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
