Nica Rustica Broadleaf is another great brand from Drew Estate that came to market in 2013. Worth noting is that this cigar was blended by Master Blender Willie Herrera himself! The bonus for all of us is the affordable price.
This Original Nica Rustica entry is a medium to full strength cigar blended to showcase native Nicaraguan tobaccos from Esteli and Jalapa. Aficionados will enjoy this rustic smoke that is robust and deeply satisfying. Genuine Connecticut Broadleaf encases Nica Rustica and imparts a subtle natural tobacco sweetness and spice. The Robusto is a top pick for around $4.00!
Check out all Nica Rusticas available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro
Binder: Mexican San Andres Negro
Filler: Nicaragua (Esteli and Jalapa)
Blender: Jonathan Drew and Willy Herrera
Don’t’ let the plain Jane packaging fool you. This is one of three great blends offered by Davidoff under the storied Cusano name for a more than fair price considering what you’re getting.
This Maduro edition is well made, medium bodied, smooth and tasty with a great draw. It also possesses a nice bit of sweetness and spice.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Coming Soon!
Wrapper Type – Maduro
Wrapper: Honduran Corojo (5th Priming)
Binder: Honduran Corojo
Filler: Honduran Corojo | Pennsylvania Broadleaf
Factory: Diadema Cigars de Honduras, S.A. (Honduras)
Avo XO was created by Master Blender Hendrik Kelner in 1988.
The XO consists of a light-tan Ecuadorian Grown Connecticut wrapper and a premium interior of Dominican binder and filler tobaccos that are aged for at least six years. It’s hard to believe this blend is over 36 years old. Amazingly enough, it continues to get accolades from industry critics.
In 2024, Cigar Aficionado rates this cigar a 92. Their description proves this old soldier can still please the best of them. “This cigar brings a toasty, nutty smoke to the palate with subtle notes of honeyed tea, orange peel and caramel. Elegant and easygoing.” Noted reviewer KATMAN still feels the flavors are very potent and pleasing. The Cigar Authority scored it a solid 90 exclaiming. “A remarkably smooth, yet richly complex medium-bodied composition balanced with notes of wood, spice, dry and sweet fruit.” While Cigar Coop shares that same 90 rating, they conclude it to be an excellent cigar and one that kept true to the milder, creamier experience known the Avo XO line to have.
It’s safe to say, the XO may have been around longer than you! See what discerning smokers have been enjoying for almost 40 years.
Wrapper: Ecuadorian grown Connecticut Seed
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
See all the Avo cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
There’s a few reasons why 90 rated Ashtons have remained in the top ten for decades. They are made by the folks at Arturo Fuente. They are insanely consistent and remain one of the benchmarks for mild to mellow taste. If you’ve smoked them you know. If you haven’t, I envy you!
The Cabinet Selection edition amped up the flavor to a medium bodied smoke retaining the silky smoothness that Ashton is known for. The Dominican fillers used in these great sticks are aged between four and five years along with aging the Connecticut wrapper for a year. This expertly made beauty draws perfectly, burns evenly and delivers more of what the classic series offers.
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: USA Connecticut Shade
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
Factory: Tabacalera A. Fuente
ACCOLADES
91 Rated – Cigar Aficionado, October 2019
90 Rated – Cigar Aficionado, February 2019
90 Rated – Cigar Aficionado, June 2006
This brand started in Cuba in 1940 and is still being made there. When Cigar Giant Altadis acquired the name for the US, production went from the Dominican Republic to Honduras where it remains. As time passed the brand began to evolve attracting new smokers. Over 10 years ago the Series G Natural came to market giving folks who enjoy medium bodied cigars a treat that captured the brand’s heritage of rich taste in a slow burning, smooth stick.
Soon after, the addition of pitch black Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper on this maduro edition raised the needle of the taste meter just a bit more than it’s natural counterpart.
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Connecticut Broadleaf
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf
Romeo y Julieta Aniversario is a very, very special cigar to say the least.
You’re definitely a serious shopper if you’re looking at this amazing cigar. In 2003, Altadis reached out to Master Blender Jose Seijas who is a veritable icon of the industry for over 40 years. With attention to detail, his skillful multi country blend of long fillers is encased in a dark Ecuadorian Sumatra seed wrapper. Without a doubt this produces an amazingly complex, smooth tasting medium bodied cigar. While this masterpiece took a while to get passed around, it’s eventual 92 rating is a testament of Seijas’ ability to give smokers a truly great experience.
Just so you know, along with the high score, Cigar Aficionado placed this great cigar in the top 25 of the year. If you want to see what has been pleasing discerning smokers for over twenty years, this Romeo has to be in your humidor today. Hands down!
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan-Peruvian
Binder – USA Connecticut Broadleaf
Wrapper – Ecuadorian Sumatra
See all the Romeo y Julieta cigars available at The Cigar Thief HERE
Montecristo Monte by AJ Fernandez is another fantastic collaboration between Master Blender A J Fernandez and this iconic brand. This is the fourth cigar blended and rolled by Fernández for Altadis U.S.A.
With attention to detail, this creation contains vintage Dominican piloto cubano and criollo 98 fillers along with a prime Nicaraguan corojo 98 binder. And encasing all this is a 17-year-old Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. How’s that for complexity and craftsmanship! Without doubt the blend yields a balanced, smooth medium-full bodied flavor. To say the least, this dark, box pressed cigar is perfectly made with an exceptional draw.
When renowned industry reviewer Katman rated it at 95, his description of this flavor bomb is spot on. ” This may just be the maltiest blend I’ve smoked. In addition, flavors of chocolate, caramel, creaminess, red pepper, dried fruit, roasted nuts, cedar, and toasted buttered French bread make this cigar a winner.”
If you consider yourself a fan of Montecristo and AJ Fernandez, this one must be in your humidor for sure!
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Nicaraguan Corojo 98
Filler: Nicaraguan Criollo 98, Dominican Republic Piloto Cubano
Factory: Tabacalera Fernandez S.A.
Blender: AJ Fernandez
See all the Montecristo cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Without doubt, Montecristo Espada is one of this iconic company’s best cigars ever!
The Spanish lesson for today is: Espada means sword. When the Espada appeared garnering a 92 rating and becoming one of the top 25 cigars of the year we all knew it was worth the price. What must be remembered is Espada is made in Nicaragua at Plasencia Cigars and is a collaboration between Plasencia and the Altadis blending team, Grupo de Maestros.
With attention to detail, the very rare wrapper from 2010 encases vintage Nicaraguan filler and binder tobacco from three prized growing regions. In fact, the filler and binder leaves are even older! The result is a medium bodied purebred with an interesting combination of sweetness and spice thats creamy and balanced. Cigar Aficionado describes this amazing smoke perfectly. “An exceptional smoke offering the spice of a gingersnap with touches of cinnamon that build to a sweet, spicy finish.”
It’s no surprise Espada has been pleasing cigar smokers for almost a decade and is still going strong.
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano (Jalapa) Vintage 2010
Binder: Nicaraguan Habano (Jalapa) Vintage 2009
Filler: Nicaraguan Habano (Jalapa) Seco Vintage 2008, Nicaraguan Habano (Jalapa) Viso Ometepe Vintage 2008, Nicaraguan Habano (Condega) Ligero Vintage 2008
I have to put my Diplomat hat on to talk about this nearly thirty year old brand. Forgetting about the fact they were just over two dollars when they came out, you have to realize they’ve continued to be produced for decades! Why? Because they have a very devout following of fans that have come to look at this name as a kind of “Comfort Cigar”. It’s mellow to medium bodied with a slight bit of spice that has been pleasing many, many folks for such a long time. The Coronas are the best of the bunch!
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Mexican
Binder – Mexican
Wrapper Type – Connecticut
This is probably one of the best full bodied cigars you’ve never heard of. This 90 rated stick has been flying under the radar for over six years. What sets this Nicaraguan puro aside from many others is the characteristic of its blend, Soon after lighting up it hits you with a robust burst of flavor that begins to settle down with a bit of sweetness as you move along then ramps back up again. This is a very very flavorful cigar with a great aroma.
Origin – Nicaraguan
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Nicaraguan
You found it! While most of us know the H. Upmann brand, few know the rarity of this 90 rated beauty. Yes, it’s medium to full bodied like most Upmanns are. What may folks don’t know is something I’ve talked about before. The Cameroon wrapper is amazing! It changes the character of this cigar to yield a smoother, tastier Upmann. Not that the others aren’t great! These Cedar wrapped beauties are unique and are even better if you let them age.Try a five pack for yourself.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan-Peruvian
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Cameroon
When Altadis, the cigar giant thats brings us Monte Cristo, Romeo and Upmann….to name a few decided to create a value priced entry they didn’t take any shortcuts. These handmade sticks use Dominican tobaccos across the board with a bit of Honduran binder giving it a mild to medium bodied taste that’s smooth and mellow. The Connecticut Shade dark Maduro wrapper is a rarity in the budget friendly category. It gives this particular cigar a more robust taste without increasing its overall strength Enjoy!
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Honduran
Binder – Connecticut Broadleaf
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf
Alec Bradley Black Market is one of this great company’s most popular cigars. For starters, Cigar Aficionado named the Black Market Churchill the 2022 #6 Cigar Of The Year with a rating of 94.
With attention to detail, this medium to full bodied gem encases a Sumatran binder and Panamanian/Honduran filler with a dark and oily Nicaraguan Maduro wrapper. To say the least, this is a medium to full bodied Cuban style smoking experience that’s hard to beat. In fact, when it came to ratings, Black Market beat out many of it’s Cuban counterparts! How’s that for value!
With this in mind, it’s hard to believe this terrific cigar has been around for over 10 years. If you consider yourself a discerning smoker and haven’t yet tried one, what are waiting for!
Factory: Tabacos de Oriente in Danli, Honduras
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Jalapa- Colorado Maduro
Filler: Honduran Jamastran Valley, Panamanian
Binder: Ecuadorian Sumatra
See all the Alec Bradley cigars available at The Cigar Thief HERE
AJ Fernandez New World is another one of this company’s best offerings.
Master Cigar Maker A J Fernandez teamed up with his son Ismael to create a solid medium to full bodied cigar. With attention to detail, the company describes this cigar perfectly, “A true work of art blended with the finest tobaccos found in the four main tobacco regions of Nicaragua. The hand selected wrapper and fillers from are showcased in a beautiful medium to full-bodied box pressed cigar.”
With this in mind, it’s no surprise Cigar Aficionado rates this blend a very respectable 92. Their description says it all. ” This dark, oily box pressed cigar burns and draws well, showing a spicy and chocolate character buttressed by an earthy, nutty core and a hint of caramel before the herbal finish.”
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacalera AJ Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua S.A.
Wrapper: Nicaragua (Oscuro)
Binder: Nicaragua (Jalapa)
Filler: Nicaragua (Condega, Estelí & Ometepe)
Check out other AJ Fernandez cigars available on The Cigar Thief here!
AJ Fernandez Last Call Maduro is one of this company’s best cigars you never knew about.
This Last Call Maduro edition has all of what made the original a hit and more! More robust taste, more balanced spice and a unique sweetness that only AJ can muster up! With attention to detail, the Nicaraguan grown Pennsylvania Broadleaf seed wrapper gives this smoke a boost on all fronts.
When the highly critical folks at Blind Man’s Puff gave it a core of 94, they described it perfectly,”Overall a pretty damn good cigar. If you like dipping into the spice cabinet realm this one is for you. I detected notes all over, from cinnamon to nutmeg to all spice to cumin. Tasted like I was smoking a Thanksgiving dessert. Very warm and nice flavors. Due to the strength, I would recommend this as an after dinner smoke and pair with a bourbon or blended whiskey and a piece of pie.”
To say the least, for the price, this one is a must try!
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaraguan grown Pennsylvania Broadleaf-Seed Maduro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacalera Fernandez
Blender: A.J. Fernandez
Check out other AJ Fernandez cigars available on The Cigar Thief here!
Skull & Bulls Sampler – A Collaboration Between La Flor Dominicana (LFD) and Viaje!
The Skull & Bulls Sampler brings together two iconic brands, La Flor Dominicana and Viaje, in one exclusive collection. This sampler is perfect for cigar enthusiasts who appreciate bold, complex flavors from some of the finest cigars available.
Whether you’re craving the legendary Andalusian Bull or the rare Skull & Bones, this sampler showcases the craftsmanship and rich profiles of both brands. A perfect collection for those seeking an exceptional smoking experience.
Somm BDX is one of the spectacular cigars from this true boutique company.
With attention to detail, BDX is a multi country blend inspiring the rich flavors and complexity of Bordeaux wines. The detailed curation achieves a harmonious balance of flavors to say the least! Each puff unveils a symphony of rich taste, with flavor notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and hints of spice dancing on the palate.
Noted Cigar Reviewer KATMAN rates the BDX an astounding 96. His words describe it best. ” This is a supremely sophisticated blend. The separation of powers emitting succinct flavors begins to fade as the blend heads to the Fortress of Solitude. Intense, complex and gratifying.”
Without doubt, the impeccable quality and unparalleled craftsmanship of these cigars are quickly become favorites among connoisseurs who demand nothing but the best.Wrapper:
Mexican San Andrés Maduro (Aged 3 Years)
Binder: Nicaraguan Jalapa Viso (Aged 3 Years)
Filler: Honduran Broadleaf (Aged 2 years), Mexican San Andrés (Aged 3 years) and last but not least Nicaraguan Jalapa Viso (Aged 3 years)
See all the Somm Cigar available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Garo 1887 is another one of the great company’s spectacular entries.
The 1887 cigar, pays homage to the brand’s rich tradition and dedication to excellence, embodying the essence of premium tobacco craftsmanship. The 1887 is meticulously blended and crafted to deliver a balanced and complex flavor profile.
Wrapped in a rich Ecuadorian Habano leaf and bound with the signature Olor Dominican binder, the 1887 offers a distinct experience from start to finish. With attention to detail, the filler is a blend of Dominican Seco/Lijero and Corojo of exceptional quality. These wonderful cigars produce notes of walnut, honey, cedar, and leather with a velvety texture provided by the Habano wrapper. The construction of these cigars is exemplary, ensuring an even burn and a smooth, consistent draw.
No doubt the 1877 is just as appreciated by aficionados as they are to newcomers.
See all of the Garo cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
This majestic cigar is cloaked in a Cameroon sun grown wrapper from Ecuador. This tobacco boasts the most flavor of all wrappers on the market today. It also happens to be Francisco’s favorite wrapper. The binder is Dominican and the filler blend includes the Dominican Republic’s most prized tobacco, Piloto Cubano.
The Viaje Mini Moon & Viaje Mini Moon Edicion Limitada are limited production cigars.
With attention to detail, The Mini Moon is a 4 7/8 x 52 short robusto Nicaraguan puro with a Dark Corojo wrapper. The Mini Moon Edicion Limitada is a San Andrés Maduro version of the Mini Moon in the same size wearing the Edición Limitada band. Both have vintage Nicaraguan filler and binder leaves.
Noted reviewer KATMAN rates the Mini Moon a respectable 93. His description is spot on. “It is a well-crafted melding of Nicaraguan leaves that you’ll enjoy as the blend is pointedly consistent.” When it comes to the Edicion Limitada he rates this one an astounding 96 and raves. “Incredible cigar. Creaminess appears like a dust devil. Totally out of the blue. It wraps the flavor profile with vanilla ice cream goodness.”
Without a doubt, either one is a top pick. From inception up to the present, these cigars are hard to come by. So get them when we have them if you don’t want to miss out.
See all the Viaje Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Foundation Metapa Claro is another one of this company’s very special cigars.
Like it’s Maduro counterpart, this edition uses an old-school strategy in terms of wrapper shade. This complex recipe utilizes a Nicaraguan filler from two prime growing regions in Nicaragua. Add to this a dark grade A Connecticut Broadleaf binder and you know it’s something special. Encasing everything is a silky smooth Sumatran wrapper. The result is what you’d expect from Nick and the AJ Fernandez factory.
The critics at Halfwheel emphatically say Metapa Claro is an excellent cigar to smoke right now.
Developing Palates describes this medium to full bodied cigar as a flavorful smoke. Think cinnamon, cedar, chocolate, cream, nuts, natural tobacco. It was no surprise when Cigar Dojo named this foundation creation as their top cigar for 2023.
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Nicaraguan Esteli and Jalapa
Factory: Tabacalera AJ Fernandez
Blender: Nicholas Melillo
See all the Foundation Cigars available at The Cigar Thief HERE
DAV Cigarillos are the epitome of luxury in a compact form.
With attention to detail, these 4×24 size handmade Cigarillos contain the same vintage tobacco of the company’s premium cigars. Despite their compact size, DAV Cigarillos deliver big on flavor. Each one uses only the finest tobaccos sourced from the most prestigious growing regions around the world. This meticulous blend create a harmonious flavor profile that is both smooth and satisfying.
With every draw, you’ll experience the rich and complex notes that are characteristic of their larger cigars. Think hints of earthy richness, subtle spices, and a touch of sweetness.
Whether you’re on the go or simply looking for a quick smoke, DAV Cigarillos are the perfect choice.
Palmarito Marrón (lighter box)
San Andrés wrapper
Dominican filler and binder
Palmarito Oro (darker box)
Connecticut Ecuador
Dominican filler and binder
See all the DAV cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
The King is Dead brand began with this premier edition which took five years to blend. The line is being manufactured in the Dominican Republic with Henderson and William Ventura, a father and son team with over 40 years experience under their belts. This medium to full bodied cigar is made with some of the worlds most unique micro blend tobacco and stands out compared to most. In short, this cigar is sophisticated and a perfectly balanced flavor bomb.
Wrapper: Dominican Negrito
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican
Pappy Van Winkle Barrel Fermented is probably one of Drew Estate’s most exclusive and elusive brands.
There is no dispute that the Pappy Van Winkle line is one of the most sought after cigars on the planet. When Drew Estate decided to produce a more complex blend, the industry took serious notice. With extreme attention to detail, this extraordinary cigar is made by soaking Kentucky fire-cured tobacco in Pappy Van Winkle bourbon barrels for 12-18 months. The tobacco is then combined with prime Mexican and Indonesian tobacco and hand-rolled in very limited quantities in Estelí, Nicaragua.
Stay tuned to The Cigar Thief for availability. And when they’re in, get them! Any size is always a top pick for these.
Check out all the Pappy Van Winkle cigars we carry when they’re available HERE
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
Wrapper: Mexico (San Andrés) & U.S.A. (Kentucky Tapa Negra)
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua & U.S.A. (Kentucky)
Diesel Fool’s Errand Simple Fool is the second entry of the Fool’s Errand Trilogy line and another collaboration with AJ Fernandez.
Simple Fool uses a dark Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper encasing Nicaraguan habano binder and filler leaves. The result is an exquisite medium to full-bodied smoke with flavor notes of espresso, earth and spices with a rich creaminess throughout. It’s important to note that all the tobacco in these great cigars is proprietary to AJ’s farms. Many smokers feel it pairs perfectly with Bourbon, Stout beer and Coffee.
BEWARE, when these limited edition jewels are gone….they’re gone!
WRAPPER: Ecuadorian Sumatra [Proprietary]
BINDER; Nicaraguan Habano [Proprietary]
FILLER: Nicaraguan Habano [Proprietary]
See all the Diesel Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
BLACK BAG INCLUDES:
RED BAG INCLUDES:
Rocky Patel White Label, a cigar crafted to captivate aficionados with its exquisite blend and unparalleled smoking experience. Meticulously curated by Rocky Patel, a name synonymous with quality and innovation in the world of cigars, the White Label stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence.
At the heart of the White Label is a carefully selected blend of premium aged tobaccos sourced from the finest tobacco-growing regions across the globe. Each leaf is handpicked and aged to perfection, ensuring a harmonious fusion of flavors and aromas that dance across the palate with every draw.
