Cigar Journal’s Top 25 New Cigars of 2025: #13 To #8

Today we are revealing the six cigars ranking from positions 13 to 8.

#13 | Diamond Crown Julius Caeser Troublemaker

Tasting notes:

Dry wood, pepper, and chocolate aromas form the triad of this well-constructed cigar. Occasional flashes of caramel notes appear, with leather and coffee tones. A gentle sweetness is particularly noticeable in the retronasal aroma.

Owner: J.C. Newman Cigar Co.
Factory: Tabacalera A. Fuente
Origin: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Dom. Rep.
Filler: undisclosed
Strength: 5 (von 10)
Size: 146 x 20.6 | 5 3/4 x 52
Released: 2024

#12 | VegaFina 1998 35 Aniversario 5th Avenue

Tasting notes:

Nuts, wood, and coffee constitute the pleasant triad of this Piramide; in the background, creamy, fruity aromas are discernible; from the second half, there are also notes of pepper, chili, and chocolate.

Owner: Tabacalera S.L.U.
Factory: Tabacalera de Garcia
Origin: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Indonesia
Filler: Dom. Rep., Nicaragua, Kolumbien
Strength: 6 (von 10)
Size: 152 x 19.8| 6 x 50
Released: 2024

#11 | Oliva Mareva CSWC

Tasting notes:

Pretzels, floral notes, and oak are immediately discernible in the CSWC competition cigar; wood, nuts, and delicate pepper follow, all with a pleasant creaminess. Harmoniously refined!

Owner: Oliva Cigar Co.
Factory: Tabacalera Oliva S.A.
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: 5 (von 10)
Size: 130 x 16.7 | 5 1/8 x 42
Released: 2025

#10 | La Aurora Family Creed Fuerte Sol Toro

Tasting notes:

A caramelly, soft sweetness paired with coffee and licorice notes characterize the first two thirds, then a gentle chili spice, with brioche and almond notes, complements the overall picture. Multifaceted and intense!

Owner: La Aurora S.A.
Factory: La Aurora Cigar Factory
Origin: Dom.Rep.
Wrapper: Mexico
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Dom.Rep., Nicaragua, USA
Strength: 6 (von 10)
Size: 146 x 21.4 | 5 3/4 x 54
Released: 2025

#9 |A. Fuente Hemingway Sungrown Oscuro Signature I

 Tasting notes:

Voluminous smoke reveals a distinctive sweetness that suggests caramel and dark chocolate. This is subsequently followed by tart, spicy accents reminiscent of ground coffee and leather. This cigar is full-bodied and lush.

Owner: A. Fuente Cigar Co.
Factory: Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia.
Origin: Dom.Rep.
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Dom.Rep.
Filler: Dom.Rep.
Strength: 7 (von 10)
Size: 152 x 18.3 | 6 x 46
Released: 2024

#8 | A.J. Fernandez Enclave by Eladio Díaz Robusto

Tasting notes:

This Robusto format appears to be somewhat stronger than the Toro that has the same blend. Spice and roasted notes are more dominant; towards the end, again bread and leather aromas. The creamy sweetness is there, but in the background.

Owner: A.J. Fernandez Cigars
Factory: Tabacalera Diaz Cabrera
Origin: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Ecuador
Filler: Dom.Rep.
Strength: 6 (von 10)
Size: 140 x 21.4 | 5 1/2 x 54
Released: 2025