The Top Cuban Cigars to Try in 2018

This is an article courtesy of Paul Agelidis, the Founder and Owner of Revolucion, a cigar, tobacco and men’s gift shop in beautiful Vancouver, BC.

With the summer upon us, it’s getting to the time you can really enjoy sitting outside and smoking great cigars. Whether it’s in your backyard, at the cottage, on a camping trip, or anywhere else, you can smoke by yourself or with other aficionados, it’s time to look for the best cigars to enjoy this year. Here are our top Cuban cigars to try:

Montecristo No. 2

This cigar is the undisputed king of the Cuban cigar world right now. It gets rave reviews both from publications and reviewers, and from regular cigar lovers, making it a best-seller and a critically acclaimed darling. One note when buying a box: look for the date and factory code on the box to know the vintage that you’re buying.

It’s easy to see why the Montecristo No. 2 is so widely regarded, as it has an intoxicating balance of flavors and aromas, including almond, cinnamon, oak, and salt. It burns evenly, has smooth draws, and easy production of fine, cool smoke. If you’ve never tried a Montecristo No. 2 before, it should be at the top of your list this summer.

Upmann Magnum 50

The Upmann Magnum 50 has a great smoking experience. It looks, feels, smells, and tastes great, as well as having one of the best burns of any cigar we’ve tried this year. It has plenty of smoke production but comes across as an everyman’s cigar that’s rich, deep, and durable through to the end.

The flavor comes with notes of earthy and spicy tones in a harmony of leather, nutmeg, pepper and cinnamon. This is another must-try for any cigar enthusiast no matter what your tastes are, and is great to enjoy with your friends or family on a sunny outdoor afternoon.

Bolivar Belicoso Fino

This cigar is more for people who like strong Cuban cigars, as it is one of the stronger ones you can find. Despite how strong it is, it’s been a top-rated cigar for years now thanks to a very balanced profile of flavors, exceptional quality, and full-bodied smoke.

When you draw, you get a smooth balance of chocolate, nuts, caramel, coffee, and leather with notes of earth and spicy pepper. It has a good enough first half to make you think it’s already worth it, but the second half surprised us with an explosion of strong but still balanced flavor, and a longer burn — really take your time to enjoy it.

La Estrella Cubana Habano

La Estrella is a top-quality brand of Cuban cigars that has tried to enter the market of more affordable “value” cigars. Despite the lower price, the Cubana Habano still has superb quality so you get more than your money’s worth.

The La Estrella Cubana Habano has medium strength and a medium-to-full body profile of dark coffee, caramel, spice, and leather with a smooth and balanced finish. It is a very satisfying smoke with a very affordable purchase price, which has made it one of our go-to cigars to enjoy again and again this year.

Romeo y Julieta Short Churchill

The current vintage of the Romeo y Julieta Short Churchill cigar is great for people who prefer quicker or milder Cuban cigars. The burn and draw stay consistent for the whole smoke, and the flavor strength stays at a balanced but milder profile.

The taste and aromas have notes of dark coffee, pepper, sage, hazelnut and leather, with hints of cream, sweet fruit, and wood. It has a shorter smoke, so it can be great for quick breaks between golf rounds, between outdoor chores, or for a quick happy hour before dinner.

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Surgeon General Warning: Cigar Smoking Can Cause Cancers of the Mouth And Throat, Even If You Do Not Inhale.

Cuba’s 2017 Edición Limitada Cigars

The remaining number of Cuba’s 2017 Edición Limitada cigars have just started to make their arrival to global markets.  Even though Cohiba Talismán Edición Limitada 2017 was launched in late 2017, the other two cigars, such as the Partagás Serie No. 1 (5 1/2 by 52) and the Punch Regios de Punch (4 3/4 inches by 48 ring gauge), are still making their way to the market, albeit at a leisurely pace.

The two cigars first started showing up in many different countries, however, the distribution of these cigars have been very infrequent.  Sometimes one of the cigars would reach a country, while the other one doesn’t.  For example, in South America some countries may have received Cohiba Talismán Edición Limitada, but have yet to receive the Punch and the Partagás.  Furthermore, some of these countries haven’t even acquired any of these cigars at all.

Fortunately, both the Partagás Serie No. 1 and the Punch Regios de Punch are now currently in the hands of Phoenicia Trading, where they were promptly dispatched to Phoenicia’s extensive net of retail markets across the globe.  Being one of the biggest cigar distributers, Phoenicia Trading offers Cuban cigars to some parts of Europe, most of Africa, and the Middle East, which also include Beirut’s duty free mediums.

The Edición Limitada program is relatively new as it officially commenced in 2000.  Following each year after, Habanos S.A. started unveiling a total of just three cigars in different dimensions that were not found in traditional production.  In addition, these cigars had a far darker shade than average ones and also had upper priming casing.

In Germany as well as in a few other countries, despite the irritable infrequency, the shipments of both of these Edición Limitada cigars arrived on schedule, but fell short in the quantity supplied.  This caused the commercial launch of the two cigars, which were planned to hit the market in 2017, to be further delayed; and though this pushed back the Partagás Serie No. 1 and the Punch Regios de Punch’s delivery time, their arrival to global markets was only slowed down and not cancelled.

Featured image courtesy of: Habanos S.A.

Surgeon General Warning: Cigar Smoking Can Cause Cancers of the Mouth And Throat, Even If You Do Not Inhale.

Montecristo’s 80th Year Commemoration in Napa Valley

The weekend gala for luxury aficionados to come together and revel in gourmet cooking, luxurious Cuban cigars, and vintage California wines for three unforgettable days is scheduled from May 4th to the 6th of 2017, and hosted by Charlie Palmer at Harvest Inn in Napa Valley.

This second annual event pays homage to the 80th anniversary of Montecristo, which to this day accounts for roughly one-quarter of Habanos SA’s worldwide cigar sales, designating it the most popular and best-selling cigar maker in the world.  Those that will be present during all or only part of the celebratory weekend will be able to indulge in some of Napa Valley’s finest wines and be given the opportunity to partake in specifically selected Montecristos with Cuban cigar specialist, collector, and proprietor of London’s renowned Casa del Habano “Ajay Patel”.

On the first day, the celebration begins with a barbecue reception provided by Harvest Table executive chef Spencer Wolff and will also present complimentary One Main hand-rolled cigars.  The next night commemorates the 80th anniversary of Montecristo with a multi-course dinner by Wolff and cigar & wine parings with Ajay Patel, as you look out over the Mayacamas Mountains and the hundreds of acres of vineyards.  The last day features an exclusive tasting at Gargiulo Vineyards followed by an array of cigars and a special winery tour, after which, a private reception and dinner take-place at Oakville’s famed B Cellars cave and includes a world-class menu, incredible wine, and aromatic cigars.

Tickets for this grand gala can be procured for specific events ranging from $70 to $350 per person.  As for the two- and three-night resort packages, they can range from $2,585 to $3,414 and include first-rate accommodations at Harvest Inn.  In addition, dinners and tastings for two are available as well.  The event will take a share of the proceeds to be donated to local charitable directed organizations, which will include the Boys & Girls Club of St. Helena.

Surgeon General Warning: Cigar Smoking Can Cause Cancers of the Mouth And Throat, Even If You Do Not Inhale.

2017 Luxury Cigar Accessory Guide

When selecting all the essentials to complete your cigar collection, it is a given to pick the very finest cigar accessories that befit your own personal style.  So today our team selected exactly what is necessary to turn your cigar collection into the perfect cigar set.  Check out our hand-picked luxury cigar accessories below.

Zino Cigar Case Carbon Fiber

This daring black & bold Davidoff cigar travel case keeps your cigars safe, stylish, and secure as you go about your day.  Its carbon fiber material keeps it lightweight and very strong, just what you would expect from the material that’s stronger than most metals and is used widely in the auto and aerospace worlds.  The carbon fiber’s unique interlaced form continues to grab people’s attention and entice them throughout the world as a top-notch material for first-class products.  While the carbon fiber protects your cigars in this Zino accessory, you can rest assured knowing this case is second to none in safeguarding your cigars on your travels.  Priced at $109 on Davidoffgeneva.com

Davidoff Round Cutter

The Davidoff Round Cutter attains a much loftier principle of quality than other cigar cutters, as this round cutter offers an on-the-mark cut, a pocket sized design, brushed finishes, and premium stainless-steel material that includes three different sizes of stainless steel blades.  Its unique design of three diverse cuts grants you to opportunity to enjoys any size of cigar with the perfect cut to go along with it, letting you indulge in the evenly-cut flavor of a cigar at its finest.  Priced at $385 on Davidoffgeneva.com

Stage V Clinger Cigar Clip

Made out of spring steel, the Stage V Clinger is the most versatile cigar holder on the market.  The clinger utilizes the strongest neodymium magnets and also employs a velcro coil to fasten to anything, be it a cup of coffee on your desk or the end of a golf club when there is no place to set it except on the ground, and who would want to lay a perfectly good cigar on the dirt or some other dirty surface.  The Stage V Clinger Cigar Clip will keep your cigar safe and well protected when your hands are full, and you are in desperate need of an extra hand.  For more information visit:  Stage-V.com

Davidoff Double Flame Lighter ‘Prestige’

A brass, black Palladium double flame lighter with china lacquer finishes, makes for a brilliant choice to have with your cigar accessories collection.  Davidoff’s Double Flame ‘Prestige’ lighters are equipped with and utilizes a twin burner for connoisseurs who stand firm on only high-quality craftsmanship.  The lighter’s burner has two opposite sided gas streams that generate a fan-shaped flame, quite fitting for the specialized use of prime cigars such as Cohiba Behike, Limited Edition Gurkha, and Premium Edition Davidoff cigars.  Priced at $1,160 on Davidoffgeneva.com

Davidoff Dome Humidor

When it comes to having a safe and stylish humidor to keep your cigars in, this Davidoff Dome Humidor is one of the best, as its Rosewood / Okoume body and satin finishes complements the cigars within and beautifully demonstrates just how a stylish humidor can make all the difference when enjoying a nice earthy cigar.  It reflects the Davidoff style that they have been perfecting for the last 50-years.  The chiseled dome took many hours of meticulous hand-craftsmanship and the end result is what you see before you, a cigar box worthy only to the best of cigars.  Priced at $5,137 on Davidoffgeneva.com

Surgeon General Warning: Cigar Smoking Can Cause Cancers of the Mouth And Throat, Even If You Do Not Inhale.

The Best Five Cuban Cigars of 2016

For many years, cigars have been known for their luxurious appearance and delightful taste.  But as time goes on, people can’t help partaking in the new generation of cigars that are backed by a century’s worth of experience & knowledge.  Out of all the cigars that have been created by the most brilliant of cigar makers, Cuban cigars made themselves known as the epitome.  So today I hand picked “the best 5 Cuban cigars of 2016” that I myself believe are without equal this year.

Cohibas are unquestionably one of the best & most popular (not to mention the most counterfeited) Cuban cigars of all time.  Especially desired are the Espléndido or the more recently added Behike, a larger-ringed variation that has become increasingly popular as of late, principally in Paris and London.  Almost all Cohibas are medium to full in character, yet not too intense.  On the other hand, newer cigar enthusiasts have the option to pick the gentler, more mild Cohiba Siglo series.

Romeo y Julieta cigars, Intermediate in strength with a hint of sweetness, the best cigar to buy when you just can’t make up your mind on what you want.  Their Turbos in particular are incredibly useful when you don’t want to bring along a cigar case on your travels in order to protect your Cubans.

Trinidad cigars began as Castro’s secret VIP cigar that took the place of Cohiba in popularity as soon as it was sold to the public in 1982.  With it being one of the most expensive cigars on the list, determined by where you buy it, this medium-full-flavored cigar won’t take very much time for you to use up your government-approved limit.

The No. 2 Montecristo is a longstanding favorite, even more so if your the type of person who enjoys a good bottle of single-malt scotch and red meat in conjunction with a fine Cuban cigar.  A medium-full-bodied, that harbors a trace of sweet spice.  With that being said, the somewhat tinier Montecristo No. 4 is currently the best-selling cigar in the world.

The Hoyo de Monterrey, a pretty pleasant, mellow cigar.  Best known for their Epicure Especial cigars that have been widely considered the crème de la crème of the Hoyo de Monterrey line.  Herbaceous and earthy flavors with a short spicy bang, and the wholly refreshing after-taste that soon follows makes this Cuban a must try.

Surgeon General Warning: Cigar Smoking Can Cause Cancers of the Mouth And Throat, Even If You Do Not Inhale.

Davidoff’s New And Incredibly Fierce Cigar

To keep cigars from undulating off the tabaquero’s table and for a simpler packaging process, Cuba invented box-pressed cigars.  And these types of cigars changed not only in shape but in flavor as well, just like how a glass affects the flavor of a fine bottle of cognac, the shape of a four-sided cigar alters the taste and then intensely amplifies it’s flavor.  A perfect example of this is the new Davidoff Nicaragua Box Pressed cigar, which has been reasonably priced from $15 to $18.  In correlation to the other Nicaraguan puro forms in this series; the dark oily Nicaraguan Habano Oscuro casing and its layers from Condega, Ometepe, and Estelí conveys even greater amounts of zest & flavor, since both the 5 by 48 robusto and the 6 by 52 toro substantiate.  While your relaxing by the beach or sitting at home close to the fireplace, a nice fierce cigar can make all the difference.

For more information visit:  Davidoff.com

Surgeon General Warning: Cigar Smoking Can Cause Cancers of the Mouth And Throat, Even If You Do Not Inhale.

Cohiba’s most expensive Cigars

Surgeon General Warning: Cigar Smoking Can Cause Cancers of the Mouth And Throat, Even If You Do Not Inhale.

Gurkha’s Most Extravagant Cigars

Gurkha Cigars are some of the finest high end cigars out there ranging from $200 to $1,150 per cigar.  They are known for their premium goods using artistically oriented packaging.  Gurkha has many different brands like Her Majesty’s Reserve Cigars, that contains 18 year old tobacco that was soaked in a $2,500 bottle of Louis XIII de Remy Martin cognac these cigars are priced at $750 per cigar or $15,000 a box.  Gurkha also sold limited edition Black Dragon Cigars in 2006 that even surpassed the HMR these cigars contain a global mix of tobaccos underneath its opulent shell, it was priced at $1,150 per cigar or $115,000 a box.  Gurkha itself even believes that their cigars are second to none.  For more information on Gurkha Cigars visit the link below.

Gurkha: www.GurkhaCigars.com

Surgeon General Warning: Cigar Smoking Can Cause Cancers of the Mouth And Throat, Even If You Do Not Inhale.