Quintessence is the fifth line within Ashton Cigars’ San Cristóbal brand and was preceded by the Revelation, Ovation, Elegancia and original San Cristóbal lines. Cigar Journal now named the Robusto format of San Cristóbal Quintessence their Cigar of the Year 2016.
#2 Cigar of Cigar Journal’s Top 25 of 2016: Davidoff Yamasá Pirámides
For two decades, Hendrik Kelner and Manuel Peralta have collaborated on the Yamasá Project, cultivating tobacco on about 250 acres in the Yamasá region. The fruit of their labor, the Davidoff Yamasá, arrived in July 2016.
Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Hermoso Maduro is #3 of Top 25 of 2016
This cigar arrived in April 2016 in a thick, short format unusual for Padrón as the newest addition to the Anniversary 1964 series, which now contains a dozen formats. The box-pressed Hermoso comes in Maduro as well as Natural.
Hoyo La Amistad Robusto is #4 of Cigar Journal’s Top 25 of 2016
Hoyo de Monterrey’s new line offers a fresh perspective on the brand. General Cigar Co., the brand’s US owner, had the series produced at A.J. Fernandez in Estelí. Not only is this cigar one of the year’s most interesting creations, its price is also impressive.
Aging Room Pelo de Oro Scherzo is #5 of Top 25 of 2016
Distinctive Pelo de Oro tobacco was once popular in Cuba, but because of its susceptibility to blue mold disease and its low yields, it is hardly grown anymore. Collaborating with farmer A.J. Fernandez allowed Rafael Nodal access to Fernandez’ coveted Pelo de Oro harvest.
A.J. Fernandez Enclave Salomon Named #6 of Top 25 Cigars of 2016
A.J. Fernandez’ Enclave Salomon was named the #6 of Cigar Journal’s list of the best cigars of the year 2016. The Top 25 of 2016 feature newly released cigars that received outstanding reviews by the tasting panel.
Partagás Añejados Corona Gorda is #7 of Cigar Journal’s Top 25 of 2016
In 2015 Habanos S.A. launched the Añejados concept. In February 2016 the Partagás Añejados Corona Gorda was the fourth of these special cigars to hit the market.
El Centurion H·2K·CT Toro is #8 of Top 25 Cigars of 2016
Originally, My Father Cigars’ El Centurion was only meant to be a limited edition. In 2015, My Father developed a variation of the Toro and Corona formats that featured an H-2K-CT wrapper (a hybrid tobacco) instead of the original Nicaragua wrapper.
Leaf by Oscar The Oscar Robusto is #9 of Cigar Journal’s Top 25 of 2016
We all know that you should never judge a book by its cover, but rather by its contents. The Oscar cigars are enveloped in a candela sleeve and come eleven to a pack, bundled in an old cigar mold instead of in a box.
Perdomo Small Batch 2005 Toro Especial Maduro is #10 of Top 25 of 2016
What’s special about Perdomo’s Small Batch series? Ten-year aged tobaccos, for starters. Small Batch cigars are available with three different wrappers: a Sungrown from Nicaragua, a Connecticut from Ecuador and – our favorite – a Maduro from Nicaragua.
Davidoff Escurio Corona Gorda is #11 of Top 25 of 2016
After the successful launch of Davidoff Nicaragua, the company has dared another innovation, introducing a cigar line primarily composed of Brazilian tobaccos. We found the twist of fruity sweetness and subtle spice noteworthy and very successful!
#12 of Top 25 Cigars of 2016: VegaFina Edición Limitada Conde PigTail
VegaFina launched its limited-edition Conde Pig Tail in spring 2016. The cigar’s head features a tightly twisted “pigtail” of wrapper leaf that lends the series its distinctive name.
