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Cigar Aficionado's Top 25 Cigars the Year 2016

Cigar Aficionado's Top 25 Cigars the Year 2016

Posted by Ana Cuenca on Jan 11, 2018

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25 BEST CIGARS OF 2016 - CIGAR AFICIONADO

Recently Cigar Aficionado magazine released their Top 25 Cigars for 2016. As every year we put together these samplers and customers love it. Here we go again. Not just you get to try them all but also get discounted prices when buying this sampler of top rated cigars.

No. 1 La Flor Dominicana Andalusian Bull

La Flor Dominicana Andalusian Bull Cigars is a dark cigar and comes packages in boxes of 10. These are one of the newest releases of La Flor Dominicana at the 2016 IPCPR Trade Show. The La Flor Dominicana Andalusian Bull is a cigar to invoke the spirit of famous Toreros from the motherland, Spain. Using a dark yet natural Ecuadorian Corojo wrapper, La Flor Dominicana Andalusian Bull Cigars shows its character and uniqueness. Using only some of the most powerful fillers and binders grown in the famous La Canela Farm, owned by Litto Gomez Family. These are delicious smoke with a figurado shape and size of 52-64 X 6 1/2. Carefully packaged in 10 count boxes these unique smokes are now available at Cuenca Cigars Online. Since their release we have been selling tons of these magnificent cigars. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Aficionado.

No. 2 Rocky Patel Sun Grown Maduro Robusto

Maduro’s cigars are not something that Rocky Patel in his long-lasting live as cigar manufacturer, does take lightly. In its over 10 years of producing some of the most delightful smokes, he decided to make a maduro version of one of its most popular blends: the Special Reserve Sungrown. Hand rolled at the new TraviCusa factory of Rocky Patel located in Nicaragua. The blend is strong and complex with amazing flavors that include Cocoa and Dark Chocolate in a sweet finish. The Robusto size has somehow the most compact flavor profile in its 5 x 50 format. These cigars have been part of our extensive selection for a while now and a great feed back is been captured after repeated customers and commenting. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Aficionado. 

No. 3 Partagas Serie E No. 2 Cuban

Partagas Serie E No. 2 is a hefty cigar with a notably big ring gauge born in Cuba. It debuted in 2011 at the XIII Habanos Festival and since then it is constantly being named as one of the favourite of the connoisseurs. This puro flaunts a light brown wrapper with visible seams. It hides a blend of chosen tobaccos from the Vuelta Abajo Region noted for their aroma and flavours. This stogie is as big on flavours as its broad size with notes of wood, tobacco, leather and prominent earthiness. With some aging in your humidor it turns out be an excellent smoke that would surely satiate your palate. The strength is between medium to full. The Partagas Serie E No. 2 is 5 ½ x 54 in size which is named Duke. It is available in boxes of 25. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Aficionado.

No. 4 E.P. Carrillo Seleccion Oscuro Piramides Royal

E.P. Carrillo Seleccion Oscuro Piramides Royal is a proof that the master blender Ernesto Perez Carrillo has still a lot to offer to the cigar enthusiasts. He is very involved in all the stages of cigar making which shows in his every offering. For this one he chose a Mexican San Andres wrapper for the first time and laid it over a blend of Nicaraguan fillers bound by an Ecuadorian binder. This results in a powerful cigar that invigorates the senses with balanced nuances of spices, pepper, wood and sweetness. Medium to full in body they burn in a slow manner giving the time to savour all the flavours it has to offer. It has received rave reviews and top ratings from the prestigious publications reaffirming its awesomeness. The E.P. Carrillo Seleccion Oscuro Piramides Royal is 6 x 52 in size and come in boxes of 24. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Aficionado.

No. 5 Padrón Serie 1926 No. 90 Natural

Since the release of this celebratory cigar, we knew it will be a winner. The cigar was created to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the patriarch and founder of Padron cigars, Don Jose Orlando Padron. His 90 years of healthy live, surrounded by tobacco and traditions, has a lot to tell and the 90th Anniversary does just that. The Padron Cigars are one of the boutique lines that have grown big but still keep low production and high quality. One of the highlight from Padron Cigars is the squared pressed in all of his lines. As a surprise, Padron 1926 Series 90th Anniversary Natural is not in a boxed pressed format. You can't blame a man that, at his 90th, is still open for a change.  The 90th Anniversary Cigars are in a rounded format and comes packaged in elegant white tubes with Jose Orlando Padron handwriting signature. Padron 1926 Series 90th Anniversary Cigars - Natural Box of 10 are now available at Cuenca Cigars Online. You can buy them online or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Aficionado.

No. 6 Arturo Fuente Rosado Sun Grown Magnum R Vitola Forty Four

Arturo Fuente Rosado Sungrown Magnum R Vitola Forty Four is quite a mouthful name. It is one of the latest offering of Fuente blended by none other than Carlos Fuente Jr. He shows that innovation is not the forte of young people only and can be done by century old organisation as well. Carlos Fuente selected Ecuadorian Rosado wrapper leaf which is sun grown and taken from the lower priming of the plants. What’s more is that they are fermented for 10 years. It encases a blend of top quality Dominican tobaccos which are also aged to perfection. They deliver a medium bodied mellow smoke with subtle notes of spices, nuts, toast, leather, sweetness and cream. The aromas of wood, herbs, barnyard and floral hit the nose taking the experience to a new level. An outstanding experimental cigar that has made its way to the top cigar list not once but twice. The Arturo Fuente Rosado Sun Grown Magnum R Vitola "Forty Four" is 4 7/8 x 47 in size and comes packed in boxes of 44 cigars each. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Aficionado.

No. 7 Herrera Esteli Norteño Robusto Grande

Herrera Esteli Norteño Robusto Grande is an excellent premium made by master blender Willy Herrera under the banner of Drew Estate. It is a tribute to the place where both Herrera Esteli and Drew Estate is born. This hefty, robust cigar packs finest fillers from the land of Jalapa and Esteli which are tightly held in place by a Honduran binder. They are all draped in a San Andres Maduro wrapper coated with an oily sheen. This fantastic blend delivers a hearty full bodied smoke loaded a host of flavours. Bold presence of spices, pepper, chocolate, cocoa, earth, dark coffee and nuts is felt throughout the smoke. The perfect construction ensures a fine burn and easy draw. The Herrera Esteli Norteño Robusto Grande is handmade in 5 ½ x 54 sizes. They come in packs of 10. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Aficionado.

No. 8 Oliva Serie V Melanio Robusto

Oliva Serie V Melanio Robusto is one of the much anticipated releases after the grand success of original Serie V Melanio and Serie V Melanio Maduro. It is named after their first patriarch Melanio Oliva who grew tobacco in Cuba. This fine stogie combines some of Oliva’s oldest tobaccos that were grown in Condega and Esteli along with some dose of Jalapa grown tobaccos. This concoction is encapsulated in a dark and thick Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper leaf with an oily and seamless appearance. The result is a full bodied gem that leaves you enchanted with every puff. Black pepper, cocoa, bread and creamed coffee in a nuanced way all flock into the mouth as the cigar proceeds in a smooth manner. It is certainly worth every penny you spent on it. The Oliva Serie V Melanio Robusto is rolled in the size of 5 x 52 and packed in boxes of 10. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Aficionado.

No. 9 Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 Cuban

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 is one among the top five Robustos of all brands. This astounding cigar is handmade in Cuba with the finest tobaccos available. They are draped in a reddish brown wrapper with little veins and nice oily sheen. It is perfect in construction with no soft spots. Medium in body yet it is robust in flavours. Earthy aromas combined with notes of spices, dark fruits and sweet florals create an authentic Cuban smoking experience. Leather, coca and honey flavours enter the fray a little later. The profile remains extraordinarily smooth and creamy throughout the burn. The top-notch construction ensures absolutely delightful burn and draw. The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 is 4 7/8 x 50 in size and available in 25 count sliding boxes. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Aficionado.

No.10 Punch Gran Puro Santa Rita

Punch Gran Puro Santa Rita is a Honduran puro crafted with vintage tobaccos that create an enchanting smoke. It is skilfully handcrafted at the Danli factory in Honduras. This handsome puro is a stunning example of what this country has to offer in terms of tobaccos and smoke. This premium offers a full bodied hearty smoking experience with sprinkling of spices all through the end. It is sure to take your palate on a joy ride that last almost an hour long. This fascinating cigar has been highly rated for its extra rich flavours and enticing aromas with a smooth, buttery character. It keeps your senses captivated as long as it burns. The Punch Gran Puro Santa Rita is made in the size of 4 1/2 x 52 and offered in boxes of 25. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Aficionado.

No. 11 Casa Fernandez Miami Aganorsa Leaf Maduro Robusto Extra

Casa Fernandez Miami Aganorsa Leaf Maduro Robusto Extra is an extraordinary blend that displays the unique characteristics of the tobaccos produced under Aganorsa. It is one of the prominent grower and supplier of Nicaraguan tobaccos that find place in top brand cigars. Now they are into cigar blending and they excel in this department too. Vintage filler tobaccos from the most fertile regions of Nicaragua are saved for this particular blend. For the covering they have gone outside and picked a well-aged maduro wrapper from San Andres. The outcome is a medium to full bodied heady cigar with notes of coffee, chocolate and sweet cream. A must have in the aficionados humidors. The Casa Fernandez Miami Aganorsa Leaf Maduro Robusto Extra is 5 x 54 in size and come in boxes of 15. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Aficionado.

No. 12 Casa Turrent Serie 1901 Robusto

Casa Turrent Serie 1901 Robusto is crafted to change the notion people seem to have about a Mexican blend. It is one of the best offering of Mexico in the premium cigar market in the US. Blended with a mix of Mexican and Nicaraguan tobaccos of Cuban seed Criollo variety this one turns out to be quite surprising. This blend is beautifully enwrapped in a Negro seed San Andres wrapper with a shiny look. The body strength is medium but the smoke is intense and assertive. Exceptionally flavourful it exudes balanced notes of roasted almond, wood, coffee, spices, cinnamon and sweetness all through the way making it a totally savoury option. The Casa Turrent Serie 1901 Robusto is handcrafted in the size of 5 x 50 and packed in boxes of 20. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Aficionado.

No. 13 La Aroma De Cuba Mi Amor Belicoso

La Aroma De Cuba Mi Amor Belicoso is a masterpiece crafted at the world-class factory of Don Pepin Garcia in Nicaragua. It comes enwrapped in a dark Cuban seed Mexican wrapper with a toothy texture. The core is packed with selected Nicaraguan long fillers which create a robust smoke. The profile is medium-full with a notable complex character that is finely balanced to ensure a smooth smoking experience. It exudes a bouquet of flavours including notes of earth, spices, espresso and cocoa. Little sweetness marks the end of this well-constructed cigar. This is one cigar that would surely leave you satisfied and content. The La Aroma De Cuba Mi Amor Belicoso is rolled in the size of 5 1/2 x 54 and come in boxes of 25. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Aficionado.

No. 14 Aging Room Small Batch M356II Mezzo

Aging Room Small Batch M356II Mezzo is one cigar which you just can’t afford to miss out. Blended with the rarest tobaccos they are produced in very small number, hence, won’t last very long if you wait. Dominican tobaccos that were set aside for a significantly long period till there was just enough are only used to make this rare gem. It is named after the day it was born that is a Monday which was the 356 th day of the year. It shows an excellent balance and restraint in a powerful, zesty body. It displays power but never crosses the limit to threaten. It creates a mesmerizing medium bodied smoke with rounded notes of spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and nuts, fruits. As you smoke it you will realise why it finds a place in top charts over and over again. The Aging Room Small Batch M356II Mezzo is a Toro in the size of 6 x 54. Boxes of 20 are available. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Aficionado.

No. 15 RoMa Craft CroMagnon Anthropology

RoMa Craft CroMagnon Anthropology again displays why this brand is taken so seriously. Fine tobaccos sourced carefully, aged patiently and finally rolled skilfully is the story behind each of their offering. This stogie combines a host of tobaccos from three different nations. The fillers are Nicaraguan grown in Esteli, Condega and Pueblo Nuevo and one of them is a ligero cultivated from top priming. They are securely bound by a Cameroon binder and the dark broadleaf maduro wrapper that encases them is from Connecticut. This dark beauty releases an array of bold flavours that evolve with each puff. Balanced notes of oak, pepper and leather with thick plumes of smoke make this cigar an elegant one. This medium to full bodied stick is perfect to pick up with your favourite drink. The RoMa Craft CroMagnon Anthropology is made in the size of 5 3/4 x 46. They come in boxes of 24. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Aficionado.

No. 16 El Centurion H-2k-CT Toro

El Centurion H-2k-CT Toro offers one more reason to be in love with My Father Cigars creations that almost always surpass your expectations. The H-2k-CT line is an extension of the widely popular El Centurion series and named after its exquisite wrapper. This wrapper is a Cuban seed Connecticut sun grown wrapper leaf. It conceals a blend of Cuban seed Criollo 98 and Corojo 99 Nicaraguan tobaccos that are grown in Garcia family’s very own farm and left for aging for 3 years. The cigar turns out to be a magnificent one with medium-full body strength and whole lot of flavours. Notes of honey, cedar and nuts all make an appearance while the cigar displays a beautiful burn. Nuances of cream and sweet spices offer a mouth-watering finish. The complexity of these flavours is nicely balanced to ensure optimum pleasure. The Toro vitola is precisely box-pressed giving it a beautiful look. The El Centurion H-2k-CT Toro is 6 x 52 in size and come in boxes of 20. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Aficionado.

No. 17 Brick House Corona Larga

Brick House Corona Larga is a re-invented vintage cigar that has once created a storm among the cigar enthusiasts. A little backstory here, Brick House is one of the oldest releases of J.C. Newman which was named after his ancestral home made of brick in Cuba. It was a happening place for revellers who enjoyed smoking and socialising. His grandsons, Eric and Bobby, have attempted to re-create this classic and we can safely say that they haven’t disappointed. They chose a blend of perfectly aged Nicaraguan tobaccos enwrapped in a Havana Subido wrapper. This blend has managed to evoke the nostalgia by offering almost similar Cuban smoking experience. With rich notes of earth, pepper, cedar and coffee this medium to full bodied cigar is a treat for the aficionados. The icing on the cake is its super affordable price. The Brick House Corona Larga is 6 ¼ x 46 in size. It comes in boxes of 25. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2016 by Cigar Aficionado.

No. 18 Alec Bradley Coyol Petit Lancero

Alec Bradley Coyol Petit Lancero displays a very special discovery of Alan Rubin, the man behind Alec Bradley brand. This blend is named after the farm Coyol from where the tobaccos are sourced. This farm produces some of the best tobaccos in the world which are marked by their flavours and aromas. Alan was so impressed with these tobaccos that he used them everywhere in this blend, filler, binder and wrapper. The Nicaraguan and Honduran tobaccos mingle perfectly with this unique tobacco and created a cigar like never before. Highly skilled rollers at Raices Cubanas factory give shape to these masterpieces. The profile is medium-full with bold notes earth, leather, pepper that hit the palate from the very beginning. The finish is marked by subtly sweet nuances of cherry and nutmeg. The Alec Bradley Coyol Petit Lancero is made in the size of 6 ½ x 41 and packed in boxes of 20. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2015 by Cigar Aficionado.

No. 19 Cohiba Siglo VI (Tubo)

Cohiba Siglo VI is a distinguished offering by this world renowned brand. It is one of their first releases that sport a broad ring gauge that exceeds 50. It is beautifully presented filled in tubes which is also a first for Cohiba. This Cuban puro is a hefty vitola handcrafted masterfully at the El Laguito factory in Cuba. It features ligero tobaccos that impart more power and flavour to the blend. However, it never overwhelms and keeps it classy and elegant. The rich notes of cream and chocolate with hints of vanilla, cedar and caramel captivate the palate. With time they intensify creating a satisfying experience one looks for in a Cuban cigar. The aromas are invigorating too. Overall, if you want to taste a fine Cuban smoke this is one you can count on. The Cohiba Siglo VI is made in the size of 5 5/6 x 52 and come in boxes of 25. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2015 by Cigar Aficionado.

No. 20 Enclave Churchill (A.J. Fernandez)

Enclave Churchill is a magnificent cigar from one of the world’s leading premium cigar blender, A.J. Fernandez. He has been mesmerizing the cigar connoisseurs for years and they are not yet over it. One of his latest offering, Enclave is a fine example of it. It is blended with carefully selected Nicaraguan long fillers that are mixed with proprietary Pilato Cubano tobaccos. They are held in place by a Cameroon binder and finally topped off by a stunning Habano Rosado wrapper. The finely skilled rollers at the Tabacalera Fernandez Factory roll them up beautifully without leaving any soft spot. This hefty stick displays a medium to full body strength and a fabulous bouquet of flavours. Perfectly balanced notes of sweet cedar, pepper, cinnamon and spices keep playing on the palate till the end. With this A.J. Fernandez has again created a masterpiece that showcases his Cuban heritage. The Enclave Churchill is made in the size of 7 x 52 and packed in boxes of 20. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2015 by Cigar Aficionado.

No. 21 Villiger San’Doro Colorado Robusto

Villiger San’Doro Colorado Robusto is an exquisitely crafted cigar from a relatively new player in the premium cigar market. Villager is not new to the premium cigar world altogether as they have a long relationship with tobaccos since 17 th century. The name of this cigar is derived from Latin name of tobacco which means scared plant of India. Choicest Nicaraguan tobaccos blended precisely to craft this premium. On the top a luscious Ecuadorian wrapper is laid beautifully. The top notch construction makes sure that this solid stick burns smoothly with an easy draw. The palate is treated with soft and rounded notes of cream, coffee, chocolate, nuts, wood and earth with little spices. From start to end this medium bodied gem is a total winner and worth your money. It has managed to impress critics and enthusiasts alike. The Villiger San’Doro Colorado Robusto is crafted in the size of 5 x 50 and available in boxes of 20. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2015 by Cigar Aficionado.

No. 22 Henry Clay Stalk Cut Toro

Henry Clay Stalk Cut Toro is a recent release of a very old brand that was almost forgotten except for their ardent fans. Now this cigar is crafted under Altadis U.S.A umbrella by a bunch of skilful rollers called Grupo de Maestros. The tobaccos used here need special mention as they are a mix of vintage tobaccos and a specially cut wrapper. 2012 Dominican Piloto and Olor long fillers combined with 2013 Nicaraguan Criollo filler tobaccos bound by a 2010 Dominican Piloto binder fill the core of these cigars. The wrapper is 2012 Connecticut Broadleaf which is cut from the stalk and cured with it. The result is deeper earthy flavour that is very much evident in each puff. This exotic concoction creates a bevy of flavours in full body strength. The palate stays busy with notes of spices, chocolate, coffee, leather and earth throughout the burn. After smoking one of these you would definitely wonder why it was out of market for so long. The Henry Clay Stalk Cut Toro is 6 x 54 in size. They come in boxes of 20. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2015 by Cigar Aficionado.

No. 23 Casa Cuba Doble Cinco

Casa Cuba Doble Cinco is a special release by Arturo Fuente under the supervision of great Carlos Fuente sr. He has been involved with this blend from the very first stage and crafted them in traditional way that he has learned at a young age. This cigar from its look to its flavour gives a Cuban feel which was the primary intention of Fuente sr. The tobaccos used in it are all Cuban seed Dominican long fillers and binder. The wrapper is made from a gorgeous Ecuadorian Habano leaf. The recipe cooks up a perfect smoke marked by fine balance, rich flavours and thick plumes of smoke all reminiscent of Old Cuban cigars. They display medium body strength with refined notes of wood, leather, spices and creamy sweetness at the end. It is a must have for both the aficionados as well as novices to know what it was to smoke in old Cuba. The Casa Cuba Doble Cinco is made in the size of 5 x 50. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2015 by Cigar Aficionado.

No. 24 Illusione MK

Illusione MK is an example of the fine blending skill of Dion Giolito, owner of Illusione. This brand was once a limited production release and displayed in the Trade Shows only. Now, they are a regular production without any compromise on the quality. The name MK signifies ‘mind control’ and it does control you as long as you hold it between your fingers. Finest quality Nicaraguan tobaccos are chosen for this stogie and blended with perfect precision. Giolito crafted these cigars in only one vitola size and that is Corona, as he felt that this is a perfect format to showcase this blend. This Nicaraguan puro delivers a full bodied robust smoke laden with complex notes of coffee, leather, black cherry and spices. The finishing notes are slightly sweet. They are a fine choice when you are in a mood for a hearty smoke. The Illusione MK is rolled in the size of 5 1/8 x 42 and packed in boxes of 25. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2015 by Cigar Aficionado.

No. 25 El Gueguense Corona Gorda

El Gueguense Corona Gorda is the first offering of Nicholas Melillo who was formerly associated with Drew Estate. After his separation with the bran he came up with his own company, Foundation Cigar Co. and blended his first cigar named El Gueguense which is a name of an old Nicaraguan play and means ‘the wise man’. This cigar is made of solely Nicaraguan tobaccos of different regions. The wrapper and binder both are Corojo 99 leaves which encase a mix of vintage Criollo and Corojo long fillers from 2011 and 2012. This hefty dose of Nicaraguan leaves create a rich, full bodied smoke loaded with complexity and robust flavors. As they smoothly burn notes of cedar, leather, earth, dark chocolate and spices tease the palate before finally leaving with a sweet finish. The burn and draw are both excellent and add more to the pleasure. The El Gueguense Corona Gorda is 5 5/8 x 46 in size and come in boxes of 25. You can buy them online at Cuenca Cigars or simply Shop our 25 Best Cigars of 2015 by Cigar Aficionado.


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