A Cigar Aficionado's Guide to the Most Coveted Cigars

The global cigar market has a value of over $11 billion and should grow by more than 7% by 2028. Cigars have remained popular for those who enjoy tobacco products, and for good reason. For the cigar enthusiast, cigars represent a more refined and flavorsome experience compared to other tobacco products.

Rare cigars are also a great way to celebrate a special occasion or share with a close friend.

This article is here to give you a breakdown of the most coveted rare cigars in the world. But first, let’s discuss why smoking rare cigars is a great idea.

Discover the art of cigar tasting by delving into our comprehensive blog post: “Cigar Tasting and Notes: Your Ultimate Guide to Savoring Cigar Flavors.” Unlock a world of refined nuances and indulge in the rich tapestry of cigar craftsmanship. Join us on this journey of flavor exploration and elevate your sensory experience.

What Makes a Cigar Coveted?

A coveted cigar is a treasure in the world of tobacco, highly sought after by cigar enthusiasts and aficionados alike. What sets these cigars apart is a combination of exceptional quality, unique characteristics, and rarity. The journey to becoming a coveted cigar begins with the finest tobaccos, often sourced from specific regions known for their superior growing conditions. For instance, the Gurkha Royal Courtesan’s use of rare Himalayan tobacco elevates it to a status of unparalleled exclusivity. Each Gurkha Royal Courtesan cigar is adorned with a 24-karat gold leaf wrapper, further enhancing its luxurious appeal. Additionally, the Gurkha Royal Courtesan is priced at $1.36 million per cigar, making it one of the most expensive cigars in the world. Similarly, the Gurkha His Majesty’s Reserve is produced in limited quantities, with less than 100 boxes available annually, adding to its exclusivity. Priced at $750 per cigar, it is another example of a masterpiece that combines rarity and luxury. These are prime examples of what is known as an ultra premium cigar, characterized by deep, complex flavors and luxurious smoking experiences, often featuring rare wrappers and limited production.

The skill of the torcedores, or cigar rollers, also plays a crucial role. These artisans meticulously handcraft each cigar, ensuring that every detail is perfect. The aging process further enhances the cigar’s allure, allowing the flavors to mature and develop into a complex profile that is both rich and satisfying, often featuring notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and leather. Unique features, such as the 600-year-old vintage of the Mayan Sicars, add a historical and cultural dimension that makes these cigars even more desirable. Notably, the Mayan Sicars were sold for $507,000 at an auction, highlighting their extraordinary value. In addition, the Gurkha Black Dragon, released in 2006, is priced at $1,150 per cigar, showcasing another example of a rare and highly valued masterpiece. Another notable example is the Gran Habano No. 5 ‘El Gigante,’ priced at $185,000, which exemplifies the pinnacle of luxury in the cigar world. Known as the world's biggest cigar, 'El Gigante' weighs 1,600 pounds and is designed to be smoked by 40 individuals simultaneously, housed in a unique, steam locomotive-inspired crate. The King of Denmark, priced at $4,500 per cigar, offers a unique level of customization, allowing buyers to adorn it with gold foil and diamonds, further elevating its status as a luxury item. In essence, a coveted cigar is a masterpiece, a consumable piece of art that offers a truly exceptional smoking experience.

Why You Should Smoke Rare Cigars

Rare cigars are excellent because they get made from high-quality ingredients, such as premium cigars known for their craftsmanship and quality. These ingredients are often more natural than standard cigars or tobacco products. They are usually grown on small farms that specialize in tobacco. Superior ingredients mean they last longer and taste better than other tobacco products, making them particularly appealing to cigar lovers.

They also don’t contain harmful chemicals or additives, such as dyes or flavorings. So you can enjoy peace of mind while smoking them, that there is nothing artificial. Expensive cigars, known for their high-quality ingredients, also lack these harmful chemicals, ensuring a pure smoking experience.

You are getting a more personalized experience when you choose limited-time cigars. Think of them more as consumable pieces of art, as they are hand-crafted with care by experts. The authenticity of these cigars makes smoking them more interesting and sophisticated.

Also, there is a budding community surrounding specialist cigars. You can learn more and expand your collection by bonding with others who share your interests.

Finally, rare cigars, as with all artisanal products, have specialist flavors. They have more diversity in size, shape, and taste profiles. So you can travel the world by trying flavors and styles from different countries.

Now that you can see the benefits, let’s look at three of the most unique rare cigars on the market today.

Cuban Cigars: A Legacy of Excellence

Cuban cigars have long been the gold standard in the cigar world, a legacy that dates back to the 16th century. The island’s fertile soil and favorable climate create the perfect conditions for growing high-quality tobacco, while the expertise of Cuban torcedores ensures that each cigar is crafted to perfection. This combination of natural and human factors has given rise to some of the most renowned cigar brands in the world, including Cohiba, Montecristo, and Romeo y Julieta. Among these, the Cohiba Behike stands out as one of the most highly sought-after cigars in the world. Similarly, the Montecristo No. 2 is renowned for its smooth draw and complex flavors, including notes of cocoa, leather, and earth. Pairing a Montecristo No. 2 with a glass of aged rum enhances the tasting experience, making it a favorite among connoisseurs.

Known for their rich, full-bodied flavors and smooth, creamy textures, Cuban cigars offer a smoking experience that is both luxurious and satisfying. Despite the challenges posed by the US embargo, which has limited their availability in certain markets, Cuban cigars remain highly sought after by cigar enthusiasts worldwide. Their reputation for excellence is well-deserved, making them a must-have for any serious cigar aficionado. Similarly, the Padron 1964 Anniversary Series is consistently rated as one of the best cigars in the world, further exemplifying the pinnacle of cigar craftsmanship. The Romeo y Julieta Churchill, in particular, features notes of wood, leather, and spice, making it a standout choice for those seeking a refined smoking experience. Pairing a Romeo y Julieta Churchill with a glass of port elevates the tasting experience, adding a layer of sophistication to an already exceptional cigar.

The Art of Cigar Making

The art of cigar making is a time-honored tradition that requires a blend of skill, patience, and an eye for detail. From the moment the tobacco seeds are planted to the final puff of smoke, each step in the process is crucial to creating a premium cigar. The journey begins with the cultivation of the finest tobaccos, often grown in regions renowned for their ideal growing conditions. These leaves are then carefully harvested and fermented to bring out their natural flavors. For example, the Davidoff Winston Churchill The Late Hour is known for its complex flavor profile, a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship involved. Similarly, the Davidoff Oro Blanco, priced at $600 per cigar, is made from rare Dominican tobaccos aged for over 12 years, exemplifying the pinnacle of cigar-making expertise.

The role of the torcedor is pivotal in this process. These master craftsmen meticulously select and blend the tobaccos to create a unique and complex flavor profile. The rolling process demands precision and expertise, as the torcedor shapes and wraps the leaves to ensure a smooth, even burn. Finally, the cigars are aged, allowing the flavors to mature and develop into a rich, full-bodied experience that is truly exceptional. The Mayan Sicars, an expensive cigar with a historical significance, fetched an astronomical auction price of $507,000 due to their well-preserved state and origins from the Mayan civilization, showcasing their rarity and value in the world of collectible cigars. The result is a premium cigar that embodies the finest tobaccos and the highest standards of craftsmanship, offering a smoking experience that is both refined and memorable.

Tobacco Selection and Blending

Tobacco selection and blending are the heart and soul of creating a high-quality cigar. The journey begins with the meticulous selection of the finest tobaccos from various regions, each chosen for its unique characteristics influenced by climate, soil, and curing processes. This careful selection ensures that only the best leaves make it into the final product.

For instance, the Gurkha Royal Courtesan cigar is a testament to this art, featuring a blend of rare Himalayan tobacco nurtured with Fiji water. This unique combination creates a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from other cigars. Similarly, the Cohiba Behike blends tobaccos from Cuba’s most prestigious regions, resulting in a complex and smooth flavor that is highly coveted by cigar aficionados.

The blending process itself is a delicate art that requires expertise and patience. Master blenders must balance the flavors and strengths of different tobaccos to create a harmonious and enjoyable smoking experience. This intricate process is what transforms a collection of leaves into a masterpiece, offering a rich and satisfying experience for the discerning cigar enthusiast.

Expensive Cigars: A Luxury Experience

For the true cigar enthusiast, expensive cigars represent the pinnacle of luxury and exclusivity. These cigars are crafted from the finest tobaccos, carefully selected and blended to create a complex and refined flavor profile that is unmatched.

Take the Gurkha Black Dragon, for example. This limited edition cigar features a unique blend of Dominican and Honduran tobaccos, presented in a camel bone chest and individually encased in a frosted tube within a leather box lined with orange velvet. The attention to detail and presentation alone make it a collector’s item, but the smoking experience is where it truly shines.

Another prime example is the Regius Double Corona, priced at an astonishing $51,634.20. This cigar offers more than just a smoking experience; it includes a personalized tour of the Regius headquarters, guided by CEO Akhil Kapacee. The experience culminates in the creation of 1,000 custom rolls tailored to the buyer’s preferences, making it a bespoke experience that is truly one-of-a-kind.

These expensive cigars are more than just tobacco products; they are a celebration of craftsmanship, luxury, and the finer things in life. For those who appreciate the art of cigar making, they offer an unparalleled experience that is worth every penny.

Macanudo Inspirado Jamao

The Macanudo Inspirado Jamao is hand-crafted from the northwest of the Dominican Republic. The Cibao Valley has a small number of tobacco fields, making them hard-to-find cigars.

They have a unique rich and creamy flavor, featuring Habano seeds from Jamastran. The binder of these cigars is made from Honduran tobaccos. The filler is a blend of Honduran tobaccos, Nicaraguan, and Dominican.

They feature a never-seen-before wrapper, grown from the soil in Mao, Dominican Republic. These “Jamao” wrappers give smoking these cigars an elegant smoking experience. You will get enveloped with herbal, woody, and salt notes.

These limited-time cigars come in the popular Toro and Churchill sizes. They are available in 20-ct boxes, so they are ideal for sharing with close friends.

Excalibur Illusione

This was one of the most sought-after limited edition cigars. They are a collaboration between Illusione Cigars Dion Giolito and the Hoyo De Monterrey Excalibur. They are handmade at Dion’s Aganorsa Leaf (TAPSA) factory in Nicaragua.

These cigars are special, as it is the first time ever that an Excalibur has been crafted in Nicaragua. There have only been 4,960 boxes produced. So don’t miss the opportunity to buy these for your collection!

It is a high-quality blend of ingredients, featuring Nicaraguan and Honduran tobaccos, with earthy and spicy notes. With a medium-bodied strength,

The Excalibur Illusione comes in handsome purple packaging. They will look great on any collector’s shelf. It comes in a single 71/4 x 54 Presidente size, called No.1. The Nicaraguan Puro.

Weller By Cohiba

Weller by Cohiba cigar is an amazing addition to any cigar aficionados collection. They showcase a true passion for the art of cigar making, from one of the master cigar makers Cohiba.

They are a collaboration between Cohiba and Weller’s 12-year bourbon. They get handcrafted in the Dominican Republic and feature a USA Broadleaf Binder. This binder is barrel-aged in Weller bourbon barrels, an innovative way to add flavor.

The cigars have a wonderful, refined flavor with notes of almond, apple, and leather. As a full-bodied cigar, Weller by Cohiba offers a rich and complex flavor profile that pairs perfectly with a glass of bourbon.

Weller by Cohiba cigars come in a 51/2 x 50 robust extra size and come in a 10ct box with aluminum tubes.

Limited Edition Cigars

Limited edition cigars hold a special place in the hearts of cigar enthusiasts. Their rarity and exclusivity make them highly sought after, often created to commemorate special occasions or to showcase a unique blend of tobaccos.

The Fuente Don Arturo AnniverXario is a perfect example of a limited edition cigar that pays homage to a century of cigar-making excellence. Featuring both natural and Maduro wrappers aged for seven years, this cigar comes in bespoke humidors made of ebony, maple, sycamore, or walnut. Each puff is a tribute to the rich history and tradition of the Fuente family.

Another standout is the La Flor Dominicana Andalusian Bull, which has gained a cult following among cigar enthusiasts. This cigar features a unique shape and a blend of aged Dominican tobaccos, offering a rich and full-bodied flavor profile that is both bold and sophisticated.

Limited edition cigars offer a unique opportunity for cigar enthusiasts to experience something new and exclusive. They provide a chance to try rare and innovative blends, making each smoking experience a memorable one. For those who appreciate the art and tradition of cigar making, limited edition cigars are a must-try.

How to Store Your Cigars

If you are trying to build a rare cigar collection, then you need to store them well. Otherwise, they could lose their flavor or become too dry.

Proper storage is crucial, especially for a vintage cigar, to preserve its quality and flavor. Store them in air-tight containers, so that they maintain their smell and consistency. For short-term storage, zip-lock bags are ok. But this is not the best way to store them, and over time they could become damaged.

The best way to store cigars that are rare is in a cigar humidor. These sleek boxes or cases will keep your cigars fresh and aromatic. They help to avoid excessive hot or cold temperatures, and humidity or dryness. The ideal relative humidity to store cigars is around 70%, and the humidor will keep them at this level.

You should not store cigars in the fridge or in very cold environments. It will cause the cigar wrappers to become brittle and may start to fall apart. You will also lose a lot of the aroma, even if you store them in a box.

Rare Cigars Cigar Enthusiasts Have to Try

Rare cigars are a great way to mark a special experience or occasion. They provide superior consistency, taste, and duration. Adding any of the limited edition cigars mentioned to your collection will make you the envy of many! For instance, the La Flor Dominicana Andalusian Bull is known for its bold, spicy flavor and unique shape, making it a standout choice for those looking to elevate their cigar collection. Another exceptional option is the Regius Double Corona, priced at $51,634.20, which includes a personalized tour of Nicaragua’s cigar country, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience for true cigar enthusiasts. Additionally, the expensive cigar from the Mayan Sicars, with its astronomical auction price of $507,000, highlights the historical significance and rarity of cigars originating from the Mayan civilization.

If you are looking for the most rare cigars on the market, then check out Holts. We have one of the biggest selections available for cigar connoisseurs. Go to our shop now to get the best prices on hard-to-find cigars.