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. This beauty is encased with a 7 year old Connecticut leaf that tames the Nicaraguan and Dominican filler and binder into a super smooth and mellow smoke. Although it’s definitely a mild to medium bodied smoke, it’s so well rounded and balanced.
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Connecticut
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. This 93 rated beauty is a rich, medium bodied cigar that remains consistent down to the end.
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf
Cigar legend Rocky Patel initially created Edge to offer a robust full bodied flavorful smoke with a Cuban punch.
Soon thereafter the Connecticut style was born for the rest of us! When this cigar received a 91 rating more of us took a closer look. This version is tamer but still delivers a smooth mild to medium bodied taste.
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Honduran
Binder – Coming Soon!
Wrapper Type – Connecticut
Rocky Patel Java Maduro is one of the four sharply box pressed editions of this hugely popular line of premium cigars. What our headline doesn’t state about the great Java Brand is that this cigar was a joint collaboration between Rocky Patel and Jonathan Drew of Drew Estate fame! These two masters created a brand that is still going strong after 16 years!
Don’t let the dark, oily Maduro wrapper scare you! This Java style’s long fillers have been slightly infused with Espresso and Cocoa beans offering you the classic smooth Java medium bodied signature taste combined with a chocolatey coffee twist! A perfect match with any after dinner drink!
If you are a fan of Rocky Patel and Drew Estate, this Java is a must try! Any size you choose is a top pick!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan [Undisclosed]
Binder – Nicaraguan [Undisclosed]
Wrapper – Brazilian [Undisclosed]
Check out the other Java blends available on The Cigar Thief HERE!
Shipping Restrictions:
CONGRATULATIONS…….to anyone celebrating this blessed event! If you’re looking to pass out a cigar that’s more than a token celebratory stick, what better brand can you pick! Rocky has put together a fairly tame, mild to medium bodied beauty for this joyous occasion.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Coming Soon!
Wrapper Type – Connecticut
It hard to believe The Edge is over 15 years old. This massively popular edition has been pleasing so many smokers so consistently for so long. If you haven’t tried one, please check them out on our site. When the brand celebrated its 10th birthday, Rocky decided to do something entirely different to celebrate. Most twin wrapper sticks don’t stand up to their appearance when it comes to content and character. The medium bodied A-10 achieves both. It took a lot of thought blending this stick. The crispy, light tasting taste changes to a spicy, cedary flavor about mid way. As you move along, all of this intensifies. Very unique smoking experience. Enjoy!
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Nicaraguan-Panamanian
Binder – Honduran
Wrapper Type – Corojo
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.
If you’re a fan of Oliva cigars, you’ll agree that this company delivers what you pay for. While their super premiums are priced fairly considering the great sticks they are…….they ain’t cheap! When the Flor De Oliva bundles of value-priced premiums were launched, the company made it very clear that everyone can now enjoy their brand every day for around $3 each! Even those folks that smoked long cigars with big ring sizes.
This Gold edition is a mild to mellow bodied cigar.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Connecticut
This four country blend edition produces a complex medium to full bodied flavor that some say is acquired taste. I’m sure if you’ve had them and enjoy them, another start or two is warranted. This stick is another effort by Kristoff to broaden the brand’s appeal to more smokers.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan
Binder – Coming Soon!
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Sumatra
First off, this is a “Hard” cigar because it is absolutely jammed packed with terrific tobaccos. It burns slow and cool increasing in robust taste along the way. It’s a solid medium-full bodied smoke
Origin – Connecticut
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Dominican
Wrapper Type – Domninican
The Odyssey line is a super value priced array of everyday cigars brought to us by Premium powerhouse General Cigar. When the makers of Macanudo, Partagas and Punch…to name a few, decided to produce a well made economical smoke for everyone’s taste, they hit the mark!
If your preference is for Mild cigars, the Connecticut blend is for you!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Coming Soon!
Binder – Coming Soon!
Wrapper Type – Connecticut
Macanudo Cru Royale is not your Dad’s Macanudo for sure! This four country blend produces a solid medium bodied smoke that’s smooth and consistent. For the record, Cru Royale is far stronger than Macanudo Café. It’s also hard to believe this complexly blended cigar is more than 10 years old.
Cigar Aficionado bestowed this edition with a score of 91 and named it one of their top 25 cigars of the year. Their reason for such accolades was well said. ” This cigar draws and burns beautifully delivering leathery, nutty flavors, and a richness that isn’t ordinarily associated with the Macanudo line.”
What we know for sure is that this medium bodied Macanudo is a perfect choice for seasoned smokers and new comers alike.
Wrapper: Ecuadoran Habano
Binder: Proprietary Dominican “La Vega Especiale”
Filler: Brazilian Mata Fina, Dominican Republic and Nicaragua Viso
Looking for more Macanudo products available on The Cigar Thief? Click HERE
Chillin’ Moose Too is the second edition of this hugely popular line from Forged Cigars.
Soon after the introduction of the original, the company quickly launched Too. For the record, this is a heartier and a bit more robust smoke. The dark luscious Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper encasing nicaraguan fillers and mature binder delivers a solid medium body.
The bonus is its offered at the same great price. The aroma is sweet and aromatic. The burn is sharp. The draw is spot on. Think flavorful notes of sweet spice, cocoa, pepper, and vanilla.
How can you go wrong!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf
See all the Chillin Moose cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
In case you didn’t know, Macassar wood is rare. The multi country blend of highly selected dark leaf tobaccos used in this masterpiece have been aged more than four years giving this extraordinary cigar a complex mild to medium bodied taste that is as hard to find as the Macassar wood itself. This cigar is perfectly made with a smooth draw and yields huge volumes of aromatic smoke. Each size listed here requires a time commitment of at least an hour. Grab a glass of your favorite libation and you’ll forget about the price! Just think how much better they’d get if you let them age a while. Any size you pick is a top pick. The box they come in is worth the price of admission.
Wrapper: Connecticut Habano
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Dominican (Mao) | Nicaraguan (Jalapa)
Factory: General Cigar Dominicana (Dominican Republic)
This is one of the best mild to mellow bodied cigars you’ve probably never heard of. Brought to market in 2013 by J.C. Newman, makers of such premium jewels as Brick House, Julius Caesar and Diamond Crown, this highly rated stick is a pleasure to smoke. Its definitely is a smooth, creamy and tasty cigar from beginning to end yielding a very generous volume of aromatic smoke throughout.
WRAPPER: Ecuador Connecticut
BINDER: Nicaraguan
FILLER: Nicaraguan
FACTORY: J.C. Newman
RATINGS:
Cigar Aficionado: 90
Cigar & Spirits: 91
Cigar Insider: 90
Cigar Snob: 91
This is one of the best mild to mellow bodied cigars you’ve probably never heard of. Brought to market in 2013 by J.C. Newman, makers of such premium jewels as Brick House, Julius Caesar and Diamond crown, this highly rated stick is a pleasure to smoke. This maduro is a smooth, creamy and tasty cigar from beginning to end yielding a very generous volume of aromatic smoke throughout. The greatest aspect of this cigar is how just the right amount of spiciness, along with cocoa and espresso undertones exist without it being strong or harsh.
WRAPPER: Connecticut Broadleaf (Maduro)
BINDER: Nicaraguan
FILLER: Nicaraguan
FACTORY: J.C. Newman
RATINGS:
Cigar Aficionado: 90
Cigar & Spirits: 91
Cigar Insider: 90
Cigar Snob: 91
CONGRATULATIONS…….to anyone celebrating this blessed event! If you’re looking to pass out a cigar that’s more than a token celebratory stick, what better brand can you pick! , Arturo Fuente has produced the medium bodied economical Breva for decades. These branded favorites will definitely add class to your very special occasion!
Box Count: 25
Wrapper: Cameroon
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican
Tabak Especial Dulce the original coffee infused premium cigar. The underlying taste of roasted coffee beans combined with a unique blend of tobacco produces a very enjoyable medium bodied smoke. Needless to say, it’s great with a cup of espresso! Enjoy!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf
*These items cannot be shipped to Massachusetts state addresses
Joya De Nicaragua Black is one this iconic brand’s newer amazing selections.
When Black hit the scene in 2018, not only did it get a 93 rating, it was also named one of the top 25 cigars of the year! The addition of a dark and oily San Andreas Mexican wrapper made this medium bodied, slow burning stick a huge hit at a fairly friendly price.
With this in mind, it’s no surprise why so many seasoned smokers are rediscovering this time honored brand.
Check out all the other Joya De Nicaragua cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Negro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Fabrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua S.A.
Blender: Juan Martinez
Isla Del Sol Maduro is another masterpiece from Drew Estate.
As found with the Original Sungrown blend, this darkly encased edition offers an enjoyable smoke with hints of infused coffee/cocoa beans. The big difference is the oily maduro wrapper which gives way to a smooth medium bodied taste. The bonus is that this one is priced right for all of us to enjoy as well.
One thing that will not disappoint is the fine construction and aromatic smoke production, the latter of which Drew Estate has definitely mastered. These totally affordable well made cigars are smartly packaged and adorned with tobacco leaves inside.
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Maduro
When you have a chance, click on the “Ask Richie” icon on the upper part of the screen and read my “Bundles of Joy” submission. You’ll then understand how important the valued priced bundle category has been to both cigar makers and lovers.
This edition is one of the best medium bodied smokes available for the price. It’s well made with a great draw yielding a smooth, satisfying smoking experience across the board.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Connecticut
Wrapper Type – Cameroon
Avo Syncro Nicaragua Fogata is a round size variant of the box-pressed Avo Syncro Nicaragua, which debuted in 2015.
The Nicaragua Fogata has an exquisite Ecuadorian Habano 2000 wrapper encasing a Mexican San Andrés binder along with an extensive array of Dominican Republic and Nicaragua tobaccos. To say this blend is complex would be an understatement.
The results are as expected. Noted reviewer KATMAN rates it a 90. His take…”It is smooth. Transitions are the best since I first lit the cigar. The finish is long and luxurious.” Halfwheel ups the score to 91 with great words. “The construction remains amazing in just about all aspects and the smoke production is outrageous.” Cigar Coop feels this cigar is a smoke recommended to either a novice or experienced cigar enthusiast. Cigar Aficionado says this cigar smokes evenly, showcasing elements of rich woods, spice and a touch of eucalyptus with a spicy finish.
No doubt that this Syncro is another winner from this storied brand. The Short Torpedo is a top pick!
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano 2000 Clara
Binder: Mexican San Andrés
Filler: Dominicana Yamasa viso, Dominican Piloto, Dominican San Vicente ligero, Nicaraguan Esteli ligero, Nicaraguan Condega viso, Nicaraguan Ometepe
See all the Avo cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
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. The Long Live the King edition ventures where few if any have gone before. A totally unique combination of Dominican, Nicaraguan and Peruvian tobaccos creates a very complex medium to full bodied flavor. This highly rated masterpiece draws perfectly, burns evenly and is said to be Caldwell’s greatest achievement.
Wrapper: Corojo Dominicano 2008
Binder: Corojo Dominicano 2009
Filler: 50% Corojo Ligero dominicano 2006 – 10% Viso Pelo De Oro Peruno 2008 – 40% Habano Ligero Nicaraguense 2007
Factory: Tabacalera Ventura (Dominican Republic)
After years of planning the first original style San Cristobal was launched in 2007, crafted by famed Master Blender Jose “Don Pepin” Garcia along with the owners of the Ashton brand. The Elegancia blend is a mild to medium bodied cigar that can be enjoyed any time of the day.
Check out other San Cristobal styles here!
Wrapper: Connecticut seed Ecuadorian
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
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!
Don’t let the dark, oily Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper scare you off! This 92 rated beauty is still true to Ashton’s classic mild taste. This maduro edition yields a more complex flavor that’s uniquely smooth to the finis
Filler – Dominican Binder – Dominican Wrapper -USA/ Connecticut Broadleaf
ACCOLADES
92 Rated – Cigar Aficionado, March 2023
92 Rated – Cigar Aficionado, August 2018
90 Rated – Cigar Aficionado, December 2000
