CA Report: Top New Cigars (Sept 13 2021)

I had my first sighting, and it seems to happen earlier every year. It’s official, pumpkin spice season is here. But that’s not what’s got me all excited—enthusiastic, even.

The arrival of the pumpkin spice happens to coincide with one of my favorite times of year.  When the weather is ideal for kicking back outside, and with a great cigar. It’s that time after summer, but before the first day of Fall—ahead of leaves changing and the brisk chill arriving in the air. And football season kicked-off. Need I say more?

It’s pretty obvious you’re going to need a stash of premium cigars to keep you company. Take a pick from the best new cigars at Famous Smoke Shop from Erik Espinosa and AVO, along with the return of an AJ Fernandez favorite. Cigar season is here—put your feet up, relax, and see what these new handmades have to offer.

Have you enjoyed a new cigar that you think should be on our must-smoke list? Give us the details in the comments below!

Sensei’s Sensational Sarsaparilla

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

Erik Espinosa has a way with tobacco. His blends are both approachable and packed with flavor. Sensei’s Sensational Sarsaparilla takes this recipe and dials it up to 11. Expect to be walloped with flavors of spice that remind me of cracked black pepper, sweetness like raisins, hazelnuts, earthiness, and creamy cocoa. The strength is medium to full bodied—closer to full, and the cigar features complexity, transitions, and stays tasty down to the nub.  To me, Sensei’s Sensational Sarsaparilla is one of the top cigars coming out of La Zona and a blend for pretty much any occasion.

AVO Syncro Caribe

Wrapper: Dominican Republic
Binder: Ecuador
Filler: Dominican Republic

The fourth in the Avo Syncro Series, Caribe is a zesty addition for the stalwart brand. I began smoking premium cigars with the Avo Classic, and when I moved on from Connecticut Shade cigars, I moved on from Avo as well. However, the Syncro series reignited my enthusiasm for the brand. Syncro Caribe greeted me with a fresh fruit sweetness and a citrus note, with undercurrents of chocolate, earth, and nuts. And I detected a slight hint of spice on the finish—not enough to say there’s definite spiciness, but enough to keep me interested. Avo has always been an outstanding premium brand and with Syncro—and especially Caribe—they’re coloring outside the lines and reinvigorating their offerings for a new generation of enthusiast.

Indomina by AJ Fernandez

Wrapper: Ecuador Habana 2000
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua

Those that know me, know I’m an AJ Fernandez fan. But even I gave this blend the old hairy eyeball when I saw how affordable it was. This cigar outperforms its price. Indomina outperforms cigars that cost twice as much. To me, this cigar is everything an everyday cigar should be—enjoyable, flavorful, and a deal even at normal retail price. Indomina is medium bodied and hosts an avalanche of flavors including red pepper, cedar, chocolate, baking spice, and strong, black coffee. My palate never becomes overwhelmed though, as this stick remains balanced, and the smoke stays creamy. Do not write this cigar off thinking it’s just another ‘yard-gar.’ Indomina is anything but, it’s an affordable premium that can be enjoyed any time of day.