CA Report: Top New Cigars (February 28, 2022)

Fresh finds at Famous – the best new premium cigars on tap:

…and a side of Random Cigar Thoughts.

Some things were better back in the day. To be frank, I think we’ve gone a little soft. How many of you remember being told any of the following—and usually after a rough fall or a shot to the beans— ‘walk it off,’ ‘rub some dirt in it,’ or the classic ‘go get a drink of water.’ Not only that, but we played outside and weren’t tethered by a mobile phone—we just had to stay within earshot or whatever means were employed to call us back home. And if we were inside playing video games, they were better, too. Whatever happened to moving left to right and punching things? Or pressing “up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A and Start”—if you know, you know.

Cigars are the exception. They are undoubtedly better today. Despite an onslaught of proposed legislation, new regulations, and taxes, there’s an ever-increasing selection of premium cigars available to today’s enthusiast. For example, in this edition of Top New Cigars, you’ll find the latest blends from Montecristo and Dunbarton, plus a new size for an E.P. Carrillo favorite.

Have you enjoyed a new cigar that you think should be on our must-smoke list? We’d love to hear from you! Please give us the details in the comments below!

Espada by Montecristo Signature

Wrapper: Nicaragua Jalapa Colorado Claro
Binder: Nicaragua Esteli
Filler: Nicaragua Esteli

Montecristo cigars are synonymous with success, with smoky boardrooms, and the aroma they emit can best be described as the sweet smell of success. Espada by Montecristo Signature continues that lofty legacy showcasing hand selected, vintage tobaccos grown by Nestor Plasencia. This limited-edition premium was blended in concert with Rafael Nodal and the legendary Grupo de Maestros and delivers an exquisite array of flavors—including baking spices, oak, earthiness, leather, coffee, and milk chocolate sweetness—while remaining squarely in medium-bodied territory. Try Espada Signature if you want to experience some of the best Montecristo has to offer.

E.P. Carrillo Encore Toro (New Size!)

Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua

Yes, this cigar blend isn’t new. In fact, I’m pretty sure you’re familiar—after all some other guys slapped a 96 rating on it and proclaimed it Cigar of the Year. What is new is the vitola, a beefy 6×56 Toro, available only here at Famous. Containing all the aged Nicaraguan tobaccos, the medium-plus bodied E.P. Carrillo Encore Toro delivers a rich notes of baking spices, natural tobacco sweetness, dark chocolate, and earth. And here’s the kicker—it comes in bundles of 10 which means you get some extra savings on this exceptional cigar.

Stillwell Star Bayou No. 32

Wrapper: Ecuador Habano
Binder: San Andres Negro Cultivo Tonto
Filler: Nicaragua cigar tobaccos, Virginia, and Perique pipe tobaccos

Sometimes you catch lightning in a bottle. And if you’re Steve Saka, you’ve caught it over and over. Known for bringing an artisan’s stroke to his blends, he’s brushed the new Dunbarton Stillwell Star line—marrying premium pipe and cigar tobaccos— with some of the same magic. Bayou No. 32 begins as a mellow cigar should with some creaminess, and cedar before the pipe tobaccos join the party. The Virginia and Perique tobaccos add rich, savory notes along with some vibrant zest that both enchants and elevates the overall experience.