THE 10 BEST CONNECTICUT BROADLEAF CIGARS
BEST CONNECTICUT BROADLEAF CIGARS YOU SHOULD BE SMOKING—OUR TOP 10 LIST
Updated February 2023
You’re here to see the Best Connecticut Broadleaf cigars money can buy. But what is it about the tobacco that makes it so alluring? Connecticut Broadleaf is so popular, and often used to make Maduro wrappers, (remember, Maduro is a fermented state of any tobacco leaf, not a varietal) because it stands up to rigors that more delicate tobaccos—like its Connecticut Shade cousin—couldn’t survive.
But it’s not just Connecticut Broadleaf’s durability that makes it popular among cigarmakers. The leaves are dark, rugged, rich in flavor, and burn slowly. Additionally, Connecticut Broadleaf is quite oily and therefore stretches easily—ideal for rolling handmade cigars.
The tobacco, as the name suggests, is grown in the Connecticut River Valley in full sunlight for added nutrients. When harvested, CT. Broadleaf is typically stalk-cut, meaning the entire plant is removed from the base of the stalk, then hung and dried. This method keeps the leaves attached so they continue to be fed nutrients, even well after harvesting.
Ever seen one of those bronze beachies who’ve spent 70 years in the sun? Their skin is leathery and textured from years of tanning. Tobacco reacts similarly, and since Connecticut Broadleaf is usually sun grown, the leaves are veiny, leathery, and have lots more texture (little bumps we call ‘tooth’). Some manufacturers embrace this look. And some employ their cigar rollers to cut around or press the prominent veins for a sleeker look.
Tatuaje’s Pete Johnson says, “Its ugliness is its beauty…I want it to have that gnarly rustic character, otherwise, it’s just not Broadleaf….”
One thing’s certain. Connecticut Broadleaf isn’t going anywhere and its current scarcity proves that it’s ever popular. I’ve picked what I believe to be the best that Broadleaf has to offer. Check out my Top 10 selections below!
Drew Estate Nica Rustica
Country: Nicaragua
Strength: Full
No Broadleaf top 10 list would be complete without this Drew Estate fave. Uber affordable, with flavor that far surpasses its price tag, Nica Rustica proves that you can still get amazing cigars on the cheap. Under $5 (at time of publication) cheap. The secret is that the blend is unrefined. Yes, you read that right. Un. Jonathan Drew chose to focus on natural flavors to accentuate the tobacco’s natural sweetness, earth, pepper, and spices without too much post-harvest meddling. The result is a cigar experience like no other—like smoking a Cuban out of a time capsule.
Ferio Tego Metropolitan Maduro
Country: Nicaragua
Strength: Full
As the Nat Sherman name fades from our minds, Michael Herklots keeps the memories alive with Ferio Tego. He acquired the rights to several legacy Nat blends. Among them, their most beloved, Metropolitan. If you know, you know. If you don’t, Metropolitan Maduro is what a mellow cigar would taste like with a full body: rich, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced. Plus, lots of raisin on the finish. This new old stock is what CT. Broadleaf dreams are made of.
Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial
Country: Nicaragua
Strength: Full
Jaime Garcia (son of master blender, Don Pepin Garcia) blended a cigar so good, he put his name on it. Here’s the down and dirty: Reserva Especial has all the things I love about a great Connecticut Broadleaf: earthy, sweet, peppery off the line, and then shifts into dark cocoa, cedar, notes of coffee. I could keep waxing poetic about how tasty this handmade is, but I think your time would be better served by smoking it—and seeing for yourself!
Punch Clasico Maduro
Country: Honduras
Strength: Full
They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. When it comes to Punch Clasico Maduro…why would you want to? Upon dipping your nose into the box, that wonderfully sweet Connecticut Broadleaf aroma is intoxicating. Earthy and spicy, but undeniably sweet, this old-school Punch still gives a keynote speech in flavor that some newer cigars just can’t deliver. The retrohale is especially spicy if you’re brave enough, rewarding your senses with hints of black cherry and white pepper. I’ll take two, please.
CAO Flathead
Country: Nicaragua
Strength: Full
Before Rick Rodriguez was pedaling West Tampa Tobacco’s finest, he was brand ambassador and a chief blender of CAO. One of his biggest success stories there was CAO Flathead—an immensely popular cigar thanks to both its theme and (more importantly) flavors. Espresso, dark fruit, leather, tangy earthiness combined for an awe-inspiring palate-gasm. It’s just that good. Try it and I bet you’ll agree.
La Gloria Cubana Serie R Maduro
Country: Dominican Republic
Strength: Full
If you’re looking for dark, spicy, and satisfying, look no further. La Gloria Cubana Serie R is a legend in its own time with a deep history that reaches well before the boom. With leaves from four tobacco-producing nations–Mexican, Nicaraguan, Brazilian, and Dominican—you’ll unearth flavors of sweet wood, black cherry, charred oak, and spices. Simply put: Serie R Maduro should be on everyone’s short list.
Romeo y Julieta House of Montague
Country: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium
When you want magic in the blending room, you call AJ Fernandez and Romeo y Julieta. On their own, they both churn out an endless carousel of incredible cigars. Put them together—better tell your taste buds to buckle up. Out of the gate, Romeo y Julieta House of Montague brings a bounty of rich espresso, pepper, and molasses, and a bevy of exotic spices. This Famous Smoke Shop exclusive cigar doesn’t know how to disappoint. Try it and let me know what you think!
Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Maduro
Country: Honduras
Strength: Medium
The Excalibur has always been a special cigar. With its three-nation inner blend from Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic, this Hoyo staple consistently earns high ratings. And it’s not hard to see why once you’ve smoked it. I discovered notes of dark-roast coffee, a subtle creaminess, and just enough spice to keep my taste buds tingling. Additionally, there was a dash of black cherry, cinnamon, and a woody sweetness. 10/10. Would smoke again.
Tatuaje Broadleaf Reserve K222
Country: Nicaragua
Strength: Full
Made in the My Father factory, Tatuaje Broadleaf boasts powerful, peppery flavors for the most daring of palates. Saying there’s a lot of spice up front is an understatement, but the K2221 rounds out quickly—giving off a pleasant oakiness with a pinch of cocoa. As the complexity and flavor profile builds, roasted nuts (think street vendor style) take the spotlight, with an earthy, floral finish.
Arturo Fuente Maduro
Country: Dominican Republic
Strength: Medium
It’s Fuente…need I say more? Talk about a cigar to get you through the first nine holes stress free (not accounting for hooks and slices). And what’s more, Arturo Fuente Maduro is as tasty as it is easygoing. We’re talking a smooth, natural sweetness with distinct layers of nuts, earth, and a hint of cocoa. Whatever it is you’re doing outside, a Fuente Maduro should be no further than arm’s length. Adventures await—and this stick makes them even better.