Without doubt, Montecristo Espada is one of this iconic company’s best cigars ever!
The Spanish lesson for today is: Espada means sword. When the Espada appeared garnering a 92 rating and becoming one of the top 25 cigars of the year we all knew it was worth the price. What must be remembered is Espada is made in Nicaragua at Plasencia Cigars and is a collaboration between Plasencia and the Altadis blending team, Grupo de Maestros.
With attention to detail, the very rare wrapper from 2010 encases vintage Nicaraguan filler and binder tobacco from three prized growing regions. In fact, the filler and binder leaves are even older! The result is a medium bodied purebred with an interesting combination of sweetness and spice thats creamy and balanced. Cigar Aficionado describes this amazing smoke perfectly. “An exceptional smoke offering the spice of a gingersnap with touches of cinnamon that build to a sweet, spicy finish.”
It’s no surprise Espada has been pleasing cigar smokers for almost a decade and is still going strong.
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano (Jalapa) Vintage 2010
Binder: Nicaraguan Habano (Jalapa) Vintage 2009
Filler: Nicaraguan Habano (Jalapa) Seco Vintage 2008, Nicaraguan Habano (Jalapa) Viso Ometepe Vintage 2008, Nicaraguan Habano (Condega) Ligero Vintage 2008
I have to put my Diplomat hat on to talk about this nearly thirty year old brand. Forgetting about the fact they were just over two dollars when they came out, you have to realize they’ve continued to be produced for decades! Why? Because they have a very devout following of fans that have come to look at this name as a kind of “Comfort Cigar”. It’s mellow to medium bodied with a slight bit of spice that has been pleasing many, many folks for such a long time. The Coronas are the best of the bunch!
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Mexican
Binder – Mexican
Wrapper Type – Connecticut
This is probably one of the best full bodied cigars you’ve never heard of. This 90 rated stick has been flying under the radar for over six years. What sets this Nicaraguan puro aside from many others is the characteristic of its blend, Soon after lighting up it hits you with a robust burst of flavor that begins to settle down with a bit of sweetness as you move along then ramps back up again. This is a very very flavorful cigar with a great aroma.
Origin – Nicaraguan
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Nicaraguan
You found it! While most of us know the H. Upmann brand, few know the rarity of this 90 rated beauty. Yes, it’s medium to full bodied like most Upmanns are. What may folks don’t know is something I’ve talked about before. The Cameroon wrapper is amazing! It changes the character of this cigar to yield a smoother, tastier Upmann. Not that the others aren’t great! These Cedar wrapped beauties are unique and are even better if you let them age.Try a five pack for yourself.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan-Peruvian
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Cameroon
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
