Cigar Snob Magazine Top 25 Cigar of the Year 2016
Posted by Ana Cuenca on Jan 26, 2017
No 1. La Mission Du L'Atelier 1959 Robusto
La Mission L'Atelier 1959 is an exemplary cigar that is crafted by Pete Johnson who has taken his love for wine to a new level with this cigar. Bordeaux wine, a speciality of France is the inspiration behind this cigar. The blend of this cigar comprised of Nicaraguan long fillers and binder including an exclusive leaf called Sancti Spiritus that is grown in the Garcia family’s farm. This concoction is hugged by a Mexican San Andres wrapper. Box pressed and finished with a pigtail cap this stunning cigar impresses from the very first puff. It exudes a robust smoke that is dominated by notes of pepper, leather, coffee, wood and baked spices. The 1959 vitola of La Mission L'Atelier series is named as the #1 cigar of 2016 by Cigar Snob Magazine. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Snob.
No 2. Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Personal Reserve
A. Fuente Don Carlos Personal Reserve is a special cigar released to mark two very remarkable milestones of Fuente cigars, the completion of 30 years in the business and 80 th birthday of Carlos Fuente Sr. This is a limited edition release available only in one vitola of 5 x 50. It is based on the personal blend of fuente Sr which features fillers and binder from Dominican Republic. The outer layer is made of a Cameroon wrapper. They create a stunning cigar full of flavours and complexity. This flawlessly constructed cigar burns like a dream exuding plumes of thick smoke. The palate enjoys the play of balanced notes of black pepper, lemon grass, cream and earth. Once you lit up this beauty you will realise why it is so raved about. The A. Fuente Don Carlos Personal Reserve is named as the #2 cigar of 2016 by Cigar Snob Magazine. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Snob.
No 3. AVO Syncro Nicaragua Fogata Robusto
AVO Syncro Nicaragua Fogata is an excellent offering by Avo Uvezian and Henke Kelner after their highly successful AVO Syncro Nicaragua line. That was the first line by Avo to feature Nicaraguan leaves in the blend and this latest addition packs more than its predecessor. The complete blend comprises of Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers bound by a Mexican binder. They come encased in a gorgeous Ecuadorian Habana 2000 wrapper. As you lit up this beautifully constructed stick, notes of cinnamon, leather and wood flock into the mouth. Perfectly box pressed this one again proves why connoisseurs go gaga over this ultra-premium brand. Flavour, character, balance and ease of draw and burn all come together to deliver a memorable smoking experience. So it is no wonder that AVO Syncro Nicaragua Fogata Robusto vitola is selected as the #3 cigar of 2016 by Cigar Snob Magazine. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Snob.
No 4. AJ Fernandez Bellas Artes Robusto Extra
AJ Fernandez Bellas Artes is a solid premium with a hefty dose of diverse tobaccos grown mainly in Nicaragua. Bellas Artes means ‘Fine Arts’ which is an apt name for this masterpiece crafted at the Nicaraguan factory of Fernandez. AJ Fernandez is known for his exquisite, top rated cigars and now he is on a mission to create more such premiums at an affordable price point. This one is the latest in that league comprising of Nicaraguan, Brazilian and Honduran fillers bound by a Nicaraguan Habana 92 binder. A hybrid wrapper which contains Connecticut 8212, Havana 2000 and Corojo ’99 seeds and called ‘Rojita’ is used on the top of this blend. They yield a medium to full bodied savoury smoke laced with notes of cedar, natural tobaccos, black pepper and wood. The burn and draw remains perfect till the nub and culminates into an excellent finish. The AJ Fernandez Bellas Artes line comprises of four vitolas among which Robusto Extra has been chosen as the #4 cigar of 2016 by Cigar Snob Magazine. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Snob.
No 5. Padrón 1926 No 1 Serie Natural
Padrón 1926 No 1 Serie Natural is one of the most consistent members of the 90+ rated cigar club since its release. Beautifully crafted by the top notch rollers this line marks the celebration of Jose Padron’s 75 th birthday. Choicest Nicaraguan tobaccos aged for five years go into making these cigars. The result is an exceptionally smooth smoking cigar that also displays a full bodied complex character. As this masterfully constructed cigar burns notes of coffee, chocolate, pepper and creamy undertones touch the palate. Not only the Padron loyalists but every cigar enthusiast that have tasted this beauty keeps coming back to it over and over. The No. 1 vitola of Padrón 1926 Serie Natural line is named the #5 cigar of 2016 by Cigar Snob Magazine. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Snob.
Oliva Serie V Torpedo is an excellent blend of Nicaraguan ligero leaves that deliver a complex, full bodied taste. Blended beautifully they exhibit fine balance of flavours that coat the palate in a smooth manner. The ligero leaves are sourced from the Jalapa region of Nicaragua and fermented perfectly for a richer, bolder smoke. They are encased in a sun grown Habano wrapper that is as smooth and velvety as silk. This stunning cigar delivers a savoury smoke filled with notes of tobacco, spices, coffee and dark chocolate. The finish is remarkably long and rich. These cigars are consistently rated with 90+ points including a 94 rating. They often land in the list of top cigars compiled by various publications. This time the Torpedo vitola of Oliva Serie V line is chosen as the #6 cigar of 2016 by Cigar Snob Magazine. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Snob.
Camacho Powerband Gordo is truly a powerhouse blend that keeps you on toes from the very beginning. Inspired by the speed, power, acceleration of a top notch motorcycle this is a bold cigar meant for the brave hearts. The blend of this intense, high-octane cigar comprises of ligero leaves from three countries, namely, Nicaragua, Honduras and Dominican Republic. They are tamed by a mix of Dominican and Mexican binder and finally topped off by an Ecuadorian Habano 2000 wrapper. The bunching process of these tobaccos needs a special mention which combines Dominican accordion method with traditional entubado method from Cuba. It maximises the airflow which results in a more intensified smoke. Chilli pepper, rich oak and dark coffee dominates the palate throughout the burn giving a thrilling experience. The Camacho Powerband in Gordo vitola is aptly named as the #7 cigar of 2016 by Cigar Snob Magazine. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Snob.
No 8. Herrera Estelí Piramide Fino
Herrera Estelí is a significant release of Drew Estate as it marks the beginning of Willy Herrera’s journey with this iconic brand. Previously associated with Miami based El Titan de Bronze Herrera once again shows his magic with special tobaccos from the Drew Estate. This particular cigar comes after many trial and errors and looking at the result they seem totally worth it. To begin with this cigar is steeped in Cuban tradition from its band, rolling style to the flavours and cabinet box packaging. Special team of rollers handcraft these cigars using a blend of Nicaraguan fillers and Honduran binder. They are enwrapped in an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. The smoke is robust yet creamy and smooth till the end. Medium to full it exudes an array of flavours including cream, cedar, spices, white pepper and little semi-sweet vanilla. It is certainly one of the super-premium and highly praised cigars by Drew Estate. The Herrera Estelí line features five vitolas among which Piramide Fino which is a Belicoso is named the #8 cigar of 2016 by Cigar Snob Magazine. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Snob.
No 9. Rocky Patel Special Edition Robusto
Rocky Patel Special Edition Robusto is a release that is confined to only brick and mortar stores and not available in any online shop. Rocky Patel is name that cigar industry looks up to and enthusiasts always have very high expectation from him which is not at all without a reason. This Special Edition cigar is blended with Nicaraguan tobaccos which are enwrapped in an undisclosed wrapper. The tobaccos are not revealed properly. This has medium body strength and lots of flavours of coffee, caramel and chocolate. The smoke remains smooth and balanced without much display of intensity or power. The Robusto vitola of this Rocky Patel Special Edition line is selected as the #9 cigar of 2016 by Cigar Snob Magazine. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Snob. (Not sure if it applies here or not)
No 10. Sindicato Particulares Delicioso
Sindicato Particulares Delicioso is a recreated version of old Cuban blend that was in existence in the 1890s. Particulares is a brand that has changed ownership several times and now finally owned by Casa Fernandez. However, they are marketed solely by Sindicato. It is a Nicaraguan puro made from tobaccos grown in the Aganorsa farm of Fernandez. The wrapper is a Nicaraguan shade grown Corojo. Blended beautifully they deliver a medium to medium-full bodied smoke that is reminiscent of old Cuba and its cigars. The band, packaging all is recreated from the old Cuban brand and made to look exactly the same. This re-launched brand has again captured the attention of the enthusiasts and critics and landed itself in the list of top cigars. The Delicioso vitola of this Sindicato Particulares cigar is named the #10 cigar of 2016 by Cigar Snob Magazine. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Snob.
No 11. Don Pepín Cuban Classic 1979
Don Pepín Cuban Classic is, as the name indicates, a Cubanesque cigar with loads of flavours and complexity. Cuban seed tobaccos grown carefully at the fertile soils of Nicaragua are used to craft the blend of this cigar. These nicaraguan fillers and binder is encased in a Habana Rosado wrapper. They are rolled in the legendary Garcia factory in Esteli, Nicaragua. The smoke turns out to be rich, hearty with full bodied strength. They burn smoothly gaining momentum on the way. Savoury notes of toasted cedar, black pepper, earth, spices and coffee keep dancing on the palate. The finish is quite long and rich with sweet enticing aromas. The Don Pepín Cuban Classic is part of the Black line and features four sizes among which the 1979, a Robusto is selected as the #11 cigar of 2016 by Cigar Snob Magazine. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Snob.
Joya Black is the next line after Joya Red and crafted at the same factory in Nicaragua. The Black is bolder and richer version of Red and has more Nicaraguan flavours and medium to full body strength. The Nicaraguan filler and binder core is draped in a Mexican San Andres Negro wrapper, one of the first in the portfolio of Joya. This thick and oily wrapper brings a lot of flavours on the plate such as dried fruit, dark chocolate, cedar and coffee. The smoke throughout maintains a balanced character with enjoyable complexity. Rich smooth and savoury this cigar keeps you hooked till the very end. Both Red and Black line represents the new face of this decades old cigar brand and have managed to impress the cigar enthusiasts to a great extent. The Toro vitola of this Joya Black line has been chosen as the #12 cigar of 2016 by Cigar Snob Magazine. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Snob.
601 Red is a stunning cigar from the house of Erik Espinosa who is famous for his boutique style cigars. Like his all other cigars this one too boasts a solid construction. The blend of this cigar features hand selected Nicaraguan tobaccos in filler, binder and wrapper. The wrapper is a Nicaraguan Habano with a velvety smooth texture. The smoke produced is rich, flavourful yet maintain a fine balance. The strength remains between medium to full and notes of earth, cedar lingers on the palate while some sweetness touches it now and then. Thick smoke and pleasant aromas keep the senses engaged till the end. The smoke lovers have loved these cigars as much as the critics. Quite unsurprisingly this 601 Red or more specifically the Torpedo vitola of this series has ranked #13 in the list of top cigars of 2016 by Cigar Snob Magazine. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Snob.
No 14. La Flor Dominicana 48th TAA Toro Gordo
La Flor Dominicana 48th TAA is a limited edition premium release that debuted in the Tobacconist Association of America’s 48 th annual meeting. It is a hearty cigar made in Toro vitola in the size of 6 x 54. It is a three country blend featuring Dominican fillers, Cameroon binder and Mexican San Andres wrapper. The wrapper which is naturally fermented has a smooth, seamless appearance with an oily sheen. The smoke is rich, delightfully complex and nicely flavourful. The body strength varies from medium to medium-full. Notes of black pepper, citrus, earth, coffee mingle in the mouth with every puff and the finish lingers for a significant time. These exclusive cigars have scored really high in all departments including construction, burn, draw and level of complexity. The Cigar Snob Magazine has chosen La Flor Dominicana 48th TAA as their #14 cigar of 2016. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Snob.
No 15. EP Carrillo Short Run 2016
EP Carrillo Short Run 2016 is the seventh member in the Carrillo’s Short Run family that has garnered high praises from all corners. It is limited edition line restricted to only 2,500 boxes and crafted with extreme care at the Dominican Tabacalera La Alianza factory. It demands attention from the very first glance with its polished designer look and shining golden brand. The blend of this popular cigar comprises long fillers from a distinct region of Nicaragua known as Somoto and a binder from Nicaragua as well. The wrapper is a silky Ecuadorian Habano leaf that hides this Nicaraguan blend nicely. The concoction produces a cigar that is full of complexity and flavours in a medium to full body profile. The palate feels the taste of cedar, coffee, nougat, pepper and slight sweetness. EP Carrillo Short Run 2016 is made only in one vitola, i.e, Toro. The result of such excellent performance is that it is chosen as the #15 cigar of 2016 by Cigar Snob Magazine. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Snob.
No 16. Quesada Oktoberfest 2016
Quesada Oktoberfest 2016 is the latest addition to this special line of cigar that is released every year once. The Oktoberfest is a line that is specially blended to be enjoyed with your favourite beer though they taste equally good without it. The 2016 version features several vitolas including a box-pressed one. The blend of these cigars features Dominican tobaccos in filler, binder as well as wrapper. The smoke displays medium to full body profile with a smooth and balanced character that goes till the end. In between notes of spices, black pepper, cedar, oats, coffee and little sweetness all make appearance. Pleasant aromas fill the nose and capture the senses all the way to the finish. This spectacular cigar is one of the most sought after cigar and every year enthusiasts eagerly await its arrival. The Quesada Oktoberfest 2016 in the vitola of Das Boot is chosen as the #16 cigar of 2016 by Cigar Snob Magazine. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Snob.
No 17. Mombacho 10th Anniversary
Mombacho 10th Anniversary is a very significant cigar for Mombacho which is popular in U.S as Tierra Volcan. This decade old brand is celebrating their 10 th anniversary through the release of this Nicaraguan puro. It encompasses a variety of tobaccos grown in most prominent tobacco growing regions in Nicaragua. To begin with it sports a shade grown Habano Viso wrapper sourced from Jalapa. This double fermented wrapper conceals a hefty blend of fillers which include Condega’s Seco Habano Criollo and Viso Mediano Habano Criollo tobaccos with Jalapa’s Viso Grande Habano, Ligero Mediano Habano Criollo as well as Ligero Grande Habano. They are all bound together by a Habano Criollo binder leaf from Condega. This blend is intended to sum up the history of this brand and is considered one of their best till date. Indeed, it is a great cigar with a smooth and easy smoke in a medium body profile. It comes in one vitola, i.e 6 ¼ x 52 Toro. The Cigar Snob Magazine has voted Mombacho 10th Anniversary as the #17 Cigar of 2016. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Snob.
No 18. Aging Room M19 Fortissimo
Aging Room M19 is a spectacular cigar that displays both poise and vigour. It is a Dominican puro but unlike other cigars from this category it is full bodied and full flavoured. Boutique Blends have started to release a special annual cigar since 2013 and this one is third in the row. Rafael Nodal have used extensively aged, 14 years to be precise, tobaccos to blend this outstanding cigar. A high priming Habano wrapper is draped over these vintage tobaccos. The smoke is hearty and robust yet shows a well-rounded, smooth character that is very commendable. Notes of spices, pepper, cedar, nuts, wood and leather enter the mouth as you take a puff of this Dominican puro. This is a limited edition cigar that is beautifully rolled in a box-pressed format measuring 5 ¾ x 47. The vitola is named Fortissimo, a musical term for loud, and this speaks very well about this cigar. Rightfully, the Aging Room M19 has found a place in the top cigar list of Cigar Snob Magazine for 2016 with #18 ranks. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Snob.
Leaf by Oscar Maduro is a distinguished cigar in the market for its unique packaging. Every cigar of this series is rolled in a tobaccos leaf instead of regular cellophane pepper which gives it an earthy, rustic look. Inside this leaf lies a dark chocolate brown Maduro cigar that glistens with oils. This is a Nicaraguan Maduro wrapper that encases a blend of Honduran fillers and binder. This blend offers a refined flavour smoke that keep your palate and senses engaged till the very end. Some of the flavours noted prominently are mocha, pepper, earth and sweet honey that keep coming back now and then. The body strength ranges from medium to medium-full with no harshness. The top notch construction ensures an excellent burn and draw throughout the smoke. Leaf by Oscar Maduro is made in one vitola only and i.e, 6 x 52 Toro. It is featured in the top cigars list for 2016 of Cigar Snob Magazine as #19. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Snob.
No 20. Crowned Heads Le Careme
Crowned Heads Le Careme is a scrumptious cigar which can easily double up as your dessert. It is crafted to pay tribute to a very popular French chef Marie Antoine Careme and hence this name. It hails from E.P. Carrillo’s Dominican factory Tabacalera La Alianza which has also produced some top rated cigars in today’s market including Headley Grange, Four Kicks and so on. It begins with a dark brown Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper that conceals a blend of well-aged Nicaraguan fillers and Ecuador Sumatra binder. The flavours of this medium bodied cigar are mouth-watering with notes of chocolate, caramel, sweet spices, toffee and leather. This delicious cigar is available in four vitolas. The 6 ½ x 48 sized Hermoso vitola of Crowned Heads Le Careme is selected as the #20 cigar of 2016 by Cigar Snob Magazine. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Snob.
No 21. TABSA Aganorsa Leaf Connecticut Toro
TABSA Aganorsa Leaf Connecticut is made public at the 2016 IPCPR Trade Show and happens to be the first Connecticut cigar from TABSA factory owned by Casa Fernandez. This blend, quite obviously comprises tobaccos grown in Aganorsa farm in Nicaragua. The filler and binder are taken from there while the wrapper is a light Ecuadorian Connecticut leaf. it sports a golden and cream colour band on top. In spite of being a Connecticut cigar it is not a mild one but more on the bolder side. The body strength varies from medium to medium-plus. Notes of black pepper, cedar, cream and fruity sweetness washes the palate as you keep smoking this complex cigar. Due to its impeccable construction the burn and draw both is excellent till the end. The response to this TABSA Aganorsa Leaf Connecticut cigar is very encouraging and has created a stir among the critics and enthusiasts. The Cigar Snob Magazine has chosen the 6 x 52 Toro vitola of this cigar as the #21 cigar of 2016. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Snob.
No 22. H. Upmann The Banker Ingot Toro
H. Upmann The Banker Ingot is a super-premium cigar produced by Altadis USA at their Dominican factory. There is a brief history behind this cigar. Herman Upmann, the founder of this century Cuban brand was originally a German banker. He and his brother had a keen interest in cigar making and they saved their best blends for their privileged customers. This is a recreation of one such blend. Nicaraguan Seco, Viso and Ligero fillers bound by a Nicaraguan Seco binder fill the core of this cigar while a Criollo 98 wrapper from Nicaragua covers them all. The cigar turns out to be a full bodied, full flavoured one with ample complexity. The notes of cedar, cocoa, wood, spices and chocolate and sweet tobacco accompanied with pleasant aromas keep the smoke eventful. The construction is, as expected, top notch and ensures a perfect burn and draw. This H. Upmann The Banker Ingot is a limited production release and is restricted to 4,500 boxes only. It is a good idea to grab them as soon as possible more so because it has landed itself in the top cigar list of 2016 by Cigar Snob Magazine at #22 ranks. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Snob.
No 23. Heritage by Dunhill Robusto
Heritage by Dunhill is the first ever full bodied cigar by this legendary brand which has impressed personalities like Winston Churchill and King George VI. This cigar has a heavy dose of rich tobaccos from three prominent countries, namely, Nicaragua, Honduras and Ecuador. The core features fillers from Jamastran Valley in Honduras and Esteli and Ometepe regions of Nicaragua. They are secured by a Nicaraguan binder from Jalapa and finally finished with a dark Ecuadorian Habano Ligero wrapper. Precise blending and flawless construction imparts some of the finest smoking quality to this cigar. It burns smoothly with an easy draw releasing some savoury notes of coffee, cocoa, cedar, caramel and cinnamon. It is definitely worth every penny and all the hype. Critics have lauded these premium cigars and smoke enthusiasts have savoured them relentlessly. The 5 x 50 Robusto vitola of Heritage by Dunhill cigars is selected as the #23 cigar of 2016 by Cigar Snob Magazine. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Snob.
No 24. Villiger La Libertad Torpedo
Villiger La Libertad is a rich, bold and flavourful premium that, as the name suggests endeavours to liberate your senses and offer unadulterated pleasure. These premiums are beautifully handmade in Dominican Republic using choicest tobaccos from different countries. The fillers are ligero leaves from Nicaragua and Dominican Republic bound by a Nicaraguan seed binder from Peru. The whole blend is encased in a Habano seed wrapper from Peru as well. They yield a perfect medium to full bodied smoke marked by notes of pepper, spices, earth and wood. The smoke is remarkably rich and creamy with fine balance of flavours and complexity. The good news is all these come at a very economical price. The Villiger La Libertad cigar has garnered high points from critics and also made its way to the list of top cigars. The 5 ½ x 52 Torpedo vitola is The 24 cigar of 2016 by Cigar Snob Magazine. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Snob.
No 25. Debonaire Maduro Belicoso
Debonaire Maduro is a finely crafted premium which is based on the blend of original Debonaire line except the wrapper. It retains the Dominican and Nicaraguan tobacco blend in the core as the previous one. The Habano wrapper is replaced by a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro leaf. This dark rich wrapper helps to amp up the strength and flavour of this cigar. The bunching method employed for rolling these cigars is not traditional entubado but accordion. It helps to attain perfect flavours in every size. The construction is absolutely flawless which reflects in the razor sharp burn and smooth draw. The smoke displays medium to full bodied strength with notes of coca, white pepper, the unmistakable maduro sweetness and of course, the Debonaire special charred meat hints. Overall, a fine smoking ultra-premium cigar that is loved and appreciated by critics and commoners as well. The 6 x 54 Belicoso vitola of Debonaire Maduro line has got the #25 rank in the top cigars list of 2016 compiled by Cigar Snob Magazine. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Snob.
Save this on Delicious