CA Report: Top New Cigars (Dec 7 2020)

The holidays are going to be a little different this year. What isn’t different is the routine. Get up, brave the negative wind chill and string up the lights, service that ‘trusty’ snowblower that’s gonna crap out any day now, and try not to lose your mind sitting in traffic for three hours because you accidentally went within 20 miles of a mall. You know what else isn’t different? The cure for all that stress. Yep, we’re talking about new cigars – the exploratory adventure that takes you away from all holiday headaches. And we’ve got three worth talking about. 

Smoking something new that’s not on the list? Tell us all about it in the comments below!

Oliva Baptiste Connecticut

Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut Shade 
Binder: Nicaragua 
Filler: Nicaragua 

Elf on the shelf throwing creepy vibes your way? Baptiste Connecticut is a great way to ignore it. A touch of spice and pepper, plus rich, creamy flavors of cedar, vanilla, wood, and earth combine for a welcoming committee we think any mellow fan will love. And then there’s the price. A meager sum will get you world-renowned Oliva quality, and that’s why these aren’t cheap…they’re a value. 

Illusione Classic Cruzado 

Wrapper: Ecuador Corojo 
Binder: Nicaragua 
Filler: Nicaragua 

Can’t find that sold out item on your list? You could keep torturing yourself with the refresh button until it comes back in stock, or you could light up the highly-rated and new-to-Famous Illusione Classic Cruzado. Sweet wood, coffee, spices and pepper are all on tap, and the blend’s thick, silky smoke coats your palate like ice cream. Medium-bodied, and full-flavored, this Illusione is worth gifting yourself this year, and once you smoke it, we think you’ll agree! 

Black Market Esteli Diamond (NEW SIZE!) 

Wrapper: Nicaragua 
Binder: Honduras and Nicaragua 
Filler: Nicaragua 

You can’t think of Alec Bradley without thinking of their Black Market series, and their recent addition of Esteli earned them some serious praise. Now there’s a brand-new Black Market Esteli size called Diamond (Double Toro). With a ring gauge fattened to 54, and a little extra length, this vitola burns longer – and that means more you time in the most hectic of seasons. Don’t worry, that spicy, full-bodied blitz of dark wood, nuts, citrus, and spices is still there, too!