Top 10 cigars of 2011 that I smoked for the first time and you should also.
It seems everybody puts out a top cigar list of the year, so here is mine. Aptly named, this list is limited to only cigars that I have smoked, and smoked for the first time this year. Since I have a job that is not smoking friendly, I live in a state that makes it very hard to smoke indoors anywhere, and a deck that is not enclosed or covered, I am only able to smoke around 150-200 cigars a year. I try to smoke as many new kinds as possible but sometimes you just want to smoke something you know you like. Of the new cigars to me, these were my favorites. You can’t go wrong with any of these.
Click on the name to go to my original review of it. I have copied THE SKINNY from each of the original reviews.
10. Murcielago.
It’s made in Nicaragua, good start. This might be the biggest gap ever between band and cigar. Horrible logo, great smoke. This cigar will not stick out to you by itself; try this though, it’s from EO brands, who also produces 601 and Cubao, now I should have your attention. It has a scent I could not quite figure out, but good. Lights and burns fantastic, ultra smooth for being pretty strong. Not full but gives you the full cigar feeling. I give it a resounding yes. Box pressed, this cigar is available in five sizes and retails for about $7.
9. Berger & Argenti Entubar Quad Maduro.
This entubar method of rolling cigars is nothing short of spectacular. I absolutely love it. I recommend this cigar 100%. Berger & Argenti is a relatively new company, but can be found all over the country. My advise, go get one…..hell go get a bunch of them. You can’t miss the Entubar Quad Maduro.
8. Lou Rodriguez Edicion Reserva.
First impressions can really make you feel like a dumbass. I almost wrote this cigar off as a wannabe maduro, but Lou Rodriguez showed me how stupid I can be. If you are looking for a flawlessly constructed full-bodied smoke that has tons of flavor to go with the kick, you have to give the Edicion Reserva a try. I highly recommend it and will be making my next purchase very soon. I cannot wait to get my hands on some more.
Don’t make the same mistake with this cigar as I did. I wanted to buy a box, but settled for just the one. What a dumb ass! Go buy a box of these. I knew I would love it, but because I am not a fan of box pressed smokes, usually, I decided to try it first. Now, I don’t have another 1…. or 9 to smoke. Just typing this makes me want to smoke it again. Tell Brad Mayo, President of Jameson Cigar, that smokedthatcigar.com sent you, and great job on the colors.
6. Oliveros Sun Grown Reserve.
To quote a cigar review genius, “One thing stayed constant during this 90 minute smoke…..smooth.” Ok, so my quote is from a novice who has been called anything but a genius his whole life. Either way, this cigar is smooth, one of the smoothest cigars I have had in a long time. Since this is not released yet, I can’t say go get this cigar, so I will say, go tell your local B&M to order some of these so you can get them when they in. Also tell them to call you directly when they come in so you can go buy them. I will be expecting a call from Cary Bischoff at Northwest Cigars to let me know who is carrying these first so I can go buy a box. Yes, these are boxworthy.
5. Four Kicks by The Crowned Heads.
You guessed it, this is a great cigar. The initial run was 30,000 cigars, and available in only 66 retailers nationwide. Find one and drive to it. Very affordable at only $7-9 depending on the size. I chose the corona gorda, because I have been really enjoying the smaller ring gauges lately. I also have the sublime and will definitely be getting more and trying the other sizes. Go to their site and sign up for the royal report so you can keep up with the happenings of this company, you are going to want to know what they are up to. They are always giving away something it seems. When they come out with something, you will want it.
If you are going to package a cigar the way they did with the Armada and charge what they do, you better not make a dud. They did not fall short on this one. Absolutely Amazing. Is this cigar worth $20, yes. Are there cigars that are close for less than half of that price, yes of course. You have to have quite the disposable income allowance to purchase the box, but if you can afford the $20, go buy one. You will not be disappointed in this one.
3. Emilio AF-1.
If you can handle a full smoke loaded with power than search this smoke out. It will be a unique experience and is an exceptional value for the BMF size (6×58) at under $8. I would say it out punches even the Partagas Black, maybe TKO. If you are not experienced with strong cigars and tobaccos you will have to work your way up to this one. I look forward to smoking the other blends by Emilio Cigars and will definitely buy some AF1′s.
2. El Primer Mundo Liga Miami.
Do I recommend this cigar? Let’s just say I have a full humidor of cigars I need to smoke and review and I have just smoked my 5th of these in a row. So……yes. F-yes, I will go as far as to say you have to smoke this. I just bought 5 tonight and will be back to visit Joe to buy a box. I don’t know what “entubado” means, but I’m pretty sure it means “better”. El Primer Mundo is becoming more and more available around the U.S. so go find them or hit up Sean on twitter and tell your local shop to get them. I would put the construction of this cigar up against any around. One of my new everyday smokes for sure.
This is one of the top 10 cigars I have ever smoked. It didn’t start out promising, but became an absolute gem. The Liga Privada line is not the most accessible or budget friendly cigar, but the Undercrown is closer on both issues. At $8, you can smoke this often; if you can find it. It is a Drew Estate, so you will have to search it out. You need to search it out. I repeat, you need to search it out. Top 10 all time.
Pretty nice list you have there. I’ve tried half the list and agree that they are really nice cigars. I just wish I could find the Four Kicks, Emilios, and Jamesons around here. Have you had a chance to try any of the recent Quesada releases (another brand my B&M doesn’t carry) ?
I buy the Jamesons online from Brad, 1 place in all of Oregon, maybe the NW, carries Four Kicks. Emilio has a NW rep now and is trying to get them supplied locally. We will both be better off if that happens, start asking for it. I can get you his name if you would like. What haven’t you had from the list?
I have not had a Quesada yet, but a place is now stocking them and the Q’detat molatav arrives this month. Did you like?
I haven’t had the Quad Maduro yet, but have seen it. I’ve only had the Declaration from Jameson (very nice), and no Lou Rodriguez. I just now won some Oliveros Sun Growns, and love the Eight Zeros. Also like the King Havano Oscuro.
Haven’t tried any of the Quesadas yet, but did touch base with Ed, and was told where I might find some.
I was told by Gary that there is a rep for Emilio in the area, but not his name.
Thanks!