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Experienced tobacconists (cigar aficionados) have palates refined to distinguish nuances in taste and fragrance for a substance as thin as cigar smoke. That’s a skill, and the dizzying array of products available in a cigar shop’s humidor does little to throw them off a good scent. No matter how many faces (boxes of cigars) lie in the path, a tobacconist can always find the “perfect” puro (cigar).
But what if you are just a beginner? Eric Zimmermann, owner of Bad Ash Cigar Lounge in Woodland Hills, California, doesn’t want that to stop you. To him, every smoker, veteran or newcomer, should feel confident in their pick and enjoy the complex and rich flavors of a well-crafted stogie. Together, we honed in on ten cigars you can find anywhere and count on for a great smoke in three broad categories: light for the newcomers, medium for the next steppers, and dark for the experienced smoker’s palate.
How We Tested
The Leaf by Oscar Connecticut Toro.Danny Martinez
On two separate occasions, we sat down with Bad Ash Cigar Lounge owner Eric Zimmermann to smoke and talk cigars. Zimmermann understands and appreciates cigars in a way that very few, besides the most experienced cigar sommeliers (a real and high-paying job), can replicate. We asked Zimmermann to give us a rundown of the cigar brands and sticks he loves most across a range of prices and a spectrum of the fine brands available. Consider them a good starting place to figure out what you like and don’t like.
To learn more about our testing methodology and howwe evaluate products, head here.
“Here’s the thing: both new and experienced cigar smokers will appreciate this cigar. It is great,” Zimmermann says. “My gosh, if you want the crème de la crème this is it.” And he is not joking. Ashton, a paragon in the cigar industry, impresses us again with this line of tribute cigars commemorating the many years Ashton has knocked the socks off smokers worldwide.
Every part of these cigars is gorgeous; the construction, the scent, and even the box they are shipped in are things to admire. The Estate Sun Grown is one of the most highly celebrated sticks available and a must-have for any legit smoker’s collection. Also, had it not won best overall, The ESG 24 Salute is a top contender for Best Special Occasion Cigar Box and makes for an extravagant gift.
Taste Notes
Overall Flavor: The flavor profile is rich and saturated in the warm tobacco flavors indicative of the Dominican grown crop. Strong influences of honey and syrup mix with an earthy spice that grounds the palate.
Wrap Notes: The wrap is slick and shiny. It takes on the lips’ moisture and returns a spiced, buttery taste.
Smoke and Mouthfeel: A balanced smoke that is very flavorful; exhale slowly and enjoy the many layers that run through to the end of the aftertaste.
Color and Who It’s For
Medium: Inarguably delicious. A must-try for any level of smoker.
“A lot of people sleep on this,” Zimmermann says. “If you are getting into cigars, and you want something cheap — we’re talking under ten bucks [a stick] — but smokes like a $30 cigar? This one here, the Charter Oak Rothschild, I highly recommend.” Constructed in the US and crafted from tobaccos cultivated worldwide, the Foundation Rothschild line is an exceptional cigar for its price point.
The flavors are complex and unique enough to impress experienced tobacconists, which explains its popularity. You can find these cigars at most shops and lounges throughout the U.S.
Taste Notes
Overall Flavor: A blend of common and exotic flavors. In the sweet realm, tastes range from toasted cookies to chocolate and spearmint. On the bold side are hints of roasted peppers and fresh soil.
Wrap Notes: Seamless and firm wrap with a light bite.
Smoke and Mouthfeel: Dense and complex smoke with a strong and long-lasting aftertaste.
Color and Who It’s For
Light: Great for newcomers, but enjoyable for all.
“It is the reason [Bad Ash] lounge exists,” Zimmermann reminisces over his first favorite cigar. The agave touch on a normally bitter Connecticut wrapper kicks this smoke off with a smooth and sweet flavor that is easy to love. The Leaf by Oscar line is easily recognizable by its “rustic” packaging, opting for a tobacco leaf instead of the typical cellophane.
However, this unique twist is more than just a gimmick. It’s another testament to Island Jim (the master blender’s real name) and his supreme understanding of tobacco cultivation. He may be one of the industry’s most eccentric major players, but he knows how to craft a fine cigar. These sticks are popular with everyday smokers and can be found in most shops.
Taste Notes
Overall Flavor: Strong influences of chocolate, coffee bean, and molasses roll over a hint of spice and bitterness. The cigar’s midsection opens to lemon and peppers mixed with a leading smoked oak aroma.
Wrap Notes: Firm and oily with a pleasant spice on the lips.
Smoke and Mouthfeel: A smooth draw of dense, azur smoke. The kind of smoke fit for movies.
Color and Who It’s For
Light: The go-to for newcomers graduating from flavored and infused cigars.
“Here is the perfect springboard,” Zimmermann says. “It’s all about getting your foot in the door and setting yourself up for the long haul.” The flavor and smell of the Robusto Dulce introduce new smokers to finely crafted luxury cigars with easily accessible taste.
It is richer and more nuanced than the run-of-the-mill Swisher but bolder and sweeter than the cigars Drew Estate is known for, like the Liga Pravada. Plus, you can find this cigar almost anywhere — it’s very popular. So, this is a fantastic place to start for those serious about building a palate for the finer cigars on the top shelf.
Taste Notes
Overall Flavor: The caramel infusion and Nicaraguan peat flavor of the tobacco blend into what some describe as a vanilla latte smoke experience.
Wrap Notes: Light, sweet flavor on the wrap. The caramel infusion makes its presence known.
Smoke and Mouthfeel: Even, mellow, and smooth smoke feel.
“Very smooth, very flavorful, barely any bite,” Zimmermann says. The Rose of Sharon, one of the most notable boutique cigars on the market, is another great choice for the smoker ready to step up from the flavored and infused cigars and into more complex tastes.
Some folks were surprised when Southern Draw, a company based out of Texas with a bold reputation matching its home state, opted for the “softer” tones of the dainty labeling draped on this stick. However, don’t let the pink label deter you; this cigar is not a lightweight. An award-winning stick in its own right, The Rose of Sharon is top-notch in craft and taste.
Taste Notes
Overall Flavor: Charred cedar and the subtle hints of a warm campfire, transitioning into a complex blend of cream and nut.
Wrap Notes: Smooth, almost oily wrap. Silky feel.
Smoke and Mouthfeel: Rich and full smoke feel that lingers in the mouth.
“Here’s what I really like about this,” Zimmermann leans in as if telling a secret. “Most Nicaraguan cigars for beginners are like boom — in your face. Like I just downed a black pepper shaker. This doesn’t do that.” The Capa Especial is Tatuaje’s variation on an already popular and award-winning binder and filler blend wrapped in a flavor-packed Sumatra leaf.
With My Father’s legendary tobacco inside, you can expect a master’s dedication to craftsmanship in the fine stogies from Tatuaje’s rollers. Considering the Cohete’s length, this might not be so obvious when you find these “little rockets” in the wild. But this short stick packs a ton of balanced flavor.
Taste Notes
Overall Flavor: Mellow smooth and nutty, with a hint of black pepper. An even distribution of sweets and spices in the aroma is alluring and not overpowering.
Wrap Notes: The color of candied crème brulée that shines with the tobacco oils of the leaf. Firm but not stiff to the touch.
Smoke and Mouthfeel: A heavy smoke that is well balanced and massages the taste buds.
Color and Who It’s For
Medium: This cigar will be the next-stepper’s new favorite.
In the world of finely crafted handmade luxury cigars, Pledge by EP Carrillo is a legendarily delicious smoke. Royal blue and gold labeling emblazon a seamless, chocolate-colored Habano Connecticut leaf. Strong and rich tobacco aromas fill the space when one of these sticks comes out of the box.
The Pledge line, from taste to design, is worthy of every award won over the years. And there are many. “This is an amazing stick,” Zimmermann says. “I recommend the Prequel for its size. This is the capstone thesis for smoking.”
Taste Notes
Overall Flavor: Deep, robust, and rich flavors of truly fine aged tobacco.The strong taste of leather, peat, licorice, and coffee on the draw. The aftertaste blends stone fruit, pepper, and burnt sugar.
Wrap Notes: The unique wrap contributes heavily to the taste and kicks off with a peppery feel to the lips.
Smoke and Mouthfeel: An easy draw for such a boldly flavorful smoke with an equally complex aftertaste.
Filler: Nicaragua, Honduras, and The Dominican Republic
Binder: Brazil
Wrap: Connecticut Habano grown in the U.S.
“Drew Estate struck gold with these,” Zimmermann says. He might be referring to the big risk taken on by Johnathan Drew, president of Drew Estates Cigars when committing to the hard-to-grown and unique wrapper the T52 is known for. But with big risk comes big rewards for Drew Estate and fans of great cigars.
“It’s like smooth, flavorful peat. It’s very hard to find,” Zimmermann says. “I mean, you have to spend [a lot of money] with Drew Estate to even get a box… It generally takes me one-to-three months to get a box because it is so sought after. This is a solid one that is very rare to find.” So, if you see a box at the local shop, we recommend scooping up as many as you can afford. If not for the notoriety, then for the award-winning taste of this brilliantly blended cigar by Drew Estate.
Taste Notes
Overall Flavor: Dense and complex mixture of charred pepper spice, sun-dried hay, mocha, and peat followed by the faint hint of an after hours bakery.
Wrap Notes: The dark, chocolatey wrap makes it look and feel like a fancy candy bar. This cigar is flawlessly constructed.
Smoke and Mouthfeel: Dense and rich flavor bouquet that fills the mouth like an herbal tea. The spice in the Nicaraguan filler is the focus of the aftertaste but doesn’t linger.
My personal favorite, the Perdomo Reserve Champagne 10 had to be on this list. The barrel aging of the wrap provides the soft, boozy taste from which this cigar gets its name. The Cuban seed Nicaraguan-grown tobacco in the filler and binder brings in the mix of sweet caramel and strong black pepper that makes it interesting. Together, they exemplify the decade Perdomo has expressed their skill in growth and knowledge of aging to consistently turn out cigars the people love.
The Perdomo Reserve Champagne 10 is a great way to take your new home humidor to the next level. It’s a cigar you can be proud to own and enjoy daily. “I probably sell two-to-three boxes of these a month,” Zimmermann says. “People like them because they are just so smooth.” Considering this and its ubiquity in stores, this cigar was a top contender for best overall.
Taste Notes
Overall Flavor: Underlying notes of white wine, complementing a complex smoke that transitions from sweet to mildly spicy throughout.
Wrap Notes: Barrel-aged spice on Soft, almost spongey wrap
Smoke and Mouthfeel: Complex but smooth smoke feel, easy from start to finish.
Color and Who It’s For
Light: Ideal for smokers between “newcomer” and “next-stepper.”
“Now this is going to be a little bit pricey, but it’s not going to break the bank,” Zimmermann says. “But if you love Padron… and you are ready to jump out into some dangerous territory [Family Reserve No. 45] is a great stick.” The Padron family has made itself a household name by rolling fantastic cigars that celebrate the heritage and culture of the craft. Reserve No. 45 does not disappoint, winning Cigar Aficionado’s Cigar of the Year upon its release and staying one of the most sought-after boxes on the market today.
We honor the hard work and dedication of the Padron family and all families involved in making each stick every time we light up. This notion makes having these cigars in your humidor a right of passage and an amazing gift for someone special on a special day.
Taste Notes
Overall Flavor: Power in simplicity, the very foundations of a fine cigar smoke blended to perfection. A bold, spiced creaminess persists throughout, but the cigar transitions from fresh earth and roasted nut accents to barnyard and sweet fruit.
Wrap Notes: Smooth, oily wrap with the feel of a ripe peach on the lips. After the cut, but before you light it, take a pull for a very tasty cold draw.
Smoke and Mouthfeel: Spicy smoke that lingers and flows smoothly around the palate. A very long aftertaste, pair with seltzer water to clear the palate.
Color and Who It’s For
Medium: Enjoyed most by next-steppers and experienced smokers.
