13 Long Cigars For Long Summer Days
Shorter, thicker cigars are now dominating the market, but longer smokes still have their place. In fact, one of the most famous cigar smokers of all time, Winston Churchill, smoked longer cigars so often that a particular size of cigar was even named after him. These are cigars that are ideal for making the most of the long days of summer. They are also ideal for those who like to unwind over an extended period, perhaps enjoying a smoke with friends while looking over the water by the beach, your favorite cocktail in hand, or during a Friday night poker game.
We combed through the past 12 months of our extensive database of cigar ratings to find 13 elongated cigars that also delivered big on flavor. All the prominent cigar producing countries (Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Cuba and Honduras) are represented here, along with one made in the United States. The prices run the gamut but bargains are also to be found as seven of these lengthy cigars retail for less than $15 (before taxes), so you don’t have to stretch a dollar further when it comes to extending your smoking pleasure. No matter what cigar (or cigars) you choose on this list, we believe you’ll end up with some serious smoking time, and wonderful flavor.
Fuente Fuente OpusX Reserva d’Chateau (94 points, $19.15)
Since its debut in 1995, the OpusX brand has been a highly sought-after cigar for humidors around the world. The star of this all-Dominican blend is the dark, oily Corojo Cuban-seed wrapper, which comes more into play with the relatively thin 48 ring gauge found on this particular size. It’s a bold smoke full of spice and red meat, with nutmeg and vanilla adding sophistication. See full tasting note.
Aladino Patton (93 points, $20)
Made in the larger than life dimensions of the rare “A” size (in this case 9 inches by 48 ring gauge) this Honduran puro is made by JRE Tobacco Co., using only tobaccos grown on the Eiroas farms in the Jamastran Valley. Despite its length, it has a fine draw and nearly perfect burn. Hazelnut is at the heart of this smoke with accents of toast, spice and sweet almond to rich effect. See full tasting note.
Olmec Maduro Double Corona (93 points, $16)
The Olmec brand was created by Foundation Cigar Co. brand owner Nick Melillo as a tribute to the ancient Olmec civilization, and to Mexico where its wrapper leaves are grown. This 7-by-54 Churchill is rich and earthy, and displays a profound walnut note with caramel, leather and a wisp of black pepper preceding a finish hinting of black licorice. See full tasting note.
Juan Lopez Selección Especial (92 points, £52.60)
Rolled in the 6 3/4-by-52 size known as Fortunas in Cuban cigar factories, this Churchill was released in 2021 as a Casa del Habano exclusive. While medium-full in body, its smoke is on the sweeter side, with an opening assortment of almond, chocolate and nougat impressions. Brioche, spice and as hint of honey also enter the fray, culminating in a finish reminiscent of a slice of apple pie. See full tasting note.
New World Oscuro Double Corona (92 points, $9)
This thick double corona is from A.J. Fernandez’s core New World line and is made with all-Nicaraguan tobaccos, including its oscuro wrapper. The binder was grown in Jalapa with a mix of fillers grown in Ometepe, Condega and Estelí. First puffs are sweet with chocolate and vanilla but it gains strength espresso, earth and toast. The nutty finish hints of mocha. See full tasting note.
Ramon Allones Gigantes (92 points, £42.40)
Though not the biggest name in the Cuban cigar portfolio, Ramon Allones has its fans. This size is a double corona, and has combustion that is even and cool with a wheaty quality to the smoke. Big notes of almond and vanilla come on later, adding finesse. In 2021 it scored the No. 18 spot in Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25. See full tasting note.
Don Pepin Garcia Original Exclusivos (91 points, $10.50)
American-made cigars are not as common in the cigar market as they once were but the Don Pepin Garcia Original (commonly referred to as “blue label”) is one of the remaining regular-production lines produced in the United States. The Exclusivos is an “A” size, measuring 9 1/4 inches long by 48 ring. The smoke is sweet and toasty with a note of raspberry jam that unveils elements of leather and earth before a black pepper spiciness. See full tasting note.
Henry Clay War Hawk Churchill (91 points, $9)
Named after an early nineteenth century politician, the Henry Clay cigar brand dates back to Cuba in the 1800s. The War Hawks, such as Clay, were a group of politicians known for the aggressive political stance, but despite the name this cigar is not a power bomb. Cedar, gingersnap and orange peel come through clearly before the peanut finish. The Churchill is the newest size in the line, which was first introduced in 2020 and the Corona size was the No. 10 cigar of that year. See full tasting note.
Illusione 4/2g Slam (91 points, $13.25)
This softly pressed double corona is from brand owner Dion Giolito’s core “Original Documents” line, which was created to evoke the taste of pre-Sandinista Nicaraguan cigars. It burns evenly and produces lots of creamy smoke. Hints of black pepper, almond and raisin frame a core of dark-roasted arabica coffee bean. See full tasting note.
Tatuaje Broadleaf Reserva Tainos (91 points, $13)
While the Miami-made version of Tatuaje’s Reserva brand has an Ecuador wrapper, the Nicaraguan-made version comes cloaked in Connecticut broadleaf. This double corona from Tatuaje’s Pete Johnson is earthy but also sweet and spicy. Secondary notes vanilla, black pepper and coffee also emerge. The finish hints of chocolate-covered raisin. See full tasting note.
Diamond Crown Robusto No. 1 (90 points, $21.45)
While quite imposing at its 8 1/2-by-54 dimensions, this “A” from J.C. Newman is as easygoing as its genuine Connecticut Shade wrapper suggests. The excellent draw gives off a palate of fresh tobacco which mixes pleasantly with both nuts and floral impressions. Made in the Dominican Republic by the Fuentes, it’s perfect for both fans of milder cigars or as an early-morning first cigar of the day. See full tasting note.
E.P. Carrillo Allegiance Wingman (90 points, $13.50)
While this box-pressed Churchill bears E.P. Carrillo’s name, this cigar is not made at Ernesto Perez-Carrillo’s Tabacalera La Alianza factory in the Dominican Republic, but was instead made in Nicaragua at the Oliva factory. Drawing and burning evenly, mocha and cinnamon set the stage and builds in strength with notes of earth, herbs and a touch of pepper before the gingerbread finish. See full tasting note.
La Palina Classic Natural Double Corona (90 points, $8.75)
Once made in the Dominican Republic by PDR Cigars the Classic Natural line is now made in Honduras at General Cigar’s HATSA factory. Retailing for just $8.75, this 7 1/2-by-50 double corona is the most affordable cigar on this list. Honduran tobacco makes up the majority of the blend, with part of the filler consisting of some Dominican and Nicaraguan leaves. It exhibits open combustion and draws evenly. The smoke is earthy and woody with a prominent note of cashew. See full tasting note.
