Top 25 New Cigars 2023

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

1. 

   #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

   
2. 

   #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

   
3. 

   #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. Strength: 8 (of 10) Size: 127 x 21.4 | 5 x 54 Released: 2023

   
4. 

   #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. Strength: 3 (of 10) Size: 152 x 21.4 | 6 x 54 Released: 2023

   
5. 

   #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: Other Filler: Dom. Rep. Strength: 5 (of 10) Size: 140 x 23 | 5 1/2 x 58 Released: 2023

   
6. 

   #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

   
7. 

   #19 | Confidenciaal Fiftysix

   Tasting notes:

   This Gran Toro immediately flatters the palate with its cappuccino, milk chocolate, and caramel flavors. Paired with light peppery, earthy, and malty notes, it is very harmonious.

   Owner: Cigraal Ltd. Factory: Confidential Origin: Other Wrapper: Other Binder: Other Filler: Other Strength: 6 (of 10) Size: 165 x 22.2 | 6 1/2 x 56 Released: 2022

   
8. 

   #18 | Chateau Diadem Conviction Robusto

   Tasting notes:

   This Robusto initially presents itself as creamy and sweetish. It is joined by notes of dark chocolate, pepper, and toast. The aromas of nuts, cedar, and cocoa are also present.

   Owner: Emily & Thierry Sahakian Factory: Chateau Diadem Origin: Dom. Rep. Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Dom. Rep. Filler: Dom. Rep. Strength: 7 (of 10) Size: 127 x 19.8 | 5 x 50 Released: 2022

   
9. 

   #17 | Villiger 1888 Nicaragua Coronita

   Tasting notes:

   Alongside pronounced coffee aromas, this small cigar develops those of wood and bitter almonds as well as a peppery spice and malty sweetness. Later, a wonderfully creamy sweetness comes into play.

   Owner: Villiger Söhne GmbH Factory: Villiger de Nicaragua Origin: Nicaragua Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua Strength: 6 (of 10) Size: 133 x 17.1 | 5 1/4 x 43 Released: 2022

   
10. 

    #16 | United Cigars Maduro Toro

    Tasting notes:

    The basic tone of this very harmonious blend is provided by mocha aromas that alternate between chocolate and coffee notes. In the background there are earthy and woody tones; from the second third onwards, the Toro becomes more peppery but remains nicely creamy.

    Owner: David Garofalo Factory: Tabacalera Magia Cubana Origin: Dom. Rep. Wrapper: Mexico Binder: Indonesia Filler: Dom. Rep. Strength: 7 (of 10) Size: 152 x 21.4 | 6 x 54 Released: 2023

    
11. 

    #15 | Kristoff Signature Series 2023 InterTabac Exclusive Toro

    Tasting notes:

    This wonderfully balanced Toro offers mineral notes throughout, along with white pepper. These are initially joined by dark chocolate, almond and nutty aromas, which are then complemented by an earthy, caramel-like creaminess.

    Owner: Krsitoff Exclusiv Cigars Factory: Tabacalera Von Eicken Origin: Dom. Rep. Wrapper: Other Binder: Dom. Rep. Filler: Dom. Rep. Strength: 7 (of 10) Size: 159 x 21.4 | 6 1/4 x 54 Released: 2023

    
12. 

    #14 | Aladino Sumatra Limited Edition Toro

    Tasting notes:

    This Honduran puro has consistently sweet roasted aromas, which are nicely complemented by notes of orange jam, pepper, and barbecue spices. It becomes stronger in the finish but remains harmonious and creamy.

    Owner: JRE Tobacco Co. Factory: Fabrica de Puros Aladino Origin: Honduras Wrapper: Honduras Binder: Honduras Filler: Honduras Strength: 6 (of 10) Size: 152 x 20.6 | 6 x 52 Released: 2023

    
13. 

    #13 | Accomplice 10th Anniversary Decienne

    Tasting notes:

    This cigar pampers with its stimulating flavor profile. It starts with aromas of fresh bread and roasted cashew nuts, underscored with a floral sweetness. This is followed by notes of salted licorice, coffee, and mint.

    Owner: Principle Cigars Inc. Factory: Tabacalera La Alianza Origin: Dom. Rep. Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Dom. Rep. Strength: 6 (of 10) Size: 165 x 21.4 | 6 1/2 x 54 Released: 2023

    
14. 

    #12 | Flor de Selva Maduro Toro

    Tasting notes:

    Taste-wise, this beautiful, perfectly constructed Toro is harmonious and clear. Dark chocolate, light pepper and coffee notes determine the basic tone. There’s a creamy caramel sweetness in the background.

    Owner: Maya Selva Cigars Corp. Hollywood Factory: TAOSA Origin: Honduras Wrapper: Honduras Binder: Honduras Filler: Honduras Strength: 6 (of 10) Size: 152 x 20.6 | 6 x 52 Released: 2023

    
15. 

    #11 | West Tampa Tobacco Company White Toro

    Tasting notes:

    A subtle, unobtrusive, and elegant cigar. This Toro alternates between pepper and creaminess across its entire length. Intermediate notes of nutty sweetness appear in the background. Excellently constructed.

    Owner: West Tampa Tobacco Company Factory: Garmendia Cigars Origin: Nicaragua Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Ecuador Filler: Nicaragua Strength: 6 (of 10) Size: 152 x 20.6 | 6 x 52 Released: 2022

    
16. 

    #10 | Aliados Original Blend Toro

    Tasting notes:

    Right off the bat, this Toro develops aromas of cookies with cinnamon and anise aromas. It then becomes nutty and sweet (honey, dried fruit, and caramel). Its smoke is creamy, spicy, and peppery.

    Owner: Oliva Cigar Co. Factory: Aladino Origin: Honduras Wrapper: Honduras Binder: Honduras Filler: Honduras Strength: 5 (of 10) Size: 152 x 20.6 | 6 x 52 Released: 2023

    
17. 

    #9 | Flor de Copán Gran Reserva 20 Aniversario Rosas

    Tasting notes:

    This elegant cigar, whose wafer-thin pigtail is skilfully crafted, unfolds fine vanilla sweetness alongside subtle chili spiciness, cedar aromas, and fresh, fruity notes.

    Owner: Tabacalera S.L.U. Factory: Flor de Copán Origin: Honduras Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Honduras Strength: 4 (of 10) Size: 159 x 19 | 6 1/4 x 48 Released: 2023

    
18. 

    #8 | Oscar Valladares 10th Anniversary Toro

    Tasting notes:

    A spicy cigar with notes of fresh brioche, cloves, nuts, and a subtle peppery kick. It offers leather, cedar, and coffee aromas as well as a sweet-spicy flavor.

    Owner: Oscar Valladares Tobacco Co. Factory: Oscar Valladares Tobacco & Co. Origin: Honduras Wrapper: Honduras Binder: Mexico Filler: Honduras Strength: 8 (of 10) Size: 152 x 20.6 | 6 x 52 Released: 2022

    
19. 

    #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

    
20. 

    #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. Strength: 5 (of 10) Size: 191 x 19.8 | 7 1/2 x 50 Released: 2023

    
21. 

    #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

    
22. 

    #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

    
23. 

    #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: Nicaragua Strength: 7 (of 10) Size: 114 x 21.4 | 4 1/2 x 54 Released: 2023

    
24. 

    #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

    
25. 

    #1 | E.P. Carrillo Allegiance Confidant

    Tasting notes:

    This box-pressed Toro unfolds nutty, leathery, coffee, and woody aromas, along with the spice of nutmeg, herbs, pepper, and the sweetness of vanilla. A harmonious, exciting blend.

    Owner: EPC Cigar Company Factory: Tabacalera Oliva S.A. Tabolisa Origin: Nicaragua Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua Strength: 9 (of 10) Size: 152 x 20.6 | 6 x 52 Released: 2022