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Expert Cigar Reviews
Browse thousands of professional reviews from leading critics — filter by source, search a cigar, and sort by score. Reviews of cigars we track link straight to live retailer prices.
- 88Kaplowitz· 2026· Medium/Medium-Full Corner Brownie Piece | Red Spices | Candied Almonds
Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Cigars StillWell Star
Ingredients seem cooked a tick too. Maillard reaction +. Tightly huddled notes-on-notes won't untangle. Still a good smoke though; ultimately more noise than nosh. Intriguing room-note.
- 87
Holt's Staff Reviews· 2026Southern Draw Cigars Morning Glory
Southern Draw Morning Glory cigars debuted in 2022, and I’m reviewing a classic 6-by-52 Toro blended and produced in Nicaragua by AJ Fernandez. Husband-and-wife team Robert and Sharon Holt (no relation to Holt’s cigars) founded Southern Draw over a decade ago. As avid gardeners, they named Morning Glory after the flowering plant species. Robert and Sharon often feature horticulture themes throughout the Southern Draw portfolio, which includes over a dozen blends.
- 90
CigarCzars· 2026Rocky Patel Gold Label
Rockey Patel Gold Label was the first cigar released in his Crown Series (named after precious metals and gemstones). The Gold Label cigar is made in Nicaragua with an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, two binders (Connecticut Shade and Connecticut Broadleaf), and a blend of filler tobaccos from Nicaragua. These cigars became available during July 2024 in four box pressed sizes including a Toro (6½ x 54) that was priced at just under $13 per stick at the time of this review. For more information about these cigars, please visitRockyPatel.com.The Rocky Patel Gold Label Toro started off with a virtual explosion of flavors including pepper, spice and a good dose of natural tobacco sweetness. To use one of the brand's sayings from many years ago, this cigar really delivers “a party in your mouth”, and more so than any other Rocky Patel cigar that I have smoked during the last two decades.After 15 minutes, I applied a minor touch-up to keep the burn even. The flavor was still sweet and spicy at this point, and the pepper had tamed down just a bit. The cigar was medium-to-full bodied and most definitely full of flavor.After 25 minutes into the smoking session, I ashed the cigar for the first time. The flavor was still predominately sweet and spicy as the peppery taste continued to moderate. Five minutes later, a second touch-up was applied. At the 40-minute mark, the flavors became more balanced and were not quite as pronounced as at the start, but the cigar was still full of flavor. About 10 minutes later, I ashed the cigar for the second time and applied a third touch-up.After one hour of smoking time, the pepper and spice had moderated enough to notice flavors of leather and earth along with a lingering natural sweetness. Ten minutes afterwards, I ashed the cigar for the third time and applied a fourth touch-up. At this point, the mix of flavors were still very complex and enjoyable, but not as explosive as they were previously. At the 85-minute mark, I had to apply a fifth touch-up light. Then 15 minutes later, after 100 minutes of total smoking time, the cigar went out by itself with two inches remaining.I enjoyed the Rocky Patel Gold Label Toro cigar from start to finish. The cigar was full of flavors that were explosive to a degree beyond most other cigars. It also had a great draw that delivered a nice volume of smoke and the cigar held a long ash, but the burn was uneven at times and required several touch-ups but no relights. I rate it with an excellent 4.5 points on a 5-point scale. This is a medium-to-full bodied cigar recommended for seasoned cigar smokers, but it is not a cigar for newbies.CigarCzars.com The Rocky Patel Gold Label Toro started off with a virtual explosion of flavors including pepper, spice and a good dose of natural tobacco sweetness. To use one of the brand's sayings from many years ago, this cigar really delivers “a party in your mouth”, and more so than any other Rocky Patel cigar that I have smoked during the last two decades.After 15 minutes, I applied a minor touch-up to keep the burn even. The flavor was still sweet and spicy at this point, and the pepper had tamed down just a bit. The cigar was medium-to-full bodied and most definitely full of flavor.After 25 minutes into the smoking session, I ashed the cigar for the first time. The flavor was still predominately sweet and spicy as the peppery taste continued to moderate. Five minutes later, a second touch-up was applied. At the 40-minute mark, the flavors became more balanced and were not quite as pronounced as at the start, but the cigar was still full of flavor. About 10 minutes later, I ashed the cigar for the second time and applied a third touch-up.After one hour of smoking time, the pepper and spice had moderated enough to notice flavors of leather and earth along with a lingering natural sweetness. Ten minutes afterwards, I ashed the cigar for the third time and applied a fourth touch-up. At this point, the mix of flavors were still very complex and enjoyable, but not as explosive as they were previously. At the 85-minute mark, I had to apply a fifth touch-up light. Then 15 minutes later, after 100 minutes of total smoking time, the cigar went out by itself with two inches remaining.I enjoyed the Rocky Patel Gold Label Toro cigar from start to finish. The cigar was full of flavors that were explosive to a degree beyond most other cigars. It also had a great draw that delivered a nice volume of smoke and the cigar held a long ash, but the burn was uneven at times and required several touch-ups but no relights. I rate it with an excellent 4.5 points on a 5-point scale. This is a medium-to-full bodied cigar recommended for seasoned cigar smokers, but it is not a cigar for newbies.CigarCzars.com The Rocky Patel Gold Label Toro started off with a virtual explosion of flavors including pepper, spice and a good dose of natural tobacco sweetness. To use one of the brand's sayings from many years ago, this cigar really delivers “a party in your mouth”, and more so than any other Rocky Patel cigar that I have smoked during the last two decades.After 15 minutes, I applied a minor touch-up to keep the burn even. The flavor was still sweet and spicy at this point, and the pepper had tamed down just a bit. The cigar was medium-to-full bodied and most definitely full of flavor.After 25 minutes into the smoking session, I ashed the cigar for the first time. The flavor was still predominately sweet and spicy as the peppery taste continued to moderate. Five minutes later, a second touch-up was applied. At the 40-minute mark, the flavors became more balanced and were not quite as pronounced as at the start, but the cigar was still full of flavor. About 10 minutes later, I ashed the cigar for the second time and applied a third touch-up.After one hour of smoking time, the pepper and spice had moderated enough to notice flavors of leather and earth along with a lingering natural sweetness. Ten minutes afterwards, I ashed the cigar for the third time and applied a fourth touch-up. At this point, the mix of flavors were still very complex and enjoyable, but not as explosive as they were previously. At the 85-minute mark, I had to apply a fifth touch-up light. Then 15 minutes later, after 100 minutes of total smoking time, the cigar went out by itself with two inches remaining.I enjoyed the Rocky Patel Gold Label Toro cigar from start to finish. The cigar was full of flavors that were explosive to a degree beyond most other cigars. It also had a great draw that delivered a nice volume of smoke and the cigar held a long ash, but the burn was uneven at times and required several touch-ups but no relights. I rate it with an excellent 4.5 points on a 5-point scale. This is a medium-to-full bodied cigar recommended for seasoned cigar smokers, but it is not a cigar for newbies.CigarCzars.com
- 92Kaplowitz· 2026· Mild/Mild-Med.
Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Cigars StillWell Star
I know this. For I am a winter baby who's had winter birthdays. Hot cocoa and confetti cake with vanilla icing. The deftly side-stepped threat of Mom's upside-down pineapple cake somehow looming like a spectre. Years later, getting half-drunk off a pastry chef's egregious rum cake at the start of a shift. Smooth, mostly. A quarter tick throaty as it heats. Cloying but comfortably-so. Lemon meringue? Madeleines, slightly over-baked. I've never been to a ski lodge nor have I worn the appropriate s
- 58
Developing Palates· 2026Rocky Patel The Edge Maduro
The Rocky Patel The Edge Maduro Toro had a nice start, with the earth driven profile and nice supporting notes. It took a step down in the second third as some of the supporting notes mellowed and the earth and cedar became a bit stale. It remained at that level the rest of the way. Not a bad offering in this lower priced category, but overall, it's not a cigar I'd really see myself returning to with any real frequency.
- 90
Cigar Coop· 2026· FullNot in our catalogLiga Privada Unico Serie UF-4 2024 by Drew Estate
Today the Liga Privada UF-4 2024 release from Drew Estate. This is an exclusive offering to the Illinois-Casa de Montecristo store Key flavors: Espresso, Earth, Cedar, Mineral, Cream, Pepper.
- 95
Stogie Press· 2026Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Cigars Sobremesa
Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust, founded by renowned cigar blender Steve Saka, has earned a reputation for creating premium cigars that emphasize tobacco quality, complexity, and distinctive smoking experiences. From the popular Mi Querida and Sin Compromiso lines to the Sobremesa portfolio, Saka continues to explore different approaches to blending and cigar construction. One of the Read more about Cigar Review: Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Sobremesa Tapa Negra Toro – Rated 95[…]
- 91
Cigar Coop· 2026· Medium (1st 2/3), Medium to Full (Last third)Aging Room Blue Amber
Today we review the Aging Room Blue Amber Blue Maestro (a torpedo offing). This is a cigar that made its debut in 2026. Key flavors: Berry, Chocolate, Earth, Mineral, Pepper.
- 88
Cigar Dojo· 2026· MediumAging Room Blue Amber
Created to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Aging Room, the Blue Amber pairs tobaccos from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic, including filler from the Las Cumbres region that inspired the cigar's name. The presentation is every bit as premium as its price tag, featuring an oily Nicaraguan wrapper, excellent construction, and one of the more striking bands and box designs on the market. The smoking experience opens with dark chocolate, espresso, plum, and black pepper before transitioning toward green cedar, dusty leather, and earthy notes, with occasional flashes of sweetness providing balance. Construction remains solid throughout, with only minor burn waviness, though the draw stays consistently snug before opening slightly in the second half. The profile finishes considerably drier than it begins, with bitter baker's chocolate, green cedar, earth, and white pepper carrying the cigar to its conclusion.
- 90
Cigar Coop· 2026· Medium (Start), Medium to Full (Remainder)Not in our catalogGorbusto by Aladino Gori (JRE Tobacco Co)
Today we are reviewing the Gorbusto by Aladino Gori. Gorbusto by Aladino is a line of 60 x 4 1/2 cigars introduced by JRE Tobacco Co. Key flavors: Mocha (Coffee, Chocolate), Earth, Cedar, Pepper.
- 94
Stogie Press· 2026Room 101 17th Anniversary
Room101 Cigars, the creative brainchild of Matt Booth, celebrates 17 years in the premium cigar industry with the release of the Room101 17th Anniversary Toro. For this special release, Booth once again partnered with acclaimed cigar maker A.J. Fernandez to create a limited-edition Nicaraguan puro that showcases the tobacco grown and cultivated by Fernandez. Manufactured Read more about Cigar Review: Room101 17th Anniversary Toro – Rated 94[…]
- 82
Halfwheel· 2026HVC 10th Anniversary
Sometimes, it’s just not your day. Even at its best, which for me was the second Pan Caliente de HVC 10th Anniversary Limited Edition 2026, I don’t think this was an average HVC release. The retrohales were enjoyable, but they weren’t significantly better than the standard of the cigars I smoke these days. On the other hand, the flavor in the mouth was consistently boring, the cracking issues of the first cigar torpedoed that cigar early on, and the tight draw of the third cigar likely made me feel a bit ill.
- 97
Kohnhed· 2026· Medium/FullNot in our catalogCaldwell’s Brightest Ascent
Wrapper: Undisclosed Habano Seed Binder: Undisclosed Sumatra Seed Filler: Dominican Size: 6 x 54 Toro Box Pressed Strength: Medium/Full Price: $15.70 Released: June 2025 Quantity Released: 200 Boxe…
- 83
Halfwheel· 2026Illusione Group of Five
As with many cigars that get a score in the mid 80s two years ago, I didn't have a great memory of just what the Illusione The Group of Five RB offered or might have to offer in a redux. If anything, this cigar was hampered by a construction issue—its draw—as well as a combustion issue in its second half. That combustion issue was one thing that carried over from the original review, as I noted that those issues kept the cigar from earning the points the flavor deserved. The flavor in this one cigar didn't seem up to the level of the original three; the first puffs were awkward, and while things got better not long after and held on through the midway point, the flavor both fractures and gets less vibrant in the second half. After four cigars, I'm still not quite sure what exactly the Illusione The Group of Five RB has to offer, but I'm still curious to find out as there's enough in there to have me come back at least one more time.
- 85CigarCzars· 2026
Rocky Patel Emerald
Rockey Patel Emerald cigars are made in Nicaragua with an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, two binders (one from Nicaragua and the other from Mexico), and a blend of filler tobaccos from Nicaragua and Honduras. These cigars became available during 2024 in three box pressed sizes including a Toro (6½ x 52) that was priced at just over $12 per stick at the time of this review. For more information about these cigars, please visitRockyPatel.com.The Rocky Patel Emerald Toro started off with a very pleasant and naturally sweet tobacco flavor. After 10 minutes, the delightful sweet flavor continued and was smooth, mellow, and medium bodied. Within another 10 minutes, a minor touch-up was needed to keep the burn even, and the sweet flavor was beginning to fade just a bit. At the 25-minute mark, I ashed the cigar for the first time when modest earthy and leathery flavors began to emerge. Five minutes later, another touch-up was needed. During the first 30 minutes of the smoking session, I would rate the flavor as excellent and worthy of a 4.5-point rating on a 5-point scale.After 35 minutes of smoking, the earth and leather flavors were becoming more predominant and the sweetness continued to fade. Ten minutes later at the 45-minute mark, a third touch-up was required. During the 15 minute period between 30 and 45-minutes, the flavor was gradually slipping but was still worthy of a superior rating of 4.25 points.At the 50-minute point, I ashed the cigar for the second time. The flavor was now predominately earth and leather with only hints of natural tobacco sweetness. The earth and leather flavors then remained pretty much consistent thereafter as the sweetness continued to fade away.I ashed the cigar for the third time at the 70-minute mark, and then applied a fourth touch-up about five minutes later. I continued smoking until the cigar went out by itself with just under 2 inches remaining, after a total smoke time of 90 minutes. During the last 45 minutes of the cigar (between 45 and 90 minutes), the flavor slipped but managed to hang on to a very good 4 points.Overall, the Rocky Patel Emerald Toro was a superior cigar worthy of a superior rating of 4.25 points on a 5-point scale. The first 30 to 45 minutes were the most enjoyable, but the flavor during the last half of the cigar dropped off. The cigar did have a great draw and held a long ash, but the burn was uneven at times and required several touch-ups. However, no relights were needed. Again, this was a medium-bodied cigar with a delightful naturally sweet tobacco flavor that can be enjoyed by virtually all levels of cigar smokers, including beginners.CigarCzars.com The Rocky Patel Emerald Toro started off with a very pleasant and naturally sweet tobacco flavor. After 10 minutes, the delightful sweet flavor continued and was smooth, mellow, and medium bodied. Within another 10 minutes, a minor touch-up was needed to keep the burn even, and the sweet flavor was beginning to fade just a bit. At the 25-minute mark, I ashed the cigar for the first time when modest earthy and leathery flavors began to emerge. Five minutes later, another touch-up was needed. During the first 30 minutes of the smoking session, I would rate the flavor as excellent and worthy of a 4.5-point rating on a 5-point scale.After 35 minutes of smoking, the earth and leather flavors were becoming more predominant and the sweetness continued to fade. Ten minutes later at the 45-minute mark, a third touch-up was required. During the 15 minute period between 30 and 45-minutes, the flavor was gradually slipping but was still worthy of a superior rating of 4.25 points.At the 50-minute point, I ashed the cigar for the second time. The flavor was now predominately earth and leather with only hints of natural tobacco sweetness. The earth and leather flavors then remained pretty much consistent thereafter as the sweetness continued to fade away.I ashed the cigar for the third time at the 70-minute mark, and then applied a fourth touch-up about five minutes later. I continued smoking until the cigar went out by itself with just under 2 inches remaining, after a total smoke time of 90 minutes. During the last 45 minutes of the cigar (between 45 and 90 minutes), the flavor slipped but managed to hang on to a very good 4 points.Overall, the Rocky Patel Emerald Toro was a superior cigar worthy of a superior rating of 4.25 points on a 5-point scale. The first 30 to 45 minutes were the most enjoyable, but the flavor during the last half of the cigar dropped off. The cigar did have a great draw and held a long ash, but the burn was uneven at times and required several touch-ups. However, no relights were needed. Again, this was a medium-bodied cigar with a delightful naturally sweet tobacco flavor that can be enjoyed by virtually all levels of cigar smokers, including beginners.CigarCzars.com The Rocky Patel Emerald Toro started off with a very pleasant and naturally sweet tobacco flavor. After 10 minutes, the delightful sweet flavor continued and was smooth, mellow, and medium bodied. Within another 10 minutes, a minor touch-up was needed to keep the burn even, and the sweet flavor was beginning to fade just a bit. At the 25-minute mark, I ashed the cigar for the first time when modest earthy and leathery flavors began to emerge. Five minutes later, another touch-up was needed. During the first 30 minutes of the smoking session, I would rate the flavor as excellent and worthy of a 4.5-point rating on a 5-point scale.After 35 minutes of smoking, the earth and leather flavors were becoming more predominant and the sweetness continued to fade. Ten minutes later at the 45-minute mark, a third touch-up was required. During the 15 minute period between 30 and 45-minutes, the flavor was gradually slipping but was still worthy of a superior rating of 4.25 points.At the 50-minute point, I ashed the cigar for the second time. The flavor was now predominately earth and leather with only hints of natural tobacco sweetness. The earth and leather flavors then remained pretty much consistent thereafter as the sweetness continued to fade away.I ashed the cigar for the third time at the 70-minute mark, and then applied a fourth touch-up about five minutes later. I continued smoking until the cigar went out by itself with just under 2 inches remaining, after a total smoke time of 90 minutes. During the last 45 minutes of the cigar (between 45 and 90 minutes), the flavor slipped but managed to hang on to a very good 4 points.Overall, the Rocky Patel Emerald Toro was a superior cigar worthy of a superior rating of 4.25 points on a 5-point scale. The first 30 to 45 minutes were the most enjoyable, but the flavor during the last half of the cigar dropped off. The cigar did have a great draw and held a long ash, but the burn was uneven at times and required several touch-ups. However, no relights were needed. Again, this was a medium-bodied cigar with a delightful naturally sweet tobacco flavor that can be enjoyed by virtually all levels of cigar smokers, including beginners.
- 87
Halfwheel· 2026Gurkha Tres Decadas
The Tres Decadas by Gurkha Toro is a tale of two very different paths. The first and second cigars featured enjoyable but not exactly groundbreaking flavors of cedar, leather and cocoa nibs along with some light honey sweetness on the retrohale. However, after smoking those two in succession, the third cigar was a total shock, with a cracked black pepper and bold barbecue sauce sweetness on the retrohale during the first two thirds along with main flavors of cedar, dry tea leaves, coffee beans and toasted bread. Having said that, each cigar needed multiple burn corrections to stay on track, and while none of them were major issues, I definitely had to keep my lighter close by. In the end, no matter which profile you get, the Tres Decadas by Gurkha Toro is a nice way to commemorate a major milestone in an employee’s career.
- 88
CigarsLover Magazine· 2026Partagas de Bronce
The Partagas de Bronce is a limited collaboration between Partagas and El Titán de Bronze, the legendary factory in Little Havana, Miami, founded by Cuban exile Sandy Cobas. The cigar was blended jointly by STG’s product development manager Justin Andrews and Cobas herself, marking the first time Partagas has partnered with an outside […]
- 52
Developing Palates· 2026CAO Surplus Shade
Overall, the CAO Surplus Shade Robusto had a solid start with some enjoyable sweetness, creaminess and a touch of chocolate that provided the most interesting part of the smoking experience. Unfortunately, the profile became progressively simpler as the review continued, eventually settling into a largely wood-driven experience without much additional development. For a budget cigar, this offering punches well outside of its price class.
- 95
Stogie Press· 2026Crowned Heads Broadway
Crowned Heads has always maintained a strong connection to its Nashville roots, and with the Broadway, the company brings a little bit of Music City into its portfolio. The name is a nod to Nashville’s famous Broadway entertainment district while also playing nicely off the use of a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. Produced at NACSA (Nicaraguan Read more about Cigar Review: Crowned Heads Broadway Toro – Rated 95[…]
- 94
Holt's Staff Reviews· 2026Not in our catalogRocky Patel Mulligans Unicorn
Like a scene in an old-time Looney Tunes cartoon, my wife would smash her rolling pin on my noggin about eight times without pausing if she ever caught me with a $100 cigar in my mouth. That’s too much dough to blow on a single smoke when you consume as many cigars as I do. Mark Twain, notorious for his unapologetic and copious intake of pitifully cheap cigars, would turn over in his grave at the mere suggestion one cigar could cost such an absurd sum.
- 88Kaplowitz· 2026· Medium
Dunbarton 10th Anniversary Jubilee
Sumac & Coriander sounds like an over-priced 'Gastropub' that operates sans menu. Notes italicized above are laid atop a sand castle underbelly. The praline is of a French varietal with the added amuse-bouche amusement of subbing-out more typical nuts for macadamias. Brushed Leather is NOT suede. Combustion starts on a stutter-step stride, smooths continuously throughout. As it does milk chocolate and a yeasty maltiness become apparent. As do wildflower and flinty nods. Nice 'nuff complexities;
- 87
Smokin Tabacco· 2026Not in our catalogSaint Luis Rey Eiroa 30th Anniversary Toro
Check out our latest cigar review of the new Saint Luis Rey Eiroa 30th Anniversary from Altadis USA.
- 89
Cigar Coop· 2026· Medium (1st Half), Medium to Full (2nd Half)Crowned Heads Blood Medicine
We review the Crowned Heads Blood Medicine B Positive LE 2026 5 1/2 x 56 size. This is a line that has connections to the city of Nashville Key flavors: Wood, Cherry, Vanilla, Cream, Pepper.
- 88
Halfwheel· 2026Tatuaje Black Label
The Tatuaje Black Label is my favorite regular production Tatuaje blend. I've long thought it to be a mixture of some of the rougher and bolder elements of Nicaraguan tobacco with the nuance oftentimes more found in the Caribbean. Unfortunately, these cigars were missing a lot of the rustic aspects. The first two cigars were missing so much body, they simply didn't taste anything like the Black Label blend as I know it. The good news is that a decent bit of the complexity was still there and the end result was an enjoyable cigar, but it's not the profile I remember.
- 92Kaplowitz· 2026· Med.-Full/Full
Dunbarton Red Meat Lovers
A no bull-shit straight-shootin' son-of-a-gun. Sometimes I like being lied to, though. Very consistent smoke; dutifully earning its nom de puff with each and every puff. Cracked black pepper. Boots, belts, and saddle leathers. N'awlins style Cafe du Monde Coffee (& Chicory). Minerality-laced powdery underpinning at back-end--a taste of tzimmes right prior that. Not exactly my cup of tea, but a sterling example of that kinda cuppa.
- 95
Stogie Press· 2026Black Label Trading Co. Cigars Culture Vulture
Black Works Studio (BLK WKS) has never been a brand afraid to push the boundaries of cigar design, and its latest limited-edition release, the Culture Vulture, certainly continues that philosophy. Handcrafted at Fábrica Oveja Negra in Estelí, Nicaragua, the Culture Vulture was announced in September 2026 and began shipping to select retailers later that month. Read more about Cigar Review: Black Works Studio Culture Vulture Robusto – Rated 95[…]
- 63
Developing Palates· 2026Montecristo Classic Series
The Montecristo Classic No. 2 had a nice flavor profile through the first two thirds, focused around toasted cedar and earth, but the supporting notes all did a good job of balancing the profile. It took a step down in the final third as the balance went off a bit due to the earth, leather and strength. This is a nice Connecticut shade offering that offers a lower strength profile. It's fairly expensive, but if you are OK with this price range and enjoy this profile, it's well worth a try and isn't just a cigar playing off the Cuban name.
- 84
Klaro Cigars· 2026· FullAJ Fernandez Cigars San Lotano Requiem Maduro
As one of the strongest, most full-bodied cigars we stock, this Mexican maduro is a box-pressed exercise in power, smoke texture, and dark chocolate goodness...
- 88
Klaro Cigars· 2026· Mild-MediumPerdomo 20th Anniversary Connecticut
After 8 years of aging and 8 months of bourbon barrel conditioning, the wrapper on the cigar shown here is deemed worthy of application. And it is so good...
- 91
The Cigar Authority· 2026Rocky Patel Sapphire
Released in 2026, the Rocky Patel Sapphire is the latest addition to Rocky Patel’s Gemstone series, joining Gold and Emerald. Inspired by
Expert Cigar Reviews & Tasting Ratings Guide
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Professional cigar reviews help you make informed buying decisions. Cigar critics analyze the burn, draw, and flavor notes of each blend. By reading these reviews, you can avoid buying cigars that do not fit your taste profile. Understanding tasting notes helps you discover new flavors you will enjoy.
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Tasting notes describe the specific flavors found in a cigar. Common tasting descriptors include pepper, wood, earth, leather, and cream. Some aged wrapper leaves produce sweet notes like cocoa or caramel. As a cigar burns, these flavors will change and develop, creating a complex experience.
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Evaluating Binder & Filler Blends
A cigar's profile is more than just its wrapper leaf. The binder holds the filler tobaccos in place and ensures an even burn. The filler leaves form the core of the cigar and provide the majority of its body. Different combinations of tobaccos from Nicaragua, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic create unique flavor profiles.