Herrera Esteli Norteno is another very highly rated creation from famed cigar maker Willie Herrera. In fact, this full bodied, Maduro expression is the first blend released from the Drew Estate factory since Herrera was named Master Blender in June, 2014.
The Norteno blend showcases extensively aged tobaccos from the Esteli, and Jalapa growing regions of Nicaragua, coupled with a spicy Honduran Binder, and a rich Mexican San Andrés maduro wrapper in the 5 core vitolas.
When rated at 94 by Cigar Aficionado Magazine, their description was spot on.”Each cigar in the box has a lush, substantial draw that layers the palate with copious amounts of dense smoke. The combustion and performance are exemplary.”
What more can we say? Herrera Esteli Norteno is a winner!
Crowned Heads Headley Grange is another collaboration between Jon Huber and Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr. at his Tabacalera La Alianza S.A.
Headley Grange contains very select Nicaraguan filler and binder leaves from Ernesto’s farm. Encasing this vintage blend is a beautiful Ecuadorian grown Sumatran wrapper.
Cigar Aficionado rates it a 91 naming it a top 25 cigar of the year in 2013. They exclaim, “The cigar is medium to full in body, with rich coffee flavors as well as notes of almond and spice”. Add this to Halfwheel’s score of 92. They continue the accolades. “A wonderful blend with a few somewhat unique flavors, perfect construction and excellent balance.”
I think it’s safe to assume you’ll be impressed as well. Grab Headley Grange when they’re around.
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Factory: Tabacalera La Alianza S.A.
Wrapper: Ecuadoran Sumatra
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
See all the Crowned Heads Cigars available at The Cigar Thief HERE
This edition is yet another accomplishment of Casa Fernandez’s unique ability to continue crafting intricate blends appealing to every smokers desires and specific taste preferences. This Maduro is medium to full bodied and loaded with rich flavors of espresso, cocoa and light pepper. There’s also a bit of a cherry like sweetness throughout as well, if you can believe it!
Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés Maduro
Binder: Nicaraguan Aganorsa
Filler: Nicaraguan Aganorsa
Leaf by Oscar Barber Pole is of this company’s most unique entries.
With attention to detail, this Barber Pole utilizes a Mexican San Andrés maduro wrapper combined with a green candela wrapper. It’s also important to note it also uses a box-pressed format normally not found with this style of cigar. The cap is also unique in that it also features a maduro cap surrounded by a candela ring. To say this cigar is masterfully made is an understatement.
The results of this craftsmanship speak for themselves. The overall medium to full body combines with an array of flavors producing rich tasting aromatic smoke. But you don’t have to take our word for it. Halfwheel rates it @ 90, KATMAN @91, Cigar Coop @ 91 and Blind Man’s Puff @92. If you’ve never tried a Barber Pole, this is the one to get!
Country of Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés, Candela (Undisclosed Origin)
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Honduras, Nicaragua
Factory: Oscar Valladares Tobacco & Co
Blender: Oscar Valladares
See all of Oscar’s cigars available at The Cigar Thief HERE
You’re probably wondering why a machine made, short filler, domestic cigar would be so popular with Premium Smokers. Every now and again, a product comes along that serves its purpose and completes its mission. When J.C. Newman created Trader Jacks Classic “Kickin” bagged and jarred editions many years ago, it took awhile to get noticed. As they found their way into humidors across the country, curiosity got the better of many folks that opened the containers and took a sniff. And that was that! The intoxicating aroma these sticks gave off led to a try which then led to buying the whole container. Without getting too involved, Trader Jacks by JC Newman is mellow to slightly medium bodied. They’re all infused resulting in a smooth, sweet, rum like flavor that’s thoroughly enjoyable any time of the day. They keep fresh in their containers and have a totally guilt free price offering any smoker a great diversion.
WRAPPER: Ecuador Havana Seed
FILLER: Dominican and Nicaraguan
FACTORY: J.C. Newman El Reloj/USA
Don’t get me wrong. This is a terrific medium to full bodied bodied smoke with a great draw that produces a huge volume of aromatic smoke that maintains consistency to the finish. Each box contains two different styles. Half is box pressed and other half is traditional round cigars. The issue I have is the entry price. Hopefully, we can offer these in five packs down the line, but the problem with that is how would they be split up size wise. Of course you can add a star or two if you’re a fan.
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Honduran
Binder – Honduran-Corojo
Wrapper Type – San Andres Maduro
While I’ve never even tried to smoke an 8×80 (Yikes!) sized cigar, the popularity of this edition doesn’t surprise me. This medium bodied Nicaraguan puro owes much of its complex and enjoyable taste to the twin wrappers. The Maduro and Claro coats encasing a tamer blend have made this stick a favorite. It’s also nice to have more conventional sizes available as well.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Habano
RoMa Craft Intemperance BA XXI is one this amazing company’s hugely popular entries.
XXI features a Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper encasing an Indonesian binder along with Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers. There is no doubt this combination delivers bold flavor and taste from its top notch construction and a perfect draw.
The industry’s top critics agree. Noted reviewer KATMAN places this iconic smoke into his Boutique Cigar Hall of Fame. His opinion….”The overall picture of this cigar is about cream, sweet and smooth.” Stogie Press rates it a respectable 90. They describe it well…”A fine smoke that offered a decent array of flavors and transitions through the journey.” Cigar Coop touts, “This cigar has some outstanding flavors and top-notch construction.” They think it’s a 92. Cigar Dojo gives it the same rating with a perfect description. “An absolutely phenomenal cigar, both in terms of quality and enjoyment.” And last but not least, Stogie Guys chimes in. “This Roma Craft is a great value and a joy to smoke, earning it a very rare rating of five stogies out of five.” We think you get the message.
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: Fabrica de Tobacco NicaSueno
Wrapper: Brazilian Arapiraca
Binder: Indonesia
Filler: Nicaraguan / Dominican Republic
See all the Roma Craft cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Founded by Rafael Nodal and launched in 2011, Aging Room cigars are made by Jochy Blanco of Tabacalera La Palma in Tamboril, Dominican Republic. Some Aging Room brands are also produced in Nicaragua by Nestor Plasencia Jr. and A.J. Fernandez. All three cigar makers are considered Master Blenders to say the least. The brand’s portfolio includes several high-scoring cigars across many lines.
There are a lot of different Aging Rooms made in different factories as you can see on our site. This stunning cigar was the ultimate vision of Rafael Nodal and was crafted by A.J. Fernandez in Nicaragua. Rated at 96 and the best cigar in 2019, leaving even the Cuban competitors in the dust. This medium-full bodied Nicaraguan purebred is astounding on all fronts. If you’re a fan of Aging Room, consider this cigar the brand’s crowning achievement. Enough said!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Nicaraguan
Going to a cigar friendly get together and wondering how to please everyone? This array of 90+ rated Camachos is sure to please everyone’s taste. I don’t think they’ll be any leftovers! Keep the knife for yourself as a reward for a job well done! The Camacho Bold Anytime Assortment includes:
2 – Camacho Ecuador (6”x60) – 91 Rated
2 – Camacho Corojo (6”x60) – 90 Rated
2 – Camacho Connecticut (6”x60) – 90 Rated
2 – Camacho Criollo (6”x60) – 92 Rated
1 – Camacho Tactical Knife
Check out what I’ve said under the Julius Caesar Cigar listing and you’ll understand that this gift is a winner for ANY cigar smoker. Each selection is amazing. It’s a SUPER SMOOTH quartet that will be sure to please! All the cigars are 90+ rated year after year. The Diamond Crown Family Toro Collection includes:
1 – Diamond Crown No. 4 (5.25”x54)
1 – Diamond Crown Maduro No. 4 (5.25”x54)
1 – Diamond Crown Maximus No. 4 (6”x50)
1 – Diamond Crown Julius Caeser Toro (6”x52)
With Kristoff being a widely loved name, this sampler offers the brand’s best array of sticks that are medium to full bodied with a very spicy character. While a bit of peppery spice is always nice, these raise that needle way up on the meter. The Kristoff Bold Spice Sampler includes:
1 – Kristoff Sumatra (5.5” x 54)
1 – Kristoff Corojo Limitada (5.5” x 54)
1 – Kristoff Galerones Sentido (5” x 52)
1 – Kristoff Ligero (5.5” x 54)
