For the true cigar aficionado, it's not enough to enjoy a fine smoke from time to time. While quality is always a must, the experience is even more enjoyable when it comes from exclusive or rare cigars.

Rare cigars hold a special place in the hearts of cigar aficionados. That's why top cigar makers curate an impressive selection of limited edition cigars. These exquisite creations embody the essence of exclusivity and craftsmanship, captivating the senses with their unique flavors and aromas. Discover the world of rare cigars and elevate your smoking experience to new heights.

As a discerning enthusiast, settling for anything less than exceptional is not an option. Especially when you consider the prices that elusive cigars can command. To guarantee that your next purchase exceeds expectations, we have carefully curated a selection of three limited edition cigars that are an absolute must-try. Embrace the allure of these meticulously chosen gems from the recent releases.

1. The Macanudo Inspirado Jamao

Macanudo, crafted by the legendary cigar maker Ramon Cifuentes, represents a time-honored lineage of exquisite, premium cigars. With a history spanning five decades, it has become one of the most esteemed and celebrated brands in the market.

And their new  Inspirado Jamao is a celebration of everything related to that lauded history. Limited to 2,300 boxes of 20 sticks each, this top-shelf cigar is exclusive to the U.S. market.

This cigar was a bit of a science experiment for Macanudo. Taking Honduran tobacco seed from the Jamastran Valley and planting it in the Dominican soils of Mao, they've produced a new whole-leaf wrapper unlike any you've seen before. This new wrapper covers a mix of a Honduran binder and fillers from Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic.

The outcome is an indulgent and velvety smoke, boasting a medium-bodied profile. Perfect for the balmy evenings of the season, the Inspirado Jamao unequivocally captivates connoisseurs of all backgrounds with its sheer delight and allure. 

Due to the rarity of these cigars, many cigar aficionados delight in saving a few in their humidor for future enjoyment. This is why it is crucial to learn how to properly season a humidor, as it allows for extended aging time and the preservation of their exquisite flavor.

2. The Excalibur Illusione

Our second pick is a collaboration between General Cigar Co. — the parent company of Macanudo — and smaller up-and-comer Illusione. This exclusive cigar was over a year in the making, and the result is worth the wait.

The cigar comes in a single, a single 7 1/4 x 54 size. This profile is based on the Excalibur #1, which is an all-time favorite of Illusione's founder, Dion Giolito.

From wrapper to filler, this is a 100% Nicaraguan cigar. It features a Corojo 99 wrapper from Jalapa and a Corojo 2012 binder from Jalapa, and Criollo and Corojo fillers from Estelí. And this new Excalibur will be assembled at the same Nicaraguan factory where most Illusiones are made.

This edition is limited to 4,960 boxes of 10 cigars. And as this new iteration captures much of the spirit and smoking experience of the legendary Excalibur #1, they're sure to sell out sooner rather than later.

3. The Weller by Cohiba

The Cohiba brand is one of the most venerable in the world of cigars. Their iconic red dot is recognized as a universal stamp of quality. And this limited edition offering is a great example of why the brand enjoys the reputation that it does.

This cigar is another collaboration, brought to us by the union of Cohiba and W.L. Weller. The latter brand is a legend in the spirits world, responsible for some of the most exclusive premium bourbons on the market. So it's appropriate that these two companies would come together to produce something special.

And this cigar is something special, indeed. This beauty takes a blend of Nicaraguan fillers from Estelí and Ometepe, a Connecticut Habano Medio Tiempo binder, and seals them together in a Honduran San Agustin Ligero wrapper.

Put together, this rich tapestry of tobaccos combines to create an unparalleled smoking experience.

It's a darker, danker smoke than the other two offerings on this list. So it's suitable for the aficionado who enjoys a little more richness and intensity in their draw. And the dank qualities are balanced out by notes of espresso, cedar, natural tobacco, and cocoa, so you need not worry about it getting too sour.

As you progress with your smoke, the natural flavor of the tobacco lends a touch of sweetness, and a twinge of black pepper rounds out the flavor profile.

All things considered, this is one of the best limited edition offerings in recent memory.

Tips for Enjoying Limited Edition Cigars

When it comes to enjoying a rare or hard-to-find cigar, making the right selection is only the first step. Learning how to enjoy such a fine smoke to its fullest is its own endeavor.

If you're only entering the world of premium cigars, one thing you should do is take a refresher on your cigar cutting technique. The finest cigar in the world can be ruined by a sloppy cut. So think of mastering this skill as protecting the investment you've made.

Storage is another key factor. Unless you buy your cigars with the expectation of smoking them immediately, you need to provide for their care and preservation.

Unless you buy your cigars by the box, most local tobacconists will hand you your sticks with little more than a plastic baggie and a "good luck" to protect them. And you should only keep them in that baggie for exactly as long as it takes for you to get home to your humidor.

When you buy cigars online, you can at least count on them being vacuum-sealed to protect them during shipping. But once you break that seal, the clock is ticking. So be sure to have a humidor pre-seasoned and set up if you plan on ordering a box of any of these fine cigars.

And last, be sure to take the time to savor them. These are premium cigars, not a cigarette meant to be choked down during a five-minute break at work.

Make Your Next Cigar an Extraordinary One

Life is too short to smoke sub-par cigars. Instead, every light should be an opportunity for you to kick back and enjoy life to the fullest for an hour or two.

These limited edition cigars are a great point-of-entry, but they're far from your only options. If you're ready to up your cigar game, contact us to take the next step in your journey as an aficionado.