Cigar Journal’s Top 25 New Cigars of 2023: #7 To #2

Today we are revealing the six cigars ranking from positions 7 to 2.

#7 | A.J. Fernandez New World Dorado Robusto

Tasting notes:

This box-pressed cigar develops roasted, leathery, and wood flavors, along with fruity notes, pepper, a caramel/chocolate sweetness, almond and honey notes. Very harmonious and expressive.

Owner: A.J. Fernandez Cigars
Factory: Tabacalera Fernandez
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: 7 (of 10)
Size: 140 x 21.8 | 5 1/2 x 55
Released: 2022

#6 | Davidoff Year of the Dragon Double Corona

Tasting notes:

An interesting experience – the first 2 cm don’t have a wrapper. Wood and herbal aromas dominate. As soon as the wrapper joins the blend, the cigar becomes creamier, sweeter, citrusy, spicier, and has notes of salted caramel.

Owner: Oettinger Davidoff AG
Factory: CIDAV
Origin: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Dom. Rep.
Filler: Dom. Rep., Nicaragua, Mexico
Strength: 5 (of 10)
Size: 191 x 19.8 | 7 1/2 x 50
Released: 2023

#5 | Plasencia Alma Fuerte Eduardo I

Tasting notes:

In the first few puffs, this box-pressed Toro unfolds delicate cedar, nut and roasted aromas with a sweet sponge cake note. Later, herbal spice, mint and coffee are added.

Owner: Plasencia Group
Factory: Plasencia Cigars S.A.
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: 8 (of 10)
Size: 159 x 21.4 | 6 1/4 x 54
Released: 2022

#4 | Rocky Patel Disciple Robusto

Tasting notes:

The first taste impressions of this cigar are a floral scent, chocolate, sponge cake, cocoa, and fruity notes. The spectrum is complemented by coffee and cinnamon, earthy/nutty aromas, and peppery spice.

Owner: Rocky Patel Premium Cigars Inc.
Factory: Tabacalera Villa Cuba S.A. (TAVICUSA)
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Mexico
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: 8 (of 10)
Size: 127 x 19.8 | 5 x 50
Released: 2022

#3 | Liga Privada Único Serie Year of the Rabbit

Tasting notes:

A nice start to this Robusto Gordo, with white pepper and mint, plus barbecue aromas, which are then increasingly dominated by leather, roasted, and earthy notes. In addition, it’s finely complemented by cocoa and nutty tones.

Owner: Drew Estate LLC
Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: USA
Binder: Mexico
Filler: Brasil, Nicaragua
Strength: 7 (of 10)
Size: 114 x 21.4 | 4 1/2 x 54
Released: 2023

#2 | J.C. Newman El Baton Belicoso

Tasting notes:

A short, first-class Belicoso with earthy, toast and leathery aromas, bitter-sweet chocolate, and nuts. It also develops the sweetness of fruit, and a pleasant peppery kick.

Owner: J.C. Newman Cigar Company
Factory: J.C. Newman PENSA
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: 8 (of 10)
Size: 127 x 22.2 | 5 x 56
Released: 2022