No one disputes that Rocky Patel is one of the few Titans of the Premium Cigar Industry. Over 20 years ago as he began his quest to get a foothold in the marketplace he actually got in his car and traveled the country visiting high volume Tobacconists unannounced! When he wound up in my store to sell his first entry , I hesitantly took a chance on him. Actually, he was such a nice and appreciative person I couldn’t resist! The rest is cigar history!
If you’ve read my posts you know I’m bullish on aging your cigars to enhance their taste. What sets this Vintage edition apart from the others is the 11 year old San Andreas Mexican wrapper along with Nicaraguan fillers and Connecticut Broadleaf binder. This highly rated, expertly made combination produces a solid medium to full bodied taste that contains coffee and chocolate flavors.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Connecticut Broadleaf
Wrapper Type – San Andres
No one disputes that Rocky Patel is one of the few Titans of the Premium Cigar Industry. Over 20 years ago as he began his quest to get a foothold in the marketplace he actually got in his car and traveled the country visiting high volume Tobacconists unannounced! When he wound up in my store to sell his first entry , I hesitantly took a chance on him. Actually, he was such a nice and appreciative person I couldn’t resist! The rest is cigar history!
If you’ve read my posts you know I’m bullish on aging your cigars to enhance their taste. As with the other Vintage series cigars, the ’90 is perfectly box pressed. The big difference is the very dark 10 year old Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper giving this medium bodied stick a thick smoke that draws and burns perfectly.
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Sumatra
No one disputes that Rocky Patel is one of the few Titans of the Premium Cigar Industry. Over 20 years ago as he began his quest to get a foothold in the marketplace he actually got in his car and traveled the country visiting high volume Tobacconists unannounced! When he wound up in my store to sell his first entry, I hesitantly took a chance on him. Actually, he was such a nice and appreciative person I couldn’t resist! The rest is cigar history!
Rocky’s introduction of this magnificent cigar celebrating his 10th anniversary in business rocked the industry by achieving a 95 rating! This oily wrapped medium to full bodied stick is as great today as it was back then and is still a bestseller. This is a rich, balanced smoke that draws perfectly and burns evenly. For me, I get a bit of cherry, coffee and buttered toast!
I highly recommend a five pack of my favorite sized Lonsdales.
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Honduran
Binder – Coming Soon!
Wrapper Type – Sumatra
Nick Perdomo and his Dad are well-renowned cigar makers. I’ve watched them grow to one of the world’s powerhouse teams producing a wide array of highly-rated premiums. In fact, over 20 years ago I remember Nick personally traveling around the country and winding up in my Long Island store soliciting for business! Many years later when I went to the last big Cigar Show trying to see him was like trying to see a rock start! His success is well earned.
When the 20th Anniversary line was launched, all editions were highly rated first-class sticks. This Maduro edition is hard to describe. Some folks say it’s totally full-bodied while others claim its medium to full-bodied. I guess what makes this so is because this box-pressed stick’s wrapper is triple fermented and aged in Cedarwood boxes then placed in bourbon barrels for just over a year. You’ll just have to judge for yourself.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Habano Maduro
Oliva launched this Cafe’ Series in 2015 consisting of three distinctly unique flavors: Espresso, Cappuccino and Macchiato.
While I consider myself a purist, I absolutely love each of these sticks! Every one is a top quality, well made cigar with vintage tobaccos in the Oliva tradition available in a huge array of sizes. The flavor infusions are subtle but defined. The aroma is delicious and wonderful in each edition. Pick your favorite brew listing and grab a five pack of 4×38’s for a taste.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Dominican
Wrapper Type – Ecuadorian
Shipping Restrictions:
These items cannot be shipped to Massachusetts state addresses
Oliva launched this Cafe’ Series in 2015 consisting of three distinctly unique flavors: Espresso, Cappuccino and Macchiato.
While I consider myself a purist, I absolutely love each of these sticks! Every one is a top quality, well made cigar with vintage tobaccos in the Oliva tradition available in a huge array of sizes. The flavor infusions are subtle but defined. The aroma is delicious and wonderful in each edition. Pick your favorite brew listing and grab a five pack of 4×38’s for a taste.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Dominican
Wrapper Type – Ecuadorian
Shipping Restrictions:
These items cannot be shipped to Massachusetts state addresses
Need some time to catch your breath? The great characteristic of this cigar is that it starts off with a well rounded medium taste that increases in intensity as you move down the line. Throughout the entire smoke this Oliva stays very, very smooth!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Coming Soon!
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf
This great brand traces its roots back to 1886 when Melanio Oliva began growing tobacco in Cuba. After the revolution, his grandson Gilberto went to Spain and then settled in Nicaragua. In 1995 Gilberto and his son Gilberto Jr. launched the company.
The 90 rated, box-pressed, Serie G came on the scene in 2007. Cameroon wrapped cigars are among my favorite. Box press them and you’ve won my heart! Oliva’s proprietary blend of Nicaraguan fillers with a vintage Cuban seed grown Habano binder produces a rich, well rounded medium-bodied cigar without any hint of harshness. Many feel that this cigar remains one of the company’s finest to this day. If you’ve had them, you know. If you haven’t tried them, I urge you to grab a five-pack. Serie G is one of my absolute favorites.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Cuban Seed Habano
Wrapper Type – Cameroon
Don Pepin Garcia of My Fathers Cigars fame originally created this cigar over 15 years ago. As the company rocketed to fame with numerous 90+ rated, full bodied Cuban style smokes, Vegas Cubanas kind of got lost. This mellow to slightly medium bodied stick is a welcome addition to the My Father lineup. It’s very flavorful with just a bit of spice and draws perfectly. Make no mistake. This is a highly rated smoke for those of us that steer towards milder tastes.
Wrapper: Nicaraguan- Habano Rosado Claro
Binder: Nicaraguan Criollo
Filler: Nicaraguan- Cuban Seed ’99 Corojo, Criollo
Like its Original edition counterpart, this Maduro entry is another world class medium to full bodied cigar with just a bit more of a robust character while still remaining smooth to the finish.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper – Ecuadorian grown Habano Maduro
When this line was launched in 2014 it was a well received departure from the medium-full bodied blends the company was we known for. The Connecticut landed squarely in the mild to mellow zone gaining many, many new smokers into the My Father fold. The noted addition of a 15 year old Nicaraguan Corojo binder gave this stick a unique taste offering folks that enjoyed milder cigars a thoroughly enjoyable experience unlike what they were accustomed to.
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Nicaraguan Corojo 99
Filler: Nicaraguan Habano and Criollo
Factory: My Father Cigar Factory
Blender: Jose “Pepin” Garcia and Jaime Garcia
First off, just so you know the “Xtreme” of this cigar doesn’t mean totally full flavored or harsh in any way. This 90 rated Gurkha is “Xtremely” flavorful! What I like about this perfectly made medium bodied stick is the great draw yielding a smooth array of a kind black licorice and cocoa taste. Tough to explain its uniqueness. If you’re a Gurkha fan and haven’t tried it, you really should.
PS. The very cool space age box is a keeper!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Nicaraguan
Macanudo Maduro is the first darkly wrapped vitola from this iconic company.
The Maduro edition arrived over 20 years ago with a dark Broadleaf accompanied with a complex blend of premium tobacco. The result moved the needle on the taste meter into medium bodied flavor range opening up the brand to new smokers that wanted a more robust smoke while enjoying Macanudos quality and consistency.
Don’t be fooled by it’s gorgeous exterior, Macanudo Maduro is a mellow to medium cigar handcrafted with tobaccos that surpass the rest. The secret is in the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, handcrafted in the Dominican Republic, and thanks to a proprietary curing process, this leaf is one of the most intriguing and flavorful Maduros in humidors everywhere.
WRAPPER: Connecticut Broadleaf
BINDER: Connecticut
FILLER: Mexican, Dominican Piloto Cubano
Looking for more Macanudo products available on The Cigar Thief? Click HERE
Macanudo 1968 is one this iconic company’s very special entries. With this in mind, this great cigar was made to celebrate the company’s 40th anniversary in 2008.
Since then, it’s been a steady seller to devoted fans, aficionados and newcomers alike. As it ramps up the normally mild taste that most Macanudos are known for, it also possesses a welcome complexity adding to its medium strength. These masterfully crafted cigars are smooth to their finish and wonderful to smoke.
With attention to detail, the 1968 edition provides a full, flavorful and intricate smoke for fans of complex cigars. But don’t let this new approach fool you. 1968 still delivers intricately balanced flavor and inherent sweetness. The result is a cigar receiving unanimous critical acclaim. 90+ ratings from Cigar Aficionado, Blind Man’s Puff and Cigar Inside dictate this Macanudo is a must try.
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Honduran Olancho San Agustin (OSA)
Binder: Connecticut Habano
Filler: Dominican, Nicaragua Esteli, Nicaraguan Ometepe
Factory: General Cigar Dominicana
Blender: Jhonys Diaz
Looking for more Macanudo products available on The Cigar Thief? Click HERE
Chillin’ Moose is a hugely popular and affordable premium cigar line from the Forged Cigar Company. This Original one was the first edition.
These cigars contains a five country blend of selected tobaccos adding up to a mild-medium bodied, complex and enjoyable taste. This value priced gem delivers flavors of natural tobacco, hardwoods, and leather, with hints of cocoa and pepper making it mild enough for anytime of day to say the least.
It’s hard to believe a cigar costing between $3 and $4 can be so good. Noted Reviewer KATMAN says,”In spite of my arrogance about inexpensive cigars, this a cigar I can recommend.” Cigar Czars says it best. “If you are looking for a great cigar to fill up your humidor I highly recommend these cigars.”
Wrapper: Connecticut Habano Rosado
Binder: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Filler: Nicaraguan, Dominican, US Broadleaf, and Mexican San Andrés
See all the Chillin Moose cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Diesel Grind is the first entry of the hugely popular Diesel brand in collaboration with Master Blender A.J. Fernandez’ for Forged Cigars.
This original Grind blend contains a meticulous mix of Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos from Esteli. Cloaking this is a mysteriously dark and luscious Ecuadorian Habano Maduro wrapper. The result is a smooth but powerful smoke on all counts.
Blind Man’s Puff rates it a very respectable 91. They describe it perfectly. “A really darkly attractive cigar with big rich flavors in the earthy/woody range with some interesting side notes of herbs and spices coming in at a few points. Good stuff right out of the gate. Big spicy flavor with lots of booming smoke.”
To put it another way, there’s probably no better cigar you can buy for under $7.
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacalera AJ Fernandez
Blender: AJ Fernandez
See all the Diesel Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
When Cohiba Connecticut was released in March of 2019, we all looked twice at the nearly flawless, golden Connecticut wrapper. Add to this a proprietary blend of vintage leaves from four countries and you have a winner to say the least.
This is a Cohiba that’s as welcomed with morning coffee as it is with an after dinner whiskey. Smooth, cool burning, consistent and unmistakably Cohiba!
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Mexican San Andrés
Filler: Brazil, Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua
Factory: General Cigar Dominicana
Blender: Johnys Diaz
MX2 is still one of the top maduro cigars being rolled today and available on a limited basis throughout the year.
In fact, this edition was produced almost 20 years ago to achieve one purpose; to test the capability of your taste buds! This dark, oily vitola achieves its goal via a five country blend of fillers and binder with a serious twist. Underneath the ominous looking USA grown Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper lies an even darker Brazilian Maduro binder leaf.
You can expect an open draw yielding aromatic smoke and a tight ash for starters. From start to finish, this medium to full bodied cigar is slow burning producing undertones of sweetness, spice and espresso.
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: STG Estelí
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Brazil
Filler: Dominican Republic, Honduras, Nicaragua & Peru
See all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
CAO New Age: Flathead Steel Horse is a follow up to the very popular original Flathead series.
This complexly blended cigar is wrapped in a proprietary Connecticut Habano Grueso [meaning thick] leaf featuring tobacco from four countries containing Brazilian Arapiraca as the binder along with Honduran, Nicaraguan and Dominican tobaccos comprising the filler. In short, this is an entirely different cigar from the original Flathead. As a bonus, each cigar is in it’s own individually box.
The result is a medium to full bodied box pressed cigar with uniquely smooth flavor notes. Think roasted coffee beans, sweet raisins and bits of peppery spices for starters. Hey, don’t take our word for it. With Cigar Coop scoring it a 90 and Blind Man’s Puff at 93, we think you’ll agree that Steel Horse is another winner for CAO.
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Proprietary Connecticut Habano Grueso
Binder: Brazilian Arapiraca
Filler: Dominican Republic, Honduras and Nicaragua
Factory: STG Estelí
Blender: Rick Rodriguez
See all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Looking for something completely different? CAO Flavour editions are well made, very mild, nice diversions that can be appreciated and enjoyed for what they are.
This Moontrance style uses a variety of natural extracts and a four country blend including a wonderful Cameroon African wrapper. The result is a smooth sweetness that’s not overpowering and very enjoyable.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan
Binder – Connecticut Broadleaf-Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Cameroon
Shipping Restrictions:
These items cannot be shipped to Massachusetts state addresses
This Eileen’s Dream style is probably the best accomplishment of the group. Think infusing what’s good about Bailey’s Irish Creme, Coco Lopez and Vanilla Ice cream along with milk chocolate and you’ll get the idea of what this great little stick is all about.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Cameroon
Shipping Restrictions:
These items cannot be shipped to Massachusetts state addresses
CAO Classic: Gold is the first cigar this legendary company created.
In the height of the “Cigar Boom’ of the 90’s, CAO added this line of cigars to their offerings. Until then, they were known for pipes, humidors and other smoking accessories. When this cigar hit the streets, Cigar Aficionado’s review then still holds true today. “A silky, smooth wrapper on a well-made medium bodied cigar. It is earthy, with wood and sweet spice notes.” Oddly enough, in 2109 they rated this blend a score of 91. No doubt the CAO Gold was a winner then and is still pleasing smokers today.
Origin:Nicaragua / Filler:Nicaraguan / Binder:Nicaraguan / Wrapper:Ecuadorian Connecticut
See all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Dominican
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf
When Drew Estate launched the Liga Undercrown brand back in 2011 not only did it get a 91 rating, it was placed in the top 25 cigars of that year. Those of us that have enjoyed the coveted, super exclusive Liga Privada brand over the years looked twice! Not only is this cigar made in the image of Liga Privada, it uses some of its signature blends blends as well.
This Sungrown edition is another superb smoke that’s actually available available to us all in ample supply. While still a medium to full flavored masterpiece, it actually offers a unique sweetness to the experience. We highly recommend the amazing Flying Pig size when we have them. But if not, the 93 rated Belicoso will do just fine! Get your favorite whiskey, bourbon, beer or wine in hand and enjoy.
Liga Undercrown Sun Grown is another winner from Master Blender Willie Herrera!
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra Sun Grown
Binder: Connecticut River Valley Stalk Cut/Cured Sun Grown Habano
Filler: Nicaraguan
Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
Blender: Willy Herrera
Tabak Especial Negra is one of the original Coffee infused premium cigars. The underlying taste of roasted coffee beans combined with a unique blend of tobacco produces a very enjoyable medium bodied smoke. Negra’s darker wrapper gives this stick a bit more of robust flavor over the original Dulce. Needless to say, it’s great with a cup of espresso! Enjoy!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Maduro Connecticut Broadleaf
Shipping Restrictions:
These items cannot be shipped to Massachusetts state addresses
Believe it or not, La Vieja Habana was Drew Estate’s first brand! This great mixed filler value priced line is affordable to everyone!
Handmade from the quality leaf left over from the manufacture of Drew Estate’s premium cigar brands, the La Vieja Habana is an exceptional smoking value. This tripa mezclado cigar consistently delivers a great flavor with an excellent draw and burn.
This Connecticut edition mixed filler cigar has a blend of Nicaraguan Tobaccos from the Jalapa Valley and Estelí and covered by a pristine Connecticut shade wrapper. It is mild and smooth with hints of coffee and a short finish that leaves with a nutty aftertaste. This creamy smoke makes for an excellent morning cigar, especially if paired with a steamy latte.
But Beware! Due to the popularity of these these cigars, they are in and out of stock frequently. So if you’re looking for an affordable, hand made smoke that can be enjoyed everyday, pick one we have and enjoy!
Check out the other styles of La Vieja Habana available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Joya De Nicaragua Red is the first of this iconic brand’s amazing newer selections.
In 2015 Joya De Nicaragua began reinventing itself by reaching out to appeal to more smokers. This highly rated Red edition showed smokers they were on the right track! While retaining the original brand’s robust character, this new blend steered towards the middle realm of the taste scale. Well made with a perfect draw, it didn’t take long for this new entry to gain major traction.
With this in mind, it’s no surprise why so many seasoned smokers are rediscovering this time honored brand. By the way, Red is also a hit with newcomers alike!
Check out all the other Joya De Nicaragua cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua (Esteli, Condega, and Jalapa) Factory: Fabrica de Tabacos Joya De Nicaragua S.A.
Blender: Undisclosed
Ambrosia by Drew Estate is another great infused hand made cigar from this iconic company.
Many smokers know the hugely successful Acid cigar line. After all, they are one of the company’s biggest sellers. The Ambrosia line is also infused but in a very focused way. The key word here is clove, and a lot of it. This is a totally unique, medium bodied slightly spicy cigar. And yes, the omnipresent aroma and taste of clove increases as you move along. It’s safe to say it’s an “acquired taste” at the very least.
However, if you’re a fan of Acid or any infused cigars and you like the stand alone taste of clove spices, Ambrosia should be in your humidor. After all, these Nicaraguan puros have been around and enjoyed by discerning smokers for over 20 years.
Check out the whole line of top selling Acid infused cigars available at The Cigar Thief here!
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 Nicaraguan edition is well made, medium to full bodied, smooth and tasty with a great draw.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Nicaragua
Binder – Coming Soon!
Wrapper Type – San Andres
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 Connecticut edition is well made, mild, smooth and tasty with a great draw.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Coming Soon!
Wrapper Type – Connecticut
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Connecticut
Wrapper Type – Maduro
When the highly critical folks at Cigar Coop rated this complex cigar at 92, they said it best,”This cigar delivered excellent flavor and had a nice amount of complexity. I also found the medium to full strength and body of this cigar clicked with the flavors perfectly.” Combine this with Cigar Coop’s similar ranking describing it as follows,” Flavor triumphs complexity here, with big, bright, lively notes of citrus, cedar, buttered nuts, and pour-over coffee leading the charge.” And you have a winner for sure! No doubt that the soft box pressing provides an enhanced draw allowing everything this great cigar offers to envelope your palate totally.
If you haven’t tried the Camacho Ecuador Box Pressed, grab at least a five pack to taste the meaning of complexity for a truly enjoyable smoking experience.
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano 2000
Binder: Brazilian Mata Fina
Filler: Honduran Corojo | Honduran Criollo Ligero | Dominican Pelo de Oro | Pennsylvania Broadleaf
Factory: Diadema Cigars de Honduras, S.A. (Honduras)
The highly rated Camacho Ecuador is being made at Agroindustras Laepe, S.A. in Honduras and features a complex four country multi-national blend. The results are a medium plus to full bodied experience that seasoned smokers have been enjoying for years. As potent as this cigar is, the array of flavors are defined and creamy. Grab a five pack and enjoy this great cigar with your favorite libation.
When the folks at The Cigar Authority gave it a 93 on their scale, one senior reviewer summed it up as follows, “A subtle mix of spices and sweetness that are enjoyable at any time of day, this is a cigar that is definitely box worthy and a welcome addition to the great Camacho portfolio.”
Wrapper: Habano Ecuador
Binder: Brazilian Mata Fina
Filler: Corojo, Criollo Ligero, Pelo de Oro (Honduras and Dominican Republic)
Avo is a top seller throughout the world. If you’re a fan of medium-full bodied cigars I highly recommend a five pack of short torpedos. This very unique size is rarely found and produces an immediate satisfying robust taste. When you don’t have the time to have a large cigar, this little guy is a pleasure to enjoy!
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Dominican
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Habano
You really are a connoisseur if you’ve searched for this amazing cigar!
As you cruise our site you’ll come upon many small batch brands. As many of these newcomers came and went, Caldwell rose above the herd. But you know this because you landed at this cigar! Yes, you read correctly. The fillers and binder tobaccos are a closely held secret. What you may not know is that there were only 500 boxes of these made.
Robert Caldwell describes his wonderful creation best, “This is one you have to smoke to appreciate. It is balanced, nuanced and subtle. Then out of nowhere, it sucker punches you in the chin. Packed with nicotine, Tsar will melt you into the chair. This is the go-to when you have time to kill and a table to put your feet on. ”
Wrapper: Araparica Connecticut Shade Hybrid Maduro
Binder / Filler Not Disclosed, but includes Carbonell Tobacco.
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic (Tabacalera William Ventura)
This style’s Connecticut version consists of the same blend as the Original Blind Man’s Bluff entry with one important exception. The golden Ecuadorian grown Connecticut wrapper changes this cigar into a smooth, mild to medium bodied gem with the original’s signature character intact. Overall, the Blind Man’s Bluff Connecticut is a well-balanced cigar that offers notes of spice, cedar wood, and dried fruit and with subtle hints of vanilla bean and a dash of pepper. One of the highly critical folks at Blind Man’s Puff summed it up perfectly, “Something sweet, something spicy, mama this was a tasty cigar.” Without a doubt, their 91 rating was well deserved.
Country of Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Dominican Republic & Honduras
Factory: Agroindustrias LAEPE S.A.
Blender: Robert Caldwell
