Cigar Buying Guides

CA Report: Top New Cigars (Oct 12 2020)

October isn’t the first month that comes to mind when you think about cigars, but this red-headed stepchild on the smoking calendar has more to offer than just Halloween. Especially if you’re in the northeast or anywhere where deciduous trees are common. The multicolor earth-tone palette on a mild fall day is an awesome backdrop for a tasty cigar. Plus, we don’t have to mow anymore, right? Right!

This edition of Top New Cigars hails from every corner of the Americas. Tobaccos from Nicaragua, Ecuador, Honduras, Peru and more make up just three cigars that we’re highlighting this week.

So, crack open your pumpkin beer, cider, hot cocoa, or anything that’s helping to stave off the brisk, autumn air and join me for a quick review on three new cigar arrivals at Famous Smoke Shop. As always, drop me a comment if you’ve tried one already and let me know what you thought!

Southern Draw Desert Rose Exclusivo

Wrapper: Ecuador Cloud Grown Claro
Binder: Nicaragua Habano
Filler: Honduras Corojo ’99 and Dominican Piloto Cubano

Everyone’s all about Oktoberfest this and pumpkin spice that. To me – all gimmicks (yeah, I said it). But then, something with a classic appeal like the (extremely) limited-edition Southern Draw Desert Rose Exclusivo comes along. This Famous-exclusive blend is creamy with notes of toast and cedar but offers a dusting of white pepper and spices that most Connecticuts don’t. Great with a latte, hot chocolate, and even a low-proof bourbon, Desert Rose earned a spot in my humidor. There are not many boxes left if you want to try it, but I don’t see you being disappointed.

Back2Back URNY Limited Edition 2019

Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut Shade
Binder: U.S. Connecticut Shade
Filler: Peru and Dominican Republic

2020 has sucked, but this cigar doesn’t, and neither does its price. Simply put, you’re getting a super-premium from Davidoff at half the price (at press time). What’s not to love about that? We noted cocoa, cream, and coffee bean over a dash of cedar and white pepper. If you’re looking for a great way to get started early on sending this year packing, Back2Back URNY Limited Edition 2019 will have you smoking the high life without busting your budget.

Diesel Esteli Puro

Wrapper: Nicaragua Esteli Habano
Binder: Nicaragua Esteli
Filler: Nicaragua Esteli

Remember when puros were actually puros? Everything grown and rolled in a single region? Diesel remembers…and they’ve gone all in on Esteli, Nicaragua. The tobaccos are sourced from AJ Fernandez’ Esteli-based farms like La Lilia, San Jose, and the famed San Lotano, so the blend packs a wallop the way Esteli tobacco should. Fans of strong cigars will find a lot to love, notably its thick, heavy smoke, strong spices, and notes of black pepper, dark wood, and earth. This is the ‘it’s been a long week…er…year’ smoke that will lift your spirits.