John
Guardian of the Farm Nightwatch
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Strength: Full
Wrapper: Nicaragua Jalapa Shade Grown Corojo Maduro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Not to be confused with Warped’s Guardian of the Farm collaboration, Nightwatch is an Aganorsa Leaf solo number. A tribute to the American bulldogs that protect their farms, each size carries one of the pup’s names. The profile is best described as Cuban-esque with a contemporary edge. There are nuances of earth, leather, espresso, coffee, and cocoa. Additionally, white pepper resides on the finish…especially in the retrohale. Aganorsa calls Nightwatch a “game-changer.” We tend to agree. – Jared
Henry Clay War Hawk
Country of Origin: Honduras
Strength: Medium
Wrapper: Connecticut seed (Ecuador)
Binder: U.S. Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Honduras
With the War Hawk, the venerable Henry Clay brand takes aim at the new generation of cigar smokers. It jettisons the full-bodied boldness for which Henry Clay is known, opting for a complex, medium-bodied cigar. The Connecticut seed wrapper and Broadleaf binder balance perfectly with its robust Honduran core, and the result is an uber-creamy smoke teeming with earth, sweet spice, oaky notes, and light pepper. As mentioned in my earlier review of the Toro, it’s right in the pocket for both full-bodied fans and newbs seeking a rich tasting smoke that hits on all cylinders. – Gary
Highclere Castle Victorian
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Strength: Full
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano Maduro
Binder: Brazilian Mata Fina
Filler: Nicaragua
Midway through the year, I wrote an article about my then top 10 cigars so far, and the number one slot went to Tabernacle Havana Seed CT 142. Since 142 wasn’t released in 2019, it’s therefore ineligible for this list. Highclere Castle Victorian is, however, and it’s another of Nick Melillo’s creations that have truly wowed us. The cigar is full-flavored, oozes gusto, and exhibits warm spices, fiery peppers, and a bounty of caramel, cedar, and cinnamon. Super premiums they may be, but Victorian is among the few that justify the buy-in. – Jared
HVC Serie A
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Strength: Full
Wrapper: Nicaragua Corojo ‘99
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
When it comes to HVC Serie A, I don’t think I’ve ever smoked a more consistent cigar, especially in the Perlas size. They say that every box has a bad stick, and after my third, I still haven’t found one yet. Thick smoke provides a mouthwatering disposition that’s salty-sweet with a flurry of pepper, spices, and wood. And with a price we feel is well under its value, Serie A is what daily smoking dreams are made of. I smoked the cigar with Gary earlier this year as part of his #nowsmoking series. Check that out after you’ve finished this list for a deeper dive. – Jared
Joya de Nicaragua Antaño CT (Connecticut)
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium Plus
Wrapper: Connecticut seed (Ecuador)
Binder& Filler: Nicaragua
Exquisitely crafted with Connecticut seed wrappers, the CT is first for Joya de Nicaragua’s Antaño line. And they nailed it, too. Slightly rolled-back in strength, the CT imparts a medium-plus smoke, while upholding the brand’s full-flavored pedigree. Swollen with dense, creamy smoke, well-balanced flavors of leather, sweet cedar, oak, sundry spices, and white pepper abound. As I alluded to in my Corona Gorda review, the wider shape of the Robusto reveals more complexity and depth. A refined change of pace for Antaño disciples, including rookies, who’ll get a sharply-focused glimpse of Antaño’s CT remarkable attributes. – Gary
La Aurora 107 Cosecha 2007
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Strength: Medium-Full
Wrapper: Ecuador HVA
Binder: Brazil
Filler: Dominican Republic (Cibao Valley), Nicaragua
In 2007, Mother Nature blessed La Aurora with tobaccos of rare quality…certainly, having one of their best harvests (“cosechas”) in years would be a reason to put La Aurora 107 in a Top 25 conversation. But what sealed the deal for us is the thick, rich and oily Ecuador Havana (HVA) wrapper: the same leaf used on Fuente’s coveted Rosado Magnum series, as well as choice delicacies from Pepin, AJ Fernandez and Herrera Esteli. Loaded with complex notes of dried fruits, coffee, chocolate and citrus, the limited-run Cosecha 2007 has “wow” factor aplenty – and more strength than you’d expect from La Aurora. A tasty comeback you’ll want to witness for yourself. – John
La Gloria Cubana Spanish Press
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Strength: Medium-Full
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Jalapa
Binder: Mexican San Andrés
Filler: Nicaraguan Jalapa, Dominican Piloto Cubano, Dominican Olor, Brazilian Mata Fina
Earlier this year, I reviewed the La Gloria Cubana Spanish Press Gigante, but I was even more impressed by the Toro. The cigar has a crisp appearance and some slight toothiness on its oily wrapper, which is imbued with an attractive, reddish tint. Once lit, it yields an effusion of dense, creamy smoke, granting well-balanced flavors of earth, sweet spices, cedar, and a glimmer of pepper. Full of pleasant surprises, the Toro’s dimensions, rich flavors, and easy- to-handle strength make it approachable to just about everyone. A most “list-worthy” treat. – Gary
Laranja Reserva Escuro
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Strength: Full
Wrapper: Brazilian Mata Fina
Binder & Filler: Nicaragua
Still curious how much impact a cigar’s wrapper has on flavor? I present Exhibit A, Laranja Reserva Escuro. Erik Espinosa took his highly-acclaimed Laranja blend and went into dark mode: a leathery Mata Fina wrapper, which bumps the body and flavor up to full. Where the original was tinged with citrus and sweet spice, the back-in-black sequel now smokes with a sweet, earthy taste that’s loaded with peppery character – it is Espinosa, after all. If you like ‘em rich, Laranja Reserva Escuro will not disappoint. – John
Montecristo Espada Oscuro
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Strength: Full
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano Rosado Oscuro
Binder & Filler: Nicaragua
With an exterior graced by its Nicaraguan Habano Rosado Oscuro wrapper, the Espada Oscuro is a stunner – especially the 5″ x 54 Ricasso. As for its interior, the all-Nicaraguan core unveils a bold, chewy, and aromatic smoke with optimal balance. An effortless draw leads-off a creamy mixture of earth, sweet tobacco, spices, and woody notes. Later, it takes several dramatic detours, granting additional flavors of leather, nutmeg, and cocoa with even more surprises in the last act. In my #nowsmoking review, I noted that the Ricasso was a wonderful example of a bold and very accessible puro; meaning, every smoker can appreciate this sumptuous treat. – Gary
My Father La Promesa
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium-Full
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano Rosado Oscuro
Binder & Filler: Garcia estate-grown Nicaragua
Meaning, “The Promise,” the La Promesa strikes a visual note of elegance exceeded only by its wealth of flavors. Skillfully handcrafted and sealed with a triple cap, the patina on the Habano Rosado Oscuro wrapper glows like Rudolph’s nose. It’s lusciously oily, and bares a little veinage, which gives it some extra character. As I smoked the Corona Gorda, earth, cedar, and sweet spice are revealed in the opening act, while clouds of creamy smoke abound. By the midsection, the medium-plus body finds its groove as flavors of leather, cedar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and dark chocolate converge. Hats off to the Garcias for making a cigar that fulfills its promise from foot to nub. – Gary
New World by AJ Fernandez Cameroon Selection
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium
Wrapper: Cameroon
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Admittedly, I’m not the biggest Cameroon wrapper fan. I’m also not always a fan of the strength found in many of AJ’s blends. His ability to make me eat my words on both is part of the reason AJ New World Cameroon has made the cut. Few cigars this year were as memorable, and it’s largely due to beefy portions of wood, coffee, cedar, and cocoa. For added good measure, the Short Robusto is like smoking just the sweet spot of an already amazing cigar. If that somehow doesn’t impress you…wait ‘til you see the price. – Jared
Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro Figurado
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Strength: Full
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Maduro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
There are some Shaq-sized shoes to fill, here. Why? Because Melanio Maduro’s natural-wrapped cousin took the top cigar honors of 2014. But this is Oliva…and it should come as no surprise that they rose to the challenge. Espresso, spices, pepper, earth, and a natural tobacco sweetness flawlessly work in full-flavored unity. I’m happy to see the Maduro blend finally getting its own Figurado in 2019, and happier the apple fell so close to the tree. – Jared
Plasencia Alma del Fuego
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Strength: Full
Wrapper: Nicaragua Jalapa
Binder: Double Nicaragua Ometepe
Filler: Nicaragua and Nicaragua Ometepe
A blend so nice we honored it twice! Our inaugural Must-Smoke Cigar of the Week in our Top New Cigars series, Plasencia Alma del Fuego is fire. Literally: the name actually means soul of fire. And it gets that soul from leaves (two binders and a half leaf of filler) grown in rich volcanic soils on Nicaragua’s Ometepe Island. We found robust notes of coffee, spices, nuts, pepper, and a sweet finish. It’s still a super-premium, but Alma del Fuego boasts the lowest price in Plasencia’s Alma series thus far. That might help you off the fence. – Jared
Rocky Patel LB1
Country of Origin: Honduras
Strength: Medium
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano
Binder: Honduras (Jamastran Ligero)
Filler: Nicaragua (Estelí and Condega)
For the LB1, Rocky breaks the mold (almost literally) – as he’s skipped his usual box press treatment and opted to roll this new cigar as a traditional Parejo. It’s easygoing enough for almost any cigar smoker to enjoy, but you flavor hounds will get the most satisfaction from the LB1: sweet cedar, mocha coffee, roasted nuts, and hints of spice and dark chocolate contribute to a complex profile that leaves behind a long, velvety finish…making me think this is an ideal partner for a late-day bourbon. – John
Siboney Reserve by Aganorsa Leaf
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium-Full
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano (Aganorsa)
Binder & Filler: Nicaraguan Corojo and Criollo (Aganorsa)
With their Nicaraguan leaf in high demand by many of today’s top cigarmakers, almost any cigar rolled with Aganorsa’s estate-grown tobaccos would be Top 25 material. And Siboney Reserve is loaded with it – offering layers of leather, sweet tobacco and light pepper within the creamy smoke. But Siboney Reserve’s most pleasant surprise is how it gets sweeter as you go, balanced by a cedar-spice combo. Try the 6” x 44 Lonsdale if you want a little more of the Habano wrapper’s bite; and considering the value proposition, don’t be surprised if you find yourself smoking this on repeat in 2020. – John
Sobremesa Brûlée
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium
Wrapper: Connecticut seed Shade (Ecuador)
Binder: Mexican San Andrés Negro
Filler: Nicaragua
The Sobremesa Brûlée selection re-creates the Connecticut Shade-wrapped cigars of our forefathers’ era with skillful aplomb. Those cigars had a character rarely, if ever, found in today’s Connecticut resurgence. Like the Robusto I reviewed, the wrapper exudes that classic barnyard aroma. Once lit, its naturally sweet and creamy smoke imparts a mellow-to-medium mélange of cedar, caramel, and coffee complemented by a honeyed aroma. Moreover, the Toro smokes like a dream, checking all the boxes, and it does it without any Cuban or Dominican tobaccos. For those who say “They don’t make cigars like that anymore. . .” Yes, they do! – Gary
Southern Draw Kudzu Lustrum 5th Anniversary
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium
Wrapper: Nicaragua Ometepe Medio Tiempo
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Kudzu Lustrum makes our list for blending rare Medio Tiempo tobaccos, painstaking fermentation, expert aging, and a fair price. According to Southern Draw founder, Robert Holt, it’s the company’s greatest cigar to date. It’s hard to disagree when you’re greeted with hefty portions of rich tobacco, earth, spice, nuts, and sweetness. Furthermore, there’s a dynamic complexity to keep you interested from toast to nub. And the nub is exactly where you’ll end up. Lustrum was an instant 2019 standout, and we feel it’s worthy of any seasoned smoker’s humidor. – Jared
Trinidad Espiritu
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Strength: Full
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Among the Cuban heritage brands, it’s Trinidad that’s had a…shall we say, less-than-distinguished past. Unsung and uncelebrated, AJ Fernandez was (once again) brought into the fold to help rescue Trinidad from cigar Purgatory – and stunningly, succeeded in making it Top 25-worthy. Of all the non-Cuban Trinidads, Espiritu is the strong one: a Nicaraguan puro that doubles up on pepper and earth. But even as it burns with plenty of AJ’s signature heat, this cigar’s Cuban influence is evident with a floral note over cedar, roasted nuts and peppery spice. And tempered with dark n’ sweet tastes of fruit and molasses, it screams for a classic Old Fashioned. Trinidad Espiritu is actually one of the biggest surprises I’ve smoked all year, and a black sheep no more. – John
Villiger La Meridiana
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano
Binder & Filler: Nicaragua
Created by Villiger as a tribute to Cuba’s bygone La Meridiana cigar factory, La Meridiana is an all-puro selection. The Toro – the only box-pressed vitola in the line – is a real standout. Its tawny wrapper is opulent, perfectly-pressed, and fitted with a flawless triple cap. I stand by my #nowsmoking review when I say this medium-bodied cigar is “creamysville.” It draws effortlessly, revealing some of the chewiest smoke ever to lap your palate. Earth, leather, pepper, oak, nutmeg, caramel, and more, ebb and flow from end-to-end. I can’t imagine any smoker who craves full-flavored cigars resisting its charms. – Gary