CA Report: Top New Cigars (Nov 9 2020)

For everything that’s gone wrong in 2020, the lineup of arrivals fresh on the Famous dock is one of the few silver linings. They help us take our minds off an endless cycle of bad news, politics, and crappy 9-5s. That being said…I’ve always said that cigars are a journey, not a destination. New blends lead to discoveries – not just about the cigars, but about ourselves. I’ve been guilty of writing off certain cigar wrappers or even entire manufacturers – just to have a cigar come along and completely reshape my perspective. Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, you’ll get pleasantly proven wrong.

In this edition of TNC, we’ve got three smokes I think are well worth adding to your must-smoke list. We start with Foundation Cigar Co. and then check in with CAO before wrapping up with Rocky Patel. Join me in a continuing flavor odyssey to find the best new cigars!

Charter Oak Habano

Wrapper: Nicaragua Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua

You already know about Charter Oak Connecticut and Maduro; we’ve talked them up ad nauseam, and for good reason…they’re fan-f@#$ing-tastic cigars at a bargain price. Joining in other flavorful fun is Charter Oak Habano, a blend that shares all the attributes that just got me bleeped out. The flavors are straightforward: buttery spices, cedar, and pepper (lots of it) with some hints of caramel at times. It’s still medium-bodied like its brethren, but the Nicaraguan Habano wrapper gives it a kick that full-bodied fans will love. If you’ve turned your nose to Charter Oak in the past, Habano is more than enough reason to pull the trigger.

CAO Bones

Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Connecticut Shade
Filler: Honduras and Nicaragua

We recently reviewed the CAO Bones Blind Hughie and found it to be a solid Maduro smoke. There isn’t much coloring outside the lines here, but that’s the point. Maduro is something that CAO does well, and in my opinion, you don’t fix what isn’t broken. Look for notes of coffee, spices, and hints of cocoa inside big rips of smoke that flow off the foot like a cascade of white silk. Plus, the box comes with a set of dice and a felt-lined lid for craps (which will assist you in taking some fast cash from your buddies). We won’t tell anyone if you don’t. Bottom line…this is Maduro at its finest. Everything you want and nothing you don’t.

Rocky Patel Quarter Century

Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Maduro
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Nicaragua

Rocky Patel’s officially gone silver. 25 years. That amount of time in any industry is impressive, but cigars are particularly unforgiving. There are many best-selling reasons Rocky’s gotten here, but he’ll tell you that Rocky Patel Quarter Century is his “greatest masterpiece ever.” Strong words, but then again, it’s a strong cigar that certainly makes a statement. Nuts, oak, cream, and sweet, earthy nuances filled my palate. This could easily be a Thanksgiving nightcap that goes down smooth when your belly’s full of turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. I say RP Quarter Century is one super premium that is well worth the price tag. Let me know if you agree.