Cigar Journal’s Top 25 Cigars of 2021: #25 To #20

Today we are revealing the six cigars ranking from positions 25 to 20.

#25 | Oscar Valladares SuperFly Connecticut Super Toro

Due to groundbreaking presentations, formats and blends, Oscar Valladares has quickly become one of the most innovative tobacco men in the industry. His products aim to surprise. The SuperFly with its bright, purple color is just another example for that.

Tasting notes:

This cigar produces a great deal of creamy smoke with the sweetness of brioche and some pepperiness. It also develops hints of vanilla, caramel, cedar, nutmeg, and milk coffee.

Owner: Oscar Valladares Tobacco Co.
Factory: Oscar Valladares Tobacco Co.
Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Honduras
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Dom. Rep. Honduras, Nicaragua
Strength: 8 (of 10)
Size: 152 x 21.4 | 6 x 54
Released: 2020

#24 | A.J. Fernandez Enclave Connecticut Figurado

A.J. Fernández is, without a doubt, one of the references to Nicaraguan tobacco in the world. His followers are used to cigars with character and great balance. In this cigar, Abdel Fernández has substituted the Enclave’s traditional Habano wrapper for an Ecuadorian Connecticut.

Tasting notes:

The smoke of this Figurado is buttery and has the sweetness of cotton candy on the palate. Earthy and cedary aromas, herbal spice as well as fresh pepper and licorice make for diversity.

Owner: A.J. Fernadez Cigars
Factory: Tabacalera A.J. Fernandez
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: 5 (of 10)
Size: 165 x 20.6 | 6 1/2 x 52
Released: 2021

#23 | El Rey del Mundo L’Epoque 2021 ER Francia

The regional and limited editions of Habanos are the most anticipated cigars by Cuban tobacco lovers. In this case, Habanos dedicates the Edicion Regional Exclusivo Francia to the 50th anniversary of its distributor in France, COPROVA.

Tasting notes:

This well-rolled cigar produces velvety smoke with luscious wood aromas, notes of leather, and a salty note. It develops a lot of spice, a light acidity, and some pepperiness.

Owner: Empresa Cubana del Tabaco (Cubatabaco)
Factory: Sancti Spíritus
Origin: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Filler: Cuba
Strength: 4 (of 10)
Size: 165 x 21.4 | 6 1/2 x 54
Released: 2021

#22 | Cumpay Maduro Robusto

A Nicaraguan offering from the Grande Dame of Honduran tobacco, Maya Selva. The cigars are known for the excellent quality / price ratio and have been on the market for more than twenty years, although this version with a Maduro wrapper is a recent addition to the portfolio. Cumpay is the Tawakha Indian name for a rolled tobacco leaf. 

Tasting notes:

This Robusto brings out lush chocolate, wood and toast aromas that are underscored by those of pepper, a caramel sweetness, and herbal spice. A harmonious cigar with a long finish.

Owner: Maya Selva Cigares
Factory: Tabacos Segovia
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: 7 (of 10)
Size: 121 x 19.8 | 4 3/4 x 50
Released: 2021

#21 | Leonel Classic Churchill

This brand was founded in 2014 by a passionate father and son duo – Norbert and Daniel Höldke. They import numerous brands of cigars and supply more than 150 tobacconists in Germany, run their own retail shops, as well as a cigar lounge and academy and export to 15 countries.

Tasting notes:

This Churchill is mild and elegant with buttery smoke, cedary, coffee and leathery aromas, pepperiness, and herbal spice. Now and then, there are fruity notes and sponge cake.

Owner: Paul Bugge GmbH
Factory: n/a
Origin: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: USA Connecticut
Binder: Dom. Rep.
Filler: Dom. Rep., Nicaragua
Strength: 4 (of 10)
Size: 178 x 19.8 | 7 x 50
Released: 2020

#20 | Rocky Patel CSWC Toro

The CSWC line of cigars was created specifically for the Cigar Smoking World Championship. The competition, which is a global tournament, aims to keep the cigar lit as long as possible and is already a must for fans.

Tasting notes:

In the creamy smoke of this dark cigar are caramel sweetness, espresso, chocolate, earthy aromas, spice, and pepperiness. The cigar is harmoniously balanced, fruity, gently floral, and shows hints of BBQ notes and roasted nuts.

Owner: Rocky Patel Premium Cigars
Factory: Tabacalera Villa Cuba S.A.
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Mexico
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Honduras, Nicaragua 
Strength: 8 (of 10)
Size: 152 x 20.6 | 6 x 52
Released: 2020