Cigar Journal’s Top 25 Cigars of 2022: #19 To #14

Today we are revealing the six cigars ranking from positions 19 to 14.

#19 | Principle Martinique Lancero

Tasting notes:

This elegant Lancero format presents sweetness, acidity, pepper, and a hint of bitter tones. It has a very complex blend, with a penchant for wood and fruit notes paired with spice/sharpness.

Owner: Principle Cigars Inc.
Factory: Kelner Boutique Factory
Origin: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Dom. Rep.
Filler: Dom. Rep., Nicaragua
Strength: 6 (of 10)
Size: 191 x 15.5 | 7 1/2 x 39
Released: 2022

#18 | La Aroma de Cuba (outside US: del Caribe) Pasión
Box-Pressed Torpedo

Tasting notes:

Creamy wood, toast and nut aromas unfold over the vegetal note that is retronasally noticeable, with a fruity sweetness and a peppery spice. An elegant-looking cigar with great tower of ash.

Owner: Ashton Distributors, Inc.
Factory: My Father Cigars S.A.
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: 7 (of 10)
Size: 156 x 21.4 | 6 1/8 x 54
Released: 2021

#17 | Davidoff Dominicana Toro

Tasting notes:

This pigtailed Toro presents aromas of fresh wood and fresh earth, notes of thyme, cloves, and roasted aromas. An increasing fruity sweetness comes up that is accompanied by gentle chili spice and pleasant bitter tones.

Owner: Oettinger Davidoff AG
Factory: Tabadom
Origin: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Dom. Rep.
Binder: Ecuador
Filler: Dom. Rep.
Strength: 7 (of 10)
Size: 152 x 21.4 | 6 x 54
Released: 2021

#16 | A. Flores Connecticut Valley Reserve Azul Churchill

Tasting notes:

The sweet start has notes of cherries and chocolate, caramel, and vanilla at the ready that combine well with the woody aromas. The smoke of the cigar is creamy and cool, delicately salty and tart.

Owner: PDR Cigars
Factory: PDR Cigars
Origin: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: USA
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Dom. Rep., Nicaragua
Strength: 6 (of 10)
Size: 178 x 19.8 | 7 x 50
Released: 2022

#15 | Garofalo La Famiglia Connecticut Epicure

Tasting notes:

In the first third, the cigar delivers bitter almond, licorice, subtle sweetness and acidity. A peppery kick, ample spice, a floral note, toast, roasted and leathery aromas develop … very creamy.

Owner: United Cigar Group
Factory: Tabacalera Perdomo S.A.
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: 4 (of 10)
Size: 152 x 21.4 | 6 x 54
Released: 2022

#14 | Drew Estate 20 Acre Farm Toro

Tasting notes:

This cigar’s lush cedar and oaky aromas blend well with the pepper spiciness, nut and coffee tones, and the subtle spice. Pastry scents and fruity notes can be detected.

Owner: Drew Estate LLC
Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Nicaragua, USA
Strength: 5 (of 10)
Size: 152 x 20.6 | 6 x 52
Released: 2021