CA Report: Top New Cigars (July 7th, 2025)
Hope everybody enjoyed their 4th of July. I know I did - I mean, it’s a hard day to screw up. BBQ, cold beer, and fireworks. That’s the stuff they write all those country songs about, right? While I have choice words to say about the actual quality of those songs, it’s hard to say they’re not celebrating the right parts of life. I’m never going to complain about the chance for some rest and relaxation, and I hope all of you spent it the exact same way I did...
With a premium cigar, obviously!
Now that we’re back to the daily grind, all we can do is feverishly check our calendars for the next day of grace. Here’s some picks for what’s hot and new that’ll pair perfectly with your next day off.
Island Jim by Oscar #2 Barber Pole
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Oscuro Corojo
Binder: Honduran
Filler: Honduran
Though the #2 moniker might suggest it, this is not the sequel to the original Island Jim; it’s the name of this cigar’s size—and its #2 pencil-like appearance. Though to make it a bit more confusing, it’s also a new variation on the original blend. The barber pole introduces an Ecuadorian Oscuro Corojo wrapper, giving it a signature dark look. If you pick some up, you’ll enjoy notes of coffee, cedar, and a spiciness that leaves the palate demanding more. You’re going to want to make sure that you’ve got plenty of these in your humidor for those tropical summer moments.
Top New Cigars Spotlight Video Series: Island Jim Barber Pole, Notorious, & Villiger 1888
Notorious Cigars
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano
Binder: Mexican San Andres
Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan
Talk about a crossover episode…
You wanna talk about a cigar that screams “kick ass,” then look no further than a cigar blended in collaboration with MMA legend, Conor McGregor. Apparently, he (with the help of MJ Frias) can make a very high-quality cigar. When you hear about these big celebrity collabs, it’s easy to get a bit skeptical. But in that way, this premium almost reminds me of Guy Fieri’s Knuckle Sandwich. Mainly in that, all worries were laid to rest immediately. McGregor certainly did his homework because this is not a blend you’re going to want to pass up. Notorious’ smoke packs a hefty punch in flavor but never goes all in on strength, leaving this around a medium body. But by the time I was down to the nub, I was left more than satisfied. This blend feels like an ideal social smoke; it’ll fit right in on the porch or a lounge with friends and a couple of suds.
Villiger 1888 Nicaragua Gran Reserva Limited Edition
Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés
Binder: Ecuador Habano
Filler: Nicaragua
After we first got our hands on the Villiger 1888 Nicaragua Gran Reserva, it didn’t take long for it to effectively take our office by storm. Pretty much everyone was singing the praise of the blend. And for good reason, as this is a cigar that really speaks for itself. “Gran Reserva” in the cigar world usually means extra-aged. And you can see how that informs the profile being made here. Each blend spends an extra year aging after rolling, so all the tobacco has plenty of time to get to know each other. It makes for a delicious profile of pepper, peanut, and espresso that I just adored. There are times and there are blends where no amount of fancy writing and descriptions can really sell just how good it is. This is one of those cigars, as it must be tasted to be believed. So, find any excuse you can find and do yourself the favor of picking these up. I guarantee you won’t regret it.
E.P. Carrillo Pledge of Allegiance
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Filler: Connecticut Broadleaf, Dominican, Nicaraguan, PA Broadleaf
Now this is a true rarity...here’s a little bonus Top New Cigar. We may have missed the boat on the 4th of July celebration that this cigar represents, but maybe that just means the patriotism hasn’t left my bloodstream just yet. This is a limited-edition cigar that lives up to the EPC name and is not one to wait on. They’ll fly off the shelves soon enough (and if you’re looking for the Figurado size, you’re already out of luck)! Pledge of Allegiance deserves a lot of love; it impressed me on all fronts. Now, I’ve never had a bad stick from EPC, but this shot into the ranks of one of my favorites almost immediately. Notes of salted caramel, milk chocolate, espresso and pepper kept me smacking my lips and looking to see if we had any more in stock. If it’s not too late, pick these up today!