Category: Cigar

Introduction

Drew Estate’s Acid cigars are among the top-selling brands in the United States, beloved by many “Drewbies” (Drew Estate enthusiasts). These Nicaraguan long-filler, handmade cigars feature a natural flavor infusion that imparts a strong floral taste as they burn. Unlike many competitors, Acid cigars utilize a technical infusion process, placing them head and shoulders above merely flavored or tipped cigars. Among the Acid family, the Kuba Kuba (a 5×54 Double Robusto, sometimes referred to as the “blue label”) stands as the most popular. LM Cigars offers great savings on all Drew Estate brands, including Acid Kuba Kuba in boxes of 24 and variety packs. Join us for an Acid Kuba Kuba Review.

Background

Drew Estate is a household name for cigar aficionados, known for its eccentric branding and massive distribution through Swisher International, Inc., which has owned the company since 2014. The company, founded by Jonathan Drew and Marvin Samel in Brooklyn, embodies a millennial, New York hipster vibe. Drew Estate collaborated with Brooklyn urban-industrial artist Scott Chester, resulting in a cigar appealing to both traditional cigar aficionados and new-age hipsters. Acid cigars are infused with natural botanical flavors, including lavender, lilac, chamomile, red wine, and vanilla, creating a unique smoking experience.

Appearance and Construction

The Acid Kuba Kuba is a 5×54 Double Robusto parejo cigar with a Sumatran Sungrown wrapper and the signature Acid flavor infusion. The wrapper is consistently colored with a lovely oily sheen and small veins. The cigar’s aroma is dominated by the Acid infusion, though the Sumatran tobacco offers a woody, vegetal scent reminiscent of hemp or moss. The binder and filler blend is made from select aged Nicaraguan Cuban-seed tobacco. The cigar’s band, featuring a metallic blue coloration, adds to its appeal, evoking the look of an old tin beer sign.

Smoking Experience

The cold draw of the Acid Kuba Kuba reveals woody, floral flavors with hints of cedar, citrus bergamot, black tea, lavender, and vanilla. These botanical and natural flavors create a unique taste that doesn’t feel artificial. As the cigar burns, it develops more grassy and earthy notes, remaining sweet on the lips. Despite its larger ring gauge, the cigar lights easily and produces a large amount of smoke, reminiscent of incense or potpourri. The cigar creates a solid, bone-white ash and burns for about an hour and fifteen minutes.

Flavor Development

While the initial smoke has strong botanical notes, these flavors dissipate over time, revealing typical tobacco flavors from the Nicaraguan filler and Sumatran wrapper. Earthy, spicy, grassy, and mossy notes emerge, blending with the botanical base to create a crescendo of intense flavors. Towards the end, tar buildup and heat slightly detract from the experience, but overall, the Acid Kuba Kuba remains a great choice for both purists and hipsters. Whether you are a “Drewbie” or not, this cigar is worth picking up from LM Cigars, and boxes of Acid cigars make a great gift.

Acid Kuba Kuba

The ACID Kuba Kuba cigar experience is like no other. Each ACID Kuba Kuba cigar holds new exploration in tobacco curing & blending that are the closest guarded secrets.

$217.46

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Oliva Serie V is arguably the most successful cigar brand in America. Since the mid-2010’s, Oliva Serie V consistently earns 90+ scores from Cigar Aficionado and other industry journals, such as Cigar Journal or Halfwheel. Cigar enjoyers around the world rave about this cigar brand, smoking it time and again. It stands to reason that Oliva’s parent company, J. Cortes AKA the Vandermarliere Family of Cigars, would create limited edition sizes for annual release. A recent release, Oliva produced 14,500 perfecto-sized cigars for the Melanio’s 2023 release. A beautiful cigar with a phenomenal draw and taste, these cigars are the newest worthwhile purchase from LM Cigars. Today, we are going to take you on a journey of the Oliva Serie V Melanio review.

               The Oliva Cigar Co. is a cigar manufacturer based out of South Florida. Tracing its roots to Gilded Age Cuba, Melanio Oliva and, later, his son first grew tobacco for the company’s cigars in 1886. The company prided itself on a fine selection of Pinar del Rio tobaccos until the 1959 Revolution forced the family to leave to the “new world.” Beginning in the 1960’s, the Oliva family became world famous for growing choice Nicaraguan tobaccos. The company has been manufacturing cigars in conjunction with J. Cortes since 2016. Because of the marketing and distribution expertise of the Vandermarliere family, the namesake Oliva Serie V Melanio is one of the world’s finest cigars.

               The Oliva Serie V Melanio is a Nicaraguan handmade, long-filler cigar available in boxes of 10. Because of the low box count, the cigars are handsomely priced and frequently purchased by the unit. The wide net of distribution, too, makes these cigars extremely requested and desired by cigar enjoyers from coast to coast. Despite being a limited production figurado shape, the Ano 2023 Figurino comes in at $170.00/box through LM Cigars. This represents tremendous value for the consumer who collects and enjoys super premium allocated cigars. These cigars also make a great gift for a loved one or boss due to the rarity of the box and its remarkably pleasant blend.

               The Oliva Serie V Melanio Edicion Ano 2023 Figurino is a 5.5”x54 perfecto cigar which comes in boxes of 10. The cigars are beautifully packaged with a stunning vista of the Oliva tobacco operations in Nicaragua against the box’s lid. The cigars also bear three lovely bands, including the Ano 2023 band. It includes a QR code message from Frederik Vandermarliere in which he discusses the nature of beauty. A thing of beauty indeed, the cigars have a luscious Sumatran sungrown wrapper which resembles chocolate. The seductive smell of the cigars immediately invites consumption. Though the wrappers have, at times, a mottled appearance, the overall look is an oily sheen. The enjoyer of these cigars is transported to the fields of Nicaragua by the mere aroma—richly reminiscent of leather, moss, and chocolate.

               The cold draw envelops the user in the decadent notes of Nicaraguan leather, chocolate, and coffee. The stunning thing, however, is found in the cigar’s pleasant draw. Perfecto shaped cigars—figurados in general, really—suffer from a tight draw at the tip of the cigar unless a very generous cut is provided. The Oliva Serie V Melanio Edicion Ano 2023 Figurino requires very little “off the top.” This provides the user with a great draw, a longer smoking experience, and less frustration with tobacco flakes in his or her mouth—it’s a thing of beauty. By the same virtue, the narrow head of a perfecto symmetrically guarantees an easy light. The small foot quickly ignites and burns through the first third of the cigar with little need for touching up or relighting.

               The most consistent tasting notes throughout the Figurino’s smoking experience are chocolate and earth. This general profile is married in the second third with hints of cedar, baker’s spices, and leather before adding coffee and moss in the final third. The complex and enjoyable mix of notes visit and dance across the tastebuds like revelers at a party. The cigar builds slightly in tar and bitterness towards the end due to the nature of perfecto shaped cigars but this can be offset by “purging.” (i.e., blowing smoke out of the cigar while lighting to rid it of tar and stale ash.) The only disruption to the party is the necessity of peeling off the cigar’s numerous bands.

This is truly one of the best cigars available from LM Cigars. The flavor is such that one savors it on the lips and thinks of it for weeks afterwards. We hope the Oliva Serie V Melanio review helps entice you to try this exquisite blend.

Oliva Serie V Melanio Edicion Ano 2023 Figurino

The Oliva Serie V Melanio Edicion Ano 2023 Figurino cigar is a limited-edition size in the Melanio series. These will not last long and utilizes the same award-winning blend that gave the Oliva Melanio Cigar of the Year accolades!

$170.00

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Cohiba, the most famous cigar brand in the world, is currently made by two different companies in two different “worlds.” The Cuban Cohiba is manufactured by Habanos S.A., the Cuban government’s cigar company. The other Cohiba, registered and owned by General Cigar Co. since 1978, is manufactured by Tabacalera de Garcia, one of the largest factories in the Dominican Republic. Cigar aficionados easily distinguish the two brands thanks to one having the common motif of an Arawak Indian head and the other have a red dot in its “o.”  Despite the confusion, both cigars retain their own identity and prestige in the cigar smoking world for their quality and craftsmanship. Indeed, the Dominican Cohiba is one of the best Cameroon-wrapper handmade cigars available on the market.

               The Cohiba Red Dot Toro Tube cigar is a Dominican handmade, long-filler cigar manufactured by General Cigar Co. in their famous Tabacalera de Garcia. The cigar is a smooth to medium-bodied cigar with Dominican long filler tobaccos, Indonesian binder, and Cameroonian wrapper. The resultant blend is a phenomenal cigar with a reasonable price point. These cigars are immaculately molded into a 6×50 toro parejo shape and then safely protected by aluminum tubes before boxing. LM Cigars currently offers these cigars in a box of 10 for significantly less than their MSRP. This means LM Cigars’ consumers acquire one of General’s most desirable brands for a fraction of the cost.

               The aluminum tube, while a nice touch, is not smokable. Upon discarding the tube, the cigar enjoyer greets a lovely wrapper which can simply be described as Cameroon. Cameroon tobacco is grown in the tropical valleys of Sub-Saharan Africa. As such, the tobacco gains a mottled wrapper with hues of cocoa, mahogany, and hazelnut. Despite looking matte and dry, the wrapper puts off a tremendous aroma from the oils and sugars it contains—cedar, almonds, and coffee. As an aside, Cameroon is also selected for its delicate nature seen in the leaf’s thin veins. The cold draw matches the cigar’s smell in pleasantness, joining the Cameroon with the mossy-earthiness of Dominican long-filler and the floral-mustiness of Indonesian binder. This cigar leaves the enjoyer salivating which only serves to wet the tobacco and bring out more tasting notes.

               The review team at LM Cigars elected a straight cut for this classic 6×50 toro parejo, but the true aficionado knows cigar cutting is a subjective matter. The cap being cleanly separated, the smoking can begin soon thereafter. The initial light yields an incense-like, nutty smoke reminiscent of marzipan or kransekake (a Scandinavian almond cake). The smoke is very sweet and sweeter still when pulled through the cigar in the opening puffs. There is a distinct vegetal, mossy taste from the Dominican long filler which marries the nuttiness to root vegetable and earth. The first tasting notes linger for much of the smoking experience, making this a very consistent cigar. The cigar required slight relighting towards the final third, but this results in a complex dance of pepper, clay, and minerals which persist to the finish.

               This cigar is a pleasant smoke and a great exposition of what a good blender makes out of exotic tobaccos from Africa and Asia. Being smooth to medium-bodied, this cigar is approachable for the neophyte or the adept. The price point is not unreasonable to boot. This is the kind of cigar someone would smoke on a summer evening with some Spanish brandy or cognac. Ideally smoked after dinner, the strength is not so potent that it would send the unprepared reeling. This cigar, being sold as a box of 10, similar to an Oliva Serie V Melanio or a Cuesta-Rey Centro Fino, is a fine addition to any hobbyist’s humidor. If the consumer does not adore the Red Dot, the burden comes in 10 instead of 20 or 25. With Father’s Day around the corner, too, the non-smoker might purchase this for the smoking man in his or her life.

Some cigar aficionados write off the “big name” cigar companies, such as General Cigar Co. or Altadis USA, due to the breadth of their portfolio and the massive scale of their production facilities. Snobbish cigar enjoyers incorrectly assume the cigars will lack the same dedication and quality as brands with a more luxury, family-owned persona, such as Arturo Fuente Cigar Co. or Padron. With the Cohiba Red Dot Toro Tube, however, General Cigar Co. demonstrates it can hold its own against any boutique, premium, or luxury cigar brand made by less corporate manufacturers.

Cohiba Toro Tube

The Cohiba Red Dot Toro Tubo is a classic cigar shape in the original Cohiba series. Each Cohiba Toro cigar is wrapped with an aged Cameroon wrapper and handcrafted to perfection in the Dominican Republic for a rich and smooth, medium-bodied blend.

$175.44

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When it comes to enjoying a fine cigar, the experience is as rich in tradition as it is in flavor.

One common question among new aficionados and curious bystanders alike is, “Do you inhale a cigar?”

The simple answer is no, inhaling cigars is not recommended. Cigars are designed for a leisurely smoking experience where the focus is on the rich flavors and aromatic scent, rather than inhalation into the lungs. Hold the smoke in your mouth for a moment, then gently exhale it.

But there’s more to it than just that.

Unlike cigarettes, cigars are crafted to be savored. This introductory guide will explore why inhaling cigar smoke is not recommended, how to properly enjoy a cigar, and what makes this experience uniquely enjoyable.

So, whether you’re a seasoned smoker or new to the world of cigars, understanding the art of cigar smoking can enhance your appreciation of this age-old indulgence.

Introduction to Cigar Smoking

Cigar smoking is an esteemed tradition that dates back centuries, offering a sophisticated and contemplative experience that sets it apart from other forms of tobacco use.

A cigar is composed of tightly rolled tobacco leaves, which have been aged and fermented to bring out deep and varied flavors. Cigar wrappers carry much of the flavor.

Unlike cigarettes, cigars come in a range of shapes and sizes, each offering a unique smoking duration and intensity of flavor. This variety allows connoisseurs to select a cigar that perfectly matches their taste preferences and the occasion.

What truly distinguishes cigars is the method of enjoyment: smokers are meant to draw the smoke into their mouths to savor the complex flavors, but not to inhale it into their lungs. This practice highlights the rich, nuanced profiles of the tobacco and turns smoking into a more deliberate and pleasurable activity, rather than a quick nicotine fix.

Why You Should Not Inhale Cigar Smoke

When enjoying a premium cigar, it’s important to remember that the intended experience is markedly different from smoking a cigarette.

Cigars are crafted to deliver rich, complex flavors and aromas, which are best appreciated when the smoke is allowed to linger in the mouth, not inhaled into the lungs.

Inhaling bypasses much of the subtleties of a cigar’s flavor profile, which can only be fully perceived through the palette.

Moreover, due to the construction of cigars — which involves using whole tobacco leaves — the smoke is much denser and more intense than cigarette smoke. This intensity is designed for sensory enjoyment through taste and smell rather than through deep inhalation.

By not inhaling, you engage more directly with the craftsmanship of the cigar, experiencing the intended nuances and richness that the cigar maker has infused into the product.

This method not only respects the artistry behind cigar production but also enhances your personal enjoyment, allowing you to savor each moment of the smoking experience.

Slowing Down with a Great Cigar

In our fast-paced world, slowing down to enjoy a great cigar can offer a rare moment of solace and reflection.

Smoking a cigar is not merely about indulgence in tobacco; it’s a deliberate pause, a ritual that demands patience and mindfulness. Each puff encourages you to sit back and contemplate the intricate flavors released by the premium tobacco leaves.

As the smoke swirls and the layers of earthy, spicy, or sweet notes unfold, time seems to slow down, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the moment.

This unhurried experience can be a perfect counterbalance to the daily rush, providing a luxurious break to gather one’s thoughts, enjoy good company, or simply relax alone.

The ritual of choosing a cigar, cutting it, and lighting it up is as much a part of the enjoyment as the smoking itself, creating a mindful routine that highlights the artistry behind each cigar.

Embracing this practice not only enhances your appreciation of fine cigars but also enriches your ability to savor life’s quieter moments.

How to Properly Smoke a Cigar

Smoking a premium cigar is an art form, one that emphasizes relaxation and appreciation of flavor. For those new to cigars or looking to refine their technique, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to properly smoke a cigar, with a specific focus on enjoying the experience without inhaling the smoke:

1. Choose Your Cigar: Select a cigar based on your personal taste preferences and the occasion. Consider the strength, from mild to full-bodied, which correlates with the intensity of flavor and nicotine content. Size and shape also affect the smoking time and intensity.
2. Cutting the Cigar: Use a quality cutter to make a clean cut on the cap of the cigar. This allows for even airflow without damaging the structure of the cigar.
3. Lighting the Cigar: Light your cigar with a butane lighter or a wooden match, avoiding petrol lighters which can alter the flavor. Toast the foot (the open end) of the cigar lightly before fully lighting it to ensure an even burn. Cigar Aficionado has a great step by step guide to lighting.
4. Drawing Smoke: Gently draw smoke into your mouth without inhaling it into your lungs. Think of it as sipping the smoke, letting it swirl around your mouth to fully appreciate the richness and layers of flavor.
5. Savor the Flavor: Allow the smoke to sit in your mouth for a few seconds. This exposes your palate and olfactory senses to the full experience of the cigar’s taste and aroma.
6. Exhale Gently: Exhale the smoke slowly and enjoy the lingering flavors that each puff brings. The goal is to relax and take your time between puffs, allowing the cigar to burn slowly and evenly.
7. Resting the Cigar: Between puffs, rest the cigar on an ashtray. This helps regulate the temperature and ensures the cigar does not burn too quickly, which can affect the flavor.

By following these steps, you can enjoy the full sensory experience of smoking a cigar without inhaling.

This method not only enhances the enjoyment of the cigar’s flavors but also respects the craft and tradition behind cigar making.

The Art of Savoring Cigar Smoke

The art of savoring cigar smoke is a refined practice that involves deeply engaging one’s senses to fully appreciate the intricate flavors and aromas that each cigar offers.

To truly experience the sensory pleasure of cigar smoking, start by selecting a cigar that aligns with your flavor preferences, whether it be earthy, mild, or robust.

Before lighting, smell the cigar to get a hint of its raw scent and potential flavor notes.

As you light the cigar and begin to smoke, draw the smoke into your mouth but do not inhale it. Let the smoke envelop your palate, noticing the layers of flavor—perhaps hints of cedar, chocolate, or spice.

Exhale slowly and pay attention to the aftertaste that lingers, which might change subtly as the cigar burns down.

Additionally, take a moment to appreciate the aroma of the smoke around you, which can complement the taste and enhance the overall experience.

Each puff should be taken leisurely, allowing the cigar to cool between draws to maintain the integrity of the flavors.

Engage in this ritual in a calm setting where you can be attentive to the nuances of the cigar’s profile. This mindful approach not only maximizes your enjoyment but turns cigar smoking into a meditative, almost therapeutic, activity.

By embracing these techniques, you elevate the act of smoking a cigar from a simple habit to a rich, sensory exploration.

Differences Between Cigar and Cigarette Smoking

The differences between premium cigar and cigarette smoking are profound, both in how they are smoked and their respective health implications.

When asking “Do you inhale cigars?” it’s important to note that unlike cigarettes, cigars are not typically inhaled.

Cigar smoke is meant to be drawn into the mouth, allowing the smoker to savor the complex flavors from the tobacco leaf before gently exhaling.

This contrasts sharply with cigarette smoking, where the smoke is usually inhaled into the lungs, delivering nicotine more directly into the bloodstream.

Cigars and cigarettes also differ significantly in their construction and tobacco content.

Cigars are often made from a whole tobacco leaf wrapped around a tobacco filler, making them larger and containing more tobacco than cigarettes.

This results in a smoking session that can last from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on the cigar size, compared to the quick smoking time of cigarettes.

Premium cigars, often hand-rolled and aged, offer a breadth of flavors and smoking experiences that cigarette smoking does not.

Health implications also vary widely.

While all tobacco products present health risks, the risk profiles differ. Cigar smokers, who typically do not inhale, might face lower risks of lung diseases.

Cigarette smokers, on the other hand, are more susceptible to lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, and coronary heart disease due to inhalation. Both types of smoking contribute to secondhand smoke exposure, though the volume and concentration of smoke differ.

Understanding these distinctions helps illustrate why premium cigar smoking is often viewed more as an art form, a practice of tasting notes and flavors through a careful draw of smoke into the mouth, compared to the more habitual nature of cigarette smoking.

This cultural and practical difference underscores why many cigar smokers are drawn to the tradition of smoking premium, traditional cigars as a leisurely pastime, not merely for nicotine consumption.

Common Mistakes in Cigar Smoking

For new enthusiasts venturing into the world of cigar smoking, common mistakes can impact both the experience and appreciation of this fine art form.

A typical error is smoking cigars too quickly.

Unlike cigarettes, cigars are crafted to be enjoyed slowly. Smoking a cigar too rapidly can cause it to burn too hot, which may alter the natural flavors of the tobacco leaf, making them harsh and less enjoyable.

Using the wrong type of cigar cutter or cutting too much off the cigar’s cap can also ruin a good smoke.

A bad cut may affect the cigar’s airflow and can lead to an uneven burn, known as “canoeing.”

Premium cigars, especially, require a precise cut with a sharp cigar cutter to maintain the integrity of their carefully constructed wrapper leaf and ensure the best smoking experience.

New cigar smokers should take their time to learn about proper cigar smoking techniques and the different types of cigars available.

This knowledge can greatly enhance one’s enjoyment and ensure that the risks associated with tobacco use are minimized.

Understanding these basics helps to respect the tradition and craftsmanship that goes into producing each premium cigar.

FAQ’s

1. Do you inhale cigar smoke?

• No, unlike cigarette smoke, cigar smoke should not be inhaled into the lungs. The enjoyment of cigars lies in savoring the smoke in your mouth to appreciate the complex flavors.

2. How do I choose the right cigar?

• Select a cigar based on your personal taste preferences and the occasion. Consider the strength, from mild to full-bodied, which correlates with the intensity of flavor and nicotine content. Size and shape also affect the smoking time and intensity.

3. What is the proper way to light a cigar?

• Use a butane lighter or a wooden match for a cleaner taste. Aim to evenly toast the foot of the cigar before taking your first puff. Avoid petrol lighters as they can affect the flavor of the tobacco.

4. How long does it take to smoke a cigar?

• The time it takes to smoke a cigar can vary greatly depending on its size and type. A smaller cigar may take about 30 minutes, while a larger one can last for over an hour.

5. Can I relight a cigar if it goes out?

• Yes, you can relight a cigar if it goes out. First, gently tap off any excess ash, then reheat the foot evenly before drawing again. However, try to relight it within an hour to avoid any bitterness.

6. How do I cut a cigar correctly?

• Use a sharp cigar cutter to make a clean cut. You should cut just above the cap line, ensuring not to cut too deep into the body of the cigar as this can cause it to unravel.

7. What should I do with the ash?

• Allow the ash to form and fall off naturally, usually around an inch in length. This helps regulate the temperature of the burn and contributes to the flavor and smoking experience.

8. Is cigar smoking as harmful as cigarette smoking?

• All tobacco use carries health risks. Premium cigar smoking is generally not done as frequently as cigarette smoking but involves higher amounts of tobacco per use, which can be equally harmful, especially without inhalation. It’s important to be aware of the risks, such as oral and throat cancers.

9. How can I store cigars to maintain their quality?

• Store cigars in a humidor, which controls humidity at an optimal level to keep the cigars fresh. A stable environment of about 70% humidity and 70 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal.

10. What are the signs of a well-made cigar?

• A well-made cigar will have a firm body without soft spots, a smooth wrapper, and a uniform color. It should draw smoothly and burn evenly, producing a firm ash.

These FAQs cover the basics of cigar smoking, offering insights into how to maximize enjoyment while understanding the craft behind each cigar.

Luis Martinez, a long-time resident of Tampa and Key West, is not accustomed to the biting cold of sub-70-Fahrenheit weather. As the frost recedes and Spring blooms forth once again, cigar enjoyers emerge like bears from hibernation and begin smoking cigars outside. For most cigar smokers, a Toro or Gordo is their go-to size of cigars. LM Cigars has curated a list of the top 5 6×60 Gordo cigars to try this spring. As always, LM Cigars offers the best cigar selection and value on the internet.

If you are not a seasoned cigar aficionado, Gordos are larger ring-gauge cigar sizes. Typically, cigars come in a thickness or caliber which cigar manufacturers measure using sixty-fourths of an inch. The thicker a cigar’s ring-gauge, the more a cigar enjoyer is to extend his smoking experience and enjoy the full body of a cigar’s filler leaves. Many cigar aficionados gravitate towards larger ring-gauge Nicaraguan handmade cigars because of the value and quality of the smoking experience.

For more information and context, keep reading…

#5 La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor Valentino

La Aroma de Cuba is a no brainer on any cigar countdown because of the quality of its construction and its consistency as a brand, earning numerous awards since its unveiling in the early 2000’s. Most cigar aficionados already know this beloved brand but perhaps have not enjoyed the lovely blend in a larger vitola. Speaking from experience, this is a cigar which possesses the right amount of spice to give an enjoyable smoking experience but not overwhelm those with a smooth or medium-bodied palate orientation.

The La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor Valentino is handmade by some of the finest cigarmakers for Ashton at Tabacalera Cubana in Esteli, Nicaragua. This 6×60 cigar is a textbook Gordo, possessing tremendous flavor and value in a package which will prevent those with larger hands from looking ridiculous. The flavor is a rich cocoa-forward earth paired with leather, peanuts, and floral notes thanks to the cigar’s blend of Mexican San Andreas wrapper on top of Nicaraguan binder and filler.

#4 Rocky Patel Disciple Sixty

Another Nicaraguan 6×60 sure to rock your world is the Rocky Patel Disciple Sixty. This cigar also possesses Mexican San Andreas tobacco, but before the editors are accused of bias towards one of the richest and most decadent tobaccos in the world: this Mexican tobacco is not as thoroughly fermented. As a result, this cigar possesses a strength when smoked reminiscent of pepper and wood more so than earth and cocoa. Disciple is one of Rocky Patel’s greatest blends, a testament to his longevity in the industry despite trials and tribulations.

Handmade at Tabacalera Tavicusa in Esteli, Nicaragua, the Mexican tobacco used as wrapper is skillfully married with Nicaraguan binder and filler to create a profile with additional tasting notes of leather and hay. Given the sheer volume of Nicaraguan handmade cigars, there are concerns over quality and consistency. This cigar puts those fears to rest by demonstrating the highest form of New World cigar blending.

#3 Brick House Maduro Mighty Mighty

Unsurprising to anyone who appreciates larger ring-gauge cigars, Brick House made this list. Brick House has been king of the hill as far as the Nicaraguan value long-filler market is concerned for about 15 years. Clocking in at 6.25×60, this brand is literally Mighty Mighty, a reference to the 1977 hit single by the Commodores. This gives a slightly longer smoking experience than the typical 6-inch 6×60 cigars on this list. The brand’s manufacturer, J.C. Newman Cigar Co., attributes the extension to their desire to create a social atmosphere amongst cigar enjoyers. Simply put: longer smoke, more friends.

The Maduro blend is especially flavorful with a sweet and spicy Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper, giving the cigar tasting notes of campfire char and barnyard hay. Paired with the sensational aged Nicaraguan binder and long-filler utilized by J.C. Newman Cigar Co., the cigar aficionado is left amazed and asking for more. On paper, this cigar is a medium to full-bodied smoke. In actuality, the earthy notes tone down the spice and make it palatable for those not accustomed to full-bodied sticks.

#2 Padron 7000 Natural

Just to upset the feng shui, here is another 6.25×60 cigar to make the top 6×60 list. The notion, however, that it is Padron, one of the finest cigar manufacturers in the history of the world, should assuage your anxieties. As with the other cigars on this list, the Padron 7000 Natural is a Nicaraguan value long-filler cigar. The Padron “thousand-series” is the regular production line offered by the company at a retail cost of less than $20 a cigar. These are famously shipped and sold “unaged,” granting the cigars a unique and robust flavor.

This cigar is a true Nicaraguan puro, made of the finest sungrown tobaccos from the myriad Padron family farms. The tasting notes jump all over the place with this one from Baker’s Spices a la Nutmeg and Cinnamon to dark fruit (e.g., Prunes or Raisins) to hay and pepper. It is a rich cigar but not overwhelmingly, unpleasantly decadent or strong. Another Padron idiosyncrasy, the company does not use spacers and packs each box with 26 cigars instead of 25.

#1 West Tampa Tobacco Co. Boliche Blvd.

The ultimate spot on this list falls to Rick Rodriguez who has enchanted the cigar smoking world once again with his elegance and skill as a cigar blender for West Tampa Tobacco Co. Named in honor of one of the largest Cuban and Latino communities in Florida, Boliche Blvd. is a limited edition 6×60 Gordo cigar. Columbus Drive, otherwise known as Boliche Blvd., is famous the world over for the large number of Cuban restaurants at its intersections and the celebrities, typically baseball players, who grew up eating the Cuban food served there. That being said, Boliche Blvd. cigars are one of the most flavorful baseball bats you can smoke.

An undisclosed blend, the Boliche Blvd. possesses earth and dark fruit on the cold draw. The lighting and smoking experience marries these flavors with leather, hay, and wood. This is a medium to full-bodied cigar. Handmade at Garmendia Cigar Co. in Esteli, Nicaragua, this cigar trumps all other Nicaraguan 6×60 handmade cigars by a noticeable metric. Despite coming in sizeable boxes of 50, stylized after the Florida cigar boxes and tobacco crates of yesteryear, these cigars are a limited run and only 500 boxes total were made for the world.

For decades, the mere mention of Cuban cigars has conjured images of luxury, sophistication, and forbidden indulgence. But why exactly are these prized smokes prohibited on American soil?

There are deep historical, political, and legal reasons behind the ban that keeps Cubans out of the hands of American aficionados but in short, Cuban cigars are illegal in the United States due to the longstanding embargo against Cuba, which was initiated in the early 1960s by President John F. Kennedy.

The embargo was a response to the Cuban government’s nationalization of American-owned assets and its alignment with the Soviet Union during the Cold War. As part of this embargo, the U.S. government prohibits the importation of Cuban products, including cigars, as a means of economically isolating the Cuban regime and pressuring it to adopt democratic reforms.

For more information and context, keep reading…

The Forbidden Fruit

Understanding the allure of Cuban tobacco requires an appreciation for its unparalleled craftsmanship, rich history, and legendary reputation.

Renowned worldwide for their superior quality and distinctive flavors, these cigars are crafted by skilled rollers using traditional methods passed down through generations.

Beyond their exquisite taste, they embody a sense of prestige and exclusivity, symbolizing a taste of the forbidden and evoking images of glamorous evenings and sophisticated gatherings. It’s this mystique, combined with their unmatched quality, that elevates Cuban cigars to iconic status in the world of tobacco enthusiasts.

The Embargo

A historical perspective

The roots of the embargo against Cuba trace back to the early 1960s, during the height of the Cold War while Fidel Castro was leading Cuba and John F. Kennedy was President of the United States.

Fidel Castro led a Communist Revolution and in response to the Cuban government’s nationalization of American-owned assets and its alignment with the Soviet Union, the United States imposed a comprehensive trade embargo on Cuba.

This marked the beginning of a tumultuous relationship between the two nations, with far-reaching consequences for both Cuban and American citizens.

Impact on Cuban cigars

The embargo had a profound impact on the Cuban cigar industry, once renowned for its excellence worldwide.

With the United States being a significant market for Cuban cigars, the trade restrictions dealt a severe blow to Cuba’s economy and its iconic tobacco industry.

Despite this setback, they retained their allure, becoming a symbol of defiance and resilience in the face of adversity.

Efforts to lift the embargo

Over the years, there have been numerous efforts to lift the embargo and normalize relations between the United States and Cuba.

Diplomatic initiatives, negotiations, and policy changes have all been explored in the pursuit of thawing the icy relations between the two nations. However, despite some progress, the embargo remains largely intact, casting a shadow over the possibility of Cuban cigars once again gracing the shelves of American cigar shops.

The Legal Status of Cuban Cigars in the United States

Laws prohibiting importation

The legal landscape surrounding Cuban cigars in the United States is defined by stringent laws prohibiting their importation.

Since the inception of the embargo, it has been unlawful for individuals and businesses to import Cubans into the country.

This prohibition extends to all Cuban-origin products, including cigars, rum, and other goods, regardless of where they were purchased or obtained. The embargo’s legal framework aims to deter Americans from engaging in transactions that support the Cuban government and its economy.

Enforcement and penalties

Enforcement of the ban on Cuban tobacco is taken seriously by U.S. authorities, with severe penalties imposed on violators.

Individuals caught attempting to import them into the United States may face confiscation of the contraband goods, fines, and even criminal prosecution.

Additionally, businesses found in violation of the embargo may be subject to significant penalties, including hefty fines and loss of import/export privileges. The strict enforcement of these laws underscores the government’s commitment to upholding the embargo and its restrictions on Cuban products.

A New Era for Cuban Cigars in the United States

In a landmark shift in U.S. policy, a new law has opened the door for Americans to legally bring a limited quantity of Cuban cigars into the United States.

This groundbreaking change marks a significant departure from decades of strict prohibition, offering cigar enthusiasts a glimmer of hope and a taste of freedom long denied.

While the specifics of the law may vary, the symbolic gesture represents a step towards normalization of relations between the two nations and a recognition of the cultural significance of Cuban cigars.

As travelers return from abroad with their prized purchases in hand, they not only savor the exquisite flavors of Cuba but also celebrate the newfound opportunity to enjoy these iconic smokes without fear of legal repercussions.

The Black Market for Cuban Cigars

Demand in the U.S.

Despite the legal barriers, demand for Cuban cigars in the United States remains significant. The allure of these forbidden treasures, with their reputation for unparalleled quality and prestige, fuels a thriving black market.

Cigar enthusiasts and collectors alike are drawn to the mystique surrounding Cuban tobacco, seeking to indulge in their forbidden pleasures despite the risks involved.

Risks and consequences

Engaging in the black market for Cuban cigars carries considerable risks and consequences. Purchasing and possessing Cuban cigars in the United States are illegal acts that can result in severe penalties.

Individuals caught buying or selling contraband cigars may face confiscation of the products, substantial fines, and even criminal prosecution.

Moreover, there are risks associated with the authenticity and quality of cigars obtained through illicit channels, with counterfeit products being prevalent in the black market.

Exploring Alternatives: Embracing the Diversity of Cigars Beyond Cuban Borders

For those unwilling to take the risks associated with the black market, there are alternatives to obtaining a Cuban cigar.

One option is to enjoy Cuban cigars legally while traveling abroad to countries where they are readily available.

Additionally, while Cuban cigars have long held a prestigious reputation in the world of cigar aficionados, many argue that they are not necessarily the best.

Factors such as consistency, quality control, and innovation play crucial roles in shaping perceptions of cigar superiority. Some critics argue that other countries, such as Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras, have surpassed Cuba in these areas, producing cigars that offer a wider range of flavors, better construction, and more reliable quality.

While the allure of Cuban cigars may be undeniable, enthusiasts need not limit themselves to this singular option.

In the vibrant world of cigars, there exists a diverse array of alternatives waiting to be discovered. Brick-and-mortar establishments and online cigar shops offer aficionados equally remarkable cigars from other cigar-producing countries.

From the lush tobacco fields of Nicaragua to the fertile valleys of the Dominican Republic, each of these regions imparts its unique spin and flavor profile to the cigars it produces. Many brands such as Brick House Cigars even use Cuban seed tobacco.

Whether seeking a bold and full-bodied smoke or a smooth and mellow experience, cigar enthusiasts can always find an abundance of options to suit their preferences.

As we broaden our horizons and explore the vast landscape of cigar options, we open ourselves to new experiences, flavors, and the endless possibilities that await beyond Cuban borders. So, while Cuban cigars may be off-limits, the world of cigars remains rich and diverse, inviting us to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery.

Ultimately, the debate over which country produces the best cigars is a matter of personal preference, with enthusiasts finding enjoyment in the diverse offerings available from around the globe.

Speculation on future changes

As the landscape of international relations continues to evolve, speculation abounds regarding potential changes in the legal status of Cuban cigars in the United States.

With diplomatic efforts aimed at thawing relations between the two nations gaining traction in recent years, there is cautious optimism among cigar enthusiasts that the longstanding embargo against Cuba may eventually be lifted.

Should diplomatic efforts succeed and the embargo be lifted, it could herald a new era for Cuban cigars in the US market. Aficionados eagerly anticipate the prospect of legally obtaining and enjoying these coveted smokes without fear of legal repercussions.

However, the path to normalization remains uncertain, with political complexities and entrenched interests posing significant obstacles. While the future of Cuban cigars in the United States is uncertain, the possibility of change serves as a beacon of hope for enthusiasts.