After much clamoring from consumers and contributors alike, Cigar Public is pleased to announce their very first top 25 list! The list consists of cigars that were reviewed in the calendar year of 2023 by the panel of Cigar Public reviewers, all of which were blind reviewed twice to give the most unbiased and comprehensive score.
Only cigars reviewed by the Cigar Public reviewers are included in this list. There was a total of 118 cigars reviewed on Cigar Public in 2023, and we have narrowed it down to the very best 25.
#1 Miami Cigar & Company Don Lino Africa (6.25”x52)
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano / Binder: Cameroon / Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan
Factory: Tabacalera AJ Fernandez
Score 96
This was the best cigar I’ve had in a long time. This reminds me of all the things we love about the holiday season. The body of smoke texture, transition of flavors, and the creamy medium body feel in the mouth is what made this an enjoyable experience. The detail and quality of this cigars flavor profile and shape really stand out to me among many others. I really need a box of these! Seriously, I need a box of 25 for the humidor.
#2 Privada Spirits: Cognac
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres / Binder: Nicaragua / Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacalera Perla
Score 93
One of those sort of rustic but very appealing looking cigars, with an even roll, very toothy with slight mottling to wrapper color, a soft oil sheen, and an even medium pack. The pungent pre-light aroma really got me excited IYKYK. The smoke output was generous with a touch of firmness to the draw. The smoke texture was soft, fluffy and satisfying. The ash was pure white as the driven snow with a near flawless burn line on both samples. Flavors were sheer goodness with impeccable balance throughout. A prime example of a full bodied and full flavored dessert cigar that would be excellent in the evening after any sort of chocolate treat.
#3 Don Pepin Garcia Original, (Generosos 6”x50)
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Maduro / Binder: Nicaraguan / Filler: Nicaraguan
Factory: My Father Cigars S.A.
Score 93
This cigar is constructed well. The foot read 68% on the CigarMedics Humidimeter. The balance between the tasting notes and how easy this cigar smoked was awesome. The notes themselves stayed consistent and I felt they just morphed into similar tasting notes but with slight variations as it went on burning. The smoke output was great, the burn line was great and I felt like every retrohale had power and oomph. Get this one if you can.
#4 LCA Vintage 2022 (6”x44)
Wrapper: Honduran Corojo / Binder: Honduran Corojo / Filler: Honduran Corojo
Factory: Eiroa Cigars
Score 92
This cigar will make you appreciate life. It was one of the best cigar experiences I have ever had. Truly. Billows of smoke, a perfect draw and it never got hot. The score reflects the truth behind how good it is. It’s too good to pass up, especially if you are seeking a perfect after dinner cigar.
#5 Flor De D’Crossier Selección Escogida: Lumina (Hermos #2, 6”x48)
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Claro Leaf / Binder: Dominican Republic / Filler: Jalapa, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic Factory: Tabacos de Costa Rica
Score 92
This cigar impressed with its flawless construction, which is a major factor in the new scoring system. It delivered balanced notes from start to finish, making it a satisfying smoke. This cigar offered a consistent cedar note throughout the smoke, along with a flawless construction that enhanced the enjoyment. It was not a very complex or dynamic cigar, but it had a well-balanced flavor profile. I highly recommend this cigar to anyone who likes cedar.
#6 Partagas De Bronce (6.25”x46)
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo / Binder: Nicaraguan / Filler: Ligero Medio Tiempo, Seco Corojo, Viso Dulce Factory: El Titan de Bronze
Score 92
This stick is box worthy! It has a great draw/smoke output. Visible veins but even colored wrapper. The only negative experience I had with this stick was the burn issues on both sticks. I had to touch them up a couple of times, but even with those issues I gave it a score of 92! It was that good! Complexity and dynamic range was off the charts.
#7 Cubariqueño Protocol Gold Themis (7.5”X38)
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut / Binder: Nicaraguan / Filler: Nicaraguan
Factory: La Zona
Score 92
This one blew me away. I am not by any means a fan of Lanceros. They are like Cubans to me; horrible construction issues, but, when you get a good one, its really good. Like This one! The light shade wrapper, the invisible seems and veins and perfect construction was just the tip of the iceberg. The draw was impeccable, the burn was razor sharp and the flavor notes. Wow. I was pleasantly surprised that the flavor notes were so good. like really good. This cigar is the most flavorful well constructed lancero I have ever had. This one I wont hesitate to pick up again.
#8 Illusione Epernay 10th Anniversary D’Aosta (6”x50)
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo / Binder: Nicaraguan / Filler: Nicaraguan
Factory: Fabrica de Tabacos Raices Cubanas
Score 92
This is one of the ten best cigars I have smoked in the past six months, the amount of flavors and transitions are off the charts. From jump street on both samples I had to purposely slow myself down from dipping back into the honey pot to pull more flavors. I kept going back for more in the hopes I would discover every changing note; easiest box purchase you’ll make!!
#9 “Where Is My Package?” From The Behind The Scenes Warehouse Crew (6”x52)
Wrapper: Nicaraguan / Binder: Nicaraguan / Filler: Nicaraguan
Factory: Undisclosed
Score 92
The cigar has a beautiful dark wrapper with light tooth. It has a great draw, and smoke output. This has been a very enjoyable cigar experience with an even burn. I would pair with a creamy coffee, cream soda or tea.
#10 La Gloria Cubana 8th Street (6”x50)
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro / Binder: Nicaraguan / Filler: Dominican Seco, Nicaraguan Viso
Factory: El Titan de Bronze
Score 91
The 1st cigar of this review pair had a few burn issues as well as an extremely tight draw. The best thing about smoking two cigars for every review is that while the 1st one had issues and muted flavors, the 2nd cigar was full of flavor and had an amazing burn and draw. If it hadn’t had been for the issues with the 1st cigar my scores may have been a little higher. I definitely recommend this cigar with a black coffee or a latte. I do also think this would be a great cigar with a higher proof whiskey.
#11 Quesada 1974
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Cameroon / Binder: Dominican Republic / Filler: Nicaragua, Dominican Republic
Factory: Quesada Factory, Dominican Republic
Score 91
I enjoyed this blend from start to finish. The amount of complexity and notes offered in the first third was great. The construction was spot on without issues. The wrapper had an even coloring with visible veins. It’s a medium stick, but goes up to a medium+. It’s a must try stick!
#12 Room 101 Farce Maduro Papi Chulo (4”x42)
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres / Binder: Ecuadorian / Filler: Connecticut Broadleaf, Nicaraguan, Pennsylvania Broadleaf Factory: Tabacalera William Ventura
Score 91
While this cigar looks a bit ruddy, the toothiness of the wrapper admittedly made me excited. And though the vitola is diminutive, the experience is far from small. Absolutely luscious dessert flavors abound from start to finish with a fantastic level of nuance. The balance is superb and the draw and burn are both exemplary. If anything the draw was almost too relaxed. Try this one after a full meal with after dinner drinks or a good espresso and reward your senses
#13 Veritas 412 (6”x54)
Wrapper: Pennsylvania Broadleaf Maduro / Binder: San Andres / Filler: Pennsylvana, Double Ligero from Esteli and Condega Factory: Tabacalera Nuevo Nica
Score 91
Wow. What an experience! I’ve gotten meatiness out of plenty of cigars, but this was the first time it was distinctively porky in nature. This was truly a flavor bomb. All components of this cigar worked together to provide a truly unique experience. The sweetness wasn’t too sweet, the spiciness wasn’t too spicy and they mingled perfectly on the palate. The draw was perfect, but the burn was a bit troublesome. It got very close to the point of needing touch up, but managed to correct itself. Sweet, salty, chocolaty, spicy, black pepper and bacon; need I say more?
#14 Crowned Heads Mil Días (Edmundo: 5.33”x52)
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano / Binder: Nicaraguan / Filler: Costa Rican, Nicaraguan, Peruvian
Factory: Tabacalera Pichardo
Score 90
The draw in this stick, while not perfect, does offer an ample smoke output and a pleasant enough resistance. The texture has an intriguing powdery/creamy feel that treats the palate very gently (I barely had to take any sips of my water). The flavors in the first third start off rather quickly and stay beautifully balanced. The retrohale was remarkably smooth and gentle while still delivering a healthy level of flavor and aroma. Burn was decent, and the complexity and nuance were undeniable. I like this one as a early morning smoke or after a breakfast pastry without question!
#15 Manolo Quesada 75th Anniversary (6.75”x48)
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Corojo / Binder: Nicaraguan / Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan
Factory: Tabacos de Exportación
Score 90
The overall look of this cigar was beautiful. It reminded me of a Brindle puppy. The flavors were nice and relaxing and the transitions made the cigar enjoyable the whole way through. Would love to try this with a latte or some Cooper’s craft 100.
#16 Matilde Quadrata (Torpedo, 6”x52)
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano/ Binder: Dominican / Filler: Dominican and Nicaraguan
Factory: Tabacalera Palma
Score 90
This was an awesome stick that provides, and even more interesting experience of flavor as you enjoy. I wish I had more. Definitely a flavor roller coaster between thirds and a nubber on the last third. Wish I had more of these to keep in the humidor.
#17 Patina Maduro (5”x52)
Wrapper: Undisclosed / Binder: Undisclosed / Filler: Undisclosed
Factory: Nicaraguan American Cigars S.A.
Score 90
I would be hard pressed to find any real issues with this cigar. The burn was perfect. The draw was perfect with complimenting the flavor transitions. It was an absolute chocolate bomb and the coffee note in the final third was the chef’s kiss on this decadent stick. This cigar will pair with anything and will be perfect any time of day. I wish there was a bit more pepper or spice on the retrohale, but in all honesty it didn’t really need it. This cigar really is a maduro for any occasion.
#18 Founders Roosevelt Maduro (5”x50)
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Maduro / Binder: Ecuadorian / Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan
Score 90
This is an enjoyable cigar. I loved how all of the sweet chocolate notes transition smoothly into darker deeper dark chocolate and espresso notes. I also loved how the dark pepper notes were saved to the end. It made for a nice little surprise that had you wanting a little more.
#19 Stallone Palomino Connecticut (5”x50)
Wrapper: Connecticut / Binder: Nicaraguan / Filler: Nicaraguan
Factory: Las Villas Cigars
Score 90
My overall thoughts on this cigar are that it would be a great daily smoke. I would definitely enjoy this during the midday with a nice cup of coffee.
#20 DAV Mestizo (6”x42)
Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés / Binder: Dominican Olor / Filler: Dominican
Factory: DAV
Score 89
Excellent cigar! Love this vitola. Both review samples had the same tasty notes but one went a little overboard with bitterness for a brief moment in the 3rd before bouncing back. I will surely be picking up a grip of these for my humidor.
#21 Pichardo Reserva Familiar Habano (6”x52)
Wrapper: Habano (Nicaragua) / Binder: Habano (Nicaragua) / Filler: Nicaraguan & Dominican
Factory: Luciano Tabacos SA in Esteli, Nicaragua
Score 89
Both samples of this cigar smoked beautifully. I could enjoy this one any time of day, with coffee in the morning or a nice pour of bourbon after supper. Strength was towards the plus side, but for me personally, it was a spot-on medium across the board. This was certainly a cigar I highly recommend and was a nice change of pace from what I typically smoke.
#22 Padilla Catcher In The Rye (6”x54)
Wrapper: Honduran Corojo / Binder: Brazilian Mata Fina / Filler: Dominican Piloto Cubano, Honduran Corojo, Honduran Criollo, Nicaraguan Corojo
Factory: Fabrica de Tabacos Raices Cubanas
Score 89
A very nice looking stick with a very even roll, medium pack, and an even matte tan coloring to the wrapper. The draw had some noticeable resistance which did lend itself well to the experience. Great smoke output with a fairly creamy smoke texture. Burn was near perfect on both samples with a solid white ash. Just a plethora of sweetness on the draw that starts almost immediately after lighting, with oak almost always present in some way throughout the smoke. Not a huge amount of transitions, but the flavor and texture was quite good. A beautiful morning sort of smoke that really gets the palate awake without overworking it.
#23 Plasencia Alma Fuerte Colorado Claro Sixto (6”x60)
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Colorado Claro / Binder: Nicaraguan / Filler: Nicaraguan
Factory: Plasencia Cigars S.A.
Score 89
This cigar had a very strange form factor. The Hexagon shaped press was a bit uncomfortable in the hand, but the wrapper was nearly flawless. Start to finish this cigar performed. It was sweet and spicy, while covering all the bases in between. Strength wise it was at a solid medium but nearly full, thus could be enjoyed any time of day. The only knock I have on this cigar is the feel in the hand. That hexagon press felt strange, but if that is what attributed to the amazing flavor and performance then it’s a completely fair trade-off. I learned the age old lesson ; don’t judge a book by its cover!
#24 Edgar Julián Sued Monovarietal Corojo (5”x50)
Wrapper: Corojo / Binder: Dominican / Filler: Corojo Seco Mao, Corojo Viso Navarrete, Corojo Medio Tiempo Villa González, Corojo Ligero Peñuela
Factory: Julián Sued y Cia
Score 89
This cigar had a very oily and veiny wrapper with very few imperfections. The cold draw and body tastes were unique to anything I have had before. On initial light up you get a very minerally ash and pepper taste that quickly fades off into rich bready flavors. The transitions between the thirds are very apparent and the combinations of flavors remained pleasant throughout. This cigar would pair well with raisins, chocolate espresso beans, or a lightly peated scotch.
#25 Pier 28 Maduro (7”x47)
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres / Binder: Nicaragua / Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: La Zona
Score 89
Despite a few very noticeable veins, this dark and toothy stick looked very enticing. The draw was pleasing with a nice touch of resistance. The texture started immediately with a silky oil sensation, but quickly shifted to a more chewy and somewhat fluffy feel. The burn was fairly good with some flakiness to the ash that was a little messy at times, particularly in the back half. Flavor wise this cigar is a delight, with a wide ranging dynamic that changes on a dime.
