Cigar Journal’s Top 25 New Cigars of 2023: #25 To #20

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

#25 | Leonel Rare d’Or Robusto

Tasting notes:

Right off the bat, this cigar offers a well-balanced, complex blend of creamy cappuccino flavors, cookies, sponge cake, nuts, milk chocolate, and plenty of caramel sweetness.

Owner: Paul Bugge GmbH
Factory: undisclosed
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: 7 (of 10)
Size: 127 x 20.6| 5 x 52
Released: 2022

#24 | Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario Maduro Gran Robusto

Tasting notes:

In the creamy, oily smoke of this box-pressed Maduro, we encounter toast, roast and nut aromas, combined with citrus acidity, ginger and pepperiness. These are joined by mint and spice.

Owner: Aganorsa Leaf
Factory: Agricola Ganadera Norteña S.A.
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: 8 (of 10)
Size: 127 x 21.4 | 5 x 54
Released: 2022

#23 | Artista Midnight Robusto

Tasting notes:

This power pack with an incredible density of aromas made up of cocoa, pepper, and notes of dried fruit additionally impresses with its creamy sweetness, embedded in a leathery, earthy but elegant spiciness.

Owner: Artista Cigars
Factory: Tabacalera El Artista
Origin: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Ecuador
Filler: Dom. Rep., Nicaragua, USA
Strength: 8 (of 10)
Size: 127 x 21.4 | 5 x 54
Released: 2023

#22 | Gurkha Ghost Connecticut Asura

Tasting notes:

This Toro draws magnificently and presents the fine sweetness of honey over delicate cedar and earthy flavors. Moreover, it delivers subtle pepper spiciness, and the spice of nutmeg and cloves.

Owner: Gurkha Cigar Group
Factory: PDR
Origin: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Mexico
Filler: Dom. Rep., Nicaragua, USA
Strength: 3 (of 10)
Size: 152 x 21.4 | 6 x 54
Released: 2023

#21 | Casa 1910 Soldadera Edition La Coronela 

Tasting notes:

A nicely complex and flavorful smoke. Notes of cedar, cocoa, spices, and shortbread dominate, complemented by roasted aromas. This cigar is robust and perfectly finished. An interesting newcomer!

Owner: Casa 1910 SA de CV
Factory: Tabacalera La Isla
Origin: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Brasil
Filler: Dom. Rep., Mexico
Strength: 5 (of 10)
Size: 140 x 23 | 5 1/2 x 58
Released: 2023

#20 | K by Karen Berger 25th Anniversary by A.J. Fernandez Toro

Tasting notes:

A box-pressed Toro that serves up earthy aromas with a peppery kick right from the start. It then presents cedar flavors and dark chocolate, espresso, spices, and rye bread.

Owner: Don Kiki Cigars
Factory: A.J. Fernandez
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: USA
Binder: Mexico
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: 6 (of 10)
Size: 152 x 20.6 | 6 x 52
Released: 2022