What Are The Best Cigars in The World?
Nate SimondsWorld-class cigars are a symbol of luxury and craftsmanship, revered by connoisseurs for their complex flavors and meticulous construction. These cigars are crafted from the best tobacco leaves, often sourced from renowned regions known for their unique growing conditions.
Understanding the nuances of selecting, storing, and enjoying these cigars is essential for aficionados and newcomers alike.
This guide aims to provide comprehensive insights into the cigar world, offering practical advice and expert recommendations to enhance the smoking experience.
What Defines a World-Class Cigar?
A truly great cigar stands out in several ways. From flavor and origin to construction and aging, these key characteristics define the best cigars in the world.
Flavor Profile
The flavor profile of a cigar is a primary indicator of its quality. The best cigars in the world offer a complex and balanced array of flavors, all of which work together to stimulate your entire palate.
A well-crafted blend of premium tobacco ensures a smooth and enjoyable smoking experience, allowing flavors to develop as you smoke and that change over time.
Different cigar manufacturers each have unique flavor profiles, catering to a variety of preferences. These flavors can be light to full-bodied, which refers to the texture of the smoke (like tannins in wine) and the intensity of the flavors.
The best cigars are expertly crafted for depth and character, making each puff a journey of taste and aroma.
By selecting a cigar that matches your palate, you can fully appreciate the craftsmanship behind each blend. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or a beginner exploring new cigar brands, understanding the flavor profile is key to finding the perfect smoke.
Strength
Cigar strength determines how intense a cigar feels while smoking. A cigar’s strength can range from mild to full-bodied, affecting how much of a buzz or kick you get from the experience.
- Mild cigars have lower nicotine levels, making them smooth and easy to smoke, even for beginners.
- Medium-strength cigars offer a balanced experience, delivering some intensity without overpowering the smoker.
- Full-bodied cigars contain higher nicotine levels, creating a stronger smoking experience that’s often favored by seasoned smokers.
Selecting the right cigar strength is about personal preference and tolerance. If you’re new to cigars, starting with a mild or medium option allows you to enjoy the experience without overwhelming your senses. Experienced smokers may prefer full-bodied cigars for their boldness and richness.
Origin
The origin of the tobacco significantly influences the flavor profile. In fact, there are many comparisons between wine and cigars. Terrier (the environment in which the tobacco is grown) has a very significant impact on taste. While some varieties of tobacco are more popularly grown and are better suited for certain countries, tobaccos of all varieties are grown all over the world.
Where the cigar is made also impacts the taste of the cigar, as different cigar manufacturers have different fermentation and construction methods. While blends that use tobaccos from many origins, some are still “puros” which means the tobaccos are the same and come from the same place.
While “old world” tobacco refers to Cuban cigars, many “New World” countries (such as Nicaragua, The Dominican Republic, and Honduras) produce cigars that are equal to and in many cases better than what is currently coming out of Cuba.
Construction
Construction is another vital aspect of a high-quality cigar. A well-constructed cigar will have a uniform appearance, with a smooth and even wrapper that is free from blemishes or discolorations. The cigar should feel firm to the touch, with no soft spots or inconsistencies in its density.
The draw, or the ease with which air flows through the cigar when smoked, should be neither too tight nor too loose, allowing for an optimal smoking experience. A properly constructed cigar will burn evenly, producing a consistent ash that holds well.
Fermentation and Aging Process
The aging process also contributes to the quality of a cigar. The best cigars are often aged for several months post-roll or even years to allow the flavors to mature and meld together, creating a more balanced blend.
Before this, the individual tobaccos undergo a natural fermentation process, which can enhance the complexity and smoothness of the cigar. This process helps develop additional flavors while removing harsh contaminates from the tobacco itself. This can be done by tobacco processors or the manufacturers themselves, each of which has a different “recipe”. This is something that has changed over the last several years in the cigar industry, with older and longer fermented tobacco being more prevalent in cigars than ever before.
Aging can also reduce the harshness of the smoke, resulting in a more rich, refined, and enjoyable experience—a hallmark of premium cigar brands.
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Did You Know? The earliest known image of a cigar appears on a Mayan pot from the 10th century. The Mayan word for smoking, "sikar," may have evolved into the Spanish word "cigarro." |
Why Tobacco Origin Matters
The tobacco plant is a highly sensitive crop, and its flavor and quality are greatly influenced by environmental factors. The climate, soil composition, altitude, temperature, and cultivation techniques of a region all play key roles in shaping the final taste and aroma of the tobacco leaf.
Additionally, different regions have their own specialized curing and fermentation processes, further enhancing the distinct characteristics of the tobacco they produce. This is why cigars from various countries offer unique smoking experiences.
Cuba
Cuban cigars have a legendary reputation, but today, many cigar smokers find that New World cigars from different countries like Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras often offer superior quality and consistency.
While Cuba’s Vuelta Abajo region is known for its distinctive tobacco with earthy and spicy notes, government control and fluctuating quality have diminished their once-unmatched prestige.
As a result, many cigar smokers now prefer Nicaraguan and Dominican cigars, which showcase better craftsmanship and more reliable blends from some of the world’s top cigar-producing countries.
Dominican Republic
Another major player in the tobacco industry is the Dominican Republic, which produces a wide variety of tobacco types. Dominican cigars are often milder than their Cuban counterparts, with a smooth and creamy profile. The Cibao Valley is particularly noted for its fertile soil and ideal growing conditions, which help produce high-quality tobacco leaves.
Nicaragua
Nicaragua has gained a reputation for producing strong, full-bodied cigars. The volcanic soil in regions such as Estelí, Jalapa, and Condega contributes to the robust flavors found in Nicaraguan tobaccos.
Many of the best cigars from Nicaragua are known for their bold profiles, often featuring notes of spice, pepper, earth, cocoa, and coffee.
These cigars appeal to those who prefer a more intense smoking experience and have helped Nicaraguan brands rival even Cuban cigars in terms of complexity and richness.
Honduras
Honduran tobacco is known for its rich, earthy flavors and is often used in blends to add depth and complexity. The Jamastran Valley, a key area for tobacco cultivation in Honduras, benefits from a climate similar to that of Cuba. Honduran cigars are appreciated for their balance, often featuring notes of leather alongside a variety of other flavors, making them a favorite among cigar makers and enthusiasts.
Connecticut Tobacco
Connecticut in the United States is famous for its shade-grown tobacco, which is used primarily for cigar wrappers.
Connecticut Shade tobacco is prized for its light color, smooth texture, and mild flavor, making it a popular choice for cigars. The unique growing conditions under shade tents help produce a delicate and refined leaf.
What are Some of the Best Cigars in the World?
When it comes to premium cigars, certain brands and blends stand above the rest due to exceptional craftsmanship, flavor complexity, and reputation. While taste is always subjective, these cigars have been widely recognized for their quality and consistency:
Davidoff Royal Release
The Davidoff Royal Release represents the pinnacle of luxury and craftsmanship. Every detail, from hand-selected tobacco seeds to the final roll, is meticulously controlled.
Tobacco plants for this cigar are grown separately and aged for a minimum of eight years in Davidoff’s exclusive Royal Barn to ensure unmatched refinement.
Crafted by eight of Davidoff’s most skilled rollers, this cigar features the rare Aromatica Dominicana wrapper, delivering a flawlessly smooth draw with notes of oak, baking spices, and sweet milk chocolate. A true connoisseur’s choice, the Royal Release offers an unparalleled smoking experience.
Padrón 80th Anniversary
The Padrón 80th Anniversary is a masterfully crafted Nicaraguan puro, honoring José O. Padrón’s milestone birthday.
Using meticulously aged tobaccos, this full-bodied cigar delivers rich notes of dark chocolate, espresso, cedar, and walnuts, with a subtle dark fruit finish.
With decades of Padrón family expertise behind it, this cigar offers flawless construction and deep complexity.
A true celebratory smoke, it pairs perfectly with whiskey after a steak dinner, making it one of the finest Nicaraguans available.
My Father Flor de Las Antillas
A tribute to the Garcia family’s Cuban heritage, the My Father Flor de Las Antillas is a medium-bodied Nicaraguan cigar renowned for its balance, depth, and complexity.
Wrapped in a smooth Nicaraguan Sun Grown leaf, it delivers layers of cocoa, pepper, sweet cedar, and mellow earth, creating a refined yet flavorful smoke.
Since winning Cigar of the Year in 2012 with a 96 rating, it has remained a top seller and is considered one of the best-value premium cigars on the market.
With a smooth draw and just the right touch of Nicaraguan spice, this cigar is a must-try for those seeking quality and consistency at an exceptional price.
Arturo Fuente Hemingway
The Arturo Fuente Hemingway series is a testament to expert craftsmanship and tradition.
Featuring a meticulously rolled Perfecto shape, this medium-bodied cigar offers a refined smoking experience with notes of creamy cedar, earthy sweetness, and subtle spice.
Wrapped in a premium Cameroon leaf, it delivers a smooth and consistent draw, making it one of Fuente’s most beloved blends.
Beyond its core lineup, limited edition Hemingway cigars—featuring Sun Grown or Maduro wrappers—offer a rarer, more complex experience for collectors and aficionados.
Whether enjoying the classic or a limited release, the Hemingway series remains a cornerstone of premium Dominican cigars.
Davidoff Grand Cru
The Davidoff Grand Cru is a perfect representation of elegance and precision, offering a refined, mild-to-medium smoking experience without sacrificing depth.
Expertly crafted with premium Dominican tobaccos, this cigar delivers a delicate balance of fresh spice, light oak, nuts, and a subtle licorice finish.
Designed to please both new and seasoned smokers, its smooth yet complex profile makes it an excellent choice for celebrations or relaxed moments.
Like all Davidoff cigars, the Grand Cru is meticulously rolled to ensure a flawless draw and impeccable construction.
It pairs exceptionally well with a Bordeaux wine, enhancing its layered and nuanced flavors. Whether enjoyed alone or shared, the Grand Cru is a timeless smoke that suits any occasion.
Best Cigars to Pair with Drinks & Food
Pairing cigars with the right drinks and food enhances flavors and makes for a richer experience. The depth of a cigar’s profile should complement, rather than overpower, what you’re pairing it with.
After exploring some of the world’s finest cigars, here are more top-tier selections that pair exceptionally well with whiskey, rum, coffee, and food. These cigars are carefully chosen not only for their craftsmanship but for how well they enhance the flavors of your favorite drinks and meals.
For Whiskey & Bourbon
Whiskey and bourbon have bold, complex profiles that demand cigars with equally rich character.
Smoky, peaty Scotch pairs best with full-bodied cigars that offer deep, earthy notes, while bourbon’s caramel and vanilla undertones complement medium-bodied cigars.
Try the CLE 25th Anniversary for an exceptional match with bourbon’s natural warmth and sweetness. With notes of peanuts, cream, coffee, and cedar, this Honduran puro offers just the right balance, enhancing bourbon’s smooth caramel and vanilla finish while adding depth to every sip.
For Rum
Aged rums bring out sweet and spicy flavors, making them an ideal match for cigars with notes of pepper, cocoa, or leather.
Cigars with a bold, spicy character pair well with dark, aged rums, as they complement the natural warmth and depth of spiced rum.
The Oliva Serie V Melanio Double Toro is a perfect pairing for aged rum—its rich Nicaraguan ligero fillers provide deep chocolate, spice, and cedar notes, which enhance the rum’s caramelized sweetness and lingering heat without overpowering it.
For Cognac & Brandy
Cognac and brandy are known for their smooth, fruity, and floral notes, making them a perfect match for cigars with creamy, nutty, or slightly spiced flavors.
The Rocky Patel ALR 2nd Edition is an exceptional match for cognac or brandy. Featuring a Mexican San Andrés wrapper and premium Honduran and Nicaraguan fillers, this cigar delivers bold flavors of dark fruit, rich espresso, and cedar.
Its depth and complexity complement the caramelized warmth and floral undertones of a well-aged cognac, making for a refined and luxurious pairing.
For Coffee & Tea
Coffee’s earthy richness pairs well with cigars that offer creamy flavor, nutty, or spicy notes, while black tea, like Earl Grey, enhances a cigar’s natural complexity.
Dark roasts complement bold cigars, while lighter roasts and teas pair best with smooth, mellow blends.
The My Father Connecticut is an excellent choice for morning smoking. It delivers classic Connecticut creaminess with a touch of spice, making it more flavorful than a standard mild cigar.
Smooth, mellow, yet dynamic, it pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, adding depth without overpowering your drink.
For Food
Food and cigars can complement each other just as well as cigars and drinks. Rich, fatty meats like steak or barbecue demand bold, full-bodied cigars with deep spice and leather notes to match their intensity. For dessert, cigars with hints of cocoa or espresso pair beautifully with dark chocolate or caramel-based treats.
The RoMa Craft CroMagnon is the perfect cigar to enjoy after a hearty steak. Wrapped in a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro and featuring Nicaraguan long-fillers, this cigar delivers a thick, rich, and smoky experience with notes of spice, wood, and leather.
Its bold character pairs perfectly with grilled meats and buttery potatoes, making it a satisfying after-dinner smoke.
Determining the Right Size and Shape of Cigar For You
When determining the right size and shape of a cigar, several factors should be considered to enhance the smoking experience. Cigars come in a variety of sizes and shapes, each offering a unique experience.
The size of a cigar is typically measured by its length in inches and its ring gauge, which is the diameter of the cigar measured in 64ths of an inch.
Common sizes include robusto, corona, and Churchill, among others. The shape of a cigar, often referred to as its vitola, can also vary, with parejos (straight-sided cigars) and figurados (irregularly shaped cigars) being the primary categories.
The size of a cigar can significantly affect the duration and intensity of the smoking experience. Larger cigars, such as a Churchill, generally offer a longer smoking time and may develop a more complex flavor profile as the blend of tobacco evolves throughout the smoke.
While Cuban cigars are historically known for classic sizes like the Churchill, many premium New World cigars now offer equally refined and well-balanced smoking experiences.
Conversely, smaller cigars, like a petit corona, offer a shorter smoking duration and may be more suitable for those with limited time.
The ring gauge also influences the flavor, as a larger ring gauge allows for more filler tobacco, potentially creating a richer and more nuanced taste.
When selecting a cigar size and shape, personal preference and the context of the smoking occasion should be considered. For instance, a robusto, with its moderate size and balanced flavor, is often recommended for casual smoking or for those new to cigars.
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Key Insight: The choice of size and shape can be influenced by the smoker's experience level, as certain shapes, like figurados, may require more skill to cut and light properly. |
Elevate Your Cigar Experience
This guide has explored the essentials of world-class cigars. Whether you prefer the full-bodied boldness of Nicaraguan cigars, the creamy flavor of Dominican varieties, or the prestige of Cuban classics, there’s a perfect smoke for every connoisseur.
Behind every great cigar are skilled cigar makers who meticulously craft each blend to deliver exceptional flavor, balance, and quality.
Ready to take your cigar experience to the next level? Explore our carefully curated selection of premium cigars at Renegade Cigars. With world-class customer service and expert guidance, we make finding your perfect smoke effortless. Discover, savor, and indulge in the best cigars the world has to offer.