#10 – Arcana CAO Mortal Coil

The CAO Arcana Mortal Coil was certainly an enjoyable cigar, but that didn’t come without it’s issues. The draw on 3 of the cigars I smoked were all a bit on the tight side. Not anything that killed the experience but it did require some extra effort. Outside of that, I enjoyed the flavor profile, and the pricing seems perfect if the cigar performed without the issues. The flavor profile was particularly exceptional. I have a handful more of these that I will probably let rest a while and see how they perform in a few months but it’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed a CAO as much as I have this year.

Read the Review here

#9 Drew Estate Liga Privada Undercrown 10

There is so much hype around each one of Drew Estate’s releases, and in most cases, they deliver which is the case for the Undercrown 10. This cigar has all the flavors from the classic Undercrown maduro line that I love, with added body and a ton of new flavors. The cigar reminded me so much of Abuelita hot chocolate for those familiar. The cigar is balanced, complex, and nailed my personal profile for what I look for in a cigar. The burn performance was great, and the cigar as a whole offered a fantastic experience. These are a bit pricy as they are almost pushing the bounds for the normal Liga Privada lines, but the cigar does deliver.

Read the Review here

#8 Davidoff Winston Churchill Limited Edition 2021

hen Davidoff hits it out of the park, its all the way out of the park and the Davidoff Winston Churchill Limited Edition 2021 landed in a different time zone. The big, bold and unique flavors kept me on my toes from start to finish. The construction is flawless, and this cigar is astonishingly still available. The price tag probably has a lot to do with it, and is my only gripe here. But you get what you pay for and in this case, you get a hell of an experience.

Read the Review here

#7 Tatuaje The Frank Redux 1

While the original Frank is so far in my rear view mirror that I can’t remember much of that experience outside of my written words, I do remember how special of a cigar that was. The Frank Redux 1 delivered the same experience. It’s just an all around fantastic cigar. The flavor profile is incredible and really marries up well with my I personally look for in a cigar. The blend is complex, yet balanced, the price is perfect, and the fact that it’s much easier to find this time around is just awesome. I’ve always been a huge fan of the monster series and I for one am more than happy with it’s resurrection.

Read the Review here

#6 Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Sin Compromiso Paladin de Saka

The Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Sin Compromiso Paladin de Saka is an exceptional cigar. The profile is incredibly nuanced and complex. Anyone who knows Saka knows just how picky he is when it comes to his blends and I can’t imagine the work that was involved getting this one right where it is. Outside of the flavors the experience as a whole were flawless. No burn issues, no heat or sap. Just all around a great experience. While this cigar was excellent, the cost still feels a little steep for me. I know you can’t achieve the same experience without the high-level of production and selectivity, something that Steve Saka is known for, I just don’t know if I’d grab a full box of these. This is something I’d probably keep a few around for though when I am craving such a complex experience. Now if you’re a big Sin Compromiso fan and don’t mind paying a bit of extra coin for a next level version of the cigar I think you’ll be all over this one!

Read the Review here

#5 Black Label Trading Co. Last Rites Viaticum

Giving credit where credit is due, this is easily one of the best cigars I’ve smoked all year. The construction and burn were fantastic while the unique blend and flavor profile really appealed to my personal palate. And when I say it “really appealed”, I meant that I loved it. There are few drawbacks, but most are expected. It’s a bit pricey, however I feel the price is justified as I don’t mind paying $15 for the experience it delivered. It’s very limited. Well, that’s a given. And it burns very quickly. None were big enough miffs to keep me from purchasing quite a few more.

Read the Review here

#4 Tatuaje T110 2021

That Tatuaje 110 is everything I remember it being. A complex cigar that will kick your butt if you aren’t ready for it. The flavor profile was great, the burn was awesome after the slight stumble at the start, and the price is on point. If only these weren’t so limited. If for some reason you happen to stumble across any, buy them. All of them. You won’t regret it.

Read the Review here

#3 Black Works Studio Hyena

The Black Works Studio line is unique, and the Hyena is a perfect example of that. Cameroon is a tobacco that I don’t often smoke, and every time I do I wonder why I don’t smoke more of it. The tobacco is just so flavorful which is on full display in this African version, which is the first time I have ever tried. The cigar is packed with very deep, rich, and complex flavors that will keep you on your toes but more importantly, are all extremely pleasant and appealing. This was probably one of the better cigars I’ve smoked all year and something that I will definitely keep on hand going forward.

Read the Review here

#2 Illusione Jeremy Piven Collection PIV Robusto

I’d be curious to know just who Jeremy Piven met with before ultimately deciding to do this collaboration with Illusione. Why he chose Illusione, well that’s pretty obvious. As my boy Drew would say, “Cause he is the king of Corojo!”. The PIV Robusto carries some great, deep, yet very balanced flavors. While a few of the cigars we reviewed recently by Illusione tend to be a bit of a departure from his normal style, the PIV Robusto is a great representation on just how well Dion knows his way around Corojo. This is a perfect afternoon smoke when you are craving something with a good amount of flavor that won’t overwhelm your palate yet still deliver.

Read the Review here

#1 Black Label Trading Co. Bishop’s Blend 2021

The team over at Oveja Negra is making it really hard for me not to include every one of their releases in my top 10 cigars for 2021. I always thought the bishop’s blend releases were special cigars, but this year there was something extra special with the blend or tobacco. The flavor profile is absolutely incredible from start to finish. The cigar burned perfectly, and the price is actually lower than I’d expect for a cigar like this. The limited production is a bit daunting, but they have released a new run each year which evens it out. The only complaint here is the amount of sap this cigar produces. There is quite a bit and while slowing down my smoking pace greatly reduces it, I was unable to make it through any of the cigars I smoked without some slipping out. I’m sure some more rest would easily clean that up.

Read the Review here

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# 7 – Rocky Patel Sun Grown Maduro

I never thought I would see the day when a Rocky Patel cigar would make my “Top X List”, but the day has arrived with the Rocky Patel Sun Grown Maduro. A few words from the review:

The flavors of the Rocky Patel Sun Grown Maduro were unexpected, but they were not disappointing. The earth flavor was central to the profile and there was an evolving fruit flavor that begun as a dark red fruit, but ended more like a grape jelly. The sweetness provided a nice contrast to the dark earth flavor and some noticeable changes in the sweetness were noted throughout the cigar. But it was really the richness in the final two thirds that won me over. 

You can find the full review HERE.

#6 – Bombay Tobak – Mbombay Vintage Reserve Lancero 1973

This may be the most unique cigar of the bunch, as well as the most expensive. Measuring in at 8.5 inches and with a price tag of $13.50, the MBombay Vintage Reserve Lancero 1973 is worthy of a spot on this list. And this isn’t the first time Bombay Tobak placed in well in my favorite cigars for the year. In 2015, the MBombay Kesara Vintage Reserve Nikka landed the #7 spot. A few words from my review of the 1973:

This Mbombay Vintage Reserve Lancero 1973 is attention grabbing from appearance alone, but it is the complexity and balance of the flavors that makes this cigar not only worthwhile, but pretty dang special. Yes, the $13.50 price tag is out of my price range for regular smokes, but this is one cigar that could be set aside for those special moments in life. I highly recommend you smoke this cigar and I don’t think you will be disappointed with what you will find.

You can find the full review HERE.

#5 – AJ Fernandez Bellas Artes Short Churchill

You will be hard pressed to find a top 10 list that doesn’t include an AJ made cigar. But it is highly doubtful you will see the Bellas Artes on many since I break all the rules and include cigar released in past years.

It is without hesitation that I can say the Bellas Artes Short Churchill is one of the best cigars I have smoked from AJ Fernandez and he has a huge portfolio of solid cigars. The cigar hung in the medium to medium/full arena in the flavor department and the strength continually progressed to full by the final third….there was great depth to the flavors that were well balanced and evolving….The box-pressed format in the Short Churchill vitola is a fantastic size and for just over $8.00 this is a cigar I can highly recommend.

You can find the full review HERE.

#4 – Southern Draw – QuickDraw Pennsylvania

Southern Draw has gained a lot of ground over a few short years in the industry and developed a well-rounded portfolio. Like most things, I was late to the game with trying their cigars, but I am sure glad I did. And living in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, you can never have too many quick smokes on hand:

The QuickDraw Pennsylvania is exactly what I look for in a cigar. Big flavors, full strength, spice that keeps the palate alert, and a whole lot of richness. I love the Petite Corona format, but, at the same time, I didn’t want the cigar to end.

You can find the full review HERE.

#3 – IndianHead Cigars – La Galera Maduro Pegador

You know I love wallet-friendly cigars and one was destined to finds its way onto my list. Jochy Blanco has made exceptional cigars for a lot of years, but, now with his own brand, he is receiving the recognition he well deserves.

The La Galera Maduro is an absolute treat for under $6. It burned along with no hiccups and offered up some medium/full flavors that evolved through the smoke. I am a sucker for dark and rich flavors that are rounded out by some sweetness and that is exactly what this cigar delivered. This cigar is right up there with the best of them and you won’t break budget smoking these. Go for a box purchase. You won’t regret it!

You can find the full review HERE.

#2 – Black Works Studio – Sindustry Robusto

Black Label Trading Company found the #2 of spot on Tony’s Top 10 Cigars of 2017 with the Santa Muerte. And without even consulting Tony, Black Works Studio, a side project of James Brown, is my #2 cigar of the cigar. I smoked the Sindustry back in April at the recommendation of Anthony Cantelmo of Ford on Fifth.

I loved the bold, rich flavors the Sindustry by Black Works Studio delivered that paired up with a progressing strength profile that ended in the full range. Sure, the burn got a little out of whack here and there, but when the flavors are hitting on a cylinders, who really cares! Sindustry has whet my appetite to try the other offerings from Black Works Studio. And this is a must try if you enjoy full flavor, full strength cigars.

You can find the full review HERE.

#1 – Tatuaje Tainos Reserva Broadleaf

Tatuaje may have more appearances on our top 10 lists here at Casas Fumando than any other company. The Tatuaje TAA Exclusive 2017 took the five spot on Tony’s list this year. Pete Johnson certainly knows how to create an exceptional cigar and the Tatuaje Tainos Reserva Broadleaf is exactly that.

The Tatuaje Tainos Reserva Broadleaf delivered some dark flavors with a tart fruit that evolved to more of sweet fruit. The richness built in the first third, disappeared in the second, and reappeared to bring a fantastic end to the smoke. The burn was wacky, but I have come to expect that with thicker wrapper leaves. The price is on the high end of what I am willing to pay for a cigar, but this stick is worth every penny.

You can find the full review HERE.

We are already looking forward to another fantastic year of reviewing cigars, pairing beers (well, Tony) and having fun. New reviews will be heading your way soon!

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The Good Stuff: Black Label Trading Company is one of the newer boutique companies to hit the market. Established in 2013 they pride in making small batched, heavily enjoyable cigars. Their attitude and philosophy is found on their site as is as follows:

ATTITUDE: Our attitude re-thinks standards for cigar making, and caters to cigar lovers and aficionados tired of a mainstream, mass produced approach to cigar making. At Black Label Trading Company, we have created a market for those with the attitude that they deserve the best, and the confidence that they deserve to experience the Black Label Experience.

PHILOSOPHY: Our philosophy is Less is More; Small is Big; Small is Elite; and finally, Fine Tobacco making is Fine Art. Much like when we experience fine art, the Black Label Experience involves slowing down, taking in, being in the moment and letting expectation be replaced by surprise, and ultimately, total satisfaction.

While this “less is more” structure has been attempted in the past, we’ll light this cigar up and let the smoking experience do the talking. Since Black Label Trading Company is so small only one account per state will carry the lines with the exception of Texas which has two which is also the state in which Black Label operates from. Go Texas! The Last Rites comes in 4 sizes, and 5 x 54 Robusto, along with a box-pressed version of that, and a 6 x 60 Gran Toro which will also feature a box-pressed version. Only 500 boxes of these, and many of their other blends will be produced each year and will range from $12 to $14 a stick. Big thanks to Black Label Trading for sending a few samples our way.

Size: 5 x 54
Wrapper: Aged Ecuadorian Maduro
Binder: Honduran
Filler: Nicaraguan / Honduran
Strength: Medium/Full
Body: Full
Price: $12
Pairing: Saint Arnold’s Divine Reserve #14 (Belgian Strong Ale 10% ABV)

Prelight: First of all, the band is not only HUGE on the Black Label Trading Company’s cigars, but they have a pretty badass design as well. The black band sports a “BL” crest in white pearl with a skull on the center and some floral leaves spreading from the skull to a silver cross on the back of the band along with “Est. 2013”. On the samples I have received, the bands are identical although the foot band is different as it is a simple black and white pearl band with the blend’s name printed on it. In this case the words “Last Rites”. All in all it gives off a nice “Black Label Pirate” type theme to the cigar. The cigar itself carries and absolutely beautiful dark, dark brown maduro wrapper. The wrapper color is very consistent with the exception of a few darker areas around the round double cap. There are a few medium sized veins running through the body of the cigar while the wrapper remains silky smooth with some slight oils. The cigar is pretty seamless with the exception of a few softer spots around the foot of the cigar. The cigar is very heavy and quite bulky while the wrapper on the cigar feels pretty firm and delicate.

The wrapper on the Last Rites SCREAMS of strong sweet spice, cinnamon, and oak while the foot of the cigar is a bit more calm with some slight pepper and natural tobacco aromas. The cap cut very clean and very easily using my Palio double bladed cutter. The cold draw had a bit of the sweetness and spice but it was all masked out by a crazy strong paint-like flavor. Let’s hope that doesn’t make it’s way into the smoking experience.

First Smoke: Black Label Trading Company’s Last Rites starts out with the black pepper that I was expecting which quickly dropped off to reveal an awesome Malty, chocolaty character with some nice sweet spice and espresso notes. The spice isn’t your standard dry spice, it reminds me much more of a brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg mixture. Almost like Christmas. And I am happy to report that paint flavor never made it into the actual smoking experience. The draw is easy and plentiful as each puff releases a vast amount of thick smoke into my mouth. It’s a bit windy out, so I can’t really tell what the stationary smoke looks like or smells like. The burnline is razor sharp and dead even leaving behind a nicely compacted trail of medium to light gray ash which held on for a bit over an inch despite the wind having it’s way with it.

Halfway There: The Last Rites started to become a bit more tame in the second third. The sweetness and spice were still there but not as dominant as the espresso and chocolate mellowed out and a nice black cherry worked it’s way in. It’s still pretty complex, but none of the flavors were as potent as they were during the first third. The retrohale is amazing coating my nasal passage with some soft spice, and lots of sweetness. It really helped bring the tartness of the cherry out of the experience. The burnline is still rockin’ and I am feeling little to nothing in the nicotine department as I close out the second third.

Finish: Black Label Trading’s Last Rites is really starting to shine in the final third. The flavors have began to ramp back up with the strong sweet spices leading the charge followed by the chocolate and cherry with some molasses and espresso backing it up. The pepper has also started to show up a little, but it’s very mild. It’s pretty impressive the amount of flavor this cigar kicks out. It’s taken me about an hour and half to take it down to the nub and I enjoyed every second of it with no harshness, nor heat, no additional attention from my torch, nor nicotine.

Overview: Black Label Trading Company’s Last Rites isn’t is a cigar that isn’t very hard to fall in love with. While the price may be a bit steep the experience totally makes up for it. And while we are on price, being that Black Label is a brand new, boutique company one would almost expect a higher price point on their cigars. It all comes down to whether or not the cigar smoker deems the experience worth it, and in this case, I do. The Last Rites delivered on all aspects, construction, flavor, and burn/draw with an added bonus for complexity. While this cigar may be a bit out of budget, and complex for the novice smoker I think that more refined palates would really enjoy these and it’s worth having a few on deck when you are searching for a well-rounded flavorful experience.

Pairing: Keeping up with the Texas theme I turned to probably the best brew I have had from the Saint Arnold’s brewery, the Divine Reserve #14. The Houston based brewery releases a different brew style every year under the Divine Reserve name, this year they chose a style that was right up my alley a Belgian style strong ale. Clocking in at 10% ABV this beer is ripe and for the taking. The Diving Reserve #14 pushes heavy sweetness backed by some subtle fruit and caramel while finishing very clean with some apple and spice flavors. It’s easy to see why I chose as my pairing for Black Label Trading Company’s Last Rites as it meshed extremely well with the spice, cherry, and chocolate producing a cornucopia of flavor. Yes, I went there. Anyways, this beer is VERY limited, and VERY sought after so if you have access to Saint Arnold’s beers I suggest you get out there and find a few.

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