Nine Highly-Rated Cigars To Smoke Right Now
The word “classic” was frequently used in the May/June issue of Cigar Aficionado to describe some of the best movies of all time. But “classic” was applied to more than just the silver screen. Four highly impressive cigars from that issue scored 95 points or higher—Classic status on our 100-point scale. They top this list along with five more of the best-performing cigars in the issue. Many of these selections are familiar staples (including a former Cigar of the Year) while others are newer to the market. Either way, you should certainly seek out these smokes on your next visit to your local cigar shop.
Every cigar rated by Cigar Aficionado is smoked blind by our panel of editors. The tasting coordinator removes the cigars’ identifying bands and replaces them with plain white, numbered labels before passing them out to the tasters. The tasting panel has no idea what they are smoking and cigars are scored objectively without biases such as price, country of origin and manufacturer.
Padrón Serie 1926 No. 48 Maduro (96 points, $22.90)
One of the most critically acclaimed cigar brands in the industry, the Padrón Serie 1926 line was created to honor the birthyear of founder José Orlando Padrón, and to provide a stronger alternative to the popular 1964 Anniversary line. Measuring 5 1/2 inches by 60 ring gauge, the blocky, box-pressed smoke is quite rich with cocoa and almond notes, accented by hints of honey and cinnamon before reaching a crescendo with a roasted peanut finish. See full tasting note.
Alec Bradley Prensado Torpedo (95 points, $14.15)
Since 2010, the box-pressed Prensado line has consistently earned high ratings (the Churchill was named Cigar of the Year in 2011). Rolled in Honduras at the Raices Cubanas factory, this Torpedo features a Honduran wrapper from the Trojes region, which contributes to its bold, earthy and nutty character. The smoke attains complex notes of oolong tea and cocoa to rich effect. See full tasting note.
La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor Duque (95 points, $8.90)
It’s exceedingly rare for a cigar to score so high and retail for so little, but this cigar did just that. It’s made in Nicaragua by My Father Cigars for Ashton Distributors Inc. and is clad in a maduro leaf grown in Mexico’s San Andrés Valley. The smoke shows an alluring interplay of sweet and savory with toasted coconut, cinnamon, honey and sea salt. It also shows that top quality does not always cost top dollar. See full tasting note.
Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado (95 points, $18)
A former Cigar of the Year still has it where it counts. Made with an Ecuador Sumatra wrapper, this double-tapered Nicaraguan from Oliva was the Cigar of the Year in 2014. Back then, Oliva was a family-owned operation but in 2016 it was acquired by J. Cortès Cigars and the quality has held up remarkably well almost 10 years later. The smoke is complex and delectable, providing precise notes of leather, nutmeg and walnut atop a rich, earthy backbone. See full tasting note.
Cohiba Pirámides Extra (94 points, £97.50)
This is one of the most expensive regular-production Cuban Cohibas on the market, but it’s also one of the largest. At 6 1/4 by 54, it’s a little longer and a little thicker than standard Cuban pirámides (hence the extra), and it’s also brimming with flavor. Pronounced impressions of roasted chestnut and cinnamon emerge from the very first puff. It takes on notes of oak, black pepper and almond paste before turning a bit spicy on the finish for a great representation of the Cohiba experience. See full tasting note.
Long Live the Queen Ace of Hearts (94 points, $18)
Clad in a Cameroon wrapper the color of milk chocolate, Long Live the Queen is made in the Dominican Republic at William Ventura’s El Maestro factory for Robert Caldwell. The brand comes in four regular-production sizes, but the box-pressed Ace of Hearts is a limited-edition release and the highest-scoring cigar in the line. Upfront notes of coffee and leather show sweeter layers of almond, caramel and chocolate. See full tasting note.
Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 (93 points, £29.10)
Considered one of Havana’s quintessential Cubans, the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 is a must-smoke robusto prized for both its sophistication and nuance. It offers a pleasant nut-and-honey sweetness that gracefully plays off a spicy note of ground nutmeg before the toasty finish. If you come across a cabinet in your travels, buy it. See full tasting note.
Montecristo Petit No. 2 (93 points, £29.20)
When you want a Cuban Montecristo No. 2, but don’t have the time, try the Petit No. 2. At 4 3/4 by 52, this belicoso is almost an inch and a half shorter than its iconic older sibling, but remains big on flavor. The cigar is on the medium to full-bodied side with a savory backdrop of salt and leather that’s balanced by a note of almond and a dark chocolate finish. See full tasting note.
My Father No. 5 (93 points, $12.90)
Family and legacy are a big part of the cigar industry. This thick 6-by-56 toro is from the core My Father line, which was created by Jaime Garcia in loving tribute to his father José “Pepin” Garcia. Today, they work together growing tobacco and making cigars such as this one in Nicaragua. Despite its thickness, the cigar burns and draws evenly, giving off a dessert-like smoke reminiscent of an almond pastry with notes of orange peel, vanilla and nutmeg before the oaky finish. See full tasting note.
