Top 25 New Cigars 2021

Rated by the Cigar Journal tasting panel, blind, on the 100-point scale.

1. 

   #25 | Oscar Valladares SuperFly Connecticut Super Toro

   Tasting notes:

   This cigar produces a great deal of creamy smoke with the sweetness of brioche and some pepperiness. It also develops hints of vanilla, caramel, cedar, nutmeg, and milk coffee.

   Owner: Oscar Valladares Tobacco Co. Factory: Oscar Valladares Tobacco Co. Origin: Honduras Wrapper: Honduras Binder: Honduras Filler: Dom. Rep. Strength: 8 (of 10) Size: 152 x 21.4 | 6 x 54 Released: 2020

   
2. 

   #24 | A.J. Fernandez Enclave Connecticut Figurado

   Tasting notes:

   The smoke of this Figurado is buttery and has the sweetness of cotton candy on the palate. Earthy and cedary aromas, herbal spice as well as fresh pepper and licorice make for diversity.

   Owner: A.J. Fernadez Cigars Factory: Tabacalera A.J. Fernandez Origin: Nicaragua Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua Strength: 5 (of 10) Size: 165 x 20.6 | 6 1/2 x 52 Released: 2021

   
3. 

   #23 | El Rey del Mundo L’Epoque 2021 ER Francia

   Tasting notes:

   This well-rolled cigar produces velvety smoke with luscious wood aromas, notes of leather, and a salty note. It develops a lot of spice, a light acidity, and some pepperiness.

   Owner: Empresa Cubana del Tabaco (Cubatabaco) Factory: Sancti Spíritus Origin: Cuba Wrapper: Cuba Binder: Cuba Filler: Cuba Strength: 4 (of 10) Size: 165 x 21.4 | 6 1/2 x 54 Released: 2021

   
4. 

   #22 | Cumpay Maduro Robusto

   Tasting notes:

   This Robusto brings out lush chocolate, wood and toast aromas that are underscored by those of pepper, a caramel sweetness, and herbal spice. A harmonious cigar with a long finish.

   Owner: Maya Selva Cigares Factory: Tabacos Segovia Origin: Nicaragua Wrapper: Nicaragua Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua Strength: 7 (of 10) Size: 121 x 19.8 | 4 3/4 x 50 Released: 2021

   
5. 

   #21 | Leonel Classic Churchill

   Tasting notes:

   This Churchill is mild and elegant with buttery smoke, cedary, coffee and leathery aromas, pepperiness, and herbal spice. Now and then, there are fruity notes and sponge cake.

   Owner: Paul Bugge GmbH Factory: n/a Origin: Dom. Rep. Wrapper: USA Binder: Dom. Rep. Filler: Dom. Rep. Strength: 4 (of 10) Size: 178 x 19.8 | 7 x 50 Released: 2020

   
6. 

   #20 | Rocky Patel CSWC Toro

   Tasting notes:

   In the creamy smoke of this dark cigar are caramel sweetness, espresso, chocolate, earthy aromas, spice, and pepperiness. The cigar is harmoniously balanced, fruity, gently floral, and shows hints of BBQ notes and roasted nuts.

   Owner: Rocky Patel Premium Cigars Factory: Tabacalera Villa Cuba S.A. Origin: Nicaragua Wrapper: Mexico Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Honduras Strength: 8 (of 10) Size: 152 x 20.6 | 6 x 52 Released: 2020

   
7. 

   #19 | Joya de Nicaragua Cinço Décadas El Doctor

   Tasting notes:

   Intense cedar aromas with a hint of cloves are in the foreground alongside coffee and cocoa flavors. Aside from this, this cigar unfolds the sweetness of dried fruit, espresso, leather, and fruity notes before it fades away with chocolate sweetness.

   Owner: Joya de Nicaragua S.A. Factory: Joya de Nicaragua S.A. Origin: Nicaragua Wrapper: Nicaragua Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua Strength: 7 (of 10) Size: 152 x 20.6 | 6 x 52 Released: 2020

   
8. 

   #18 | Buffalo Ten Natural Toro

   Tasting notes:

   In the creamy smoke of this soft box-pressed Toro there is a lot of cocoa sweetness of milk chocolate, notes of sponge cake, oriental spices with chili spice as well as (towards the end) strong espresso notes.

   Owner: El Artista Cigars Factory: Tabacalera El Artista Origin: Dom. Rep. Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Indonesia Filler: Dom. Rep. Strength: 6 (of 10) Size: 152 x 19.8 | 6 x 50 Released: 2020

   
9. 

   #17 | Southern Draw Jacobs Ladder Un Presidente

   Tasting notes:

   This extra-long cigar develops earthy and cedar aromas and those of roasted coffee beans; there is also slightly sweet bitter chocolate with black pepper and a lot of herbal spice.

   Owner: Southern Draw Cigars Factory: Tabacalera A.J. Fernandez Origin: Nicaragua Wrapper: USA Binder: USA Filler: Dom. Rep. Strength: 8 (of 10) Size: 229 x 19 | 9 x 48 Released: 2020

   
10. 

    #16 | Alec & Bradley Kintsugi Robusto

    Tasting notes:

    The nut aromas of this cigar are underscored with cinnamon sweetness and pepper. Also earthy, coffee and cedar aromas, a malty sweetness, spice, and gentle bitter tones are present in the creamy smoke.

    Owner: Alec Bradley Cigar Co. Factory: Fabrica de Tabacos Raíces Cubanas S. de R.L. Origin: Honduras Wrapper: Honduras Binder: Honduras Filler: Honduras Strength: 7 (of 10) Size: 127 x 19.8 | 5 x 50 Released: 2020

    
11. 

    #15 | Zino Nicaragua Robusto

    Tasting notes:

    At first, this Robusto has pronounced aromas of cedar and coffee. At the same time, it develops fine-spicy notes, a gentle sweetness, cream, and some pepperiness.

    Owner: Oettinger Davidoff AG Basel Factory: Diadema Cigars Honduras Origin: Honduras Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Dom. Rep. Strength: 6 (of 10) Size: 127 x 21.4 | 5 x 54 Released: 2021

    
12. 

    #14 | Gurkha Treinta 30th Anniversary Robusto

    Tasting notes:

    At the beginning, this Robusto is floral, woody, and chocolatey. Then coffee and chestnut aromas unfold in the luscious smoke. A slightly peppery kick is also discernible, which later becomes stronger and is mixed with spice, fresh fruity acidity, nuts, and espresso.

    Owner: Gurkha Cigar Group, Inc. Factory: Aganorsa Leaf Factory Origin: Nicaragua Wrapper: Nicaragua Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua Strength: 8 (of 10) Size: 127 x 20.6 | 5 x 52 Released: 2020

    
13. 

    #13 | Perdomo Inmenso Seventy Sun Grown Churchill

    Tasting notes:

    In the first third, this huge format shows cedary, oak and roasted aromas as well as balanced pepperiness. Later, the aroma wheel turns more towards fruity notes and nuts with spice and sweetness.

    Owner: Perdomo Cigars Factory: Tabacalera Perdomo S.A. Origin: Nicaragua Wrapper: Nicaragua Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua Strength: 5 (of 10) Size: 178 x 27.8 | 7 x 70 Released: 2021

    
14. 

    #12 | Perla del Mar Corojo Toro

    Tasting notes:

    This extremely box-pressed Toro develops nutty and wood aromas with caramel sweetness, pepperiness, and a hint of mint freshness. Fruity notes, coffee and leather aromas are also present.

    Owner: J.C. Newman Cigar Co. Factory: J.C. Newman P.E.N.S.A. Origin: Nicaragua Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua Strength: 7 (of 10) Size: 159 x 21.4 | 6 1/4 x 54 Released: 2020

    
15. 

    #11 | Casa Turrent Origin Series San Andres Robusto Extra

    Tasting notes:

    This cigar is a spicy-sweet bomb. The sweetness of the Maduro wrapper and the multifaceted notes of spice keep the palate on its toes: between tangy peppery, fruity acidic to roasted and tart, this cigar plays through all the variations.

    Owner: A. Turrent Cigars Factory: Nueva Matacapan de Tabacos S.A. de C.V. Origin: Mexico Wrapper: Mexico Binder: Mexico Filler: Mexico Strength: 8 (of 10) Size: 140 x 21.4 | 5 1/2 x 54 Released: 2020

    
16. 

    #10 | Liga Privada Unico Serie Year of the Rat

    Tasting notes:

    In the first few draws, this cigar is slightly salty, very nutty, and has roasted aromas. For good measure, caramel sweetness and pepperiness unfold. Herbal spice and then also the sweetness of dried fruit come through. Complex and well balanced.

    Owner: Drew Estate, LLC Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate Origin: Nicaragua Wrapper: USA Binder: Brazil Filler: Honduras Strength: 7 (of 10) Size: 140 x 18.3 | 5 1/2 x 46 Released: 2020

    
17. 

    #9 | Plasencia Alma Fuerte Sixto I

    Tasting notes:

    This striking vitola is peppery sweet and unfolds woody, earthy and cocoa aromas as well as toast and leathery notes. The cigar then develops lush, creamy smoke with coffee and a lot of spice.

    Owner: Plasencia 1865, LLC Factory: Plasencia Cigars S.A. Origin: Nicaragua Wrapper: Nicaragua Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua Strength: 9 (of 10) Size: 152 x 23.8 | 6 x 60 Released: 2020

    
18. 

    #8 | La Aurora Preferidos Hors d’Age 2020

    Tasting notes:

    The cigar unfolds notes of wood and cinnamon with a subtle nuttiness. It also develops sweetness of cinnamon and a wood finish. A subtle leather component and a light kick of pepper appear.

    Owner: La Aurora S.A. Factory: La Aurora Cigar Factory Origin: Dom. Rep. Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Ecuador Filler: Dom. Rep. Strength: 7 (of 10) Size: 152 x 21.4 | 6 x 54 Released: 2021

    
19. 

    #7 | Oliva Serie V Melanio Limited Edition 2020 Toro Grande

    Tasting notes:

    As well as roasted and nut aromas, this cigar presents a malty cocoa sweetness with a fruity citrus note. This is followed by nutty, wood, coffee, leather, and earthy aromas that come through in the thick smoke.

    Owner: Oliva Cigar Co. Factory: Tabacalera Oliva S.A. Origin: Nicaragua Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua Strength: 7 (of 10) Size: 152 x 21.4 | 6 x 54 Released: 2020

    
20. 

    #6 | VegaFina 1998 Vintage 1 VF42L

    Tasting notes:

    This elegant format presents a potpourri of flavor sensations: sweetness and fruity acidity, herbal spice, and a gentle pepperiness. In the creamy smoke of this cigar there is a hint of the roasted flavors of coffee and aromas of sponge cake.

    Owner: Tabacalera SLU Factory: Tabacalera de Garcia Origin: Dom. Rep. Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Indonesia Filler: Dom. Rep. Strength: 6 (of 10) Size: 187 x 16.7 | 7 3/8 x 42 Released: 2021

    
21. 

    #5 | A.J. Fernandez New World Connecticut Churchill

    Tasting notes:

    The creamy smoke of this Churchill provides the palate with a lot of spice, subtle sweetness, and fruity tartness. The aromas of cedar, earth, nuts, bread rolls and cocoa are accompanied by both a subtle pepperiness as well as sweetness.

    Owner: A.J. Fernandez Cigars Factory: Tabacalera A.J. Fernandez Origin: Nicaragua Wrapper: USA Binder: Mexico Filler: Nicaragua Strength: 5 (of 10) Size: 178 x 19.8 | 7 x 50 Released: 2020

    
22. 

    #4 | Davidoff Dominicana Robusto

    Tasting notes:

    This Robusto with a pigtail develops sumptuous coffee aromas. These are joined by those of nuts. The aromas are underscored by sweetness, spice, acidity, some pepperiness, and earthy tones.

    Owner: Oettinger Davidoff AG Basel Factory: Tabadom Origin: Dom. Rep. Wrapper: Dom. Rep. Binder: Ecuador Filler: Dom. Rep. Strength: 8 (of 10) Size: 130 x 20.6 | 5 1/8 x 52 Released: 2021

    
23. 

    #3 | CLE 25th Anniversary Robusto

    Tasting notes:

    With the freshness of aniseed, the bitter tones of espresso, herbal spice, and a light salty note, this cigar offers an exciting flavor profile. A fruity sweetness and nuts are also added.

    Owner: CLE Cigar Company Factory: Fabrica de Puros Aladino S.A. de C.V. Origin: Honduras Wrapper: Honduras Binder: Honduras Filler: Honduras Strength: 8 (of 10) Size: 127 x 19.8 | 5 x 50 Released: 2020

    
24. 

    #2 | Sixty by Rocky Patel Toro

    Tasting notes:

    This extremely creamy Toro unfolds leathery, coffee and cocoa aromas with a chocolaty sweetness and a touch of pepper. It is full-bodied and perfectly harmoniously balanced.

    Owner: Rocky Patel Premium Cigars Factory: Tabacalera Villa Cuba S.A. Origin: Nicaragua Wrapper: Mexico Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua Strength: 8 (of 10) Size: 165 x 20.6 | 6 1/2 x 52 Released: 2021

    
25. 

    #1 | Perdomo Reserve 10th Anniversary Box-Pressed Epicure Maduro

    Tasting notes:

    This cigar starts with cocoa, roasted notes of espresso, spices, caramel sweetness, and a pinch of pepper. Its smoke is soft and smooth on the palate. A hint of fresh mint comes up before the cigar presents a great finale.

    Owner: Perdomo Cigars Factory: Tabacalera Perdomo S.A. Origin: Nicaragua Wrapper: Nicaragua Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua Strength: 7 (of 10) Size: 152 x 21.4 | 6 x 54 Released: 2020