Here is the complete list of our Top 25 Cigars of 2020. They can also be downloaded as a PDF (US-letter or A4 format), or a JPEG.
#1 | Plasencia Alma Fuerte Robustus I

Tasting notes:
Pepperiness and caramel/cinnamon sweetness are a good match in this almost black box-pressed cigar. It develops cedary, nutty and coffee aromas with herbal spice. During the smoke it becomes more expressive.
Owner: Plasencia Group
Factory: Plasencia Cigars S.A.
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: 8 (of 10)
Size: 133 x 20.6 | 5 ¼ x 52
Released: 2019
#2 | Perdomo Estate Seleccion Vintage Imperio Sun Grown

Tasting notes:
From the beginning, this box-pressed cigar develops the pleasant sweetness of vanilla, a hint of bourbon and fine spices like nutmeg. The fruity notes of cherries, wood and nut aromas, as well as chocolate notes and gentle pepper are also present.
Owner: Perdomo Cigars
Factory: Tabacalera Perdomo
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: 8 (of 10)
Size: 152 x 21.4 | 6 x 54
Released: 2019
#3 | Davidoff Limited Edition Special 53 Perfecto

Tasting notes:
As soon as this Perfecto “opens,” it unfolds floral, fruity, slightly bitter and sweetish flavors. It presents aromas of wood, nuts, leather and coffee, accompanied by chocolate sweetness, vegetal spice notes and a gentle salty note.
Owner: Oettinger Davidoff AG
Factory: Tabadom Holding, Inc.
Origin: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Dom. Rep.
Binder: Dom. Rep.
Filler: Dom. Rep.
Strength: 7 (of 10)
Size: 156 x 21.0 | 6 1/8 x 53
Released: 2020
#4 A.J. | Fernandez Bellas Artes Maduro Lancero Special Edition

Tasting notes:
This Lancero presents ample sweetness, spice, pepperiness, and roasted notes. It is an elegant, creamy cigar with predominantly chocolate, fruit, wood, and a subtle chili spice … Everything is perfectly balanced and in full harmony.
Owner: A.J. Fernandez Cigars
Factory: Tabacalera A.J. Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua S.A.
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Brazil
Binder: Mexico
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: 7 (of 10)
Size: 178 x 15.9 | 7 x 40
Released: 2019
#5 | Daniel Marshall by Carlos Fuente XXXVIII

Tasting notes:
This Torpedo offers the complex spectrum of aromas of cedar, coffee, nuts, leather, and exotic fruit. Everything is underlaid by a delicate sweetness. In the last third, it develops a gentle peppery kick. Pure harmony.
Owner: Daniel Marshall, Inc.
Factory: Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia.
Origin: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Dom. Rep.
Binder: Dom. Rep.
Filler: Dom. Rep.
Strength: 5 (of 10)
Size: 162 x 20.6 | 6 3/8 x 52
Released: 2020
#6 | La Aurora 107 Anniversary Nicaragua Robusto

Tasting notes:
In the pleasant, cool, creamy smoke of this cigar, bitter chocolate and coffee can first be detected. Then spices like carraway, nutmeg and pepper accompany the aromas. An exciting, diverse, and harmonious cigar.
Owner: La Aurora S.A.
Factory: La Aurora S.A.
Origin: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: 6 (of 10)
Size: 127 x 19.8 | 5 x 50
Released: 2020
#7 | El Rey Del Mundo La Reina ER 2018 Gran Bretaña

Tasting notes:
From the start, this Lancero with a pretty pigtail shows its qualities. It is smooth, creamy, and has thick smoke with the opulent sweetness of molasses, cappuccino, and honeydew melon, and a pinch of pepper in the finish – a taste-bud pleaser.
Owner: Empresa Cubana del Tabaco (Cubatabaco)
Factory: Antonio Briones Montoto Factory
Origin: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Filler: Cuba
Strength: 4 (of 10)
Size: 191 x 15.1 | 7 ½ x 38
Released: 2019
#8 | Tatuaje ME II Churchill

Tasting notes:
A box-pressed Churchill in a sandy Oscuro wrapper with voluptuous spice and a fine mocha aftertaste. It also offers a subtle sweetness, hints of fruity notes, but, above all, a whole garden of herbal aromas.
Owner: Tatuaje Cigars, Inc.
Factory: My Father Cigars S.A.
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Mexico
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: 7 (of 10)
Size: 165 x 19.0 | 6 ½ x 48
Released: 2019
#9 | Rocky Patel CSWC Mareva

Tasting notes:
Along with the intense aromas of roasted coffee beans, almonds and earth, as well as a noticeable cacao sweetness, this cigar offers a broad spectrum. Later, perceptible acidic and bitter notes are added. It has a razor-sharp burn.
Owner: Rocky Patel Premium Cigars
Factory: Tabacalera Villa Cuba S.A. (Tavicusa)
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Mexico
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Honduras, Nicaragua
Strength: 5 (of 10)
Size: 130 x 16.7 | 5 1/8 x 42
Released: 2020
#10 | Juan López ER 2018 Francia Punto 55 (Rerelease 2020)

Tasting notes:
This cigar offers spicy wood, earthy and nut aromas with the subtle sweetness of dried fruit and later caramel. Flavor-wise, it spreads a pleasant, creamy feeling on the palate with a gentle chili spice and, at the end, with crème brûlée.
Owner: Empresa Cubana del Tabaco (Cubatabaco)
Factory: El Habanero Factory
Origin: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Filler: Cuba
Strength: 5 (of 10)
Size: 130 x 21.8 | 5 1/8 x 55
Released: 2018 & 2020
#11 | Días de Gloria by A.J. Fernandez Gordo

Tasting notes:
A tangy cigar with dark, earthy, coffee and wood aromas. In very creamy smoke there is also slightly sweet bitter chocolate as well as a little pepper and salt. Towards the end, the coffee and pepper notes become more intense.
Owner: A.J. Fernandez Cigars
Factory: Tabacalera A.J. Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua S.A.
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: 8 (of 10)
Size: 152 x 23 | 6 x 58
Released: 2019
#12 | 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 Negro San Andrés
Binder: Mexico Negro San Andrés
Filler: Mexico, Nicaragua
Strength: 8 (of 10)
Size: 140 x 21.4 | 5 1/2 x 54
Released: 2019
#13 | Vega Fina & Great Wall Fusion Edition

Tasting notes:
This Figurado is densely rolled, its wrapper is extremely smooth. Alongside a sepia-like sweetness that lasts throughout, it offers nuances of exotic fruit, cedar aromas, fine, tart nutty aromas, and subtle acidity. It has a razor-sharp burn.
Owner: Tabacalera S.L.U and China Tobaco Sichuan
Factory: The Great Wall Cigar Factory (Shifang,China)
Origin: China
Wrapper: Dom. Rep.
Binder: Dom. Rep.
Filler: Dom. Rep., Brazil, Indonesia
Strength: 6 (of 10)
Size: 152 x 20.6 | 6 x 52
Released: 2020
#14 | Viva La Vida Robusto

Tasting notes:
This cigar presents a proper pinch of pepper/chili spice and at first tastes rather piquant. Later, sage, toasted aromas, coffee, fruity notes (citrus) and a cautious cinnamon sweetness are added. Creamy, harmonious, and bold.
Owner: Artesano Del Tobacco
Factory: Tabacalera A.J. Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua S.A.
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua Habano Oscuro 2000
Binder: Nicaragua Corojo 99
Filler: Nicaragua Criollo 98
Strength: 8 (of 10)
Size: 127 x 21.4 | 5 x 54
Released: 2019
#15 | Villiger Cuéllar Black Forest Robusto

Tasting notes:
This dark, box-pressed Robusto presents a touch of pepper combined with gentle sweetness and coffee … almost like Cuban coffee. In addition, the cigar develops notes of earth and spice. It is expressive, robust, and wonderfully balanced.
Owner: Villiger Cigars North America
Factory: Tabacalera Palma LTD
Origin: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Mexico
Binder: Dom. Rep.
Filler: Dom. Rep.
Strength: 8 (of 10)
Size: 127 x 19 | 5 x 48
Released: 2019
#16 | Carlos André Airborne Corona Larga

Tasting notes:
A whole spectrum of woody and nutty aromas, abundant fruity sweetness and spices cajole the palate with creamy smoke. A fine peppery kick also adds to the diverse smoke. Very harmonious.
Owner: Arnold André GmbH & Co KG
Factory: Arnold André Dominicana
Origin: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Mexico
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Brazil, Dom. Rep., Nicaragua
Strength: 5 (of 10)
Size: 146 x 16.7 | 5 ¾ x 42
Released: 2019
#17 Flor de Copan Special Edition Rare Blend

Tasting notes:
At the start, this thick Robusto develops the intense sweetness of vanilla and exotic fruit over fine roasted aromas and bitter notes. The fruity, roasted and bitter tones alternate in taking charge, and make it exciting.
Owner: Tabacalera S.L.U.
Factory: Flor de Copán Factory Honduras
Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Dom. Rep.
Strength: 7 (out of 10)
Size: 114 x 21.4 | 4 ½ x 54
Released: 2019
#18 | Balmoral Añejo XO Nicaragua Rothschild Masivo

Tasting notes:
This cigar immediately offers a fine Maduro sweetness, paired with a potpourri of spice, which ranges from acidic and salty to gentle bitter tones. It then develops roasted and barbecue aromas. The sweetness accompanies the cigar throughout the smoke.
Owner: Scandinavian Tobacco Group
Factory: Agio Caribbean Tobacco Company
Origin: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Brazil
Filler: Nicaragua, Dom. Rep., Brazil
Strength: 7 (of 10)
Size: 127 x 21.8 | 5 x 55
Released: 2020
#19 | Laura Chavin Classic No.66 Edition 2019

Tasting notes:
This elegant format is flawlessly manufactured. The cigar has a razor-sharp burn and develops fruity, floral and woody aromas, accompanied by a finely dosed sharpness, smooth sweetness and delicate acidity. A cigar full of finesse.
Owner: Cigar Company Willi Knopf
Factory: Tabacaleria Altagracia
Origin: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Dom. Rep.
Filler: Dom. Rep.
Strength: 5 (of 10)
Size: 178 x 19 | 7 x 48
Released: 2019
#20 | Joya de Nicaragua Cinço Décadas Fundador

Tasting notes:
At the beginning, this cigar offers floral aromas, the freshness of menthol and chili spice alongside nutty aromas and a nougat sweetness. Mid-way through, it becomes more tart, underscored by cacao sweetness and fruity nuances. The finale is chocolatey.
Owner: Joya de Nicaragua S.A.
Factory: Joya de Nicaragua S.A.
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: 8 (of 10)
Size: 152 x 21.4 | 6 x 54
Released: 2019
#21 | Undercrown ShadyXX

Tasting notes:
A flawless box-pressed Belicoso, whose sweetish Maduro wrapper provides a subtle counterpoint to the sumptuous spiciness of the cigar. It develops tangy, finely acidic notes, leather aromas and even a fine sweetness in a creamy smoke.
Owner: Drew Estate, LLC
Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Mexico San Andrés
Binder: USA Connecticut
Filler: Brazil, Nicaragua
Strength: 7 (of 10)
Size: 127 x 19.8 | 5 x 50
Released: 2019
#22 | Oscar Valladares Wild Hunter Oscuro Toro

Tasting notes:
Aromas of earth, cedar and oak are accompanied by herbal spice and later a sweetish chocolaty/toffee note. Occasionally it is slightly salty, delicately bitter (almonds) and sweetish. A complex cigar.
Owner: Oscar Valladares Tobacco & Co.
Factory: Oscar Valladares Tobacco & Co.
Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Honduras Oscuro
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Honduras
Strength: 8 (of 10)
Size: 152 x 20.6 | 6 x 52
Released: 2019
#23 | Southern Draw Jacobs Ladder Brimstone

Tasting notes:
In the thick, oily smoke there are tart-spicy notes underscored with sweetness. Nuts, fruity notes, coffee, and chocolate create an interesting sweet-sour play. Towards the end, the cigar becomes more peppery and even spicier.
Owner: Southern Draw Cigars
Factory: Tabacalera A.J. Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua S.A.
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: USA Broadleaf
Binder: USA Broadleaf
Filler: Nicaragua, Dom. Rep.
Strength: 8 (of 10)
Size: 152 x 22.2 | 6 x 56
Released: 2019
#24 | Alec Bradley Project 40 06.52

It is the first of Alec Bradley’s Experimental Series. Alan Rubin, founder of Alec Bradley, says: “Project 40 is a generally accepted concept in multiple industries with the end goal to find how a service or product can have a positive impact on the mind and body. Since cigars bring people together, cause for relaxation and create positive experiences, I asked myself why this concept should not be applied to premium cigars.”
Tasting notes:
The cigar offers pronounced woody, nutty, coffee and cacao aromas with a sweet fruity impact to malt candy and a subtle salty note. Primary flavor notes of leathery, nutty flavors. The cigar is decidedly creamy.
Owner: Alec Bradley Cigar Corp.
Factory: J. Fuego Cigar Co. de Nicaragua
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Brazil
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: 6 (of 10)
Size: 152 x 20.6 | 6 x 52
Released: 2019
#25 | Kristoff Shade Grown Robusto

Tasting notes:
This pretty cigar with a pigtail and closed foot offers ample earthy aromas over a subtle sweetness as well as a gentle peppery spice. Tangy, vegetal, tart and piquant notes, a light acidity and wood aromas develop in the creamy smoke.
Owner: Kristoff Exclusive Cigars, Inc.
Factory: Charles Fairmorn S.A.
Origin: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Honduras
Binder: Dom. Rep.
Filler: Nicaragua, Dom. Rep.
Strength: 6 (of 10)
Size: 140 x 21.4 | 5 1/2 x 54
Released: 2019



























