Cigar Snob Magazine January February 2024

JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2024

p. 41

YEAR of the DRAGON p. 83

ROBERT TRENT JONES

Golf Trail p. 31

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ArturoFuente.com

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editorials JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024

24 PERFECT PAIRING RON DEL BARRILITO / PARTAGAS DE BRONCE

26 ESSENTIALS JACOB AND CO. EPIC X LA AURORA LIMITED EDITION WATCH

31 SWEET HOME ALABAMA The state refers to itself as “Sweet Home Alabama,” and there’s little doubt the title is earned. This becomes clear when you grab the golf clubs and head for the Robert Trent Jones Trail, a path of courses that winds through the state with golf goodness. We rolled that trail and came back with the full report.

41 TOP 25 CIGARS We love to help readers find good cigars. We also love to see hard work get rewarded. Our annual Top 25 Cigars gives us a chance to do both. Here is our list of the best of the best of 2023, complete with a handy tear-out card that you can take to your tobacconist. The producers are worthy of your support, toiling to ensure the cigars you buy are the best they can make. Here’s a shout out to them.

83 ENTER THE DRAGON Gurkha last year wrangled an all-star team of cigar producers to commemorate the Chinese Zodiac’s Year of the Dragon via a series of quarterly releases. The ambitious endeavor showed a deft marketing sense, and we jump into the middle of it to tell how it came together.

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features JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024

14 LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

16 FEEDBACK

18 WHAT’S BURNIN’

52 SMOKING HOT CIGAR SNOB IN THE AIR TONIGHT FEATURING COHIBA RIVIERA

69 RATINGS

88 X SCOREBOARD

90 INSTAGRAM SCOREBOARD

92 EVENTS 92 OLIVA HELPING HANDS ROARING 20’S GALA 94 SABOR HAVANA SMOKE THIS 96 ESPINOSA LA ZONA PALOOZA 98 AJ FERNANDEZ AT TABACON CIGAR & SPIRITS 100 ROCKY PATEL AT TABACON CIGAR & SPIRITS 102 MONTECRISTO & REMY MARTIN AT CITY CIGAR LOUNGE 104 LAUNCH OF TRINIDAD ESPIRITU SERIES 3 AT CHICA 106 DAVIDOFF NICARAGUA 10TH ANNIVERSARY EXPERIENCE AT NEPTUNE CIGARS 108 TAMPA BAY WHISKEY VOYAGE 110 BREW CITY CIGAR FESTIVAL

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024

VO L . 16 IS SU E 1 www.cigarsnob.com PUBLISHER & EDITOR Erik Calviño SENIOR EDITOR Steve Miller COPY EDITOR Michael LaRocca SALES & OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Oscar M. Calviño PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Ivan Ocampo ART DIRECTOR Andy Astencio ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Jamilet Calviño DIGITAL RETOUCHING SPECIALIST Ramón Santana DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGEMENT Gianni D’Alerta Diana Rita Cabrera CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Gavin Maliska CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS David Benoliel Andy Astencio EVENT PHOTOGRAPHERS Jamilet Calviño Hilary Krekling Jayy Starzzz Jerome Berry Kevin Martin Joe Photo by Matt Nassif Cover Photography by David Benoliel www.davidbenolielphotography.com Cover Model -Denisa Ciocoiu Cigar Snob is published bi-monthly

by Lockstock Publications, Inc. 1421-1 SW 107th Ave., #253 Miami, FL 33174-2509 Tel: 1 (786) 423-1015 Cigar Snob is a registered trademark of Lockstock Publications, Inc., all rights reserved. Reproduction in part or full without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Cigar Snob is printed in the U.S. Contents copyright 2006, Lockstock Publications, Inc. To subscribe, visit www.cigarsnob.com

(SUBSCRIBE TODAY) - Only $18 for one year (six issues) of -

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Putting together our annual Top 25 list has the wonderful side-effect of forcing me to look back at the year through cigars. In looking back on my notes for the year I’m taken back to when and where I smoked a particular cigar. At the end of the day, I’m a consumer just like you and there are moments that enhance a cigar to a point that just can’t be replicated. I’ll smoke a cigar in the perfect conditions that make it seem otherworldly, then order a five-pack for the ratings panel only to find that without the moment, it is just another good cigar that benefitted from following a memorable meal or a breathtaking sunset.

For example, the day after the Blackened M81 by Drew Estate photo shoot (Sep/Oct 2023) in Big Bear, California, the entire crew except for Ivan Ocampo and me flew out of LAX. We stayed behind in LA for an early morning meeting the next day with a potential advertiser. Exhausted from the drive to LA from Big Bear and from shuttling the crew to the airport, we opted to have dinner near the hotel and hoped we could enjoy a post-dinner smoke somewhere. Knowing California’s ardent anti-tobacco stance, I didn’t have my hopes up that we’d be able to find a place to light up without incident, but we didn’t have the energy to drive to a cigar lounge. We had dinner at a chain restaurant in an openair mall. Those who know me well know that I’m usually going to look for something other than a chain restaurant but after all the stress and planning of the photo shoot, I didn’t want to think anymore.

After the meal, we left the restaurant and noticed that the mall, which had been bustling with customers a little over an hour ago, was now completely empty. All the retail stores were closed, the restaurant that we walked out of was practically locking the door behind us, there wasn’t a soul in the mall’s large, meticulously manicured, grass-covered plaza.

We eyed a set of Adirondack chairs that looked like an ideal spot to enjoy a smoke, and hesitantly took a seat. A minute or two passed and we just sat there in silence wondering how long it would take for a guard to see us through one of the many security cameras and kick us out.

No one came. From my jacket I pulled two cigars and Ivan pulled out a flask that he’d filled with bourbon left over from the shoot. We sat in wonder in our Adirondacks enjoying our smokes and whiskey on this cool LA night. For the duration of the smoke we didn’t hear a sound, didn’t see a single person, we just enjoyed these expertly rolled bundles of dried tobacco leaves and laughed like a couple of idiots remembering the highlights and misadventures of the previous days. That cigar, in that moment, was the best cigar I’d smoked all year.

Walking back to our rental car, sitting lonely in the empty parking lot, I couldn’t help but think that this cigar will likely end up as a candidate for the Top 25 list. It was too good. Once back at Cigar Snob HQ, I did as I mentioned above and ordered it. The panel, which smokes blind for the ratings, tasted the cigar and gave its verdict. When I finally got to see what our panel of five smokers rated the blend, I was surprised. It was a good score because it was obviously a good cigar, but without the circumstances around it, it didn’t belong with the Top 25 cigars of 2023.

All of this is to say that we are all influenced by everything around us and

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so are the cigars that we smoke. The time of day, the meal you just enjoyed, the argument you may have had, the game your team lost, the birth of your first child, it all influences us in ways that are hard to quantify when it comes to the enjoyment of a cigar. In addition, the cigars themselves change from batch to batch and from humidor to humidor. For our Top 25, we try to be as consistent and as unbiased as possible. We aim to cut through the variables by smoking blind and re-smoking often to arrive at a list of 25 cigars that are worthy of your attention. We are extremely proud of our list and wish to congratulate everyone involved in the production of the 25 cigars that you’ll find starting on p.41, especially the Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua Sonata, this year’s Cigar of the Year!

Keep ‘em lit,

Erik Calviño ecalvino@cigarsnobmag.com

OVCIGARS

OSCAR VALLADARES TOBACCO & CO.

OVCIGARS

OSCARTOBACCO.COM

THE LEGEND OF ZORRO WRAPPER: CRIOLLO JAMASTRAN FINCA LA FLORIDA BINDER: HONDURAS FILLER: HONDURAS VITOLAS: TORO (6 X 52) & SIXTY (6 X 60) PACKAGING: BOXES OF 20 COUNT

Jan 1, 2024 To Mr. Erik Calvino at Cigar Snob Mag I am writing in regard about one Model Ms. “Camila Escribens” from your Sept/Oct “2022” issue.

She was the centerfold/model for the “Shoot” called Azucar (starting on page 12 to promote the Espinosa 6 Provincias Cigar) Since that issue and now I have used her likeness from the photo where she sits in a black bodysuit & black 4 strap open toes heels with her feet all revealed and toes painted white (Shoes by Saint Laurent.)

To Draw a picture myself which she is a character in a story based loosely on ancient sensual history i.e. Ancient Myths * * I Would Like To Know What She Thinks of the drawing, the likeness is uncanny.

OVCIGARS

OSCAR VALLADARES TOBACCO & CO.

OVCIGARS

OSCARTOBACCO.COM

This is my mailing address: [redacted] PS Please write me a return reply to say you got this letter.

Do pass the above mailing address to Ms. Camila Escribens if you would and mention this artist/ photographer wished to show her his drawing of her, to get her feedback.

Regarding the model from Sept/ Oct 2022 issue “Camila Escribens” I was wondering if you Sir would use her for Another shoot in the Near Future for “Cigar Snob Mag” 2024. As I said I have used her likeness to “Illustrate” a musical story. **** This is the thing, Love her smile! :) Even her eyes smile!

And the long hair! Only thing is that not that many photos show her feet in open toe heels (as the one I mentioned,) whether she is on the phone in a tiger print dress or a yellow flower jumpsuit or white jumpsuit or a nice blue

dress on page 12 (with wrong shoes that don’t show her feet.) I am requesting to see “Camila Escribens” again in Cigar Snob in the new year 2024. Perhaps you only use models once. In her case I think an exception can be made. *Whether you employ her to model again, I hope that you will, or not.

Kindly pass on my mailing address to her (Camila Escribens) so she can simply write me a letter if she wishes to see my drawing of her, the choice being hers.

And if not this time, I AM “ZORRO” AND I’LL FIND A WAY TO SERENADE HER! Thanx, Happy New Year.

Keep Your Wit :) R. L. Artist, Author, Comedian, Photographer via handwritten letter There’s a lot to unpack here. However, first and foremost, thank you for admiring (“admiring” might be an understatement) our magazine and Ms. Camila Escribens specifically. Who by the way, since her appearance in Cigar Snob Magazine went on to compete at the 2023 Miss Universe pageant representing her home country of Peru.

Fulfilling your request at this time might be difficult because of her recent rise in celebrityhood. However your sincerely heartfelt - slightly poetic definitely foot fetishy - weirdly handwritten letter caught our attention so much so we are considering sending her your artwork. Since we appreciate you reaching out to us, we can promise we will be sending out a Cigar Snob swag pack your way, that is for certain.

As for sending her your artwork, all we ask is for you to send it to us first for us to review. Of course, we would simply like to see if you were able to capture her smiling feet...errrr...her smiling eyes just right before passing it along. And if you prefer not to share with us, the choice will be yours. Until we meet again - Zorro.

WRITE US AT FEEDBACK@CIGARSNOBMAG.COM 16 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2024

CIGAR LOUNGES EXEMPTED FROM PENNSYLVANIA’S EXPANDING INDOOR SMOKING BAN Cigar lounges in Pennsylvania in November dodged a broadening of the state’s indoor smoking ban via a legislative amendment that was narrowly adopted. Democrat-led anti-smoking forces had hoped to expand the state’s indoor smoking prohibition by closing all exemptions, which extended to cigar lounges.

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives Committee on Health approved, with a 13-11 vote, House Bill 1657, which aims to expand the Commonwealth’s indoor smoking law by closing all existing exemptions.

However, due to the efforts of Representative Heather Boyd, an amendment was adopted with a 13-10 vote to exempt cigar bars, tobacco shops, and tobacco manufacturer workplaces.

The measure remains in flux.

If enacted, the bill would eliminate exemptions for casinos, bars, and private clubs by bringing them under the umbrella of the 2008 Clean Indoor Air Act. The legislation is spearheaded by Majority Chair Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny). As with much anti-tobacco legislation, premium cigars were swept into this legislation. The proposed law permits smoking in personal residences, certain outdoor spaces, and nondaycare vehicles. The bill also establishes a broader definition of “workplace,” including various work-related areas, from private offices to construction sites.

One noteworthy aspect of the proposed action is its empowerment of local governments. The proposed legislation would allow jurisdictions to enact stricter anti-smoking ordinances than that of the Commonwealth, lifting the state law preemption ban and providing flexibility based on local needs.

Amendments were introduced and approved to address concerns raised during the legislative process. Outdoor patios not fully enclosed in food and drink establishments would still be allowed to permit smoking. Additionally, cigar bars and cigar smoking lounges in private clubs will now be allowed to continue indoor smoking – if they meet specific air filtration standards.

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“We are grateful for Representative Boyd’s amendment to exempt cigar lounges, shops, and bars and for the committee’s recognition of the important role Pennsylvania plays in the premium cigar industry. Ultimately, the local authority provisions are problematic, and Pennsylvania retailers, consumers, and manufacturers should still oppose the legislation as currently written,” Greg Zimmerman, President of the Pennsylvania Premium Cigar Retailers Association, said in a press release.

Alec Bradley’s brand manager of strategic partnerships, said in a press release. “This is a private barrel bottling that will never be replicated. It represents Starlight’s whiskeymaking expertise and our fascination with cigar pairing. It’s a real pleasure to partner with Starlight Distillery again, to release this one-of-a-kind bourbon and cigar experience.”

PCA submitted written testimony in opposition to H.B. 1657 at the opening hearing on the bill and generated over 1,300 messages to the committee, noting the impact on Pennsylvania small businesses and some of the nation’s most acclaimed cigar venues.

The Cigar Rights of America has appointed legislative affairs director Mike Copperman as the organization’s new executive director.

Copperman will remain in his current position as well as assuming the new duties.

Proponents argue that the bill addresses public health concerns, protecting workers from second-hand smoke. However, Minority Chair Kathy Rapp expressed doubts, particularly regarding a government smoking ban for private veterans’ clubs and the potential financial burden on cigar lounges to install mandated air filtration systems.

ALEC BRADLEY AND STARLIGHT BOURBON KICK OFF 2024 WITH EXCLUSIVE SINGLE BARREL PAIRING Alec Bradley and Starlight Distillery will release their second Uncut Series collaboration, pairing Alec Bradley Gatekeeper with Starlight Single Barrel Bourbon Finished in Vino de Naranja Casks.

The pairing packages include four 5.125 x 42 Alec Bradley Gatekeeper Corona cigars and one 750 mL bottle of Starlight Single Barrel Bourbon Finished in Vino de Naranja Casks (112.1 proof/56% ABV). The pairing will sell for $99.99 and is available at https:// bourbonoutfitter.com/collections/alec-bradley.

The cigars feature an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers.

“We didn’t set out with a Vino de Naranjafinished bourbon in mind, once we landed there, we were fixated on finding the precise barrel to pair with Gatekeeper,” Alec Rubin,

CRA ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MIKE COPPERMAN

The executive director oversees the organization’s strategic direction and leads advocacy efforts.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mike as the new Executive Director of CRA,” the organization’s president, Robert Levin, said in a press release.

“His wealth of experience and dedication to our cause make him the ideal leader to advance our mission and navigate the evolving landscape of premium cigar advocacy.”

AMAZON BASIN RETURNS The CAO Amazon Basin, which debuted in 2014, is making a return to retailers. The blend is available in a 6 x 52 ($14.29).

The blend features an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and Dominican and Colombian filler.

“When we launched Amazon Basin a decade ago, we debuted Amazonian tobacco to the world and created a smoking experience that was completely different from anything on the market,” Ed Lahmann, senior brand manager, said in a press release. “We’re pleased to release the special blend again this year. And while we are not disclosing production figures, the number of boxes we’re releasing this year is down from 2022 because of the scarcity of the tobacco and the care it requires. My advice to CAO fans is if you see Amazon Basin, be sure to get your hands on it.”

CAO Amazon Basin comes in 18-count rustic wooden boxes.

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TATUAJE TO RELEASE BELLE ENCRE, BON CHASSEUR Tatuaje will release the 5 3/8 x 48 Belle Encre and 5 3/8 x 52 Bon Chasseur in a 10th anniversary release. Both are $12 and feature a Sumatra Ecuadorian wrapper and binder and filler from Nicaragua. They come in 20-count boxes.

EIROA ELECTED TO PCA BOARD, TERM BEGINS IN MARCH The Premium Cigar Association announces that Christian Eiroa, president and founder of C.L.E. Cigar Company, has been elected to serve on the PCA Executive Committee. His term will begin in March.

“Christian brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the board and his perspective as a manufacturer and factory owner will be invaluable as part of the leadership of the PCA Board,” Scott Regina, president of the PCA Board of Directors, said in a press release.

“I am honored and proud to serve on this board,” Eiroa said in a press release. “I believe this is a historic period in time for our industry and the association and I look forward to serving and being a part of the executive committee.”

Eiroa is replacing Mike Conder, whose term as the associate liaison on the Executive Committee ends in 2024.

The current PCA Executive Committee is composed of President Scott Regina, Vice-President Todd Naifeh, Treasurer Paul Groh, Secretary Mary Szarmach, and Ex-Officio Greg Zimmerman. The committee is responsible for the overall leadership of the PCA Board.

DREW ESTATE DEBUTS LIGA PRIVADA UNICO PORCHETTA Drew Estate presents the Liga Privada Porchetta, exclusively available at Casa de Montecristo brick-and-mortar locations.

The 6 x 46 box-pressed Belicoso ($19.25) features a Connecticut River Valley Habano wrapper, Brazilian Mata Fina binder, and a blend of Honduran and Nicaraguan fillers.

“Porchetta is a meaty, in-your-face, turbulent journey of flavor and aroma,” Jonathan Drew, founder and president of Drew Estate, said in

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a press release. “It’s hard-hitting, yet smooth and meat-lovin-calculated at the very same time … kinda like a Larry Holmes jab to the dome … it’s not meant to knock you out. But damn, that was the thing about Holmes in his heyday … he could literally knock you out with a couple of jabs. Nobody should get knocked out with a jab, really. This Porchetta is like a miniature Larry Holmes. My dad was a huge Larry Holmes fan, for the record.”

LA GLORIA CUBANA RELEASES ITS SECOND SOCIETY CIGAR La Gloria Cubana is shipping the La Gloria Cubana Society Cigar II, a 6 x 50 Toro ($12.99) featuring a Honduran Habano wrapper, an Ecuadorian Sumatra binder, and filler from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua.

The expression is named after a group of cigar smokers called the “La Gloria Cubana Society” who frequently interact with the brand online through the LGC website and offline at La Gloria activations across the U.S. The La Gloria Cubana Society Cigar II was developed with input from society members who consulted on the blend profile, packaging and size of the cigar in a process that spanned nearly a year.

“For this, our second ‘Society Cigar,’ we have created a smoking experience that reflects the collective preferences of La Gloria Cubana fans,” Cory Beardsley, assistant brand manager for La Gloria Cubana, said in a press release. “This special release speaks to what this elite group of smokers currently looks for in a cigar, and we’re proud to bring it to life for them.”

FOUNDATION CIGARS AND HIGHCLERE CASTLE RE-RELEASE SENETJER IN HONOR OF KING TUT’S DISCOVERY Foundation Cigar Company is shipping its Highclere Castle Senetjer. Senetjer is now an annual release of 500 boxes to commemorate the discovery of King Tut’s tomb.

Highclere Castle Senetjer is a 6 ¾ by 52 perfecto ($33) featuring an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper with Brazilian Mata Fina binder and undisclosed fillers, packaged in 12-count boxes.

Highclere Castle Senetjer was originally pro-

duced to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the unearthing of the fabled pharaoh’s tomb.

The vault was discovered by the famed archeologist Howard Carter and funded by the great-grandfather of Lord Carnarvon George Herbert.

To celebrate the historical find, Foundation owner Nicholas Melillo teamed up with the Herbert family to create the cigar, which comes in a decorative box designed to replicate one found in the tomb.

“There was such an outcry and love for Senetjer that we all thought an annual November release was appropriate,” Melillo, said in a press release.

PLASENCIA CIGARS COSECHA 151 IS NOW SHIPPING Plasencia Cigars is shipping the Cosecha 151 to retailers. It is the third installment of the Cosecha series, named in honor of the 151st tobacco crop from the Plasencia farms, which was harvested in 2016. The Honduran puro comes in 10-count boxes and is available in the 5 x 50 La Música Robusto ($13.50), the 5 7/8 x 54 La Tradición Toro ($16) and the 5 ¾ x 46 San Diego Corona Gorda ($13.30).

DANIEL MARSHALL COMMISSIONED

BY FLAGLER MUSEUM OF PALM BEACH TO RECREATE HENRY FLAGLER’S TIFFANY HUMIDOR Veteran humidor artist Daniel Marshall has created a replica of Henry Flagler’s Tiffany humidor, originally gifted to Flagler - the founder of Standard Oil in 1870 and an enthusiastic cigar smoker - in 1895.

Flagler received the humidor from the New York Yacht Club for allowing the use of his own boat, the Alicia, as the committee boat during the 1895 America’s Cup race.

Marshall was attracted to the project as he felt an affinity for Flagler, as both share a passion for cigars, sailing, and the sea, as well as a love of Florida. Flagler was known as the “Wizard of Florida,” as he is credited as the founder of the cities of Miami and Palm Beach.

With the addition of the Flagler Museum piece, Marshall now has humidors on permanent display in three museums including the Smithsonian under three American Presidents

- Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, and George W. Bush - and the Schwarzenegger Museum in Graz, Austria.

The Le Tag comes in a T135 ($90), which can cut a ring gauge of up to 100 while the T100 ($250) handles anything up to 80 ring gauge.

“It is an honor for me to share in the celebration of such an important American in Henry Flagler and Florida history by recreating his personal Tiffany humidor,” Marshall said in a press release. “After meeting director John Blades and manager Mark Johnson, this project was…congruent with my history of working for two decades with Tiffany and Co on their special projects. After seeing the original humidor, I knew I wanted to take on the challenge of this unique sized humidor embellished with .925 Sterling Silver enameled waving flags and a beautiful hand cut engraved Sterling Plaque in the center of the lid. I begged my jeweler to make these for me, knowing that exact recreations of these nautical flags were an integral part of this exquisite piece.”

The T135 comes in five anodized aluminum colors - black, champagne, green, red and blue.

A limited edition of 10 of these Flagler humidor recreations are available for $2,995. Those interested can email TheCampfire@DanielMarshall.com.

HVC CIGARS RELEASES A NEW SIZE OF THE HOT CAKE MADURO LINE HVC Cigars has adjusted its blend for a new size in its Hot Cake Maduro line. The 3.5 x 44 petite corona ($4.80) features a San Andres Maduro wrapper from Mexico with Nicaraguan filler and binder and ships in 25-count boxes.

“Similar blend as the regular Hot Cake Maduro line with some adjustments to elevate the ingredients we find essential in our cigars: flavor, balance, and a clean finish,” HVC said in a press release.

The T100 features gold accents.

AVO CIGARS TO COLLABORATE WITH DJ D-NICE FOR THE LIMITED EDITION AVO EXPRESSIONS 2024 Avo Cigars, a leader in hand-made premium cigars, will collaborate with DJ D-Nice for the Avo Expressions 2024.

The Avo Expressions line of cigars was created with the purpose of collaborating with individuals who are leaders in their field, following in the footsteps of the late Avo Uvezian, a renowned musician and the founder of AVO Cigars.

DJ D-Nice, aka Derrick Jones, Is a record producer, and rapper known for his work with 80s hip hop group Boogie Down Productions. He was named the NAACP Image Awards Entertainer of the Year in 2021 for his hosting of Club Quarantine on Instagram Live in 2020 during the pandemic.

Nice in 2022 headlined and co-produced a soldout presentation of Club Quarantine Live at Carnegie Hall.

Quality Importers Announces The Availability Of The New Stinky Cigar One-Piece Ashtray.

JM TOBACCO RELAUNCHES ESPAÑOLA CIGARS FEATURING NEW PACKAGING

French accessory maker `announces the Le Tag, a wearable cigar cutter.

JM Tobacco has relaunched Española Cigars, featuring new packaging. As part of the relaunch, JM Tobacco is hosting events, promotions and a series of special releases to celebrate the return of Española.

The Le Tag is a guillotine cutter that comes on a neck chain, inspired by the military’s dog tags and is 3 mm thick.

Espanola Cigars by JM Tobacco are ready to ship and available for purchase at select cigar retailers.

The double blade is made of surgical-grade stainless steel and comes in a black matte pouch that doubles as a cigar carrying pouch. Included with the first 6,000 Le Tags sold is a Boveda humidifying pouch.

“We are thrilled to reintroduce Española Cigars to our valued customers and the global cigar community,” Anto Mahroukian, president of JM Tobacco, said in a press release. “Our dedication to the craft of cigar-making and unwavering

LES FINES LAMES ANNOUNCES TWO NEW CUTTERS

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commitment to quality remains as strong as ever. With the new packaging, we aim to elevate the Española experience, making it even more special and memorable for our customers.”

LA-based JM Tobacco was founded in 1996

by John Mahroukian and is distributed in the U.S. and Europe.

DREW ESTATE RESURRECTS CHATEAU REAL BRAND EXCLUSIVELY FOR ONLINE RETAILERS Drew Estate is bringing back the Chateau Real brand, available exclusively to Drew Diplomat Digital retailers. Packaged in 20-count boxes, Chateau Real is available in a 6 x 50 Toro ($6.75), a 5 x 50 Robusto ($6.50) and a 7 x 50 Churchill ($7).

The blend features Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos wrapped in Connecticut Shade leaf.

Drew Estate introduced the Chateau Real brand to the domestic market just prior to the opening of La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate in Estelí, Nicaragua, in 2007. The bargain-priced brand was eclipsed by Liga Privada, Undercrown and Herrera Esteli.

“Chateau, along with all of its secrets, has since become one of the most sought-after Drew Estate ghosts, with collectors keeping the brand and its folklore alive,” Jonathan Drew, founder and president of Drew Estate, said in a press release. “We simply had to resurrect this prince of a brand. I’m absolutely thrilled that we are bringing affordable brands to market.”

QUALITY IMPORTERS TRADING COMPANY ANNOUNCES THE AVAILABILITY OF THE NEW STINKY CIGAR ONE-PIECE ASHTRAY. The 8-inch ashtray ($29.99) features a 2.5-inchdeep bowl and six stirrups to hold cigars level.

It comes in a variety of colors including matte black, brushed bronze, distressed copper plated, black nickel plated, and polished stainless steel.

The finish and collar are applied over stainless steel. The ashtray is dishwasher safe.

For more information, visit www.qualityimporters.com or contact QI at (954) 602-5637.

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Ron del Barrilito 3 Stars Partagas de Bronce While studying engineering in France around 1860, young Pedro Fernández decided that he could produce a unique rum for his family in Puerto Rico using a process similar to what the French did with Cognac. In those days, well-to-do families would distill their own spirits and serve them to guests out of a small barrel or a “barrilito.”

The Fernández family’s homemade rum from their “barrilito” became so popular among guests of the Hacienda Santa Ana, the family’s estate, that by 1880 they started selling it in the local Puerto Rican market. Coming up with a name for this product was easy - guests would always ask for it as “el ron del barrilito”. The first product was called Ron del Barrilito 3 Stars, the name it still bears today. The Fernández family claims that the name is not the only thing that remains from the 1880s, as the recipe and process are reportedly unchanged as well, even though the family no longer ferments or distills on site.

The Cognac process that Fernández adapted to rum to give it its unique flavors and aromas involves a maceration step after distillation. Maceration in spirits is the extraction of essential oils from roots, fruits, and spices into the spirit.

Which exact roots, fruits, and spices does Ron del Barrilito employ? Good luck getting an answer to that. To this day, the recipe is a fiercely guarded secret by the family-owned company. One note to clarify here is that the macerated rum is married with white rum and watered down with purified rainwater to achieve the rum’s signature profile, but the macerated portion can never exceed 2.5%. If it did, the rum would have to be re-classified as a specialty rum, like “spiced rum” or “flavored rum.”

THE PAIRING The Partagas de Bronce is a limited-edition blend produced at the Little Havana institution known as El Titan de Bronze. The factory produces cigars in the Cuban style. In other words, rather than split the cigarmaking duties among two artisans, a buncher and roller, as it is done almost everywhere else, El Titan de Bronze’s “tabaqueros” handle every step of the cigar-making process. In the case of the Partagas de Bronce, the interior of the box contains the signature of the person who made your cigars.

The cigar opens with a flavorful combination of roasted nuts, cedar, and rich vanilla balanced by a smooth dash of peppery spice. The rum’s delicate and well-balanced flavors of cinnamon, dates, dried fruits, and oak comfortably piggyback on the cigar’s profile. The result is an experience close to that of a rum-soaked Christmas cake.

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LITTO GOMEZ L A F LO R D O M I N I C A N A

T RY B OV E DA .CO M @bovedainc

@bovedainc

@bovedausa

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JACOB AND CO. EPIC X LA AURORA LIMITED EDITION WATCH ere’s a partnership that will stand the test of time, while keeping it too.

Luxury watch mason Jacob & Co. joined with La Aurora for this gem of a timepiece from Jacob’s Epic X collection, a rose gold 44mm case – large enough to catch the eye but reasonable enough to be cool – adorned with elements of La Aurora’s iconic cigar logo on the dial .

Cosmetically, we like the symmetrical alignment of the branding; check the horizontal logo and artfully rendered cigar and La Aurora’s lion, the brand’s symbol. It imparts sophistication with ostentation, and Jacob & Co’s standard luxe appearance and craftsmanship step up.

The open works timepiece is manually-wound with 179 parts and 72 hours of reserve power.

La Aurora came through on its end with the La Aurora 120th Anniversary Limited Edition cigar, which complements the watch. The 120th is a double-tapered, 6 x 58 Dominican puro featuring a Habana 92 wrapper, a smoke released in October to celebrate the centivintennial anniversary of La Aurora, founded in 1903 in the Dominican Republic. Each purchase of the watch, which comes in at $48,000, includes a humidor with 10 120th Anniversary cigars.

Watches have played with cigars for decades, of course, connecting the artisan nature of creating a watch and the expertise required in properly rolling a cigar by hand. Alfred Dunhill Ltd., first a tobacconist, patented a watch to pair with its nascent cigars in the 1930s, and even Swatch got in on the action in the 1990s.

With the Jacob & Co/La Aurora pairing, a heavy collector nerd element is at play – production was limited to ten watches, with seven pre-sold to La Aurora President Guillermo León. Which means there are few of these gems circulating, all at Jacob & Co. retail stores in Miami, New York and Geneva. Book your flight now.

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@ A R T E S A N O D E LT O B A C C O A R T E S A N O D E LT O B A C C O . N E T

SWEET HOME ALABAMA

BY GAVIN MALISKA

Photo: RTJ Golf

IF YOU’VE DRIVEN THROUGH ALABAMA WITH YOUR EYES OPEN, YOU’VE SEEN THE GREEN HIGHWAY SIGNS FOR THE ROBERT TRENT JONES GOLF TRAIL. EVERYWHERE. IN FACT, IN SOME PLACES, WHETHER YOU’RE A GOLF GEEK OR NOT, THE TRAIL IS ASSUMED TO BE KNOWN BY MOTORISTS; “RTJ GOLF TRAIL” WITH AN ARROW IS WHAT YOU GET. WE SAW THE SIGNS A LONG TIME AGO – THE TRAIL IS A BEACON FOR GOLFERS, FEATURING OVER TWO DOZEN COURSES AND INCLUDING SIX RESORTS. WE TOOK SOME TIME TO INDULGE.

9TH GREEN AT CAMBRIAN RIDGE - SHEARLING COURSE

Photo: RTJ Golf

Part of that drive is marked with green and white signs marking the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, which takes in 26 courses and six accompanying resorts and spas, located off every major roadway through Alabama. The trail was created to convince snowbird drivers on their way to Florida to stop and spend some of their tourist dollars in Alabama.

Over the last 30 or so years, the trail has attracted golfers in groups, be it a boys’ day out or couples who split into golfers and spa patrons

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during the day before reuniting over cocktails and dinner.

The trail began when David Bronner, head of the public Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA), saw the plan as a profitable investment for the RSA while helping small business owners by increasing tourism.

“David Bronner was in charge of the pension funds and he’s a golfer,” said Robert Trent Jones Jr., whose own golf architecture firm builds courses worldwide from its headquarters in Palo Alto, California. He recalled that in the late 1980s, his father was semi-retired but came to Alabama to talk with Bronner about his idea for the golf trail.

Jones said his father, who passed away in 2000, told Bronner, “You need five to seven golf stops along the major routes to Florida,” with the idea that golfers would play the first one they came to and then the next, and the next, leaving tourism

Top to bottom: The first tee lies 200 feet above the fairway on the Judge course at Capitol Hill; David G. Bronner, Chief Executive Officer at Retirement Systems of Alabama Photo: Carol M. Highsmith, Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons

riving through Alabama from any direction delivers a Southern fried taste of natural beauty. Swinging north through Muscle Shoals, east through Anniston, Opelika, or Dothan, or south through Point Clear or Mobile, the state has got you covered.

dollars behind.

The Alabama legislature approved the plan with the stipulation that the initial four courses had to be operating within 18 months.

That deadline made for some fast tracking, as the work included laying out a golf course on available land; cutting down or planting trees; digging hazards and streams; building greens, tees, and bunkers; moving dirt and smoothing it all to make it look natural; building clubhouses, and growing grass that would welcome play.

The new courses would be created in Hampton Cove in Huntsville, Magnolia Grove in Mobile, Oxmoor Valley in Birmingham, and Grand

National at Auburn/Opelika. They all opened in 1992, making the deadline.

Bronner said the first four golf trail courses represented the largest golf construction project in the world. He believes it couldn’t and wouldn’t be done today, mostly because of cost and increasing government regulation.

Sougahatchee and a par-3 15th hole that stretches 230 yards from the tips to an island green, the Lakes Course appealed to RTJ’s highest challenge for golfers. “He loved water,” Jones said. “He said it was the most important hazard … because it was final.” The course has hosted the NCAA D1 Men’s and Women’s National Championship, LPGA Tour, Epson Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, and PGA Tour. In addition, the Links Course is just that, and the Short Course was recreated in 2022 to add new greens to the 18hole par-3 challenge.

Photo: grand1847.com

Hampton Cove in Huntsville has 54 holes over three courses, with the Highlands Course and its old mule barn on the 5th hole; the River Course, which is the only RTJ course built without a single bunker and features water on 16 of 18 holes; and the Short Course, a links-like layout with water on 11 holes.

Top to bottom: The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection; Robert Trent Jones Sr.; The Original Muscle Shoals Sound Studio

offers 27 holes over three courses.

It was named in 1994 by Golf Digest as the third-best new public course in the country. You can pick your own combination of 18 holes.

but we got them all up to where they make money now. It’s all about quality. If you keep the quality up, it’s going to work.”

Grand National, Auburn/Opelika, has 54 holes over three courses.

While both Bronner and Jones say the elder Jones didn’t play the favorites game, they agreed he liked the Lakes Course at Grand National the best on the trail. With 12 holes along the shores of Lake

Jones said he helped work on the courses, but most of the design and fieldwork was done by Roger Rulewich, who moved to Alabama after graduating from Yale and worked every day for a year and a half to make it a reality.

Bronner points to overall state tourism revenue as a sign of the success of his idea; he said the money increased from $1.8 billion the year before the courses opened to more than $25 billion in 2022.

“It took a lot of years,” Bronner said.

“This is the 31st or 32nd year. We had some spots that made money and some that didn’t make money,

Across the state, here’s a brief breakdown of the trail (you can download your own Trail Guide at RTJgolf.com/trailguide): Capitol Hill in Prattville has three 18-hole courses (The Senator, The Judge, and The Legislator) and has been named the second-best public golf facility in the country by Golf World readers. Golf magazine named The Judge among the 10 public courses worthy of a U.S. Open. The Senator, a links course with more than 140 pot bunkers, hosts the LPGA’s Epson Tour Guardian Championship each fall.

Photo: Wikimedia commons By A1bi - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: USGA Photo Collection

With 26 courses on 11 sites, if a golfer played all of them, the holes would stretch for 85 miles, tee to green, with 700 miles of driving between courses.

The Lakewood Club, Point Clear, is different from the others as it existed as an 18-hole course in 1947 and later expanded to two courses and 36 holes. The courses bask in the historic luxury of the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa. The Dogwood Course, renovated in 2018, recently hosted the U.S. Women’s Senior Amateur Championship. The Azalea Course was remade in 2019.

The entire resort has been named repeatedly to Golf magazine’s list of best golf resorts in America.

Cambrian Ridge, located in Greenville, south of Montgomery,

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Photo: RTJ Golf

Highland Oaks in Dothan is a unique layout of four ninehole courses, the Highlands, Marshwood, Magnolia, and the Short Course. Golf Digest named the Highlands/Magnolia combination as one of the nation’s Great Value Courses. The Marshwood course is famous for the par-5 sixth hole, a huge 701 yards from the tips.

Magnolia Grove in Mobile has 54 holes in three courses with the Short Course named by Golf Digest as the best par-3 course in America. The Crossings course has a traditional layout that has attracted both the LPGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour Championship. The

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Falls Course is the only par 71 layout on the trail.

Oxmoor Valley, Birmingham, has 45 holes over three courses built on a former U.S. Steel mining operation.

The Ridge Course is known for its elevation changes, heavy tree cover, and challenging lies. The Valley Course was renovated in 2021 with new tees, bunkers, and greens. The Back Yard, opened in 2022, features nine par-3 holes and a fire pit surrounded by rocking chairs where the group can enjoy cocktails and total up the scores.

Ross Bridge, Hoover, is a single 18-hole layout and was named one

of the top golf resorts in America

by Golf magazine in 2019. It features a castle-like resort where a kilted bagpiper plays on the lawn at day’s end, saluting the birthplace of golf. If your group likes to play the tips, Ross Bridge boasts to be the fifth-longest course in the world, stretching 8,191 yards. The course just reopened in the fall after being closed for renovation.

Silver Lakes, Anniston/Gadsden, has four 9-hole courses in the Appalachian foothills about halfway between Huntsville and Opelika/ Auburn. The names of each course might be an indication of their appeal: the Backbreaker, the Heartbreaker,

Top: The Short Course at Silver Lakes between Anniston and Gadsen the Mindbreaker, and the Short Course. The layouts were built over forests, wetlands, and grasslands, and feature numerous elevation changes.

The Shoals, Muscle Shoals, features two courses and 36 holes.

Built in 2004, the Fighting Joe Course was the first on the trail to top 8,000 yards. Rolling among dunes, mounds and tall grass, the fairways are long but straightforward. The Schoolmaster Course has narrower fairways and demanding approach

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shots at nearly 8,000 yards from the tips.

For Tom Dobat and his seven buddies from the Class of 1979 at Rochester High School in Rochester Hills, Michigan, the courses at Oxmoor Valley were an easy choice when classmate Chris Carr hosted the group last October at his home in Birmingham.

Dobat said he had played Grand National at Auburn/Opelika a few years ago and liked the courses, so he wanted to see what Oxmoor Valley offered.

“We played the Ridge Course on Wednesday and Thursday,” he said.

“It was a tough track. I mean, it’s beautiful but there’s not a flat lie on that course.” They took on the Valley Course on Friday and then ended the trip as an eightsome at The Back Yard, a nine-hole, par-3 course.

“We’re definitely going to keep it in the rotation now,” Dobat said.

Jenner Christiansen of Hayward, California, joined seven of his friends for what they hope will be an annual guys’ golf trip, choosing Ross Bridge, and the Ridge course at Oxmoor Valley, as two of their venues. One of the group works at a private golf club in California and was able to arrange for them to play two private courses around Birmingham, for four courses in four days.

“All the courses were really nice,” he said. “We’re all from California, so we were expecting things to be more expensive, but they were definitely affordable. I would absolutely recommend them.”

In addition to the golf courses, RTJ offers the Spa Trail (rtjspatrail.com), a collection of six resorts with spa and salon experiences for golfers looking for more than golf or a nongolfing spouse.

“It’s something a husband and wife, or two guys or two women can do if

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Photo: RTJ Golf

For accommodations, Christiansen said they went through VRBO to find a house big enough for all eight guys, which added to the camaraderie.

they go to a resort and it’s raining, or they’re looking for something else to do after five days of golf,” said Bronner, the state’s retirement system CEO. The Spa at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear promotes itself as “an experience that offers medicine for the soul.” The spa offers salon services for hair and nails, as well as massages or facials, an indoor pool, a fitness center, a dry sauna, a steam room, and a whirlpool.

The Spa Trail includes The Spa at the Grand Hotel, The Spa at the Battle House (Mobile), The Spa at Montgomery, The Spa at Grand National (Auburn/Opelika), The Spa at Ross Bridge (Hoover), and The Spa at the Shoals (Muscle Shoals).

their father own two locations of Cigars & More in Birmingham, another called Vitola & More, and stores under the Vitola Fine Cigars brand in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa. He regularly sees golfers on their way to the courses in Oxford Valley and Ross Bridge.

If you’re in need of a good cigar along the RTJ Golf Trail, there are a few smoke shops scattered about the state.

“We have four stores in Birmingham, and we definitely see tourists coming in for the Golf Trail; it’s a big draw,” he said. “I’m always amazed how far people travel for it. We’ll see

Harris Saunders, his brothers, and

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outside the studio while inside, the Swampers, the studio’s house band, were tracking the Atlantic Crossing album. The session musicians were considered some of the best going, immortalized in Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Boomer anthem “Sweet Home Alabama.”

Studio tours are offered, and the studio is still active.

To book golf and accommodation on the RTJ Trail, call SunBelt Golf, which manages the trail for the RSA at 205-942-0444. If you know your dates, courses, and hotel arrangements, you can contact each course through the online directory.

Photo: Marriott.com

You can also contact each resort and spa separately, but you don’t have to stay at the RTJ facilities to play the courses. A Google search finds many hotel chains with lodging near the courses, and the short-term house rental industry caters to golfers through VRBO and Airbnb. Spa and salon sessions can be booked without staying in the resorts.

Top to bottom: The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa; The humidor at Vitolas Fine Cigars Mountain Brook

Photo: Vitolas Fine Cigars

Madison, and Guntersville, which partners with the Swampers Bar and Grille – name checking the iconic studio band that put Muscle Shoals on the map - at the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa every few months for a patio evening of cigars and bourbon tastings.

people from California, Michigan, all over.”

The Birmingham stores’ best sellers are Davidoff and Perdomo among the 1,000 cigars in the walk-in humidor. Smokers can stay for a cocktail or take their smokes to the indoor lounge or the patio.

For golfers playing the Capitol Hill courses, 23 Court, in the shadow of the state capitol building in Montgomery, offers up a broad selection of bourbon, Scotch, rye,

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and other whiskeys, rums, tequilas, etc. in a classy, lounge environment that allows smoking and features live music. Take a seat at the bar or a table.

Other leisurely pursuits include Grand National Village in Auburn/ Opelika, and the boutique shops in Fairhope, near the Grand Hotel Golf Resort and the American music legacy that is Muscle Shoals.

Best of all, smokers don’t have to bring their own as 23 Court features a menu of a couple hundred cigar brands with Montecristo, Oliva, Davidoff, and Arturo Fuente among the most popular.

The Muscle Shoals Sound Studio is a small cinder block building, but a time machine could take you back to the 70s, when Bob Dylan appreciated the obscurity the town gave him while he recorded Slow Train Coming, allowing him to wander around the local mall without being besieged by fans.

Other offerings include the Cigar Room, with stores in Florence,

Rod Stewart’s band could be seen smoking cigarettes on the stoop

Costs vary, as the RTJ courses present a wide range of greens fees, depending on which course you want to play, the season, and the day of the week. The courses also offer combination deals, especially if you’re looking to play two different courses in a single day. In general, the courses located at golf resorts charge higher greens fees but may also be more challenging designs. And they are still a bargain compared with golf resorts on either coast.

The RTJ resorts average from $250 to $300 per night, with lots of seasonal variations. For example, Grand National in Opelika goes up to $950 a night during weekends when Auburn University plays football.

With college football season behind us, it’s probably golf that you’re thinking about this winter. It’s hard to beat the number and variety of courses, resorts, and spas spread across Alabama by Dr. David Bronner, Robert Trent Jones Sr., Roger Rulewich, and hundreds of others. The most difficult part may be in making the right choices for you and your friends.

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e made it through 2023 with a surfeit of fine smokes; in fact, the wealth of riches was in itself a conundrum, making it a difficult year to rank cigars. The weeks and months following August’s judicial rejection of the FDA’s bid to regulate cigars brought about an influx of new brands which upped competition, and along with increased limited editions made it particularly tough on our panel of smokers.

Our list is made up of the best regular production cigars available nationwide in 2023. Cigars that met the criteria were re-purchased and smoked multiple times to arrive at a list that we are proud to present to our readers.

Congratulations to everyone involved in producing the 25 cigars that make up this list. The blends in these sizes stood out among the over 300 cigars tasted throughout the year.

It’s a testament to the vision, dedication, and passion of the brand owners, cigar factories, tobacco growers, and the armies of artisans that make these wonderful cigars.

As for the industry, this past year brought about a leveling off as expected and sagely predicted in last year’s “Reading the Tobacco Leaves” editorial. However, sales figures were still quite strong across the board. Mergers and acquisitions rumors are swirling more than usual while new smokers are bringing energy to the industry along with different flavor profile and size preferences. It wasn’t all champagne and roses during the year as tobacco shortages - specifically high-quality wrapper shortages - forced cigar factories to make difficult decisions.

These shifts and trends will play out in 2024 in what looks to be another exciting year in the premium cigar world.

Enjoy the list, smoke through it, discuss it in stores, share it on social media, and be sure to let us know your thoughts on the list. We always love to hear from you.

N⁰ 1 AGING ROOM QUATTRO NICARAGUA SONATA

WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua VITOLA: Concerto PHYSICAL SIZE: 7 x 50 MSRP: $ 13.37 RATING: 93

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Tabacalera AJ Fernandez In Nicaragua

The Aging Room line started back in 2011 to bring small batch cigars to market. The “small batch” designation referred to blends of select tobaccos only available in limited quantities. The blends were differentiated by a numbering scheme based on the day of the week and the Gregorian calendar. A cigar blended on a Monday on the 356th day of the year, for example, would get M356. A Friday on the 55th day of the year would get F55. While that numbering scheme was thankfully done away with, what has remained and become more prominent is the use of musical terms in the brands. Terms such as “concerto,” vibrato,” and “espressivo” were cleverly employed to denote the size and shape of the cigar. The 2023 release of the Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua Sonata went with “sonata.” It’s a loaded name to be sure, but the cigar behind the label is far and away the star of the show.

This cigar is a shining example of how a blend can differ from one size to another. While our panel enjoyed the other sizes of the Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua Sonata, they were blown away by the Churchill or “concerto” size. The complex and balanced combination of cocoa powder, caramel, roasted nuts, and hazelnut along with smooth pepper in the background make this masterpiece the 2023 Cigar of the Year.

N⁰ 2 RED MEAT LOVERS

WRAPPER: USA/Connecticut BINDER: Mexico FILLER: Nicaragua & USA VITOLA: Filet Mignon PHYSICAL SIZE: 5 x 54 MSRP: $ 14.95 RATING: 93

Nicaragua American Cigars S.A. in Nicaragua

It’s not often that a cigar that was originally created to support a charity as a store exclusive grows up to be a regular production line. It’s even more rare for that blend to make its way to a Top 25. And for it to reach #2 is downright legendary. The name Red Meat Lovers refers to the club, started by Evan Darnell, that regularly hosts dinners, which they call “Meatings” and always feature cigars. The cigar was blended by Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust, manufactured at Nicaraguan American Cigars in Estelí, Nicaragua, and originally released as a store-exclusive for Smoke Inn’s Microblend Series. It was such a successful store exclusive that Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust decided to make it available to all its retailers. The cigar was blended for the purposes of being enjoyed alongside a steak but our panel’s praise for this cigar should be proof enough that you don’t need the steak to enjoy it.

N⁰ 3 AGANORSA LEAF ANIVERSARIO CONNECTICUT

WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua VITOLA: Toro PHYSICAL SIZE: 6 x 54 MSRP: $ 13.75 RATING: 93

Agricola Ganadera Norteña (Aganorsa) in Nicaragua

It’s difficult for a Connecticut shade covered cigar to climb into the Top 5. In fact, it has happened just twice in the history of our list and one of them was the predecessor to this blend, the Aganorsa Connecticut. That cigar took our panel by surprise in 2020 and scored 93 points, placing 4th in the Top 25. This year the Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario Connecticut matched that score but jumped to 3rd with its impeccably balanced combination of sweet cedar, toasted cashews, smooth pepper, and cinnamon. The blend first made an impression on us when it was unveiled at the annual PCA trade show and it marched right into our ratings section in the September/October 2023 issue. Produced in a strikingly beautiful box-press, the cigar’s consistently flawless construction has undoubtedly contributed to its high scores.

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N⁰ 4 OLIVA SERIE V MELANIO MADURO

WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua VITOLA: Robusto PHYSICAL SIZE: 5 x 52 MSRP: $ 14.00 RATING: 93

No other brand has made more appearances in this magazine’s Top 5 list than the Oliva Serie V Melanio.

It is the only brand to win Cigar of the Year twice, with the natural in 2012 and the maduro in 2021. This year, as in 2021, it was the Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro that caught our attention. This cigar has reached a mythical level of consistency in delivering its trademark combination of dark chocolate, roasted almonds, and smooth pepper complemented by a rich note of caramel. Such high-level consistency is rare in a cigar of this production quantity, and it only comes about as the result of wise leadership and a heartfelt passion for making the best cigars possible. These values are seen from Oliva Cigars’ tobacco growing operations to its tobacco processing and extending to the blenders and cigar makers tasked with executing the crucial last step of rolling the cigars.

N⁰ 5 ARTESANO DEL TOBACCO EL PULPO

WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua VITOLA: Toro Grande PHYSICAL SIZE: 6 x 56 MSRP: $ 16.00 RATING: 93

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Oliva Cigars in Nicaragua

San Lotano Factory in Nicaragua

Artesano del Tobacco’s latest hit, El Pulpo, burst onto the scene in May 2023 after brand owners Billy and Gus Fakih reportedly spent five years developing the blend with AJ Fernandez. By the time the annual PCA trade show kicked off in July, there was already a buzz about the company’s second regular production release, the first being Viva La Vida. As for the name El Pulpo, which translates to “The Octopus,” Artesano del Tobacco stated, “We wanted a blend that fits people’s palate the way an octopus fits in different shapes, spaces, and becomes that shape, we wanted a blend that becomes hard for any smoker to put down once they light up, like an octopus that doesn’t let go of its prey.”

The cigar seemed to get better as the year went along; our panel scored the Toro Grande a 92 in the July/August 2023 issue and an even loftier 93 in the tastings leading up to the Top 25 announcement.

N⁰ 6 PADRÓN 1964 ANNIVERSARY MADURO

WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

VITOLA: Torpedo PHYSICAL SIZE: 6 x 52 MSRP: $ 19.05 RATING: 93

N⁰ 7 PLASENCIA ALMA FUERTE

WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

VITOLA: Sixto II Hexagon PHYSICAL SIZE: 6 x 60 MSRP: $ 21.63 RATING: 93

VITOLA: Divino PHYSICAL SIZE: 6 1/4 x 52 MSRP: $ 11.85 RATING: 93

N⁰ 9 RAMON ALLONES BY AJ FERNANDEZ

WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Certain brands need no introduction in annual lists. Year after year, the Padrón family produces the Padrón 1964 Anniversary line with astounding consistency. The line commemorates the year that the late José Orlando Padrón started Padrón Cigars and delivers a balanced blend of dark chocolate, smooth pepper, cedar, and a touch of espresso.

Plasencia Cigars in Nicaragua

N⁰ 8 LA AROMA DE CUBA RESERVA

WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Tabacos Cubanica in Nicaragua

VITOLA: Churchill PHYSICAL SIZE: 7 x 50 MSRP: $ 14.00 RATING: 93

The Cigar of the Year from 2017 returns to the Top 25 list in this most unique of shapes, the Sixto II Hexagon. The hexagon shaped, box-pressed vitola was initially introduced in the natural version of the Alma Fuerte in 2020 but it was the maduro version that blew our panel away in the May/June 2023 issue and qualified it for Top 25 consideration.

My Father Cigars in Nicaragua

Fans of the brand won’t be surprised by this ranking but they may not recognize it. The cigar was previously known as the La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor Reserva but a 2022 rebranding dropped the “Mi Amor.” It’s now known as La Aroma de Cuba Reserva. No matter what it’s called, it is a fantastic blend worthy of the number eight position.

Tabacalera AJ Fernandez in Nicaragua

AJ Fernandez’s dominance in the cigar world continues this year with no less than five of his creations making the cut. But while the others on this list are new brands, the Ramón Allones is a veteran of this list. The toro took the number four spot in the 2019 rankings.

This year it was the Churchill that smoked like a dream every time our panel tasted it.

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N⁰ 10 MY FATHER LE BIJOU 1922

WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

My Father Cigars in Nicaragua

VITOLA: Grand Robusto PHYSICAL SIZE: 5 5/8 x 55 MSRP: $ 11.90 RATING: 92

N⁰ 11 ESPINOSA LARANJA RESERVA AZULEJO

WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Brazil FILLER: Nicaragua

VITOLA: Corona Gorda PHYSICAL SIZE: 6 x 46 MSRP: $ 11.00 RATING: 92

N⁰ 12 ALADINO SUMATRA

WRAPPER: Honduras BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Honduras

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AJ Fernandez San Lotano Factory in Nicaragua

Espinosa’s stock was on the rise long before the Laranja Reserva Escuro was awarded Cigar of the Year for 2020, but taking the top spot certainly opened some eyes.

The Azulejo, released on the heels of that award, didn’t initially live up to its predecessor, but has since begun to gain fans nationwide, including our panel.

Fábrica de Puros Aladino in Honduras

VITOLA: Toro PHYSICAL SIZE: 6 x 52 MSRP: $ 16.00 RATING: 92

N⁰ 13 ROCKY PATEL DBS

WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Nicaragua & USA FILLER: Honduras & Nicaragua

The ultra-flavorful My Father Le Bijou 1922 was an instant hit when it was released in 2009. The toro scored a 92 that year, a rating that would have qualified it for Top 25 consideration but sadly we were not compiling a list back then. This year, its 92 score in the July/August 2023 issue brings this masterpiece some well-deserved recognition.

Honduran tobacco’s living legend Julio Eiroa has been growing Sumatra-seed tobacco on his farms near Danlí for the better part of a decade, but it wasn’t until 2023 that his company released the Aladino Sumatra. The cigar immediately grabbed the attention of our panel, and its lofty rating and spot on this list are well-deserved.

Tabacalera Villa Cuba (TAVICUSA) in Nicaragua

VITOLA: Robusto PHYSICAL SIZE: 5 1/2 x 50 MSRP: $ 20.00 RATING: 92

Rocky Patel increased the level of difficulty in this blend by employing a double broadleaf binder. Broadleaf tends to be a thicker, heartier tobacco that can cause burn problems if not selected carefully, and doubling down makes it even harder. The upshot, however, is a cigar jam-packed with flavor from start to finish and a #13 ranking.

N⁰ 14 EP CARRILLO ALLEGIANCE

WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

TABOLISA Factory in Nicaragua

VITOLA: Confidant PHYSICAL SIZE: 6 x 52 MSRP: $ 13.10 RATING: 92

N⁰ 15 BLACKENED M81 BY DREW ESTATE

WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: USA/Connecticut FILLER: Nicaragua & USA

VITOLA: Corona Doble PHYSICAL SIZE: 7 x 50 MSRP: $ 9.85 RATING: 92

N⁰ 16 CUBA ALIADOS ORIGINAL BLEND

WRAPPER: Honduras BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Honduras

VITOLA: Churchill PHYSICAL SIZE: 7 x 50 MSRP: $ 11.50 RATING: 92

N⁰ 17 TATUAJE COJONÚ 2012 SUMATRA

WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

VITOLA: Toro PHYSICAL SIZE: 6 1/2 x 52 MSRP: $ 13.00 RATING: 92

La Alianza, the Ernesto Perez-Carrillo-led factory, is known as one of the cigar world’s most esteemed manufacturing facilities, but for this release, EPC enlisted Oliva’s TABOLISA factory to produce their latest release, the EPC Allegiance. The blend consistently produces a beautifully balanced, medium-bodied smoke.

La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate in Nicaragua

When regular folks get together to enjoy whiskey and cigars, they fantasize about launching their own brand. But when Metallica’s James Hetfield and Blackened Whiskey’s master distiller Rob Dietrich did it, they partner with Drew Estate to produce a flavorful and balanced maduro that took the #15 spot.

Fábrica de Puros Aladino in Honduras

The Cuba Aliados brand, originally owned by the late Rolando Reyes Sr., was purchased

by Oliva Cigar Co. along with Puros Indios and Roly in mid-2021. Since then, the company has thoughtfully re-branded Cuba Aliados and distributed it worldwide. The Original Blend version brings a classic, Cubanesque profile that resonated with our panel.

My Father Cigars in Nicaragua

Since its original release in 2003, the Tatuaje Cojonú line has represented some of Tatuaje’s most captivating recurring blends, but the 2012 version, which is available in three different wrappers, is certainly one our panel’s favorites. The Sumatra version was the highest rated cigars in the March/April 2023 issue, qualifying it for this list.

JAN / FEB 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 47

N⁰ 18 MONTECRISTO 1935 ANNIVERSARY EDICIÓN DIAMANTE

WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

VITOLA: Robusto PHYSICAL SIZE: 5 x 54 MSRP: $ 22.86 RATING: 92

N⁰ 19 A. FUENTE DON CARLOS

WRAPPER: Cameroon BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Dominican Republic

VITOLA: Presidente PHYSICAL SIZE: 6 1/2 x 50 MSRP: $ 13.50 RATING: 92

VITOLA: Corona Gorda PHYSICAL SIZE: 5 5/8 x 46 MSRP: $ 12.35 RATING: 92

N⁰ 21 GURKHA COLECCIÓN ESPECIAL

WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Mexico FILLER: Undisclosed

48 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2024

The original Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua, a maduro released in late 2020, took the #3 spot with its flavors of bittersweet chocolate, espresso, and smooth pepper. The company followed up that homerun with the Edición Diamante, which was born of one of the finalist blends for the original.

Tabacalera A. Fuente in the Dominican Republic

N⁰ 20 ILLUSIONE SINGULARÉ ORIGEN

WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Tabacalera AJ Fernandez in Nicaragua

VITOLA: Robusto PHYSICAL SIZE: 5 x 52 MSRP: $ 12.95 RATING: 92

The Arturo Fuente Don Carlos has always scored well with our panel and has appeared on our year-end list more than a couple of times. It is considered by many to be the benchmark for Cameroon-wrapped cigars and with good reason. It delivers an impeccably balanced combination of cedar, nuts, and cream with a touch of spice.

Agricola Ganadera Norteña (Aganorsa) in Nicaragua

The Illusione Singularé, along with most other Illusione brands, underwent a branding overhaul in 2023. But unlike most of the rebranded Illusiones, the Singularé Origen was also re-blended and shifted from a limited, annual “vintaged” blend to regular production. The corona gorda scored a 92 in the May/June 2023 issue.

PDR Cigars in Dominican Republic

The Gurkha Colección Especial took a slightly different path to market than most cigars on this list. The line started out with one shape, a double perfecto that was exclusive to TAA (Tobacconists Association of America) retailers in 2022. Later that year the company decided to roll out the robusto, toro, and lonsdale to all retailers.

N⁰ 22 THE OSCAR CONNECTICUT

WRAPPER: Honduras BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Honduras & Nicaragua

Oscar Valladares Tobacco & Co. in Honduras

VITOLA: Toro PHYSICAL SIZE: 6 x 52 MSRP: $ 12.90 RATING: 92

N⁰ 23 COHIBA RIVIERA

WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Honduras & Nicaragua

Scandinavian Tobacco Group Estelí in Nicaragua

VITOLA: Perfecto PHYSICAL SIZE: 6 x 60 MSRP: $ 23.99 RATING: 92

N⁰ 24 VILLIGER 1888 NICARAGUA

WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua & USA

VITOLA: Toro PHYSICAL SIZE: 6 x 50 MSRP: $ 9.20 RATING: 92

N⁰ 25 CAMACHO BROADLEAF

WRAPPER: Honduras BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Honduras & Dominican Republic

Brands built by Oscar Valladares and his team in Honduras have been appearing on our list for years, but this is the first time his company has produced a Connecticut shade wrapped cigar that scored this well. The Oscar Connecticut just barely qualified for consideration but made an impressive jump during the re-tasting sessions.

This beautifully produced Cohiba in this elegant shape started to appear in stores by mid-2023 and it didn’t take long for our panel to catch on to its quality. The impeccably constructed perfecto, which sports a flawless Mexican San Andrés wrapper, made the cut by scoring 92 points in our Jul/Aug 2023 issue.

Villiger de Nicaragua Cigar Factory in Nicaragua

Villiger has been playing the long game in the US for several years but there was a noticeable step-up since opening the Villiger de Nicaragua factory in Estelí in late 2021. The factory, a joint venture with Joya de Nicaragua, has paid early dividends with high-flying releases like Villiger de Nicaragua Limited Edition and now the Villiger 1888 Nicaragua.

Diadema Cigars in Honduras

VITOLA: Toro PHYSICAL SIZE: 6 x 50 MSRP: $ 9.75 RATING: 92

We’re not privy to the inner workings of Camacho’s factory in Honduras but we can tell when something has changed. To our palates, this blend ushered in a new era for Camacho, still as bold and flavorful as ever, but with an elevated refinement that set this one apart.

Wrapped in a Honduran Broadleaf, this blend muscled and finessed its way up the ranks.

JAN / FEB 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 49

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Alejandro Martínez Cuenca Joya De Nicaragua

Dion Giolito Illusione Cigars

Carlos "Carlito" Fuente, Jr. Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia.

Erik Espinosa Espinosa Cigars

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42 CIGARS

TORO Joya de Nicaragua Cinco de Cinco

93

$ 20.00 VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Herrera Esteli Norteño

A beautifully produced toro covered with an impeccable, dark brown wrapper with excellent oils. Produces an excellent output of medium plus strength smoke with notes of roasted nuts, smooth pepper, and sweet cream balanced by a rich earthiness in the background.

$ 10.75

92

VITOLA: Toro Especial LENGTH: 6 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Nicaragua

Trinidad Espiritu Series 3

N I CA R AG UA Covered with an oily, dark brown wrapper and finished with a soft box-press, this medium strength toro draws and burns flawlessly while producing a core of chocolate, smooth pepper, and earth complemented by subtle notes of oak and hazelnut.

$ 12.08

91

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 54 WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

West Tampa Tobacco Company Red

91

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Oscar Valladares Wild Hunter Oscuro

90

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Honduras BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Honduras

Flores y Rodriguez 18th Anniversary

88 70 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2024

N I CA R AG UA

VITOLA: Grand Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 54 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

N I CA R AG UA An impeccably soft-pressed toro covered with a nearly flawless, dark brown wrapper with a toothy feel. Produces an excellent smoke highlighted by notes of ripe fruit, dark chocolate, and dark roast coffee joined by tons of smooth pepper and a hint of earth.

$ 9.99

N I CA R AG UA Opens with tons of sweet earthy flavors complemented by notes of roasted nuts, espresso, and a touch of caramel. This well-made toro provides an effortless draw and an even burn, leaving behind a solid, compact ash. Medium strength.

$ 10.00

H O N D UR AS A smooth, easy-going smoke with a profile of sweet earth, cedar, hazelnut, and a subtle touch of chocolate. Covered with a brindled, reddishbrown wrapper, this medium strength toro draws and burns exceptionally well.

$ 16.18

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C A thick toro covered with a good-looking, dark, and oily wrapper. This medium strength blend delivers a core of wood, caramel, and espresso complemented by a touch of cocoa powder.

Burns inconsistently and produces a thin smoke output.

TORO El Güegüense

$ 12.70

N I CAR AGUA Exceptionally well balanced and flavorful, this medium strength toro opens with tons of toasted almonds and cream accompanied by notes of spice, cedar, and a hint of sweet pepper.

Draws and burns perfectly while leaving behind a solid, compact ash.

VITOLA: Huaco LENGTH: 6 RING: 56 WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Oscar Valladares 2012 Sumatra

$ 9.30

H O ND U R AS Box-pressed and covered with a supple, light brown wrapper, this medium strength blend provides an open draw and an even burn while leaving behind a slightly flaky ash. Produces a smooth core of unsalted almonds, mild coffee, and smooth pepper.

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Nicaragua & Honduras

Well balanced and flavorful, this medium strength toro delivers a core of baking spice, salted peanuts, cocoa, and a touch of sweet cream along a perfect draw and an even burn. Impeccably pressed and covered with a clean, light brown wrapper.

92 My Father El Centurion H-2K-CT

$ 9.70

N I CAR AGUA

92

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 52 WRAPPER: USA/Pennsylvania BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

91 Tatuaje 20th Anniversary

$ 1 4.00

N I CAR AGUA Covered with a coarse, medium to dark brown wrapper and finished with a covered foot, this medium plus strength blend produces an excellent smoke output with notes of earth, deep pepper, sweet cedar, and roasted nuts.

VITOLA: Grand Chasseur LENGTH: 6 3/8 RING: 54 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Cuba Aliados Original Blend

$ 10.50

H O ND U R AS A consistently well-made toro with a classic profile highlighted by notes of cedar, nuts, sweet spices, and a creamy finish. This mild to medium strength blend draws and burns exceptionally well while leaving behind a solid, compact ash.

91

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Honduras BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Honduras

90 Angel Cuesta

$ 19.00

USA A beautifully produced toro finished with an inviting, reddish-brown wrapper topped with a tight pigtail and a covered foot. Burns slowly along a firm draw while producing a medium plus strength core with notes of sweet cedar, hot cinnamon, toasted nuts, and a sharp pepper zing.

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Undisclosed FILLER: Undisclosed

90 JAN / FEB 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 71

TORO Perdomo 20th Anniversary Connecticut

91

VITOLA: Epicure LENGTH: 6 RING: 56 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Joya de Nicaragua Clásico Original

91

N I CA R AG UA Impeccably constructed and covered with a supple wrapper, this thick toro draws and burns flawlessly while leaving behind a solid, compact ash. Delivers an ultra-smooth, mild to medium strength profile highlighted by notes of sweet cedar, black tea, raw almond, and a dash of pepper.

$ 8.75 VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Brick House Connecticut

N I CA R AG UA Smooth and flavorful with a core of pepper, earth, and wood balanced by a touch of vanilla cream sweetness on the finish. Consistently well-constructed, this toro produces an excellent smoke output along a flawless draw and burn. Medium bodied.

$ 8.35

90

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 52 WRAPPER: USA/Connecticut BINDER: USA/Connecticut FILLER: Nicaragua

La Flor Dominicana Ligero

89 89

N I CA R AG UA Consistently providing an excellent draw and burn, this mild to medium strength toro leaves behind a solid, compact ash while producing notes of soft pepper, wood, and sweet cream.

Covered with a good-looking, light brown wrapper with a velvet feel.

$ 9.70 VITOLA: L-400 LENGTH: 5 3/4 RING: 54 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Dominican Republic

Santana 1997 Connecticut

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Opens with intense flavors of wood and black pepper accompanied by subtle hints of nuts and vanilla bean. Produces an adequate output of medium strength smoke along an even draw leaving behind a good-looking, light gray ash.

$ 13.00 VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 54 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Indonesia FILLER: Nicaragua & USA

The Arrival

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Covered with a supple, light brown wrapper, this mild to medium strength toro produces an excellent smoke output with a profile of cedar, almond cream, and sharp black pepper. Draws and burns exceptionally while leaving behind a solid, compact ash.

$ 12.00

87 72 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2024

$ 10.50

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 5 3/4 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Brazil & Nicaragua FILLER: Brazil & Nicaragua

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Delivers a combination of bitter coffee, wood, and black pepper. This mild to medium strength toro is covered with a light brown wrapper with a velvet feel. Draws and burns exceptionally while leaving behind a solid, compact ash.

OUR NEW

H A RV E S T IS HERE

The Plasencia family is proud to introduce the latest and greatest in the esteemed line of Cosechas.

Brimming with flavor and intensity, the Cosecha 151 commemorates our 151st harvest, the first of which began in 1865.

The journey begins with notes of roasted coffee and pecans, and culminates with hints of cinnamon and oak. This 100% Honduran cigar, from our 2016-2017 harvest, must be experienced to be believed.

I GN I T E YO U R S O U L . A L L OV E R AGA I N .

P E R F EC T E D OVER 158 YEARS, YO U R S TO ENJOY NOW

P L A S E N C I AC I GA R S . COM

JAN / FEB 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 73

ROBUSTO The Wise Man Maduro

$ 11.20

92

VITOLA: Robusto LENGTH: 5 1/2 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Plasencia Cosecha 151

Delivers a flavorful, medium strength profile of cocoa, cedar, and sweet spice balanced by roasted nuts and smooth pepper. Consistently well-constructed and finished with a dark brown wrapper with a velvet touch. Provides a firm draw and leaves behind a solid, compact ash.

$ 13.50

92

VITOLA: La Musica LENGTH: 5 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Honduras BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Honduras

Oliva Serie G Maduro

H O N D UR AS Opens with a shot of intense red pepper accompanied notes of caramel, ripe fruit, and cedar complemented by a creamy finish. This medium to full strength robusto is impeccably constructed providing a perfect draw and burn leaving behind a solid, compact ash.

$ 7.10

91

VITOLA: Robusto LENGTH: 4 1/2 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Cameroon BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Ozgener Bosphorus

N I CA R AG UA An impeccably square-pressed robusto covered with a clean wrapper with a velvet feel. This medium strength blend delivers a core of espresso, roasted nuts, smooth spice, and cedar accompanied by a touch of sweet cream. Consistently provides an excellent draw and burn.

$ 12.75

91

VITOLA: B52 LENGTH: 5 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Ecuador & Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

L’Atelier Selection Spéciale

90

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C A well-made, box-pressed robusto covered with a clean, reddish-brown wrapper with a velvet feel. Delivers a balanced core of earth, roasted nuts, smooth pepper, and a touch of baking spice. Medium strength.

$ 9.00 VITOLA: LAT54 LENGTH: 4 3/4 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Bolivar Gran Republica

N I CA R AG UA A short, dark robusto finished with a neat pigtail, this powerful blend delivers a ton of earthy flavors complemented by roasted nuts, espresso, and a pepper note throughout. Provides a firm draw with an even burn.

$ 7.99

88 74 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2024

N I CA R AG UA

VITOLA: Robusto LENGTH: 4 1/2 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Brazil FILLER: Brazil, Colombia, Honduras & Nicaragua

H O N D UR AS A short robusto covered with a slightly coarse, dark brown wrapper with an oily feel. Draws well and delivers a medium bodied core of earth, dark wood, allspice, and a touch of overripened fruit on the finish.

JAN / FEB 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 75

76 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2024

ROBUSTO Viaje Full Moon

$ 12.75

N I CAR AGUA A thick and ultra-flavorful robusto with a core of almond cream, sweet cedar, and black pepper complemented by a note of marzipan on the finish. Consistently provides a firm draw and leaves behind a solid, compact ash.

VITOLA: Robusto Extra LENGTH: 5 RING: 58 WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

H. Upmann by AJ Fernandez

$ 10.10

N I CAR AGUA Beautifully balanced and consistently wellconstructed, this medium plus strength robusto produces an excellent smoke output with a profile of smooth pepper, oak spice, and caramel cream.

92

VITOLA: Robusto LENGTH: 5 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

91 Illusione Fume D’Amour

$ 9.85

N I CAR AGUA Delivers a combination of oak, black tea, and baking spice balanced by notes of nuts and vanilla cream joined by a touch of floral on the finish. Produces a thin smoke output along a firm draw. Mild to medium bodied.

VITOLA: Viejos LENGTH: 5 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

La Aroma de Cuba Edición Especial

$ 8.90

N I CAR AGUA Consistently well-made and covered with a thin, light brown wrapper with the thinnest of veins. Delivers a medium strength combination of lightly roasted nuts, cedar, smooth pepper, and a touch of earth on the finish.

90

VITOLA: No. 2 LENGTH: 5 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

90 Herrera Esteli Miami

$ 1 4.00

USA Opens with tons of earth and smooth pepper notes complemented by wood, burnt caramel, and a touch of tanned leather on the finish.

This well-constructed robusto is covered with a thick, reddish brown wrapper with excellent oils.

VITOLA: Robusto Grande LENGTH: 5 1/4 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Ecuador FILLER: Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

All Saints St. Francis – Colorado

$ 9.70

N I CA R AGUA An impeccably constructed robusto that draws and burns flawlessly while leaving behind a solid ash that holds impressively. Delivers a core of wood and black pepper accompanied by a subtle note of tea on the retrohale.

90

VITOLA: Robusto LENGTH: 5 1/2 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

89 JAN / FEB 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 77

CORONA Mi Querida Black

$ 15.95

92

VITOLA: PapaSaka LENGTH: 5 5/8 RING: 48 WRAPPER: USA/Connecticut BINDER: Mexico FILLER: Honduras, Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

HVC Seleccion No. 1 Maduro

92

VITOLA: Esenciales LENGTH: 5 5/8 RING: 46 WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

N I CA R AG UA A well-balanced and flavorful blend covered with a dark brown wrapper with a coarse feel. Consistently draws and burns beautifully while delivering a core of earth, smooth pepper, and cedar accompanied by notes of bittersweet chocolate and roasted nuts. Medium plus strength.

$ 10.25 VITOLA: Corona Extra LENGTH: 5 3/4 RING: 46 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

La Galera Maduro

N I CA R AG UA This slow-burning corona produces a flavorful, medium strength profile of earth, smooth red pepper, bittersweet cocoa, and charred oak complemented by a note of tanned leather in the aroma. Consistently well-made and covered with dark brown wrapper with a velvet feel.

$ 7.95

91

VITOLA: Pegador LENGTH: 6 RING: 46 WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Dominican Republic

Foundation Charter Oak Pasquale

90 90

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Covered with a dark and slightly rustic-looking wrapper with excellent oils, this medium strength corona delivers a balanced core of sweet cedar, smooth spice, and molasses complemented by a ripe fruit sweetness on the finish. Draws and burns impeccably.

$ 13.00 VITOLA: Corona LENGTH: 5 1/2 RING: 48 WRAPPER: USA/Connecticut BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

ADVentura Barbarroja’s Invasion

78 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2024

A flavor bomb loaded with earth, dark roast coffee, molasses, and charred oak balanced by a smooth sweet pepper note in the background.

This well-made corona gorda produces an excellent output of highly aromatic, medium to full strength smoke.

$ 8.60

Crowned Heads La Imperiosa

91

N I CA R AG UA

N I CA R AG UA A powerful corona covered with a dark, toothy wrapper with a slightly rustic aesthetic. This fullflavored blend provides an open draw and leaves behind a chalk-white ash while producing notes of bittersweet chocolate, sweet dark fruits, and subtle earth along with a potent pepper kick.

$ 13.20 VITOLA: Corona LENGTH: 6 RING: 44 WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Dominican Republic

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Finished with a dark, oily wrapper and a covered foot, this medium plus strength blend opens with tons of ripe fruit, cedar, and oak spice accompanied by a touch of cloves. Consistently draws well and produces a slightly thin smoke output.

CAMACHO BROADLEAF

BIG FLAVOR, BOLD PERSONALITY In the quest for excellence, no corners were cut. The result is an oversized Honduran Broadleaf packed with giant flavor and crafted with precision and passion.

A cigar with an“ALL OR NOTHING” attitude. No compromises. No settling.

This bad boy is tailored just for you - no questions asked.

JAN / FEB 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 79

CORONA Warped Guardian of the Farm

92

$ 9.25 VITOLA: Apollo LENGTH: 6 RING: 44 WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Espinosa Laranja Reserva

92

VITOLA: Corona Gorda LENGTH: 5 5/8 RING: 46 WRAPPER: Brazil BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

VITOLA: Lonsdale LENGTH: 6 RING: 44 WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

A creamy blend with a powerful combination of flavors highlighted by cedar, sweet cashews, and smooth pepper. This well-made corona produces an excellent output of medium to full strength smoke along a perfect draw and burn.

N I CA R AG UA A powerful blend delivering a core of black pepper, roasted nuts, and cocoa accompanied by a touch of creamy sweetness in the background.

Consistently draws and burns well while producing an excellent output of highly aromatic smoke.

$ 11.50 VITOLA: Corona Gorda-R LENGTH: 5 5/8 RING: 46 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Crux Epicure Habano

N I CA R AG UA Opens with notes of sharp pepper, earth, and toasted oak balanced by sweet flavors of cinnamon and almond cream. This impeccably constructed corona produces an abundant output of thick, medium to full strength smoke.

$ 11.25

90

VITOLA: Corona Gorda LENGTH: 5 3/8 RING: 46 WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

YPanda

N I CA R AG UA Delivers an intense combination of cayenne pepper, cedar, and roasted nuts accompanied by tanned leather and a rich creaminess on the finish. Beautifully constructed, this medium to full strength blend consistently draws and burns perfectly.

$ 10.20

89 80 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2024

N I CA R AG UA

$ 9.50

Knuckle Sandwhich Habano

90

A flavorful blend finished with an oily, toothy wrapper and a covered foot. This consistently well-made corona produces an excellent output of medium plus strength smoke with notes of black pepper, cedar, lightly toasted almonds, and a hint of cinnamon.

$ 11.45

Guardian of the Farm Cerberus

91

N I CA R AG UA

VITOLA: Sublime LENGTH: 5 5/8 RING: 46 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Brazil & Ecuador FILLER: Nicaragua

N I CA R AG UA A savory blend finished with a reddish-brown wrapper with excellent oils. Draws and burns exceptionally while producing dominant flavors of wood, cumin, and smooth pepper accompanied by a subtle touch of cocoa.

JAN / FEB 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 81

Image credit: istock Photo/ luctra_design

ENTER THE DRAGON

BY STEVE MILLER

A couple of pigs, a chicken, a rabbit and a rat got together at last year’s Premium Cigar Association trade show in Las Vegas.

No one noticed these cigar honchos, whose birth dates determined their totem mammal in accordance with the Chinese Zodiac.

They spoke on the floor of the Venetian Conference Center, pondering a marketing exploit that has never been done. It was hardly nefarious, but on its own had an Ocean's Eleven-style magnificence.

Rather than overthrow an existing order, though, this cadre of conspirators, who were in fact some of the top names in the premium cigar industry and led by Juan Lopez, Gurkha Cigars VP of sales, assembled a landmark series of smokes in honor of the Chinese Zodiac’s Year of the Dragon.

Jim Colucci President of Gurkha Cigars Within weeks of the Las Vegas gathering and brainstorming, Lopez had put together an all-star team of cigar producers; Oliva Cigars, Oscar Valladares, E.P. Carillo and A.J. Fernandez Cigars all enlisted to be part of the quarterly release through 2024 of a Year of the Dragon cigar, each with its own professional touch in 10-count boxes with each housing a story of the respective

84 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2024

Images: All provided by Gurkha Cigars

Ernesto Perez-Carrillo

brand on a vellum paper insert and primary and secondary band.

President EPC Cigar Co.

The collection of cigar heavyweights, while it sounds difficult to navigate an upper echelon of the premium world rife with justifiable pride and unchecked ego, came together with relative ease, says Lopez.

"This actually started three years ago, Juan Lopez and I were at an airport and started talking about it. We wanted to do something together. For this, I wasn’t at PCA, my son was, and that’s where the talk about this started. So it was in the making, I just didn’t know what it would be. So once we figured out what this project would look like, Juan gave us the outline, [Gurkha] showed us what the packing was going to be, and once we picked the colors, black and gold, we went to the cigar. We chose a Mexican dark wrapper, having done something like this before, the Aura, for our Asian distributor in 2022. It was a success and it was even very much in demand in the U.S., people were buying 20-25 boxes. In China, it was presold and also did well in Europe. I was at an event in Detroit and someone had a box for me to sign, so it got around.

“This project came about as Jim [Colucci, president of Gurkha] and I were sitting around the office and Kaizad [Hansotia, Gurkha founder] was there, and we thought, ‘we have this name ‘dragon’ trademarked, why don’t we do something with it?’,” Lopez says. “So we did the Dragon for the PCA show in July and it sold out.”

The summer limited edition was produced for Gurkha by the Tabacalera El Artista factory in the Dominican Republic and the sellout was no surprise, he says.

“I said to Jim, ‘we know everybody, what if we did something bigger?’”

Lopez says. Bigger became very big and as they walked the showroom floor with a list of brand names, it took shape. They hit around eight producers, and some said ‘no,’ for any number of reasons.

Lopez and Colucci remained methodical as they moved forward.

Gurkha wanted all regions represented in the series and their vision was realized.

As it shakes out, this year – yes, the Year of the Dragon according to the Chinese Zodiac – will go like this:

+ In mid-February, Gurkha Year of the Dragon by A.J. Fernandez, Nicaragua + In April, Gurkha Year of the Dragon by Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, Dominican Republic + In late June, Gurkha Year of the Dragon by Oliva Cigar, Nicaragua + In September, Gurkha Year of the Dragon by Oscar Valladares, Honduras

The cigars, which retail for $25

Juan Lopez

VP of sales for Gurkha Cigars each, are the result of a culling

by Gurkha, where execs sampled three or four blends before making a final approval.

There will be some pomp to the introduction – the first hint is a teaser at The Great Smoke in February where the Year of the Dragon roster will debut in a 5-count box.

At PCA in March, a Year of the Dragon humidor will be on offer, featuring 20 of each cigar, a limited edition of 1,001.

the brand in 1989 after smoking some of its cigars on vacation in Goa, India, purchased from a Portuguese vendor. The cost, including the vendor’s stash: $143.

Cigars were not his thing at the time, but Hansotia pushed it. He created big ticket smokes, starting with the Grand Reserve which went for $12 at a time a Davidoff cost $8.

When the cigar boom hit in the early 90s, Gurkha was front and center, selling out repeatedly. At the same time cigar quality was emerging, Gurkha also looked at packaging.

Gurkha has always had some magic, though, be it marketing or otherwise.

“When I came into the industry, quite honestly all I saw was a bunch of crap,” Hansotia told Parsi Khabar, an online news portal, in a 2014 story. “Everyone used those cheap paper cigar boxes and the packaging was boring.”

As legend has it, Hansotia bought

Gurkha nudged the industry into

“I really let [the producers] do their magic,” Lopez says. “Our magic is in the marketing.”

So we had an idea of what each cigar was going to smoke like in reference to the Year of the Dragon. We wanted spice and peppers but not too much fire. I based it more or less on what I thought was not only the concept but also on my interpretation of the dragon. The size is a 6.5 x 54, and it really delivers what I am looking for.

A collaboration like this has to be something both parties have faith in, feel proud of and are eager to sell. I don’t want something I like and no one else does. But we sent four blends and they picked the one I liked.

We produced 30,000 of these, and when you do something like this, you don’t want to go too low, or too high. You want a number that will move through the market and when you start with 50,000, 100,000, there’s more marketing to do. But in this case, 30,000 may not be enough.

For price, we didn’t speak about the retail of the cigar, but we know it is going to sell well. We didn’t come up with a price based on the cost of the tobacco, this is a very well aged, well fermented Mexican wrapper, but sell it for what they want, we don’t get into that.

JAN / FEB 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 85

I like the Chinese market, it is still emerging.

It will be another five years before we see a large input of New World cigars [in China], but they do produce cigars there now, I believe there are three or four factories. It will open up."

Oscar Valladares

President Oscar Valladares Tobacco "To get this started, Juan called me, he knows what I do. I was in Honduras and he was looking for something from Honduras.

Juan asked if I were interested in making a cigar for him, I said ‘no problem, I have a factory right here, you need cigars, I can do that.’ It was that simple. I sent the first samples to him, I had some already on hand and he called me when I got back to Miami, and we got together to smoke some of the ones I sent, there were seven of them. I needed to understand what he was looking for, to find out what he wanted. The cigars I have on the market right now are cigars that I like, that I want to make. That makes my life easy, but for someone else, I want to give them what they want. He liked the seven that I brought but they were not what he was looking for and he told me a little more about what he wanted. So I called in the recipe to the factory, I sent the recipe by phone, this tobacco, this binder, this wrapper. I also have grown tobacco in Mexico for the last 20 years, I know every kind of tobacco, flowery, spicy, the best wrapper combo, this binder, that wrapper.

So I give this recipe, it's like cooking, you know, some salt, some pepper. I called that in for three different blends and I sent them to Juan. He made the decision, he picked one and just said ‘it’s amazing.’

I said ‘ok, done.’ I’ve never really done anything like this before, I made a batch of cigars for EP Carrillo (the E.P. Carrillo Short Run 2023) 100,000 cigars, one time that was the first time. This is usually not my style, I try to make different things, but Juan is a great guy and it’s a great opportunity to be part of this group. And I don’t even know anything about the Chinese Zodiac."

86 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2024

Fidel Valdés Rodríguez

Chief Operations Officer Oliva Cigar Company "Gurkha contacted Cory on this and asked if we would be interested in making a year of the Dragon for them. So we prepared these blends and sent them three, and they chose one with a San Andreas wrapper, Cameroon binder and a Nicaraguan filler. We had to wait a bit to ship the samples, because we go with at least 35 days in the aging room, then have to ship it from Nicaragua and you can’t smoke it right away. We wanted to make sure to pay attention to the flavor; we didn’t want anything that was too close to our own portfolio. Over the years we’ve done blends for the big boys and also did Chinese Zodiac for ourselves. The Chinese market, well, the reality is that only a few of the bigger producers are in the Chinese market, and the others get in through the black market. And even then, they import very small amounts into China because tobacco is so regulated and China tobacco has the monopoly. People can get into China through Hong Kong, but it’s still a closed market. I don't know much about the zodiac, but I am a dog."

today’s glittering standard, with finely crafted boxes and bands, many of them telling an illustrious story.

Gurkha’s best platform initially was catalog, then internet sales, but its brick-and-mortar operations, led in the U.S. by Lopez starting in 2009, has emerged as its pearl.

When he got to Gurkha, it was doing $4 million a year in the stores; this year that figure will be $18 million.

Lopez acknowledges other brands have done their own Chinese Zodiac cigars, which have gained favor over the past few years. The zodiac includes 12 animals, each representing a different, rotating year. For example, the dragon represents individuals born in 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012 and 2024.

“Other manufacturers have never done this,” Lopez notes, correctly.

As China has emerged as a cigar consumer market, and a lucrative one, marketers have leaned into the country and, as an extension, the zodiac celebration and tradition.

Davidoff began its Chinese Zodiac cigars in 2011, housed in intricately designed boxes, and has kept it up ever since. Carillo, Cohiba, Drew Estate, Macanudo and Plasencia, among others, have also joined the zodiac sweepstakes in the past several years.

Lopez is a “brick and mortar guy” who plans to ensure the Year of the Dragon has a strong ground game, aware that he’s breaking some new ground.

“We’re doing what no one has done before,” he says pridefully.

Brands have often embossed their packaging with the symbol of the specific animal and each also has “lucky” colors and numbers.

And while we’re on the subject of Chinese Zodiac animal symbols, Lopez is a pig as far as the calendar is concerned.

But marking each quarter of a year via a top-notch brand’s cigar?

“I eat like a pig so maybe that makes sense,” Lopez says.

JAN / FEB 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 87

SCOREBOARD We started paying attention to the platform formerly known as Twitter in our March/April 2010 issue when we had our friend and co-founder of Stogie Review Walt White write a story about Twitter’s impact on the cigar world. The following issue was the first to run a Twitter Scoreboard and ever since we’ve been keeping tabs on the Twitter accounts of cigar companies, personalities, retailers, and more. Today we transition from calling it the Twitter Scoreboard to the odd-sounding X Scoreboard. We’ve traded the powder blue and bird for a minimalistic, modern X on a black background but as always, if you believe you have the numbers to be on this page, let us know via @cigarsnobmag.

TOP CIGAR COMPANIES ( sorted by Twitter followers ) Drew Estate Cigars @DrewEstateCigar ....................................

Rocky Patel @RockyPatelCigar ...............................................

CAO International @CAOCigars ................................................

Padron Cigar @PadronCigars ..................................................

Ashton Cigars @ashtoncigar ...................................................

Alec Bradley Cigars @AlecBradley ...........................................

La Flor Dominicana @LFDCigars ..............................................

Jonathan Drew @JonathanDrewArt .........................................

Camacho Cigars @camachocigars ...........................................

La Gloria Cubana @lagloriacubana ..........................................

Pete Johnson @TatuajeCigars ..................................................

E. Perez-Carillo @EPCarrillo ....................................................

Xikar Inc @XIKARinc ...............................................................

Oliva Cigar Company @OlivaCigar .............................................

Davidoff Cigars @Davidoff_Cigars ...........................................

JC Newman Cigar @JCNewmanCigars .......................................

Nick Perdomo @PerdomoCigars ..............................................

AJ Fernandez @ajfcigars .........................................................

Punch Cigars @punchcigars ....................................................

Ernesto Padilla @PadillaCigars ................................................

TOP CIGAR ORGANIZATIONS

44582 41149 29053 28936 24547 21396 20496 17548 17278 16131 15586 15481 15081 14756 14559 14395 13894 13396 13161 12934

TOP CIGAR RETAILERS & REPS Famous Smoke Shop @FamousSmokeShop .............................

Mulberry St. Cigars @MulberryStCigar ....................................

Cigar Hustler @cigarhustler .....................................................

Jeff Borysiewicz – Corona Cigar Co @CoronaCigarCo................

Cigar Row @CigarRow ............................................................

Michael Herklots @MichaelHerklots .........................................

Lindsay Siddiqi @TheCigarChick ..............................................

Cheap Humidors @cheaphumidors ..........................................

Buckhead Cigar @BuckheadCigar ............................................

Signature Cigars DC @CigarsDC ..............................................

20254 12352 10177 7932 7079 6007 4756 4623 3980 3344

88 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2024

TOP CIGAR RADIO Cigar Dave Show @CigarDaveShow ........................................ 10067 KMA Talk Radio @KMATalkRadio ............................................. 2026 Cigars and Scotch @CigarScotch ............................................ 2055

SOME OF OUR FAVORITE TWEETS, MENTIONS, AND RANDOM SOCIAL MEDIA GOODNESS.

@cigarsatsmokingpipes

A one-time-only, limitededition release of 7,500 total cigars, Cavalier’s White Series Limited Release 2023 is available in a singular 6 1/4 x 48 vitola and trades the original’s Honduran Habano wrapper for one of Nicaraguan Habano that covers a Connecticut binder and fillers from the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Paraguay.

@harryshabanahut

TOP ONLINE CIGAR TWEEPLES David Voth–Sex, Cigars, & Booze @SexCigarsBooze .................

Cigar News @CigaRSS ............................................................

Cigar Events @CigarEvents .....................................................

Blind Man’s Puff @BlindMansPuff ............................................

Cigar Dojo @CigarDojo ............................................................

Robusto Cigar Babe @RobustoBabe ........................................

Cigar Federation @CigarFederation .........................................

CigarHustler.com @CigarHustler .............................................

Stephen LaPre, Sr. @CigarChairman .........................................

Cigar Vixen @CigarVixen .........................................................

Cigar Rights of America @cigarrights ...................................... 14695 Premium Cigar Association @PCA1933 .................................... 10109 Tobacconist University @tobacconistU ................................... 4219

134523 20307 16212 14567 13028 12132 11183 10177 9290 8529

“Don Carlos Edición De Anniversario 2019”!!!

Keep it smoky!!! #harryshabanahut #harrysgotem #cigarboss #cigarlounge #cigarloungenyc #premiumcigars #cigarsnob #cigarsnobmag #cigarsnobmagazine

CELEBRATE A DECADE OF DEDICATION WITH THE UNDENIABLY BIG, BOLD & COMPLEX UNDERCROWN 10.

LOADED WITH EARTHY SWEETNESS, BLACK PEPPER SPICE WITH NOTES OF SUN-DRIED CHERRIES, RAISINS, AND A MEXICAN HOT CHOCOLATE FINISH THAT IS NOTHING SHORT OF WOW!

WWW.DREWESTATE.COM JAN / FEB 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 89

INSTAGRAM SCOREBOARD Since its launch in October of 2010, the cigar world has become enamored with Instagram. Today the ‘Gram is unquestionably the most popular platform on which to share snaps of what you’re smoking and drinking. This scoreboard is sorted by number of followers and broken into groups: Top 20 Cigar & Cigar Accessory Companies, Top 10 Retailers & Reps, Top 10 Cigar Influencers, Top 3 Cigar Organizations, and Top 3 Cigar Radio accounts. If you have the numbers and belong in one of these groups, stand up and be counted! Set us straight via Instagram @cigarsnobmag.

TOP CIGAR & ACCESSORY COMPANIES ( sorted by Instagram followers ) Padron Cigar @padroncigars ...................................................

Davidoff Cigars @davidoffcigars .............................................

Drew Estate Cigars @drewestatecigar .....................................

Arturo Fuente @arturofuentecigars .........................................

Rocky Patel Premium Cigars @rockypatelcigar ........................

Raquel Quesada @raquelquesadaofficial .................................

Boveda @BovedaInc ...............................................................

Epic Cigars @epiccigars .........................................................

Gurkha Cigars @gurkhacigars .................................................

Xikar Inc @xikar .....................................................................

My Father Cigars @myfathercigars ..........................................

La Flor Dominicana @LFDCigars ..............................................

Oliva Cigar Co. @olivacigar .....................................................

Camacho Cigars @camachocigars ...........................................

Ashton Cigars @ashtoncigar ...................................................

AJ Fernandez @ajfcigars .........................................................

Plasencia Cigars @plasenciacigars .........................................

Nick Perdomo @Perdomocigars ..............................................

Alec Bradley Cigars @alecbradleycigar ....................................

E.P. CarrilloCigars @epcarrillo_cigars ......................................

169889 154027 146393 118211 114319 111136 87384 85328 80126 77243 76892 75827 75447 74550 66852 65877 63540 63212 61404 55335

TOP CIGAR RETAILERS & REPS Privada Cigar Club @privadacigarclub .....................................

Havana Phil’s Cigar Company @havanaphils .............................

Famous Smoke Shop @famoussmokeshop ...............................

Mulberry St. Cigars @mulberrystcigars ...................................

Michael Herklots @michaelherklots .........................................

Cigar Hustler @cigarhustler ....................................................

Master Sensei @cigardojo ......................................................

The Cigar Culture @thecigarculture .........................................

Angela Yue @angela_yue .........................................................

La Casa Cigars & Lounge Vegas @lacasavegas ........................

108242 66436 55510 45138 31411 28865 28144 27843 24883 24398

TOP CIGAR ORGANIZATIONS Premium Cigar Association @PCA1933 .................................... 21674 Total Product Expo @totalproductexpo ..................................... 8140 Cigar Rights of America @cigarrightsofamerica ......................... 5491

TOP CIGAR RADIO Cigar Dave Show @cigardave ................................................. 3591 KMA Talk Radio @KMATalkRadio ............................................. 1580 Eat Drink Smoke @eatdrinksmokepodcast .............................. 1467

SOME OF OUR FAVORITE TWEETS, MENTIONS, AND RANDOM SOCIAL MEDIA GOODNESS.

@ashlilly93

Plasencia Alma Fuerte Robusto @plasenciacigars Wrapper, Blinder, and filler is Nicaragua and it’s a Med bodied cigar. Flavor profile for this cigar for me was definitely coco and some nuttiness with little bit of earthy tones to it, it was delicious to say the least You can purchase this cigar at @candscigars in Bastrop tx #cigar #cigarreviews #cigarcommunuty #shesmokestoo #cigarlover #cigaroftheday #cigarandwhiskey #cigarworld #cigarsocial #cigarsnob #smokeclassy

TOP ONLINE CIGAR INFLUENCERS ON INSTAGRAM Cigar Lover @cigarlover12 ......................................................

Liz Cigar Life Style @remarkable_liz ........................................

Delicia-Creator-Influencer @cigarvixen ...................................

Whiskey Girl Josie @whiskeygirl_josie .....................................

Eric Kim @scotchandtime ........................................................

Angela, CCST & IACS CCS @cigarsmokingchick .......................

Nikki @cigarpassionista ..........................................................

Melanie Sisco @lilsiscokidd21 .................................................

Cigars / Smoke.Laugh.Live @world.of.cigars ............................

HERficinado / Cigar Lifestyle @herficionado .............................

90 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2024

104963 102467 90701 88962 67086 57162 41214 40435 35360 32357

@pupy_cigar ON THE TOP Italian Style...

Italian Cigar Time

JAN / FEB 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 91

EVENTS ROARING 20s GALA OLIVA HELPING HANDS Coral Gables, FL

Oliva Helping Hands Foundation hosted its debut gala at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables with a Roaring 20s theme, all the way down to the cars of the Gatsby days. Attendees, many of whom dressed in Flapper-era costumes, received two cigars, dinner and drinks, while Yadira Creighton, Fidel Valdés Rodríguez, and Fred Vandermarliere from Oliva Cigars thanked everyone for coming out. After dinner, patrons hit the outdoor terrace for some cigars and to review the items for the silent auction. The foundation's beneficiary for the event's proceeds was a new school in Jalapa, Nicaragua.

Teri Valentina and Ibis Lu

Alfonso and Ramona Rey

Aquiles Legra, Emilly Andújar, Claudia Uribe and Jorge Valdés

92 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2024

Fidel Valdés, Maarten Van der Linden and Litto Gómez

Mari Rubi and José Fernández

Osnay Martínez, Lourdes Sanders, Regnier Acosta, María Flora Souto, Sandy Alemán, Janette and Morris Lischner Photos by: Jayy Starzzz

José Luis Plasencia, Indiana Ortez, Dana Pineda-Plasencia and Fred Vandermarliere

Kenneth Rios, Adrian Alfonso and Carlos Somoza

Barbie and Ozzie Gómez

Ramon Adato, Jamy Calviño, Victor Hernández, Belkys Sánchez, Ely Rodríguez and Barbie Calviño

Ibis Lu, Yadira Creighton, Walter Duartes and Daniela Carvajal

Dariel Fernández, Carolina Vester, Patty and Albert Sosa

Isabela Creighton and Daniela Carvajal

Renate Van der Linden , Alicia and Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr, and Maarten Van der Linden

Carmen Rivero and Regnier Acosta

Brian Shapiro, Fred Vandermarliere and Peter Struber

JAN / FEB 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 93

EVENTS SMOKE THIS 2023 SABOR HAVANA CIGARS Doral, FL

Smoke This 2023, sponsored by Mercedes Benz of Coral Gables and Brickell Realty Group, unfolded as a showcase of the finest in premium cigars, top-shelf spirits, and culinary favors. The event drew 350 people who rocked to the band Tilt, which delivered crowd-pleasers from several eras.

Sabor Havana Cigars, in line with its commitment to community support, organized a charity raffle featuring a custom-made SmokeThis® handgun from Xpress Bail Bonds and Larry Sigh Gunsmith. The proceeds contributed to various foundations.

Charlie González, Juan Carlos Bermúdez, Aquiles Legra, Jorge Valdés and Pete Cabrera

The guest list featured locals including County Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez, Doral Vice Mayor Oscar Puig-Corve, Doral Councilwoman Maureen Porras, and Councilman Rafael Pineyro.

Smoke This also used the occasion to hint of expansion, including the addition of a 1,700 square foot smoking lounge.

Rene Hernandéz, Alex Castillo, Aquiles Legra, Angel Morera and Fernando Obeso

Wilder Omonte and Jose Picanes

94 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2024

Hank Bischoff and Lynn Hawkins

Gaspar González, Carlos "Carlito" Fuente Jr and Carlos Escalona

Grace Cabezas and Tom Zbyrad

Jack Heyer, Alvio Domínguez, Gaspar González and Carlos Escalona

David Delancy and Stacey Moore

Karen from Centenario Rum

Chris García, Frank Santos and Elizabeth Escarza

Daniela Dobrowolski and Henry Infante

Paul Chapman, Juan E Ovalles, Mirialis Márquez and William Martín

Oscar Puig, Juan Carlos Bermúdez and Jorge Valdés

Eddie García and Miguel Díaz

Miles Ashworth and Brian Ramsey

JAN / FEB 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 95

EVENTS ESPINOSA LA ZONA PALOOZA Hialeah Gardens, FL

La Zona Palooza is a free, three-day event drawing the heartiest of Espinosa Cigar fans.

The first two days were held at the headquarters where there were games, food, drinks, and cigars, and the event closed at the Hialeah Gardens Botanical Garden. At the finale, patrons enjoyed live music from the Xperimento band.

Erik Jr. and Erik Espinosa

Ricky Lassiter and Brenda Scott

Ju Ju, Hector J. Alfonso Jr and Barbara A. Collier

96 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2024

Minerva Cowan and Tyler Jones

Tripp Waldrop and William Cooper

Sophia Montezano and Danielle Fernández

Sam and Rosie López Photos by: Jerome Berry

JAN / FEB 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 97

EVENTS AJ FERNANDEZ AT TABACON CIGAR & SPIRITS Doral, FL

AJ Fernandez did an in-store at Tabacon, greeting patrons who took advantage of a 20 percent off deal on boxes of AJ, with a purchase bonus of a bottle of Angel's Envy. The appearance filled the place on a Wednesday night, jammed with customers who took in the bar along with the smokes.

Abdel J. Fernández

Albert Sosa, José Pérez and Frankie Santos

Massiel Prieto, Johnny McConnon and Vanessa Ruiz

98 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2024

Jesse and Stephanie Jiménez

Christina Taño and Armando Sánchez

Orlando Pérez and Massiel Prieto

Michael, Gaston and Rafael Photos by: Jayy Starzzz

JAN / FEB 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 99

EVENTS ROCKY PATEL CIGARS AT TABACON CIGAR & SPIRITS Doral, FL

Tabacon Cigar & Spirits hosted Rocky Patel Cigars on an unseasonably cool night in South Florida. Attendees met and hung out with Rocky himself, and they lined up to take a photo with him or get his autograph on a box. Tabacon was one of the first spots nationwide to have Rocky's latest release, the ultra-luxurious Conviction, available for purchase. The deal of the night was strong: For every box of cigars purchased, the buyer received a bottle of Chivas 13, a sampler of five cigars, an ashtray and a lighter.

Robert Liguori and Steven Encinosa

Massiel Prieto, Rocky Patel and Jose Morel

Abel Quintana, Sam Monem and Javcier Figueroa

100 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2024

Ozzie Gómez, Rocky Patel and Ciro Rodríguez

Enrique Cuervo, Berta Bravo, Mike and Jana Sabin, Da Boos and Lissette Leiva

Rafael Zuzolo, Paul Chapman, Orlando Álvarez, William Martin and Colonel Bolanio

Jose Alba, Jesse Jiménez, Rocky Patel, Gustavo Concha and Ricardo Arbona Photos by: Jayy Starzzz

JAN / FEB 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 101

EVENTS MONTECRISTO AND REMY MARTIN AT CITY CIGAR LOUNGE Miami, FL

City Cigar Lounge in the heart of Downtown Miami hosted a pairing event featuring Remy Martin XO and the Montecristo 1935 Edicion Diamante. Master blender Rafael Nodal and Remy Martin Ambassador Vania Toledo were on hand to provide education during the guided event, and Montecristo 1935 Edicion Diamante specials were offered to those in attendance.

Vania Toledo, Tico Gutiérrez and Rafael Nodal

Jill Meyers Rubenstein, Nasiba Alami, Brittany McNeil, Jennifer Nolan, Lucrecia Dennis, Carey Foster and Jaxx Guevarra

Jennifer Nolan and Nasiba Alami

Lucrecia Dennis and Jaxx Guevarra

102 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2024

Brittany McNeil

Gabriel Piñeres and Tico Gutiérrez Photos by: Kevin Martin

JAN / FEB 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 103

EVENTS LAUNCH OF TRINIDAD ESPIRITU SERIES 3 AT CHICA Miami, FL

CHICA Miami hosted the launch of Trinidad Espiritu Series 3, with the Altadis team. Rafael Nodal greeted guests, who were served specialty cocktails by CODIGO 1530 Tequila, including a Reposado Margarita and an Espresso Martini. Appetizers and cigars made the rounds, including Trinidad Espiritu Series 1 and 2. Once the house was full, Oliver Hyams and Nodal spoke about the Series 3 cigars, and as a parting gift, guests left with goodie bags.

Ibis Lu and Jonathan Blue

Oliver Hyams and Rafael Nodal

Pablo Coll and Stephanie Prentice

Rafael Nodal, Justo Parada, Erik Calviño and Jorge Juárez

Brendan and Lucia Nutt and Paul Waller

104 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2024

Olivia Saad and Rachel Berg

Rob Wilkey, Rhondetta Walton and Federico Gogliormella

Silvana and Benjamin Grynbaum

Susan Georgiou, Jill Meyers Rubenstein and Luz Holguín

JAN / FEB 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 105

EVENTS DAVIDOFF NICARAGUA 10TH ANNIVERSARY EXPERIENCE AT NEPTUNE CIGARS Pinecrest, FL

Neptune Cigars and Davidoff welcomed guests to this anniversary celebration with a special Flor de Caña cocktail. Davidoff Brand Ambassador Alex Weghorn then deftly guided guests through a pairing of Davidoff Nicaragua cigars with a curated selection of fine chocolates from Vosges Haut-Chocolat, which extended into a pairing that included Flor de Caña Rum. This included a tasting flight of 20, 25, and 30-year Flor de Caña.

Evelyn Luna and Scott Chester

Carlos Escalona, Alex Weghorn, Luz Holguín and Luis Santana

Robert Hernández and Guillermo Miranda

Yunior Ríos, Brian Miller and John Hranicka

Daniel and Arturo Saviñón

Henry Valle and Erika Madriz-Valle

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Vanessa Rojas and Luz Holguín

Denset and Jelsys Serralta

Adriana Gómez and René Labor

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EVENTS TAMPA BAY WHISKEY VOYAGE Tampa, FL

Grand Cathedral Cigars in Tampa hosted this December event, which included appearances by Cynthia Fuente and Carlos "Carlito" Fuente Jr., Cuban jazz and yacht rock featuring local musicians. The whiskey came from some choice providers, including Old Forester, Whistle Pig, Jack Daniels and Glenfiddich. And of course there were plenty of Arturo Fuente cigars around.

Angela Yue, Cynthia Fuente, Carlos "Carlito" Fuente Jr. and Odelma Matos

Marilyn Cano and Eduardo Sansoucy

Portia and Richard Engman

Josh Craft, Stephanie Von Kampen, Allegra Purro, Amanda Bot and Ellie Baggutte

Ken Husuliak and Mike Keeley

Rebecca and Milton McDonald

Ryan and Ronnie Scott and Mike O'Neall

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Credits: Joe Photo by Matt Nassif

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EVENTS BREW CITY CIGAR FESTIVAL The eleventh annual Brew City Cigar Festival drew 600 cigar and beer enthusiasts who mingled with representatives from nearly two dozen cigar companies while enjoying over 30 varieties of spirits and beer. The event was hosted by festival founders Jennifer and Paul Groh, owners of Metro Cigars in Milwaukee, and Elizabeth Borst, marketing pro and cigar enthusiast. The festival has become one of the largest premium cigar events in the Midwest.

This year’s date is August 17.

Tim Mason and Beth Heidorn

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Kelsey and Devin Hawthorne

Keisha Kochanowski and Steven Massheimer

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David and Jordan Borst

Photos by: Hilary Krekling

Milwaukee, WI

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