#10 Cohiba Serie M

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I entered the Cohiba Serie M. I didn’t research the cigar before smoking it and just lit it up and was very impressed the first time. After that, I dug into the researched and realized that it was created at El Titan de Bronze and I should have known it was going to be great. Each one I had after that impressed me even more. The flavor profile is just incredible, nicely complex without being overdone, the burn is perfect, and the construction is flawless. The only issue is $29.99 is pretty steep for just about any cigar. But if you are looking for a Uber-premium that you can really get lost in, dissecting, and enjoying, it may be worth the coin.

Read the full review here

#9 Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario Maduro 2022

I have always been a huge fan of Aganorsa Leaf. I feel like each time they kick out a cigar I know what to expect, yet they are constantly raising their own bar. The Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario Maduro is a great example of a beautifully blended, complex cigar that doesn’t kick your ass in strength. The flavors are bold, yet not too much to overload your palate. While it’s leaning on the pricier side, I think this cigar delivers enough of an experience to make it a box-worthy purchase and I am really glad they decided to keep this one around as an ongoing full-production line.

Read the full review here

#8 Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Muestra de Saka Bewitched

I think I have smoked most of if not all of the Muestra de Saka releases to date with the exception of the unicorn. I really look forward to these releases as they usually showcase the uniqueness of Saka’s craft. The Bewitched is probably my favorite release in this set so far. The flavor profile is very unique with that amazing fig over great floral / cologne and awesome backing flavors. It smoked perfect from start to finish, and the fact that this is regular production means no hunting. This is box worthy, especially at the 7 count box format and something I’ll keep around when I am craving a break from the norm.

Read the full review here

#7 Black Label Trading Co. Memento Mori

The Memento Mori is a great example of the rich flavors, complexity, and great profile that I have grown to love with Black Label Trading Co. The cigar kept me on my toes from start to finish and delivered in every aspect. These may be sold in out most cases, but I will be chasing a few more down to keep in my rotation when I am craving a more complex cigar that won’t knock me on my ass.

Read the full review here

#6 Tatuaje Havana VI Verocu Blue

 really love the Verocu line and let me just say, the Verocu Blue blows it out of the water. I am a HUGE fan of the Escasos line and what I am learning is just how incredible this wrapper is. It completely changes the entire experience by adding this incredible caramel and honey-forward flavor profile which married up extremely well with the Verocu blend. While these are selling like hotcakes right now I hope that I can add many more to my humidor so that I can get them into my regular rotation.

Read the full review here

#5 My Father Le Bijou 1922 100 Anos

The My Father Le Bijou 1922 100 Anos makes me remember why I loved the Le Bijou blend so much. While the cigar caries much of the same flavors and experience I feel the 100 Anos version has a bit more oomph to it in both body and strength. The complexities are still there, the flavors are fantastic and really keep me on my toes, and with such a long burn time on this cigar the price point is completely worth it. If you are a fan of the Le Bijou 1922 or any My Father cigars in general then this is totally worth picking up before they are no longer available.

Read the full review here

#4 Black Works Studio Killer Bee Shaolin

The Black Works Studio Killer Bee Shaolin is easily one of the better cigars I smoked all year. The flavor profile is absolutely beautiful, and matches exactly what I look for in a cigar. The complexity was great. The burn was flawless from start to finish even considering the tunnel that popped up about halfway through. It always surprised me how complex the manufacturing of a lot of Black Label cigars are, and how well put together the final product is. My only gripe, as you can guess, is that these are pretty much sold out absolutely everywhere. Happy Hunting.

Read the full review here

#3 Illusione Allegria

I smoked a handful of these and each time I liked it more than the previous. The Illusione Allegria delivers a great, complex flavor profile that really keeps you on your toes. I smoked quite a few One Offs and at times I felt the Allegria was a much better version of that cigar and at other times I felt like it wasn’t even in the same realm as the cigar offers a profile that is quite different especially in terms of complexity and body. At this point, I think the Allegria will keep the One Off out of my rotation for at least the time being and this is a cigar that I enjoyed so much that I can see myself coming back to over and over again.

Read the full review here

#2 Foundation Cigar Co. Olmec Maduro

The Foundation Cigar Co. Olmec Maduro has been on my radar most of the year and not only am I glad to finally get my hands on it, but I am also glad that it lived up to the hype. The cigar delivered in flavor profile, performance, and price. Emphasis on flavor profile here as Nick hit the nail on the head. I have a few of these left and they won’t last long so I will be picking up at least another box to keep these in my regular rotation. Be on the lookout for the Olmec Claro version being reviewed on Casas Fumando very soon.

Read the full review here

#1 Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Mi Querida SakaKhan

I swear, Saka came out swinging when he released the first Mi Querida line and each release since has eclipsed the previous and if this is any indication of what to expected from the Mi Querida Black then count me in. The SakaKhan carries a unique, flavorful, and extremely enjoyable flavor profile at least by my personal palate’s standards. The gigantic cigar smoked perfectly from start to finish with no issues or extra attention needed. The price point is also pretty affordable considering the quality of the experience as well as how well and long this cigar performed. My only grip is, you guess it, availability since these will be a limited run. I’ll just have to make sure I get my share before they disappear.

Read the full review here

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#10. Partagas – Homage 62

Wrappper: Honduran Olancho San Agustin | Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf |Filler: Dominican, Honduran and Mexican

The Partagas Benji Homage 62 is an outstanding cigar. The flavors were easily distinguishable and the variations among the flavors were intriguing. The only short-fall of the Homage was the multiple touch-ups needed throughout the cigar to get the wavy burn back in-line. Benji Menendez should be extremely proud of this cigar that pays tribute to his 62 years in the industry.

You can find the full review HERE.

#9. Agio Cigars – Balmoral Royal Selection Anejo 18

Wrapper: Brazilian Arapiraca Maduro | Binder: Dominican Olor |Filler: Brazilian Bahia, Dominican Olor, and Nicaraguan Ligero

The Balmoral Royal Selection Anejo 18 is a very unique and special cigar. The profile was intriguing in the first third with the sour grass notes, well balanced in the second third with the added sweetness and coffee, and completely satisfying in the final third with deep, dark, full flavors. There was never a dull moment with the Anejo 18 as it was continually introducing new flavors and building in intensity with the flavors, body, and strength.

You can find my full review HERE.

#8. Kuuts Cigars – Miro Lancero

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra | Binder: Nicaraguan |Filler: Nicaraguan and Honduran

The Kuuts Miro Lancero is a very nice evening smoke that delivers in the spice department for sure. Don’t let the small ring gauge trick you. This Lancero packs a punch with its strength. Other than the flaky ash, the performance was just about perfect with an easy draw that delivered a copious amount of smoke and the burn was even throughout.

You can find my full review HERE.

#7. Crux Cigar Company – Crux Classic

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano (Jalapa) | Binder: Nicaraguan | Filler: Nicaraguan

It is hard enough to release one excellent cigar, it is even harder when it is your first year of business as a manufacturer, and it is almost impossible to release more than one exceptional cigar in your first year of business. Crux Cigars has done the impossible. The Crux Classic adds a new dimension to their already quality line-up. This is is an easy box purchase in my book.

You can find my full review HERE.

#6. Sindicato Cigars – Sindicato Maduro

Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Morrón | Double Binder: Nicaraguan (Esteli) | Filler: Nicaraguan (Esteli and Jalapa)

The Sindicato Maduro carries a premium price tag of just under $13, but it is completely justified by the experience received. The buttery flavor and texture of the smoke sat easy on the palate meshing well with the toasted popcorn and pepper spice, rounded out by the ever-evolving sweetness. From the first third to the very end, the flavors were right around the full arena complimenting the medium/full strength.

You can find my full review HERE.

#5. Drew Estate – Herrera Esteli Lancero

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano | Binder: Honduran | Filler: Nicaraguan

Willy Herrera far exceeded my expectation with the Herrera Esteli Lancero – Edicion Limitada 2014. This small ring gauge brought more body, fuller flavors, and a good amount of strength to the table. From start to finish, this stick was an absolute treat. A classic smoke well worth the $12 price tag. I look forward to the direction Willy Herrera will take Drew Estate Tobacco Company in regards to the expansion of their traditional lines.

You can find my full review HERE.

#4. Tatuaje – Cabaiguan Guapo Lancero

Wrapper:Ecuadorian Sun Grown | Binder:Nicaraguan | Filler: Nicaraguan

I have been a fan of Tatuaje for some time, but there were several cigars included in the sampler that I had yet to smoke and the Cabaiguan Guapo was one of those. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect first experience with a cigar. The cigar burned cool and even. There were no touch-ups or ashes dropped in my lap. Just a complex, flavorful cigar to sit back and relax with. One thing I noted on this lancero was how big, deep draws brought out an overwhelming pepper, while a small shallow draw highlighted  the nuances of this stick.

You can find my full review HERE.

#3. Crux Cigar Company – Crux Passport

Wrapper: Ecuadorian | Binder: Nicaraguan | Filler: Nicaraguan

While I did not find the Crux Passport overly complex, I never found myself bored with the cigar. The cedar, woodsy flavor held strong throughout, accompanied by more subtle citrus and honey notes. The Passport does not lack in the spice department either. I was very pleased with my two experiences with the Passport. There is finally a new company on the scene that I am excited to get fully behind.

You can find my full review HERE.

As I went back and read my review, I realized my excitement and enjoyment of this stick did not come across as I would have wanted it to. But the truth is the Crux Passport has been in the front of my mind since I smoked it back in May. I revisited the stick a few weeks back to make sure it was all it was cracked up to be  and I think I was even more impressed with it. The Crux Passport is easily the best bang for the buck on this list and worthy of the #3 spot for 2014.

#2. Ezra Zion Cigar Company – Honor Series FHK

Wrapper: Mexican San Andres | Binder: Indonesian |Filler: Brazilian and Nicaraguan

This cigar was an absolute treat! The flavors were bold, balanced, and quite complex. The performance was spot on with an even burn and firm ash. What more could you want in a cigar? All for a price under $10. I HIGHLY recommend the Ezra Zion Cigar Company Honor Series FHK. Being only two months into the year, I think I may have found a contender for my 2014 Top 10 List.

You can find the full review HERE.

This is the second year in a row that Ezra Zion Cigar Company has claimed the number 2 spot on my top 10 list. Last year, the Tantrum was the runner up for the cigar of the year. Ezra Zion Cigar Company has consistently put out solid cigars, with the FHK being no exception. To be honest, the top three cigars on this list could be interchanged for the cigar of the year. I tip my hat to Chris Kelly and Kyle Hoover.

#1. Sindicato Cigars – Sindicato

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo Shade Grown (Jalapa) | Double Binder: Nicaraguan (Esteli) |Filler: Nicaraguan (Esteli and Jalapa)

I have only smoked a couple great cigars this year and the Sindicato by Sindicato Cigars is one of those. Actually, this may be the very best I have had this year. I was caught off guard with how much I enjoyed this absolute treat. The cigar burned for over an hour with a wavy burn that was of no concern, producing a salt and pepper ash that held over an inch, and copious amounts of smoke poured out of the cigar with each draw. While the flavors may not have been necessarily unique on their own, it was the perfect balance of the those flavors that is something not commonly seen. Even with a price over $10 for the Corona Gorda, I highly recommend this stick.

You can find my full review HERE.

Coming in at #1 on my Top 10 Cigars of 2014 list is the Sindicato by Sindicato Cigars. The Sindicato Maduro is not too far behind finding the #6 spot. When I first smoked through Sindicato’s line-up in 2013 of the Hex, Affinity, and Casa Bella, I found them each to be average to good cigars. This year’s releases of the Sindicato and Sindicato Maduro took the company and their cigars to a whole new level. I was blown away by both, but the original Sindicato delivered, in my opinion, a perfect smoking experience, which makes this my Cigar of the Year!

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Ever smoked a classic maduro and thought to yourself “I wonder what this cigar experience would be like if this sucker packed a punch”? Well Eiroa finally has an answer for that. Following up last year’s CBT release Eiroa created a Maduro version which was unlike any maduro cigars I have ever had. It’s big, it’s bold, it’s powerful and fires on all cylinders front the second you light up, to the second you put it down. You can check out my full review here.

#9. Tatuaje – Tattoo

Tatuaje always seems to find their way into our top 10 lists and with good reason. Most of Pete Johnson’s creations fit my flavor profile and their experiences are always impressive. This year Pete decided to create a great cigar, and a very low cost. While many manufacturers have attempted this, Pete actually created something incredible that can hold it’s own in comparison to some of the more expensive blends out there. The Tattoo leads forward with sweetness, rich flavors, and a medium body resulting in a great experience while not breaking the bank. You can check out the full review here.

#8. Quesada – 40th Anniversary Corona Clasica

Quesada is a company that over the last few years have really rebranded themselves by making some incredibly cigars. Adding to that list is the 40th Anniversary Corona Clasica. Not to be confused with the standard 40th Anniversary, the Corona Clasica sports it’s very own blend. The cigar offers up some amazing flavors with a relatively mild strength profile. I’m not big on Connecticut shade cigars, but when they are done right they can create some killer experiences and this cigar shows just how great that wrapper can be. You can read my full review here.

#7. Padron Family Reserve 50 Years Maduro

Padron’s Family Reserve 50 Years Maduro has been a long time in the making. Each time a new Family Reserve hits the marking it’s almost immediately branded into the minds of people who create “Top cigars of XXXX” lists such as these, and the 50 years is no exception. While the Natural version didn’t really do it for me, the maduro delivered on all accounts. Amazing, bold flavor profile with medium/full strength and amazing construction. My only complaint would be the price, which isn’t really a complaint as I still gladly pay for them as the experience delivered is well worth it. You can check out my full review here.

#6. Joya de Nicaragua – Joya Red

Joya De Nicaragua doesn’t release many new blends, so upon release the Joya Red took the cigar world by storm. Joya de Nicaragua has always been known for its strong Nicaraguan roots, and absolutely solid cigars. The Joya Red falls right into this category. While it remains a medium strength cigar the Red offers some great bold flavors, with an extremely easy experience making it the perfect “anytime of the day” cigar. Joya de Nicaragua kept the costs very low on this blend while making production high resulting in tons of availability at a great price. You can check out my full review here.

#5. Fratello – Boxer

It took me a while to finally chase down Fratello cigars. They aren’t easy to come by in these parts, but once I had one there was no stopping me from grabbing all that I could carry. While making it’s introduction into the cigar world last year, the Fratello released a new box-pressed torpedo format this year. What I love the most about the cigar is it’s bold, sweet, balanced flavors without the huge strength punch. I just wish these were a bit easier to come by. You can check out my full review of the corona version here.

#4. La Palina – Goldie Laguito Especial

Yup, it’s another Goldie and its on another list. There isn’t much to say about this cigar that hasn’t been said already. With the Goldie you expect the most precise, flawless construction ever encountered followed with an incredibly smooth and balanced flavor experience that falls in the medium/full range. The only thing keeping this cigar out of the top 3 is the price tag and availability. It’s quite pricey, and very limited, but I’d gladly pay the coin time and time again. You can check out my full review here.

#3. The Crowned Heads – Jericho Hill

The Crowned Heads do it again. Honestly, this company has been smashing home runs each and every time they have been at bat. One thing that I love about these guys is they don’t waste anytime savoring the moment each time a new cigar releases. This year, as soon as a release started to get press there was another blend flying right out. Not only do The Crowned Heads make great cigars, but they do it with such passion and their great attitudes are contagious. The Jericho Hill was one of the first releases they made in conjunction with My Father Cigars. It carries some deep, sweet, enjoyable flavors with a milder body, great price tag, and easy availability. You can check out my full review here.

#2. Espinosa Premium Cigars – Laranja

Espinosa cigars is no stranger to our top 10 lists at Casas Fumando, and this year is no exception. Riding incredible press that surrounded this cigar during it’s debut at this year’s IPCPR show, the Laranja was a cigar that lived up to it’s hype. Sporting extremely bold flavors over a heightened strength profile the Laranja isn’t for the faint of heart. Those looking for a true bold experience done right look no further. You can check out my full review here.

#1. Illusione – Fume D’Amour

My #1 was an easy one this year and probably one of the best cigars I have had in a very long time. Illusione’s Fume D’Amour is the perfect mixture of complexity, creaminess, balance, strength and flavor. The Fume D’Amour is a great addition to an already amazing portfolio. To top that off Dion not only made this cigar very affordable, but added it to his regular production so it’s widely available and will be for a long time. You can read the full review here.

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The Good Stuff: For those of you who don’t know, Viaje is a new badass brand. Badass cause their cigars rock. Not so badass that they are all exclusive. Seeing as they haven’t been around as long as most I can only hope that changes as time progresses. The Oro Reserva is no exception to the rule. There wasn’t many of these cigars made. They are a double-bindered, box pressed, Nicaraguan Puro, that run roughly $11 a stick. That is, if you can find them. It’s impossible to get them here in El Paso. Luckily I have some awesome BOTL’s that like to help a brother in need out. This cigar really got a lot of buzz when it was listed as Cigar Aficionado’s #2 cigar of the year. Does it deserve the spot? Let’s find out.

Size: 5.5 x 52  –  Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo ’99  –  Binder/Filler: Nicaraguan  –  Body: Medium/Full

Prelight: Much like Viaje’s Platino I reviewed a while back, the Oro Reserva has a really nice, medium to dark brown wrapper with spots of orange throughout. The body of the cigar really doesn’t have any noticeable veins running the entire length of the box-pressed body before leading up to a nice, round triple cap. The cigar doesn’t have a lot of weight to it, and actually has more give than most cigars when I compress it, leading me to believe it’s probably going to have a looser draw. The wrapper feels pretty durable for the most part, and gives off a real nice shine as the sunlight bounces off all the oils that surround it. The band on the Oro Reserva, is almost identical to the silverish edition band you saw on my recent Platino review, only with gold trim and a nice secondary back and gold “Reserva” band. I Really like this brand’s logo.

The wrapper on this Oro Reserva doesn’t gives off a very sweet, floral aroma with some nice spice mixed in, while the foot has almost the same sweet, aroma only with much more spice.  The cap clipped off very easy using my double bladed Palio cuter. Usually I am skeptical cutting box-pressed cigars as the always seem to tear, or squish when I cut them. The cold draw feels slightly loose give out this really neat, tobacco, sugar cookie flavor.

First Smoke: The first couple of draws from this Oro Reserva seemed really loose, but once the foot was completely toasted it tightened up just right kicking out a very nice, thick, and easy draw. The flavors started out with this really light, pepper touch which transcended into all the sweet sugar, and floral aromas and flavors I picked up during the prelight mixed with a nice bite of strong tobacco, and sweet earth flavors. This thing is a flavor bomb right off the bat. The burnline on the Oro Reserva is thick, and even for the most part, only containing a few smaller waves. This cigar gives off a ton of stationary smoke that smells almost as good as this cigar tastes! The ash was a very tightly compacted, white and light grey which held on for about an inch before giving way.

Halfway There: Viaje’s Oro Reserva really started to mellow out into the second third. Not in a bad way. The flavors became much more smooth as the strong tobacco taste was replaced with a nice, rich cedar taste along with the floral, sugar, and even some honey backing up the cedar. The retrohale is really sharp at first, but after a few times your nasal passaged get coated with a very nice cedar. But I still don’t find myself retro haling too often with this cigar. I am feeling some nicotine from this cigar. Enough to call this cigar Full, but it’s not an ass-kicker. At least, not yet.

Finish: The flavors began to ramp up again in the final third. The cedar is just rocking hard and established it’s leading place in the flavor race. The main contenders in the final third outside of the cedar was still floral, still the sugar, and even some nice grape flavors that snuck in. The body didn’t increase much, which is a good thing cause I really didn’t want the body to overpower this cigar. There was absolutely no harshness even into the final inch. In total this cigar took about two hours to smoke. Really, and I smoke pretty fast. This is a very slow burning cigar. Seriously, this is a hell of a cigar.

Overview: Nothing but good things have came from Viaje, and or course, the Oro Reserve is naturally no exception. That being said I really hope Viaje comes out with more, and higher volume produced cigars.  I hate all the limited editions, but sometimes, its worth it to just really reach out and spend the extra time, and coin to chase them down. The Oro Reserve started out with a bang, and ended on nothing but pleasant notes. This cigar is really worth the price, box worthy, and will hold a strong place in the premium cigar rotation of any cigar lover.

Pairing: Making up for my “water” pairings, I paired this cigar with another great beer, Uerige’s Doppelsticke. This beer is a strong altbeir (German top-fermenting brew) creeping up with 8.5% ABV brewed at the Uerige Obergärige Hausbrauerei GmbH / Zum Uerig brewery in the Beerfamous Dusseldorf, Germany.  That being said, I would assume this is another beer that follows the Germany Purity act of 1516 stating that any beers brewed in certain parts of Germany only be composed of 3 ingredients; water, barley, and hops. It’s amazing the flavors one can create with such limited resources. Uerige’s Doppelsticke tastes much like a strong brown ale, with tons of bitter, citrus, fruity flavors over a caramel malt base. This cigar went extremely well with the sweet, woodsy notes in the Oro Reserva. Other great pairings would be a nice tawny port, some creamed coffee, any strong or brown ale, or if you really want to go big pair it with a nice Barley-wine style ale. Just make sure you had something to eat first.

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These cigars came in a recent order that I made with the absolutely awesome team over at Bonita Smoke Shop. There you can find the Padron Family Reserve 46 Years in both singles and by the box. Padron isn’t a brand that I smoke too often. It’s not that I do not enjoy them (cause god knows I do), I just find them slightly out of my price range. To me, Padron signifies the perfect “special day” or celebratory cigar. What am I celebrating? Being alive I guess. I just really wanted to see just how great of a chance this years 46 Year release has for Cigar of the Year vs. last years 45 year release.

The Good Stuff: The Padron Family Reserve 46 Years Maduro is said to be amongst the most finest cigars that have ever been produced by the Padron Family. The 46 year Family Reserve is made to commemorate Padron’s 46 years of successful operation. The blend is composed of all Nicaraguan tobacco grown at Padron’s Tabacos Cubanica factory in Esteli that is aged for at least 10 years (some of the companies oldest tobacco). The 46 Years only comes in a maduro wrap unlike the previous 45 Year blend which came in both Maduro and Natural. There have been rumors going around that Padron plans on releasing the blend in a natural wrap but again, these are only rumors. The Padron Family Reserve 46 Years comes in boxes of ten and there will only be between 40 to 50 thousand of these cigars made.

Size: 5.5 x 56  –  Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano Maduro  –  Binder/Filler: Nicaraguan  –  Body: Medium

Prelight: The Padron Family Reserve 46 Years Maduro is a very meat, beefy, boxed pressed maduro. The wrapper is a very consistent, toothy, dark chocolatey brown wrap that leads up to a single, tiny, flawless cap.  This cigar is very heavy, and extremely firm to the touch. There no soft spots, and just one small section on the side of the cigar towards the middle of the body that bumps out. The wrapper on this cigar seems really tough and durable. It’s real tough and I am only hoping that is isn’t a branch and I burn right through it. The band is exactly what you would expect from the Padron Family Reserve line. Dark maroon with the words “Padron – Family Reserve – 1964” embossed in gold metallic ink. The underband simply states the number of authenticity, No. 263835 in this case. The finally band is small color reversed band with the words “46 Years” repeated across it. The wrapper gives off but a faint chocolate and coffee aroma while the boasts of a very smooth and creamy espresso with subtle hints of natural tobacco.  The 46 Years cut off very lean and easy using my double bladed cutter.  The cold draw produces a very flavorful tobacco and cocoa mixture with a bit of coffee.

First Smoke: The Padron 46 Years starts off by pumping out just a massive and effortless draw. This cigar pumps out a very thick cedar rich draw with hints of espresso, spice, sweetness, and chocolate. After the first couple of puffs a very strong spice (nutmeg and cinnamon maybe?) just takes over this experience. Leaving behind a completely massive cloud of thick, lingering smoke. This cigar gives off a very impressive amount of spicy scented stationary smoke.  The burnline is extremely sharp and dead even all the way around the body of the cigar.  The ash left behind is a brilliant grey, almost white, and held on literally for two inches before falling into my ashtray.

Halfway There: I really live this size of this cigar. Not to big, not too small, and the box press fits perfectly and comfortably between your fingers. The spice into the second third simmered down a bit and the cedar flavor made it’s triumphant return. There is still quite a bit of espresso mixed in there as well. So far the experience has been flavorful, creamy, and incredibly smooth. I can’t feel any nicotine despite how slow this cigar is burning. The retro hale is straight up woodsy and I get almost the same prime just being around the cigar due the amount of stationary smoke the 46 year gives off. On a side note, The “bump” mentioned in the Prelight did nothing to hinder the experience. I just burned right through it.

Finish: I have to say, the Padron 46 years is a perfectly balanced yet complex cigar. The final third while flavorful, finished incredibly smooth. The spice has been completely removed from the flavor make-up with only the cedar and lingering espresso and chocolate flavors. I still haven’t felt much nicotine from this cigar. It fits perfectly in the medium range finishing smooth and creamy with no harshness built up what so ever. The cigar didn’t even burn hotter than warm going well within the final inch.  The burn was perfect from start to finish with no touch ups or relights needed. On another side notes the small band peeled right off while the larger two connected bands slight off with ease.

Overview: After all was said and done the Padron Family Reserve 46 years took about an hours and forty five minutes to finish. And I have to say I enjoyed every single minute of it. Super flavorful, complex, creamy, mild and smooth. Everything you would expect from the Padron Family. Will it top last year’s Cigar Aficionado’s best cigar of the year performance? No idea, but I can say it stands a few good chance. The price obviously plays a big role in me saying that I don’t find these cigars in my regular rotation too often. At around $26 a pop this cigar is a bit pricey. It is however the perfect special day or celebratory cigar.

Pairing: I hit the booze hard last night so I didn’t do my normal beer/wine pairing with this cigar. Instead, pure hydration. H2O was my weapon of choice. Needless to say I ‘m not posting a picture of this. You all should know what water looks like. Instead, I am posting a picture of my dog Sonny in his Halloween costume. Cause he’s a badass and keeps me company while I write these reviews.

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