Avo's Greatest Hits Sampler

AVO's collected works.

AVO cigars are a collaboration between Avo Uvezian, the famous composer of Sinatra’s "Strangers in the Night," and Davidoff.  This highly decorated brand has become one of the biggest in America thanks to its relentless consistency and exceptional balance of strength and flavor. Every year the crazy old man comes out with a limited edition cigar. This year was the AVO 88 which we got in around may as you can see here on our blog. Now here's your chance to sample the entire line of limited editions, 14 top-selling AVOs all nestled in a collectible box. The 2012 is one of my personal favorites, as well as the 80th Anniversary and the 2009 Companero, I also loved the Legacy... Hell I love them all!



The AVO Greatest Hits Collection includes:
1 - 2001 - AVO 75th (7" x 50)
1 - 2002 - AVO 22 American (5.8" x 50)
1 - 2003 - AVO 77 (6.5" x 50)
1 - 2004 - AVO Legacy (5.75" x 48)
1 - 2006 - AVO 80th Anniversary (6" x 52)
1 - 2007 - AVO Limited Edition 2007 (5.5" x 48)
1 - 2008 - AVO Limited Edition 2008 Tesoro (5.75" x 50)
1 - 2009 - AVO Limited Edition 2009 Companero (6" x 54)
1 - 2010 - AVO Limited Edition 2010 (5" x 55)
1 - 2011 - AVO 85th Anniversary (6.75" x 50)
1 - 2012 - AVO Limited Edition 2012 La Trompeta (6.5" x 54)
1 - 2012 - AVO 25th Anniversary Edition (6" x 52)
1 - 2013 - AVO Limited Edition 2013 The Dominant 13th (6" x 52)
1 - 2014 - AVO Limited Edition 2014 88 (6" x 52)

Opus X Angel Share

When wine makers store their wine for long periods of time in oak barrels, some of it will evaporate from the barrel. They use the term Angel's Share alluding to the belief that the guardian angels watching over the wine have sampled it and gave their blessing. Following a warehouse fire destroying thousands of bales of tobacco, Fuente Jr. stated that the angels enjoyed the smoke and the concept was born. The OpusX Angel's Share utilizes the middle priming's of the tobacco plant where the heart and flavor is. A very elegant OpusX offering, Angel's Share exhibits a well-balanced flavor profile of cedar, nutmeg, and spice. It's like an Original Opus X with a little less bit. A great cigar for any pallet.  We stock them in the double Chateau size which is the largest of the Angel Share Vitolas. 

Opus X PerfeXion A (in Coffin)

The rarest and most sought after brands in the world, Fuente Fuente OpusX cigars are Dominican puros first introduced in the mid-1990s. Chateau de la Fuente is home to some of the finest cigars of our time. Born from a volcanic, mineral rich soil and is regarded as the pinnacle of cigar perfection,

Housed in coffins, this is the largest vitola within the line and there is no better way to spend a few hours during a special occasion than lighting up a Fuente Fuente PerfecXion A. The construction and burn is exceptional and the complex flavors are both bold and smooth, an experience only achieved with the exclusive Fuente Fuente OpusX wrapper tobacco.

The OpusX Is already a difficult find to begin with. The OpusX PerfeXion A is almost Impossible to find. Limited quantities available
for a short time.


The OpusX PerfeXion A pictured below (1) in comparison to the rest of the line.

CLE Plus

After opening the new Aladino Factory, Christian Eiroa is back and the CLE Plus is his latest project. A follow-up to the 90-rated CLE Corojo, CLE Plus has been described as “the full-bodied Corojo cigar the market has been looking for.” With good looks to spare, CLE Plus has an impressive construction that’s sure to please. Eiroa truly loves creating full-bodied cigars, as evident here with this superbly blended Honduran puro. This enticing handmade includes prominent notes of flavor including oak, spice, molasses, and earth. CLE Plus gets it right, and it’s sure to satisfy fans of bold, full-bodied cigars everywhere.

Camacho Double Shock

Two wrappers are better than one.
Aficionados near and far are chomping at the bit to get their paws dirty with this blend. One of the most unique concoctions to come out in ages, this is a five country cocktail brimming with flavor. Instantly recognizable by its “dos capas,” or double wrapper, this puppy is as complex as they come. Hold onto your britches and get ready for the ride of your life with Double Shock Limited Edition by Camacho.
This is one medium to full-bodied, Honduran-made, diamond in the rough. Double Shock LE utilizes a barber pole wrapper style. The lighter of the two is a fan favorite Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, and a darker San Andres Maduro is twisted right beside it. To say this gem is aesthetically pleasing would be an understatement – this is a flat out visual triumph. A prized Criollo binder hugs long-fillers from Pennsylvania, the Dominican, and Honduras…If you’ve been counting, you’ll realize that’s five countries in one cigar. Notes of cocoa and coffee from the San Andres wrapper are accented by the sweet spiciness of the Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, with slight nuances of earth, leather, and oak making appearances throughout as well. The only downside to this masterpiece is the limited quantities that come along with a blend as unparalleled as this one, so jump on this bandwagon the first chance you get!

Roma Craft Cigar company

 A small boutique cigar company Out of Texas. These are a brand you wont find At any cigar shop. Only three retailers stock them in the entire state of Michigan. The blends are really unique and I took a liking to them instantly.






The CroMagnon is a boutique blend from RoMa Craft Tobac utilizing some of the world’s most sought after tobaccos. This full-bodied blend is cloaked in a dark and rich Connecticut Broadleaf maduro wrapper that encompasses a unique Cameroon binder. These tobaccos produce just the right amount of kick, which pairs well with the sweetness of the Broadleaf wrapper.

The excellence doesn’t stop there though: the fillers are made up from three separate growing regions in Nicaragua: Esteli, Condega and a small farm north of Esteli on the Honduran border. The use of these diverse tobaccos delivers the precise deep and rich tobacco flavor the guys at RoMa Craft wanted to present in the CroMagnon. This small boutique brand is truly worth trying out, an example that boutique cigar companies are very capable of producing world class smokes.

 The Intemperance line of cigars was launched by RoMa Craft Tobac in 2012.  RoMa Craft Tobac was launched as a collaboration between Michael Rosales and Skip Martin  This collaboration combined the operations of their two companies, Costa Rican Imports, LLC and Galveston Bay Tobacco, LLC.  The Intemperance line is made at RoMa Craft Tobac's own factory in Esteli Nicaragua called Fabrica de NicaSueno.  The Intemperance line was launched in two blends, and Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapped blend called the Intemperance EC XVIII and a Brazilian Arapiraca wrapped blend called the Intemperance BA XXI.

La Aroma De Cuba Noblesse

For the first time in the brand's history, the Ashton-owned La Aroma de Cuba now has a limited-edition cigar. Dubbed the Noblesse, the new release comes in one size and was created to commemorate the success of the La Aroma de Cuba line since its production was moved from Honduras to Nicaragua.
Made by My Father Cigars S.A., the Noblesse measures 6 1/2 inches by 52 ring and features an Ecuadoran Habano wrapper that Ashton categorizes as rosado. The rest of the cigar consists of Nicaraguan tobacco all grown on farms owned by the Garcia family, proprietors of the My Father Cigars factory.
"We wanted to do something special for the brand," said Ashton vice president Sathya Levin. "La Aroma de Cuba has been growing tremendously since we turned the operation over to the Garcias. We've never done a limited edition for La Aroma before.

If the name sounds familiar, it's because the Noblesse was originally supposed to be a cigar made exclusively for the Ashton Cigar Bar in Philadelphia last year. Plans changed, however, and the Noblesse never made it to the lounge.

"The packaging ended up being so stunning and the cigar so good that we knew we had to release it to the entire market," Levin said. "Rather than being a small-batch cigar available only at Ashton Cigar Bar, La Aroma de Cuba Noblesse is a limited edition being released to the world."
The Noblesse also marks the fifth iteration of the brand. When it debuted in 2003, La Aroma de Cuba was marketed as a premium value cigar and produced in Honduras by Altadis's Flor de Copan factory. Ashton temporarily stopped production of the line and subsequently turned it over to the Garcias in 2009. The cigar was reblended and the line was reintroduced, going from 10 sizes to five. La Aroma de Cuba remained a value brand, and as the cigar started to regain popularity, Ashton slowly added sizes, beefing up the portfolio, which is now up to 11 regular-production vitolas. Three line extensions now exist: La Aroma de Cuba Edicion Especial, Mi Amor and Mi Amor Reserva.
Only 3,000 boxes of 24 will be made. According to Levin, the entire production of the La Aroma de Cuba Noblesse is completed and aging in Nicaragua until the smokes are packaged and shipped in the fall, however, samples should be available at the upcoming IPCPR trade show.

La palina Mr. Sam

Honoring the man that started it all, Mr. Sam is back from La Palina cigars...

Started in 1896, La Palina was the brainchild of Samuel Paley. The man, the myth, the legend ran a tight cigar factory, yet, was beloved by his faithful employees who bestowed upon him the nickname “Mr. Sam”. With fine aspects of quality craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to excellence, the Paley family has created a brand that you can trust and one that enthusiasts everywhere are happy that is revived.

Produced at the famous El Titan de Bronze factory in Miami, Mr. Sam has returned by popular demand now in three different sizes. The shiny Ecuadorian Habano wrapper glistens once you open the box and is only topped by the expertly crafted triple-cap. The fillers are a collection of hearty Nicaraguan tobaccos that burn in perfect unison with the seamless wrapper and produce rich plumes of hearty smoke. Balanced notes of oak, cedar, and spice consume the palate and will instantly have you yearning for more once you're done..

La Flor 1994

1994 By La Flor Dominicana holds a very special meaning to the company that brought you some of the highest rated cigars year after year. The 1994 commemorates Litto and Ines Gomez's 20th year with the LFD cigar brand they created. Dominican longfillers and binders are dressed in an oily Mexican San Andres maduro wrapper, with 4 sizes to choose from. If you're a fan of LFD, you should only expect yet another cigar with stellar flavor and a full bodied strength profile.

Jericho Hill By Crowned heads

This cigar is dedicated to the true Man in Black, the one and only Johnny Cash. The folks over at Crowned Heads are  sticking to their musically themed cigar lines and have decided to honor Cash with their newest release, Jericho Hill. One of the most influential American singer/songwriters of all time, Johnny’s checkered past compelled him to perform one of his most famous tracks –  Cocaine Blues, from his renowned concert at Folsom Prison. This is the ballad of a scorned man named Willy Lee whose drug induced rage got him arrested by a sheriff from Jericho Hill. Every aspect of this cigar takes inspiration from the song.
Jericho Hill boasts a dark and sultry Mexican San Andres wrapper, which is a nod to both Juarez, Mexico, where Willy Lee was arrested, and to Johnny’s nickname, “Man in Black.” Nicaraguan long-fillers and a Nicaraguan binder help to give Jericho Hill some serious attitude (just like Johnny had). Stuffed to the brim with blasts of pepper, spice, and leather, this is one full-bodied firecracker. Only the most potent of blends would suffice in paying tribute to a legend of Johnny Cash’s stature, and this one fits the bill. RIP, JC.

Tatuaje Tattoo

This is one tattoo you certainly won’t regret.
The buzz has been flying over the reintroduction of the Tatuaje Tattoo series, which originally appeared in 2011 in a limited edition version. The cigar was massively popular, and for good reason, a great blend without the boutique price tag. There is no question why the new Tattoo should be any different, seeing as how it comes with an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and an enticing mix of Nicaraguan filler leaves. Medium bodied and bursting with notes of cocoa, leather, pepper and a slight sweetness. At a very Affordable price.

Room 101 the big payback

Matt Booth, a jeweler by trade, created the Room 101 cigar brand to compliment his silver accessory line of the same name. More of a lifestyle than simply a brand, Room 101 quickly became popular with cigar smokers around the world. And as a thank you to his supporters, Matt Booth created this, The Big Payback cigar.

In a word, this commemorative cigar is big – big in size, body, and flavor. As a Nicaraguan Puro, it is spicy, but balanced by a savory combination of bitter coffee, inviting wood, and smooth leather. Light up Room 101’s The Big Payback to discover a perfect draw and burn that you’ll enjoy straight through to the luxurious finish.

Available in three sizes (5x50, 6x60 and 7x70) – all of them larger than the average premium – these medium-full bodied smokes are an incredible value

Montecristo Espada

The page of history for one of the most recognized and well respected brands in the world has been turned with the first ever Montecristo made 100% with pure Nicaraguan tobaccos. Following the blending success of Montecristo MONTE, the task of creating Monecristo Espada was once again put in the hands of the companies most skilled and accomplished cigar blenders – the famed Grupo de Maestros. Joining forces with the Plasencia Family, two masters of their craft unite to create one of the world’s best premium cigars.

Part of the famous Montecristo logo, “Espada” means sword which is a fitting mark for this majestic blend. The Maestros worked tirelessly to craft a Nicaraguan puro using specially aged vintage tobaccos from the country’s top three growing regions. Montecristo Espada shines with an oily Habano Jalapa Vintage 2010 wrapper and a blend of vintage Nicaraguan filler tobaccos from Jalapa, Ometepe, and Condega. Packaged in unique suede-wrapped 10-count boxes, Montecristo Espada is a cigar of true elegance offering a rich, complex body, and deeply satisfying finish.

Cohiba Edicion Diamante 2013

Made for special occasions.
Cohiba is synonymous with cigars. After Castro took control in Cuba, he commissioned Cohiba to create the finest cigars on the planet to serve exclusively to dignitaries and high-ranking officials. Over the years, the cigars became available to the general public and today they are considered the greatest cigar brand in Cuba. These top-notch super premium handmades are no less impressive than their Cuban counterparts, and they hail from the Dominican Republic.
Cohiba Diamante 2013 redefines what it means to be vintage. Dressed in an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind 32-year-aged Cameroon wrapper, you’ll know in an instant that Diamante is better than all the rest.  Beneath this incredibly well-aged cloak awaits a medley of hand-selected Dominican long-fillers, the combination of which provides an ultra-smooth, medium-bodied character that most any palate will appreciate. Punctuated notes of cedar and leather marry in beautiful harmony, and linger long after your last puff. When the occasion is special as special can be, look no further than Cohiba Diamante 2013. The toro size comes in glass tubes, the Gigante comes in wood coffins, and the 'A' size comes in a wood tube.

La Gloria Cubana Serie R esteli and la gloria Cubana rival Twin

Serie R Esteli consists of large ring, full-flavored Nicaraguan puros blended with ligeros and visos from multiple farms throughout the country, including those from Jalapa. Serie R Esteli is handcrafted in Nicaragua and exhibits the complexity of optimally-aged Nicaraguan tobacco, through its thick, oily Jalapa Sol wrapper. This collection is available only at brick and mortar cigar shops.

 This package brings together two different blends - one from La Gloria Cubana's Dominican-based factory and one its Honduran based factories. The cigar has a story that is a rivalry between Lady La Gloria representing the Dominican factory and her "darker rival twin" representing the Honduran factory.

Chapter 3: The Lady La Gloria blend and with an Ecuadorian Habano-based blend. Chapter 4: The darker Rival Twin's blend with a Honduran Rosado Oscuro wrapper. Both cigars are a large 8 x 52 vitola. The packaging features two compartments held together by a magnet. One compartment contains 12 cigars of Chapter 3 and the other contains 12 cigars of Chapter 4.

My father Connecticut

Known by many as the full-bodied master, Jose “Pepin” Garcia strays from the norm in his newest endeavor. And it’s no surprise that My Father Connecticut is still damn tasty, despite its much mellower character. A wonderfully blended mild to medium-bodied beauty that is certainly not lacking in flavor.
Starting from the cold draw, the carefully selected Nicaraguan Corojo 99’ binder and Nicaraguan Habano and Criollo long-fillers are noticeable, delivering slightly sweet and earthy nuances. The pristine Ecuadorian Connecticut shade wrapper can be deceiving, having a refined spice lingering throughout. A thoroughly complex smoke, My Father Connecticut secures its spot right alongside the other countless 90+ rated achievements credited to the Garcia family name.  
​

Crowned Heads Las Calaveras

Crowned Heads Las Calaveras was inspired by “La Calavera Catrina,” a zinc etching by Mexican printmaker and illustrator, Jose Guadalupe Posada.
The image depicts a female skeleton dressed only in a hat, and has become an icon of the Mexican Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.  The holiday focuses upon gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember those who have died.
Beginning with the Edicion Limitada 2014, Las Calaveras will be an annual release that is a respectful homage to those who have passed away in the year before, and is intended to be a celebration of their lives and remembrances, rather than a mourning or a symbol of sadness and death.  Each year, we all lose a friend or loved one, or know of someone who has endured that same loss. In today’s fast-paced world, it is all too easy to forget the fragile nature that is life.  Often, in the race to gain material success, we lose sight that our true legacy are the lives we touch and the love we leave behind once we pass on.  It is in this spirit that Las Calaveras pays tribute to those who have touched our lives and shared their love.
With each year’s annual limited release, the blend and presentation of Las Calaveras will be altered.  What will remain the same, however, is the spirit behind the cigar.  We hope that with this annual remembrance, we will choose to celebrate–rather than mourn–the lives of those who have so graciously shared their legacies with us.

A total of 3,000 boxes (72,000 cigars) of Las Calaveras EL 2014 were produced at the My Father Cigars S.A. factory in Esteli, Nicaragua, under the supervision of Jose “Pepin” Garcia and Jaime Garcia.  The Garcia family has garnered a reputation as makers of some of the world’s finest cigars, including Cigar Aficionado magazine’s “Cigar of the Year 2012.”
Las Calaveras is packaged in 24-count boxes, each containing 3 rows of 8 cigars.  The 3 rows represent life’s cycle of a beginning, middle, and end.  In biblical terms, the number ‘8’ signifies new beginnings, and in mathematical terms an ‘8’ laid on its side symbolizes “infinity,” as in eternal life.

Avo 88

AVO 88 Limited Edition 2014 was made to celebrate Avo Uvezian’s 88th birthday, but more than that it was made to celebrate his life’s passion. An avid piano player, this cigar’s name is also a nod to the 88 keys on a piano and is limited to 8,888 boxes.

Avo cigars hail from the Tabadom factory in the Dominican Republic. This notorious factory is the same location where Davidoff cigars are also produced, and is known throughout the world as one of the most premier cigar facilities currently still in operation. Each stick is carefully blended by Avo Uvezian and Hendrik Kelner - top industry specialists - who are known for producing some of the finest, most premium blends on the market.

This Dominican puro includes a carefully curated mix of premium long-filler leaves with an absolutely stunning Dominican Yamasa wrapper on the outside. It’s offered exclusively in the belicoso size, which was determined to be the ideal way to enjoy all of the smooth, complex flavor notes.

San Lotano Oval line

Before the Oval, San Lotano was praised by all who crossed its path. But after Oval there’s nothing left to say - this exciting new handmade says all that needs to be said.

Introducing the San Lotano Oval, a completely unique blend and shape that’s all its own. Featuring a distinctively-shaped press finish that looks like, you guessed it, an oval, and a blend of tobaccos that’s equally as unique, San Lotano Oval is truly a special cigar. Sporting a toothy and scrumptious Habano 2000 wrapper and brimming with rich Nicaraguan and Honduran long fillers, San Lotano Oval is primed for flavor. Accenting the blend further is a secret filler, known only to the people at Tabacalera Fernandez. Despite its untraditional appearance, this shape perfectly complements this masterfully blended handmade, creating an amazingly smooth and balanced experience. Expect notes of leather, nuts, and spice backed by a long, rich finish. Medium to full-bodied, the Oval burns and draws spot on. Unlike anything else, and that’s a good thing.

partagas 1845 Series

Partagas 1845:
Draped in a unique Ecuadorian Habano viso wrapper and generously filled with an intricate blend of long-fillers including Dominican Piloto Cubano ligero, Nicaraguan Guardian viso, Esteli seco, ASP seco, and a Connecticut Habano Broadleaf binder, Partagas 1845 was bred to deliver ample flavor. And deliver it does - this cigar is overflowing with hearty, rich tobacco notes, sweetness, coffee, pepper, and cedar. That hallmark Partagas smoothness remains, but the main core of flavors is a drastic departure. And that's a good thing. If you like robust, flavorful, boutique-style handmades,



Partagas Extra Fuerte:
 The evolution of Partagas continues with an incredibly flavorful addition to the acclaimed 1845 line. Extra Fuerte blends unmistakable Nicaraguan spice with a lush Ecuadoran Habano ligero wrapper for a memorable smoke that strikes an intricate balance between intensity and complexity.

H. Upmann Banker

Legend has it that Carl and Herman Upmann, a pair of ambitious German bankers, traveled to Cuba in 1844 with the intention of creating the perfect cigar. This top-secret blend was reserved solely for their most important (read: wealthiest) clients, and was locked in a vault to keep it away from prying eyes. Unfortunately, the bank burned down in the 20s, but luckily enough for you and me, attempts have been made to reintroduce this special concoction. That’s where H. Upmann The Banker comes into play.
Swathed in a super-dark Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and filled to the gills with vintage long-filler leaves from Nicaragua and the Dominican, this bold treat is worth writing home about. Spicy enough to keep you on your toes without overwhelming, the blend is medium in body with a distinctly creamy texture and features solid, earthy notes. It’s the perfect choice for your favorite hedge fund manager, or for anyone who appreciates a well-made, intensely satisfying Cuban-esque premium handmade with a bit of history behind it.

Kristoff Galerones Series

Intensivo is Kristoff’s first box press cigar and its fullest bodied cigar. While it may not “knock you out” with pure strength, the flavor and complexity is nothing short of “Intense”. Intensivo delivers big notes of spice, dark chocolate covered caramel, rich espresso, and decadent hazel nuts sprinkled with sea salt.

 

 

Blend

Wrapper: Brazilian Maduro
Binder: Nicaraguan Cuban Seed
Filler: Nicaraguan Cuban Seed, Dominican Cuban Seed, Honduran Cuban Seed

Ceniza De Plata, meaning “Silver Ash”, is an extremely rich medium-full bodied cigar with pronounced
notes of spice, a hint of black pepper, sweet milk chocolate and a smooth coffee and cream finish.
When you smoke this cigar, you’ll know why it’s called “Ceniza De Plata”.
 

 

 

Blend

Wrapper: San Andreas, Mexico
Binder: Ecuador Cuban Seed
Filler: Triple Nicaraguan C



 .
The DR4 is Kristoff’s mildest cigar but is still loaded with rich flavor. Utilizing four distinct Cuban Seed tobaccos from the Dominican Republic, hence “DR4”, the cigar delivers sweet cedar notes, almonds, honey and rich continuous notes of cream throughout. Blended for the beginner and experienced smoker alike.

 

 

 

Blend

Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Nicaraguan Cuban Seed
Filler: Quad Dominican Cuban Seed

Monte by Montecristo

Monte by Montecristo is a modern twist on the classic cigar. The Monte features a double binder, composed of a Dominican Olor and Nicaraguan Corojo which encases an aged Dominican filler, all wrapped in a rich Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. With the name of Montecristo, you can be assured you will get the same flavor, complexity, and enjoyment out of this cigar that you have come to expect from all of Montecristo's offerings. In a word, this smoke is exquisite. Available in all three sizes, At an affordable price for a Montecristo. $8.49- $9.99 retail.

Sublimes Cigars

SUBLIMES cigars began as a hidden gem, having been sold mostly in South Florida since 2004. It was in not until 2011 that the company decided to take SUBLIMES national. Initially hand-rolled in Little Havana, as demand for SUBLIMES increased they quickly found themselves outgrowing their Miami operations. As a result, since August 2013 they have moved production to Estelí, Nicaragua where they are rolled entirely by hand from the very finest Cuban seed tobaccos.
The process of creating these superior cigars, combined with the careful cultivation of the finest tobacco available limits the number of SUBLIMES cigars that can be produced each year.
The outcome. I nicely rolled, nice slow burning, Smooth smoke. One I added to my regular rotation immediately
. 

Ep Carillo Inch Short Run

Two years ago E.P. Carrillo released a well-received cigar called the INCH. Saying it was inspired by customer’s request for larger ring gauge cigars, Ernesto Perez-Carrillo didn’t want to do a line extension of his current production, so instead blended something new fit for the larger format.

Since 2010, the company has created a limited edition run of cigars, largely based off current production cigars aptly known as the Short Run. The cigars normally appear on shelves early in the year and carry a secondary band.
This year E.P. Carrillo took the INCH, tweaked the binder and wrapper and created the INCH Short Run 2014. It's absolutely delicious.

Four Kicks by crowned heads

As people, we all adhere to normalcy. From what we eat and drink, to running around like mindless ants to get to where we're going. We're all victims of 'normal'. But at the end of the day, normal can get boring, fast. That's where cigar companies like Crowned Heads come into play. Influenced by the edgy, rebellious, and determined lyrics of the band, Kings of Leon, Crowned Heads goes against the programming of everyday handmades. Without further adieu, enter their first creation, Four Kicks cigars. Their motto is simple, yet loud and clear. Stick to who you are, stay loyal to those you care about, and never forget where you came from.

Crafted under the watchful eye of E.P. Carrillo in the Dominican, Four Kicks brings the substance in spades. At first glance, it's easy to think of this is as a powerhouse cigar. But a closer look reveals a medium-bodied cigar bursting with flavor. It all starts with a smooth, reddish-brown Ecuador Habano wrapper. This leaf is seamlessly applied to a core of Nicaraguan long-fillers hugged by a Nicaraguan binder. From the first puff, the senses are met with a wave of chewy, spicy-sweet flavors. Nuts, leather, and a steady dose of pepper join forces with creamy, cedary undertones. There's a lot going on, but one thing is for sure. It works, and works well. Complex, interesting, and one eye-catching handmade, this should be on your to try list.

J.D. Howard Reserve by crowned heads

 

                             J.D. Howard Reserve is a throwback to an era where times were wild, yet values upheld. It is an outlaw's take on the laws of tradition. It's an homage to our country's history, and a look towards the future of cigars. The J.D. Howard Reserve blend was built around juxtaposition and contradiction. It's character bold yet refined; it's flavor profile is simple yet complex. It meets your palate with a spicy pepper rush and leaves it with subtly sweet cocoa notes. It is a rugged yet balanced smoke that is medium to full in body and full in flavor.

Aging room Quattro

  The No. 2 cigar in Cigar Aficionado top 25.
The Aging Room Quattro
was created by brand owner Rafael Nodal of Boutique Blends Cigars and cigarmaker Jochi Blanco of Tabacalera La Palma. The name Concerto is a nod to the musical background of Nodal, an accomplished violin player and pianist who began selling cigars in 2002, first under the name Oliveros. Blanco, who grows tobacco and makes cigars, turned to some of his homegrown leaves for the bunch and a rather unusual wrapper to cloak the Churchill-sized cigar.

The wrappers were grown on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, and while Sumatra seed grown elsewhere is a big component in the premium cigar industry, the Sumatra that actually grows in Indonesia doesn’t play as heavily in the premium cigar world. Indonesian tobacco gets more use on machine-made cigars, particularly the tiny dry-cured variety that are made in Europe. The story goes that the wrapper leaves used for this cigar had been sitting around in a warehouse owned by a German cigar producer before they were found by the Aging Room team. The result is a balanced, sophisticated cigar that displays rich notes of roasted coffee bean and sweet cedar. 

The Gurkha Cellar Reserve Limitada maduro

The Gurkha Cellar Reserve Limited


The Gurkha Cellar Reerve Limitada incorporates a Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper over the same blend as the original Gurkha Cellar Reserve.  According to Oliver Hyams, Marketing Manager at Gurkha, he feels the cigar has a "rich taste" as well as "added level of sweetness as a result of that wrapper.

The original Gurkha Cellar Reserve was introduced back in 2011 using a Criollo '98 wrapper.
a is a cigar that was officially launched by Gurkha Cigar Group at the 2013 IPCPR Trade.  This cigar is a maduro version of the Cellar Reserve that is intended to be a limited edition cigar.

Gloria De Leon

Curivari is a Nicaraguan boutique cigar company that truly embodies the term “for the love of the leaf.” According to the company, their blends are made exclusively with Cuban-seed Criollo and Corojo leaves. Their Gloria de Leon line, a full-bodied Nicaraguan puro, is one of their finest blends yet. Expect a robust smoke with notes of caramel, coffee, cocoa, spice, and some Nicaraguan earthiness. Top that off with exceptional construction and you’ve got a truly exquisite smoke.

ROMEO by Romeo y Julieta Gran Bully Special Edition

Originally introduced in 2012, the ROMEO by Romeo y Julieta blend was an addition to Altadis U.S.A.’s existing Romeo y Julieta brand featuring a different wrapper and a stronger blend compared to the normal Romeo y Julieta line. While there were initially four sizes when it launched, the line has grown to six different regular production vitolas with ring gauges ranging from 44 on the small end to 60 on the large end.
During the 2013 IPCPR show in Las Vegas, Altadis U.S.A. announced it would be producing a limited edition 6 x 60 cigar in the ROMEO by Romeo y Julieta line. Named the Gran Bully, the 6 x 60 cigar is sold in boxes of 10 and has a total production of 60,000 cigars.

ryj by romeo y julieta

For the first time ever, Altadis U.S.A. is releasing a version of it's famed Romeo y Julieta brand made entirely of Nicaraguan tobacco.
The RyJ by Romeo y Julieta is a Nicaraguan puro constructed with a double binder of Estelí and Jalapa leaf and fillers from Jalapa, Estelí, and La Mia. Altadis says the wrapper, also Nicaraguan, is grown exclusively for the company, though they are not sharing the specific region of origin.

This is the second addition to the company's Romeo y Julieta portfolio in recent years. The last iteration, Romeo by Romeo y Julieta, sported an Ecuadoran wrapper and took third place in our 2012 Top 25 list.
RyJ, which the company says is rich, bold, and spicy, will come in three sizes: Bully Grande, 5 by 54; Toro, 6 by 52, and Piramide, 6 1/8 by 54. They will retail for between $8 to $8.75, and should ship later this month.

La flor chapter 1

There is a first time for everything. And this, the Chapter One Chisel, is LFD's first ever box-pressed Chisel cigar. Not only that, but this cigar also happens to be the first cigar blended by Antonio Gomez, son of brand owner Litto Gomez. Antonio had the idea of box-pressing the cigar, he then began crafting the cigar leaf by leaf. A very dark Brazilian Ligero Oscuro wrapper conceals a Connecticut Broadleaf binder that really gives this cigar a kick. As the Chapter One is box-pressed, Antonio increased the ring gauge to 58, which has a more drastic look as the head tapers to the famous chisel shape.

Full in body, the Chapter One Chisel is quite possibly the strongest LFD Chisel to date. Expect savory flavors of earth, spice, and pepper that will have you reminiscing long after the smoke has gone. Act fast, as the Chapter One Chisel will be limited to 10,000 boxes of 10 before production ceases.

La Flor Oro

According to Litto Gomez, this line is said to be “an amped up Coronado blend,” a reference to the line that debuted in 2006 with the company’s first use of Nicaraguan Habano sun-grown leaves. The Cuban-seed wrapper leaves for the Oro come from a higher priming on the plant, which results in a bit more flavor and punch.
The name for the Oro line, which means gold in Spanish, is a nod to Gomez’s previous career. In the mid 1990s, Gomez owned a jewelry shop in Miami’s North Beach neighborhood called Pekin’s. One day just before closing time, two men came into the shop and proceeded to gag and bind the hands of Gomez and his jeweler and make off with some $400,000 in jewelry. The pair were never caught, and while Gomez rarely speaks of that day, when he does its with gratitude as it was what turned him to the cigar business.
We stock the new La Flor Dominicana Oro is in Two versions, a Natural and Maduro in the Toro-like No. 6 vitola, which measures 6 x 54 and has a $12.50 MSRP.

Perdomo 20th anniversary

There's a reason Perdomo cigars have commanded permanent residence in this industry. Few brands define a country's cigar dominance quite like Perdomo. Indeed, the Perdomo family has embraced the raw, satisfying flavors Nicaraguan tobaccos have to offer, and when combined with Perdomo’s characteristic, top-notch quality control standards and attention to detail, each Perdomo cigar delivers a full-flavored experience that’s second to none.​
Perdomo 20th Anniversary celebrates this rich, family history of Nicaraguan handmades. Each Perdomo cigar employs bold, Cuban-seed long-fillers grown throughout Nicaragua’s black, volcanic soils. Top-priming tobaccos from Esteli, Jalapa, and Condega....patiently aged and skillfully blended to perfection. But then there’s the wrapper. Where the fun really happens. Nicaraguan Broadleaf maduro and c
orojo wrappers from the highest priming, extra-fermented, cedar-aged, then barrel-aged in old bourbon barrels for 14+ months prior to being applied. A gentle box-press is the finishing touch to this impressive Nicaraguan puro. A tremendous effort delivering a gracefully bold and complex bouquet with each cigar. Rich, toasty notes of cocoa, coffee, and leather coat the palate as subtle hints of sweet pepper and earth complete each puff. The strength gradually builds during the slow burn, completing a satisfying and incredibly well-made premium from the Perdomo family.

Partagas 1845 Extra Fuerte

Blended by Jhonys Diaz, General's vice president of operations, along with its development team, the

Partagas 1845 Extra Fuerte combines a high-priming Ecuador Havana wrapper with a Connecticut Havana binder and a filler blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican tobacco.

The new line comes presented in the same eye-catching wood and plexiglass boxes as the original. The band design is the same as well, save for its change from gold to silver.