Joya De Nicaragua Antano Gran Reserva is one of this iconic company’s great achievements. In fact, it could be said that when this entry came to market, many, many newcomers gave it a try and loved it.
In 2018 the expertly box pressed Gran Reserva line was rated 93 by Cigar Aficionado and placed #16 as one of the best cigars of the year! While this masterfully made cigar contains the same overall blend used in the Original, all the leaves were allowed to age a long, long time. The results are all the signature characteristics of the Original with a smoother, medium bodied taste creating a tamer, friendlier smoke that everyone can enjoy. And enjoy that have…..and still are to this day!
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua Oscuro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Fabrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua S.A.
Blender: Juan Martinez, Alejandro Martinez Cuenca
FYI: No matter what strength, taste and body your palate prefers, there’s a Joya blended with you in mind. Check out all the other Joya De Nicaragua cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Joya De Nicaragua Antano Dark Corojo is yet another one of this iconic company’s great achievements.
This perfectly made Antano Dark Corojo cigar is wrapped with a specially grown Corojo leaf and contains 3-year aged Nicaraguan long-filler tobaccos. The result is a strictly full flavored robust smoke that’s refined, satisfying and uncommonly smooth. With a doubt, getting a 90 rating from Cigar Aficionado led to many seasoned smokers seeing what this great cigar was all about. With this in mind, if you truly feel you’re a connoisseur, Antano Dark Corojo should be in your humidor for sure!
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo Oscuro
Binder: Nicaragua [Aged 3 years]
Filler: Nicaragua [Aged 3 years]
No matter what strength, taste and body your palate prefers, there’s a Joya blended with you in mind. In fact there are now 24 varieties in the line. Check all the other Joya De Nicaragua cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
This masterfully crafted Herrera Esteli Brazilian Maduro proves yet again just how great Willy is at blending cigars. Herrera himself describes this complex cigar perfectly. “With the Brazilian Maduro, I wanted to bring the Mata Fina to the forefront of this blend. This tobacco has such a unique texture and it showcases the lush floral and earthy notes I wanted to capture in this cigar. In addition, now that the Herrera Esteli line has been repackaged blending modern simplicity with classic Cuban style, it really shines on our retailers’ shelves and brings unity to the brand.”
With Cigar Authority rating it at 91 and Stogie Press at 92, there’s no doubt that this Brazilian Maduro is another winner,
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Brazilian Mata Fina
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Nicaraguan
Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
Blender:Willy Herrera
This boutique edition from Drew Estate slipped into the market a few years ago under the radar. The three country blend produces a very pleasant combination of sweetness and spice while retaining a medium bodied taste and an overall smoothness.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Nicaragua
Binder – Dominican
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Connecticut Shade
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Honduran
Binder – Mexican
Wrapper Type – Connecticut
Many moons ago, Davidoff introduced this elegant, perfectly made brand to smokers that enjoyed consistently smooth and mild cigars. Over the years Griffins have garnered a fiercely loyal fan club despite their price. The huge array of available sizes and styles is a rare testament of the company’s desire to cater to smokers preferences of this Luxury cigar throughout its long history.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Coming Soon!
Wrapper Type – Connecticut
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Dominican
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf
It took five countries worth of leaves and dozens of blending attempts to produce this ominously near black beauty for those smokers that want strength above all. This Camacho Triple Maduro edition will take your palate to the very edge of its taste capabilities without destroying it. The key words here are rich, robust and powerful. Definitely not for beginners. Buckle up…BIG TIME!
Origin – Honduras
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Maduro
Binder: Authentic Honduran Corojo Maduro
Filler: Maduro (Honduran, Brazilian, Dominican)
What do you get when you take the original 90 rated Corojo edition blend and add a triple fermented maduro wrapper? Increased strength, intensity and more of what made the original terrific. If you like Corojo, you’ll love this blend encased with its near black, oily top coat that’s been aged for 18 months. These medium to full bodied cigars don’t trade flavor for strength. The result is a terrific smoke that’s rich in color, deep in flavor and with a texture of raw leather. Sweet, dark and packed with unique spice. Camacho’s Corojo Maduro is a winner!
Wrapper: Grade A Maduro Corojo (Authentic Corojo 5th Priming)
Binder: Corojo (Authentic Corojo)
Filler: Corojo (Authentic Corojo 3 Primings)
Factory: AgroIndustrias Laepe, S.A. (Camacho factory in Honduras)
Camacho Corojo is blended with a high-grade, fifth-priming wrapper leaf and grown from the original Corojo seed that made Camacho famous.This highly rated cigar has a true Cuban styled taste that heads into the full bodied flavor range while retaining smoothness along the way. There is no doubting the rich and robust taste of this amazing flavor bomb. Grab a five pack to see why seasoned smokers have been enjoying this powerhouse blend for years.
Wrapper: Corojo (Authentic Corojo 5th Priming)
Binder: Corojo (Authentic Corojo)
Filler: Corojo (Authentic Corojo 3 Primings)
Factory: AgroIndustrias Laepe, S.A. (Camacho factory in Honduras)
While the Camacho Connecticut Box Press edition shares the same wrapper, binder, and filler as their rounded counterparts, the one big difference is the incorporation of Pennsylvania Broadleaf in the filler. So not only do you get all the flavor and taste of the original, the extra zing and richness from the broadleaf adds to the overall enjoyment. The bonus is how the box pressing enhances the draw amplifying the experience. No doubt it’s a little bolder than your traditional Connecticut.
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Authentic Corojo
Filler: Generoso, Aleman Ligero, American Broadleaf
Country of Origin: Honduras (Diadema Cigars de Honduras, S.A)
First off this value priced brand is produced by Davidoff and has remained one of America’s top sellers for 20 years. Why? It’s mild, consistent and affordable. Baccarat is an everyday smoke for countless smokers throughout the country. So why a Maduro? Not only did it gives the brand’s legion of smokers another choice that’s just a bit more flavorful, it attracted new smokers that wanted more than what it’s classic counterpart offered. I’m not saying there’s anything not great about the Original blend at all! It is what it is and is loved by many, many folks. This dark edition is still a mild smoke with a bit more dimension to it.
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Honduran
Binder – Honduran
Wrapper Type – Honduran
Avo Syncro Ritmo is the third edition of the very successful Syncro line.
Syncro Ritmo is a South American hybrid blend consisting of seven countries worth of leaves. To say this is a complex tasting cigar would be an understatement. The result is a well made, box pressed beauty yielding heaps of aromatic smoke and a huge array of flavors.
Leaf Enthusiast feels Ritmo is an “Excellent Cigar” by rating it a respectable 9 out of 10 points. They say, “ The result is a well-balanced, enjoyable and complex cigar. The blenders of Davidoff definitely know what they’re doing in this area and this is just a great cigar.” Stogie Review agrees with equal enthusiasm. “The cigar really showcases how excellent South American tobaccos are. The rich notes of coffee, chocolate and nuts along with the spice notes were really livened up by the bright lemon note.” Cigar Dojo rates this Syncro a very respectable 93. They concur with the others. “The resulting smoking experience was bright with citrus and other juicy flavors that provided an appreciated change of pace. Ritmo offers a healthy dose of nuanced complexities, making for a rewarding experience for the intermediate to experienced smoker.” Even the critical folks at Halfwheel say “It’s an enjoyable cigar to smoke”.
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Mexico
Filler: Nicaragua | Peru | Brazil | Honduras | Dominican Republic
Factory: OK Cigar Corp, Inc. (Dominican Republic)
See all the Avo cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Avo Syncro Nicaragua is the first Avo cigar containing Nicaraguan tobacco introduced in 2015.
This edition contains a very complex blend to say the least. Yes, it’s well made, draws perfectly and burns evenly. But this solid medium bodied stick is like a flavor freight train! Unlike like it’s Dominican purebred Classic counterpart, the Avo Syncro Nicaragua is a totally different experience that brought countless new smokers in the Avo fold!
Cigar Dojo rates this cigar a 92 and says it contains loads of complexities and refined flavors throughout. Claiming that Avo accomplishes its first commitment to the power of Nicaraguan tobacco. Leaf Enthusiast scores it 9 out of 10 with equally good things to say….” This cigar has very good flavors and excellent balance.” Blind Man’s Puff describes this smoke as an absolute powerhouse of flavor and strength. They put it at 91 on the scale. But when Cigar Aficionado placed it in their top 25 cigars for the year with a high mark of 93……Enough said.
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Nicaraguan tobacco from Ometepe, Dominican tobaccos (Piloto, San Vicente Mejorado and hybrid Olor/Piloto), Peruvian tobaccos from Olancho
Factory: TABADOM
Blender: Hendrik Kelner
See all the Avo cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Avo Uvezian was a master cigar maker for may years leading up to him selling his brand to the Davidoff company. His signature natural blend remains as one of the world’s top selling cigars. It’s proprietary blend of purely Dominican fillers and binders combined with a flawless Connecticut wrappers stands as the barometer for mild complexity. By that I mean its mild to your palate but possesses an overall taste full of character not harshness. If you haven’t smoked an Avo, please do and you’ll see what I mean. Totally satisfying night and day!
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Dominican
Wrapper Type – Connecticut
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. They remain one of the benchmarks for mild to mellow taste. If you’ve smoked them you know. If you haven’t, I envy you! Pick your favorite size and enjoy!
Ashton defines premium Dominican taste in an iconic profile, unsurpassed in quality and consistency. Luxurious Dominican binder and filler tobaccos, aged three to four years, support a rich, golden-blond Connecticut Shade wrapper leaf. Savor an impressive portrait of cedar, coffee bean, almond, and cashew notes with a touch of sweetness and spice around the edges. New cigar lovers and seasoned connoisseurs discover and relive their affinity for premium cigars with the unduplicated Ashton Classic.
Wrapper: Connecticut Shade Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican
92 Rated – Cigar Aficionado, February 2023
90 Rated – Cigar Aficionado, September 2021
90 Rated – Cigar Aficionado, October 2018
90 Rated – Cigar Aficionado, December 2015
90 Rated – Cigar Aficionado, August 2002
90 Rated – Cigar Aficionado, December 1999
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. This 90 rated stick is a staple at just about every worthwhile tobacconist in the country. This cigar’s complex blend produces a rich, full flavor with thick plumes of smoke. It’s smooth, slow burning and very strong. Buckle up!
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Honduran-Nicaraguan-Peruvian
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Habano-Ligero-Maduro-Nicaraguan-San Andres
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 and is a staple at just about every worthwhile tobacconist in the country. This maduro edition is similar to its Original counterpart in that it produces a rich, full flavor with thick plumes of smoke. It’s also smooth, slow burning and just a bit more robust. Buckle up!
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Honduran-Nicaraguan-Peruvian
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – San Andrés Marrón
Romeo y Julieta Romeo 505 Nicaragua is another fantastic collaboration between Altadis and Plasencia Tobacco S.A.
With attention to detail the 505 Nicaragua contains tobaccos from three of Nicaragua’s well-known growing regions, including a Habano seed wrapper and binder from Jalapa and a mix of fillers from Jalapa, Estelí and Condega. The result is an exceptionally good medium to full bodied smoking experience.
Noted reviewer KATMAN rates it at 92. His description of this flavor bomb is spot on. ” The most heartfelt flavors are malt, chocolate, creaminess, espresso, caramel, smokiness, baking spices, and black pepper creating a beautiful flow chart of indescribable complexity.”
It’s safe to say the 505 Nicaragua is another winner for sure.
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano Seed
Binder: Nicaraguan (Jalapa)
Filler: Nicaraguan (Jalapa, Estelí and Condega)
See all the Romeo y Julieta cigars available at The Cigar Thief HERE
Romeo y Julieta’s Romeo is probably the strongest, most complexly blended Romeo y Julieta to come out of the Dominican Republic.
It’s hard to believe this edition is over 10 years old! Without a doubt this Romeo style takes taste to the to a whole new level. Unlike most Romeo y Julieta cigars, this one’s blend of selected tobaccos yields a robust, balanced truly full bodied taste. With attention to detail, Romeo contains a dark, oily Ecuadoran Habano seed wrapper around a potent Dominican blend.
It’s no surprise Cigar Aficionado rates this jewel an astounding 94. In fact, this Romeo beats out much of it’s Cuban competitors. They describe this great cigar perfectly. “Each puff layers the palate with a brawny core of black and red pepper spice, savory leather flavor and sweet impressions of raisins and dried fruit—a truly balanced smoke that covers the sweet, salty and spicy spectrum with elegance and strength.” If you’re a discerning smoker and haven’t tasted this cigars, now’s your chance.
Origin – Dominican Republic [Tobacalera De Garcia]
Filler – Dominican [Piloto & Olor]
Binder – Dominican
Wrapper – Ecuadorian grown Habano
See all the Romeo y Julieta cigars available at The Cigar Thief HERE
Montecristo White Vintage Connecticut is a boutique cigar lover’s dream come true.
Enter this special White Vintage Connecticut edition in 2016 with a three country blend of fillers and binder encased in a US grown Ct. shade wrapper from 2008 and the bar becomes seriously raised! This is an extremely smooth smoke with an all encompassing bouquet of flavors that everyone enjoys. With attention to detail, all the tobacco in these grows on Montecristo’s company farms and is exclusive for these special cigars.
Blind Man’s Puff rates the Double Corona a respectable 91. Their description is still spot on. “I really enjoyed this cigar. I loved the peculiar first third that was able to undergo a metamorphosis into other complex flavors.” Without doubt, this Montecristo is a winner!
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: U.S. Connecticut Shade Vintage 2008
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Peru
Factory: Tabacalera de Garcia
Blender: Grupo de Maestros
See all the Montecristo cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Montecristo Original is without a doubt one of this iconic brand’s best selling cigars.
With attention to detail, the masterfully blended Original’s selection of pure super premium Dominican fillers and binder of these wonderful cigars are encased in a near perfect USA grown Connecticut Shade wrapper. These beautiful vitolas yield a super smooth, medium bodied taste with just the right bit of spice letting you know their heritage.
To put it another way, garnering a 90 rating way back in 1998 by Cigar Aficionado, their perfect description still stands. ” A well-made cigar with a beautiful light brown wrapper. It has a rich, velvety smoke. Smooth, medium-bodied with sweet spices and hints of wood.” No doubt why smokers the world over have been enjoying these for over 25 years. With this in mind, if you haven’t tried one of these, you don’t know what you’re missing.
See all the Montecristo cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Montecristo Nicaragua is a collaboration between Rafael Nodal, head of product capability for Altadis U.S.A., and Master Blender A.J. Fernandez.
With attention to detail, this exceptionally fine cigar is expertly crafted in Nicaragua and made solely from vintage Nicaraguan tobacco. The result is a smooth tasting, medium bodied smoke that’s one of the best Montecristo makes.
No surprise Cigar Aficionado rates it an astounding 93. They did one even better by naming it their #10 cigar of 2018 proving the point even further. Their description of this beauty is spot on. “The balance of this cigar is undeniable, medium to full in body, resonating with the fine qualities of chocolate-covered espresso beans, rich woods and dried fruit.”
If you’re a fan of Montecristo and AJ Fernandez, this one should be in your humidor today! Enough said!
See all the Montecristo cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Montecristo Monte is one of the best cigars this amazing company produces.
When Monte launched in 2013 it took a while for those in the know to catch on. To point out, most Dominican Montecristos are mild to medium bodied with Connecticut-seed wrappers. With attention to detail, the box pressed Monte features a multi-national blend with tobaccos from three countries. The result is a well balanced medium-full bodied smoke with a Cuban styled spice to light up your palate. In 2015 , when the #2 size pulled a 94 rating by Cigar Aficionado and was named one of their top 25 cigars of the year, the secret was out.
If you’ve never tried a Monte, you’re really missing out on an amazing smoking experience.
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Dominican Olor/Vintage Nicaraguan Corojo (Double Binder)
Filler: Aged Dominican tobaccos
See all the Montecristo cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
