Charter Oak Broadleaf is one of the most popular brands coming from Foundation Cigars.
This amazingly affordable jewel has a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, a Habano Nicaraguan binder, and an all Nicaraguan filler. The cigar has notes of rich earth, natural sweetness with a medium to full smoking experience.
Developing Palates gives us an honest evaluation. “This is an easy box purchase. Nick created a budget home run with this blend. Very impressive!” Stogie Review says “you can’t go wrong” with these cigars. Noted reviewer KATMAN describes it a “A pleasant blend.” Cigar Authority rates this Charter Oak at 91. They sum it up refectory. “Its dark flavor profile is what I expect when I light up a Connecticut Broadleaf cigar and this stick did not disappoint.”
To say you couldn’t get a better smoke for the money would be an understatement!
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaraguan Habano
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacalera Fernandez
Blender: Nicholas Melillo
See all the Foundation Cigar available at The Cigar Thief HERE and the other Charter Oak cigars HERE
If you’ve read my “Bundles of Joy” article posted in the ASK RICHIE section of this website, you know how most cigar makers increased the amount of bundled value brands they offer to budget conscious smokers. Umbagog, named for Dunbarton’s owner’s favorite New Hampshire lake, doesn’t quite fall into this category. While the cigars are wrapped in paper and priced considerably lower than their other entries, they’re definitely not bargain smokes. What they are is another great medium to full bodied edition that is well made like the others offering a more straightforward taste. Natural tobacco, black licorice and some peppery spices appears early on and remain throughout.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaragua
Binder – Nicaragua
Wrapper Type – USA Connecticut Broadleaf
I hate to continue repeating myself in describing these great brands editions. Some of you may think that they’re all just full-bodied sticks and that’s that. What Litto Gomez has achieved over the years as a master blender is almost unduplicated. The differences in taste characteristics is defined but the overall contents have remained consistent year after year. This has been proven by this product’s continual difficulty to purchase on an ongoing basis. This is another full-bodied masterpiece for those of us that can handle them.
Origin – Dominican
Filler – Dominican
Binder – Dominican
Wrapper Type – Maduro Oscuro
Origin- Nicaragua
Filler- Nicaraguan
Binder- Nicaraguan
Wrapper- Ecuadorian Sun Grown Habano
This 90 rated edition was appropriately named paying homage to Oliva’s founder. The interesting blend of tobaccos from four countries produces a mellow to medium bodied kind of crispy taste that’s unique for Oliva.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Habano
Wrapper Type – Indonesian Sumatra
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.
The Original edition is a medium-bodied stick that burns slowly and increases in intensity as you move along. I’ve often smoked the Churchills halfway down and thrown the rest away without any guilt!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf-Sumatra
It’s hard to believe this Arturo Fuente made premium brand is approaching a 30th birthday. I was young and beautiful when I smoked my first one! While the blend of leaves is different from the company’s signature line, these well made, fairly priced, medium bodied, smooth tasting sticks have remained very popular over the years. I’ve often looked at them as kind of “comfort cigars”.
Filler: Dom. Rep.
Binder: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: U.S.A./Conn. Shade
Country: Dominican Republic
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!
Those of us that have enjoyed Ashton’s Classic series over the years have become accustomed to their signature taste. When the Puro Sol edition was launched it was Ashton’s first venture into the medium bodied category. Bang! Not only did it get a 94 rating, it placed #7 of the top 25 best cigars of the year. So if you’ve enjoyed Ashton Classics, you must step up and try the Ashton Heritage Puro Sol flavorful beauty.
Country: Dominican Republic
Strength: Medium-Full
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano wrapper
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican
ACCOLADES
Top 10 Cigars of the Year – Cigar Aficionado, 2012
Top 10 Cigars of the Year – Cigar Aficionado, 2008
Top 10 Cigars of the Year – Cigar Aficionado, 2005
Top 25 Cigars of the Year – Cigar Aficionado, 2021
Top 25 Cigars of the Year – Cigar Aficionado, 2004
94 Rated – Cigar Aficionado, May 2021
There’s a reason why this brand has been around forever. They’re very good cigars! The intricate three country blend has remained eerily consistent over decades. This mellow to medium bodied stick draws well, burns perfectly and has a smooth finish. What it lacks in marketing sizzle it more than makes up for in substance and character.
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Honduran-Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Ecuadorian Connecticut shade wrapper
The Matilde Oscura Grande is a luxurious and complex smoking experience featuring a meticulously selected blend of premium tobaccos that deliver a harmonious balance of flavors.
The highly critical folks at Cigar Dojo rate this great smoke a score of 92. Their description will give you all you need to know. “One of the most noticeably favorable aspects of the Oscura is its balance. There’s never too much of a certain flavor, or any harsh or unwanted qualities. In the last portion of the smoke, the full flavors are met with an increasing strength/body, which are around medium-full. Notes of oak, cinnamon, acidic coffee, and chicory balance out the end out the smoke from start to finish. This was a very interesting profile, offering a great balance of decadent, heavy chocolate sweetness against sharper notes of organic elements, with lots of oaks and root-like aspects—a great change of pace from today’s average maduro.”
It’s safe to say Matilde Oscura Grande is a winner!
Wrapper: San Andrés Mexican
Binder: Sumatra
Filler: Dominican Republic | Nicaragua | USA
Factory: Tabacalera la Matilde (Dominican Republic)
See the Matilde cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Warped Flor Del Valle Sky Flower is a tribute to the tradition and artistic expression of old-world cigar-making with a modern twist.
Each of these cigars is a testament to the craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail that Warped is known for. At the heart of the Flor Del Valle Sky Flower is an exclusive and unique blend of Aganorsa Leaf tobaccos producing rich flavor and aromatic qualities. The fillers and binder are a combination of rare Nicaraguan Corojo and Criollo leaves. The result is a medium to full-bodied profile that is intensely satisfying.
Cigar Coop rates this blend a very respectable 92. Their description is short and sweet. “The Sky Flower was an excellent cigar from start to finish.” Cigar Aficionado thinks this Lancero is worth a try as well. “A long, thin, matte-brown cigar with a multi-seam cap and some prominent veins. First puffs ease the palate into a warm breadiness, eventually showing lively notes of nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves before the black tea finish.”
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacos Valle de Jalapa S.A.
Wrapper: Nicaragua (Corojo 99)
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua (Criollo 98 & Corojo 99)
Want to see more amazing Warped Cigars available on the Cigar Thief? Click HERE
Discover the Cigar Aficionado Top Cigars of 2023 Sampler Pack – an exclusive collection of premium cigars that have earned the highest accolades in the industry. Indulge in the finest blends from Padron, Blackened, La Aroma de Cuba, EP Carrillo, Oliva, and Rocky Patel. Elevate your cigar experience today.
The collection of Limited Edition Opus X accessories offered here are a joy to behold. Are you a fan of the legendary Opus X? If so, any one of these meticulously crafted items is a top pick. Without doubt, from the beautifully made and vibrant colored ashtrays to the Signature cigar case, all these products are first class. To say nothing of the amazing Opus X glasses set!
What better way to enjoy your Opus X cigar than with one of these Limited Edition accessories? Get one while the supply lasts!
Want to learn more about Arturo Fuente Cigars? Visit their website HERE.
Want to see Opus X cigars available on The Cigar Thief? Click HERE.
This item is subject to a $5.00 shipping/handling fee which is added to the order total.
Utilizing a soft and silky Sumatra wrapper leaf, Gurkha Marquesa delivers a medium-bodied profile that includes hints of roasted nuts, slight saltiness, natural tobacco crispness, and a sweet core of flavor.
Wrapper: Sumatra
Binder: Habano
Filler: Nicaraguan
Country of origin: Dominican Republic
Casa Turrent 1880 Maduro is another highly rated blend from this hugely popular series.
The 1880 Maduro contains vintage Mexican (Criollo 98) & Nicaragua (Criollo 98) filler. Add to this a Mexican (Criollo 98) binder and you know it’s going to be special. Encase all this with a Mexican San Andrés grade A Maduro wrapper completing the formula and you have a very complexly blended masterpiece.
Cigar Aficionado rates this dark entry a 91 with a perfect description. “A near-black cigar that draws evenly. Layering the palate with notes of spicy licorice, wood and dark toast. All leading to a nutty core of almond, cashew and peanut. The finish is long and spicy.” And for the record, Cigar Coop and Halfwheel both score it a respectable 90.
No doubt, this is another winner for Casa Turrent, hands down! Sooner or later, you’ll want to try one of this company’s great smokes.
Country of Origin: Mexico
Factory: Nueva Matacapan de Tabacos S.A. de C.V.
Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés Maduro
Binder: Mexico (Criollo 98)
Filler: Mexico (Criollo 98) & Nicaragua (Criollo 98)
See all the Casa Turrent cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Foundation Charter Oak Connecticut is another very popular addition to the Foundation lineup.
With attention to detail, this Connecticut edition features an Ecuadorian grown CT wrapper encasing all vintage grade Nicaraguan fillers. No doubt the construction is perfect since its coming from A.J. Fernández’s prominent factory in Estelí.
Stogie Review thinks this cigar is great. They say, “Really enjoyed the flavors from the cigar especially the sweet creamy notes with the balanced nutty and woody notes. Overall, this is an excellent cigar” Halfwheel like it and feels “The price is great news and makes for an easy choice to try for yourself.” Cigar Authority heartily endorses this cigar with a stout rating of 92. Their take…”The price matched with tremendous flavor makes this box worthy times 2.”
There’s no doubt this mild to medium bodied smooth smoking cigar is a winner. The bonus is you can enjoy it anytime of the day.
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacalera AJ Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua S.A.
Wrapper: Ecuadorian grown Connecticut
Binder: Sumatra
Filler: Nicaragua
See all the Foundation Cigar available at The Cigar Thief HERE and the other Charter Oak cigars HERE
Oliva has been turning out amazing cigars for many years. Most of their selections offer smokers a wide array of top rated cigars ranging in taste from mild to medium.
Enter the Series O Maduro and things change dramatically! The great aspect of this 90 rated stick is that it delivers a solid full flavor with an uncanny smoothness
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Coming Soon!
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro
Rated 96 and named Cigar of the Year in 2012 beating out every other cigar including all the Cuban entries. Medium-full bodied. Amazing. Enough said.
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: My Father Cigars S.A.
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Sun Grown
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Take the band off this Habano wrapped cigar, give it to your buddy, let him light it up and get it going and then tell him it’s about a $3 smoke! General Cigar produced Las Estrella to give us a value priced BOXED cigar worthy of any occasion.
It’s medium bodied in taste with an even burn.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Coming Soon!
Binder – Coming Soon!
Wrapper Type – Habano
It’s hard to believe that it’s been over 20 years since this jewel came to market. The Don Carlos has won more awards and 90+ ratings than I could count. It’s probably one of this company’s finest blending achievements that has remained amazingly consistent over the decades. For me it yields a true Cuban style rich taste without any harshness. They’re hard to find in any style so get ’em while we have em’!
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Cameroon
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
Factory: Tabacalera A Fuente y Cia
Blender: Carlito Fuente
When Master Blender Willy Herrera teamed up with Jonathan Drew (Drew Estate) it caught everyone’s attention. As this first Habano edition hit the street receiving an incredible 93 rating along with placing #8 in the top 25 cigars of the year, we all knew a new level of cigar making had begun.
This amazing blend is a super smooth, medium bodied, perfectly made cigar with an ample draw. Its slow burn is balanced with a complex taste that slightly increases in intensity as you move along. Only as it comes to a close do you experience a robust full bodied taste reminiscent of Cuban made powerhouses.
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
Blender:Willy Herrera
To begin with, Master Blender Jose “Don Pepin” Garcia created La Aroma de Cuba. This Ashton sister brand received a “Top 25” award twice! It’s 93 rating over 20 years ago is still a testament to its quality today. This Cuban seeded Nicaraguan blend of vintage fillers combined with a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper yields a Cuban style medium bodied smoke that’s hard to beat at any price! The Robusto is a top pick!
Want to see more La Aroma de Cuba cigars? Click HERE.
The Ashton Symmetry edition was Ashton’s first venture into adding Nicaraguan leaves with their traditional Dominican filler. The result has been several 94 ratings along with two placements in the top 25 category. This cigar was a real achievement. Not only did it offer a more complex robust taste, it retained Ashton’s classic smoothness with a medium-bodied flavor.
Filler- Dominican-Nicaraguan Binder- Dominican Wrapper Type – Ecuadorian Habano
ACCOLADES
Top 10 Cigars of the Year – Cigar Aficionado, 2017
Top 10 Cigars of the Year – Cigar Aficionado, 2015
94 Rated – Cigar Aficionado, January 2018
Check out other great Ashtons here!
