Top New Cigars (January 23, 2023)
Our Favorite New Cigars – See What’s Best at Famous Smoke Shop!
Most cigar smokers loathe the winter months. It’s cold outside. Too cold (for many of us) to properly enjoy a cigar outside. But all of this blustery wind and snow does have a benefit. It distinguishes—very quickly, I might add—great cigars from the mediocre.
You’re far more likely to brave the elements if a cigar’s flavor is worth it. Conversely, you’ll be quick to chuck it out if it’s terrible. Maybe winter is the ultimate smoking litmus test. Or maybe I’m just crazy. Whatever the case, these new cigars from E.P. Carrillo, Surrogates, and Ace Prime all kept me outside despite freezing conditions. Here are my reviews—let me know what you think in the comments below!
Cuba Aliados Cabinet by E.P. Carrillo
Wrapper: Ecuador Sumatra
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Dominican Republic & Nicaragua
Ernesto Perez-Carrillo has breathed new life into a brand that was once a boom-era cigar shop staple: Cuba Aliados. The limited-edition blend honors the life of the late Ronaldo Reyes Sr., founder of the original Cuba Aliados.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Carrillo without Ernesto’s signature Ecuador Sumatra wrapper—this one’s been aged 5 years! Unveil a decadent medley of tangy-sweet spices, wood, vanilla, and earth, in a full-bodied smoke that’ll invigorate your taste buds. Don’t take my word for it…let Cuba Aliados Cabinet speak for itself!
Surrogates Big Ten
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano Oscuro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Celebrating his line’s 10th Anniversary, Surrogates and Tatuaje founder, Pete Johnson has crafted Surrogates Big 10—a cigar blend limited to just 500 boxes. It’s rolled in a vitola called Britanicas, a 5 3/8” x 48 Perfecto that’s a mainstay size in popular Tatuaje and L’Atelier brands.
I found Big Ten’s flavor to be robust with notes of dark fruit, coffee, black pepper, and earth, with a berry-like sweetness on the finish. Surrogates have always been one of my favorites under the Tatuaje umbrella, and I’m happy to find that Big Ten is no exception. Celebrate 10 years…your senses will thank you!
Mas Igneus
Wrapper: Ecuador Corojo ’98 (High Priming)
Binder: Brazil
Filler: Nicaragua
Ace Prime is still pretty far below the radar to most smokers, but they’ve been turning heads in the industry at an exceeding pace. Their latest cigar offering, Mas Igneus, comes from a partnership with (and is named after) a winery based in Spain’s famed Priorat comarca. The blend is billed as having a balanced pH, perfect for pairing with robust red wines from the region.
I’m not a wine guy, but I found the cigar to be exceptionally well crafted with savory, salty sweetness that kept my mouth watering. Pair it with a bottle (if that’s your thing) and let me know what you think.