Cigar Public Top 25 Reviews of 2024

I am pleased to give you, the eager and interested reader, the Cigar Public Top 25 Cigars of 2024! The list consists of cigars that were reviewed in the calendar year of 2024 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 92 cigars reviewed on Cigar Public in 2024, and we have narrowed it down to the very best 25.  Let’s dive right in!

#25 La Palina Bronze Label Lancero

Score 91     Reviewer: Joe Kenney

The cigar had some irregularities in the roll, but with an even rosado brown coloring and some visible fine tooth. The first two thirds of the cigar delivered some very bright and rich flavor that really popped on the draw and retrohale. The final third did slacken slightly in the overall balance but was still very enjoyable. Just a super enjoyable flavor profile all around. The biggest complaint was the burn which did require a few touch ups, and the ash was rather quick to fall (both fairly typical of lanceros).

Would pair wonderfully with a Manhattan, Negroni, or Old Fashioned cocktail, or with a wheated bourbon. Coffee with cream, hot or iced, would also lend itself well as a paring.

#24 Rojas Cigars Peruvian Gold

Score 91     Reviewer: Joe Kenney

The color on both samples was very pleasing and even; a lustrous amber color with a somewhat golden sheen. Love the corona gorda vitola, so I was looking forward to this one. Initially the draw was a little too firm for my preference, but did relax nicely as the smoke progressed. Flavor wise, however, there were no complaints. Lots of bright and tropical fruity notes abounded with a growing intensity of chocolate on the palate, reminding me of chocolate covered dried mango at times, developing to more sweet nut and woodsy notes later on. The texture and palate were both meticulously well balanced which is key for me. Spice was on the subtle side, but certainly present, and the aroma was just delightful. Very good burn and construction throughout. Definitely a must try!

#23 Black Label Trading Co. Bishops Blend 2024

Score 91     Reviewer: Todd Farrell

This cigar was pleasantly rich, decadent and complex! It took a light hit for needing a minor touch-up to even out the burn, but flavor wise I absolutely loved it. With its woody profile and citrusy zest on the retro, it made me crave a pairing of bourbon. I look forward to finding out what this is so I can pair with some or perhaps a cocktail that would go lovely with it.

I personally would suggest an Old Fashioned, Negroni, Paper Plane or Whiskey Sour for a classic approach, or for something with a bit more panache, try a Napoleon. Or neat with some Four Roses or Elijah Craig.

#22 Foundation Cigars Charter Oak Pegnataro

Score 91     Reviewer: Joe Kenney

There were just a few minor blemishes on the wrapper leaf, but that was about the only visible flaw on this box pressed, pigtail-capped Corona Gorda. The draw was a dream immediately upon lighting with a lightly buttery but powdery smoke texture, excellent smoke output, and delicately layered flavors on the draw and retro. I found myself retrohaling most of the time, the notes were so enjoyable. Burn was excellent almost the entire stick, with just a few moments of irregularity in the final third. The progression of flavors was immensely enjoyable, starting off with very delicate notes, building up to somewhat more robust nuances that kept my attention. The finish was clean and pure, leaving the palate feeling caressed by the texture and flavor. Just outstanding by every metric. The second sample demonstrated some imbalance on the draw flavors and some draw hesitation which did take away from the score.

This is just a great example of a palate starter cigar for the morning with coffee, either black or with cream.

#21 The Stephen by the Sartorial Tobacconist

Score 92     Reviewer: Charles Ruth

This cigar was quite a surprise. It was honestly one of the sweetest most enjoyable cigars that I have smelled in a long time. Although the taste wasn’t as sweet chocolate forward as the smell, it was a great smoking experience. This is a cigar that I will be coming back to again.

Pairings: Jack Daniels Bonded Rye, Orange crush

#20 Blackbird Superb

Score 92     Reviewer: Timothy Greene

This cigar was delicious. The retrohale was strong in the 1st half and mellowed slightly in the last. The draw was solid and produced a great amount of chewy smoke. The flavor notes lingered after each puff and meshed well on the retro. I really liked how it was constructed. It was on almost on the soft side, but it had no soft spots. This is a really good cigar. Perfect for an afternoon or evening cigar.

This cigar was on point. It had a perfect combination of construction, draw, flavors and smoke. Beautiful wrapper, great burn line, tight seems, and it had a great hand feel.

#19 Southern Draw Manzanita Lancero

Score 92     Reviewer: Joe Kenney

The warm golden-brown hue and soft oil sheen stood out on first glance with this lancero. A few noticeable veins were about the only aesthetic flaw. The first few puffs definitely woke up my palate with toasty and warm buttery sweetness immediately taking center stage. A nice amount of supporting nuances balance out the flavor very elegantly. The burn was decent enough, needing one or two minor touch ups, but pretty good for a lancero. Absolutely no complaints with the draw or smoke output, and even though there was a noticeable firmness on the draw it actually seemed to make the flavors feel extra jammy. This is the type of firmness that I can get behind! I am not the biggest lancero fan (the vitola always feels a little awkward to me) but the draw and flavors were undeniably enjoyable. So many nuances and excellent balance throughout.

A medium roast Sumatra coffee, highland Scotch, or wheated bourbon would pair well. This one had a noticeable nicotine hit, so be sure to have a full stomach and a beverage on hand!

 

#18. Year of Puff by Privada

Score 92      Reviewer: Joe Kenney

A well rolled and evenly packed toro with a soft oil sheen and a very fine tooth. The draw was basically ideal for me, just a touch of resistance with plenty of smoke. The burn was also impressive, remaining razor sharp through much of the stick with a ribbed white ash. The texture was a right down the middle medium body with a chalky/powdery mouthfeel. The core flavor profile was rather foresty with supporting notes of ginger and sweet baking spices, with nuances of nutty and fruity notes, making for balanced experience reminiscent of trail mix at times. Makes me wish I was hiking, camping, or just sitting around a fire outside!

A single malt Highland or Speyside Scotch on the rocks would make great spirit pairings, as well as light to medium roast coffee with cream, or even a chai spice tea.

#17 JM Patriarch Cigars Connecticut

Score 92      Reviewer: Todd Farrell

This cigar was an intriguing journey of notes for me. It was a wild ride that began like Cinnamon & Sugar Toast for breakfast and ended up like a comforting cup of Sleepy Time Tea before bed. One of the two samples came to that lemon tea party (lol) way faster, perhaps I smoked it a bit hot from being excited or perhaps that was just how it is. The other, however, took it’s time to roll through the range of notes in a story-like fashion. Both samples took hits mostly in the burn and construction categories as they seemed to want to unravel (but pretty much at the nub), and required some attention on the burn with some touching up.

#16 Tatuaje Négociant Monopole No. 2

Score 92      Reviewer: Todd Farrell

The complexity of this cigar was exceptional, showcasing a diverse range of spices—not just the hot ones, but a variety of nuanced spice flavors. While it wasn’t my personal favorite, it was an undeniably good cigar. The cigar offered a compelling and enjoyable experience. I was more generous on the enjoyability scoring scale with this one, more so because it was an enjoyable as a unique experience for me rather than the rating of my level of the spice enjoyment.

#15 Mr. Robot Fumador by Mr. Robot Cigar

Score 92     Reviewer: Timothy Greene

This cigar starts with a punch! Very well constructed. Tight seems, neat cap, firmer pack, and excellent draw. Perfect really. Burn line was very sharp, and it burned very slowly. Never had to touch it up or relight it. It lost points for complexity, but what it did have was excellent.

This cigar was dang near perfect. It hit all the right buttons. Constructed well, flavors were bold and the notes were harmonious. The retrohale burn was great until the last third, were the intensity in the retrohale tapered down. This cigar was a flavor bomb. To me the perfect vitola for the flavor combination it offered. It really is a must try. You’ll enjoy every puff.

#14 Caliber Cigar Co. Joint Service Robusto

Score 92     Reviewer: Joe Kenney

This was a neat and tidy looking stick with a very even roll, even mocha brown coloring to the wrapper leaf, and a medium firm pack. On first light the flavor erupts on the palate in a very captivating way. The texture is a straight medium with somewhat dry and fluffy feel that is very pleasing. The ash was a little flaky but strong with a near perfect burn line. The flavors were simultaneously bold, but also wonderfully balanced with plenty of layering. The smoky, salty, sweet, and tangy qualities were all harmonizing masterfully throughout. The draw and smoke output were also exemplary making this one of the most enjoyable smoking experiences I’ve had in awhile.

Pairing Recommendations: Would love to smoke this one with a good Old Fashion cocktail, but would also go great after Cuban braised pork, with bourbon on the rocks, or a single malt Highland Scotch.

#13 Patoro Gran Añejo Reserva Lancero

Score 93     Reviewer: Andrew Nagle

Points were lost for the draw being slightly on the loose side, but even with that the burn was perfect. Flavor complexity was off the charts, especially for a CT Shade.

This was a CT Shade that everyone needs to try, even if not a fan of mild smokes. Lancero format with a nicely placed pigtail cap and a great feel in the hand. Excellent retrohale notes that kept me coming back. I could certainly see this cigar being a mainstay in my humidor.

Pairing Recommendations: Miller Lite or any Light Lager/Pilsner, Peanut Butter Stout, Bourbon neat, Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, Sprite or Mountain Dew

#12 Cremo Connecticut

Score 93    Reviewer: Joe Kenney

This one was a very sweet and pretty looking cigar with nearly invisible seams, very few veins, and a beautiful light golden tan coloring to the wrapper leaf. Subtle complexity characterized the flavor profile on this one. This cigar was much like a shy, quiet girl in the office. Many may find her a little boring, but once you get that flame lit, and if you are willing to pay her close attention, taking your time, she lets her hair down on you, and the experience will get you totally hypnotized. This is one that you will want to smoke on a clean palate, otherwise you will miss all the tender little beauties this one has to offer.
A latte (hot or iced) or a coconut rum would pair wonderfully with this smoke.

#11 Plasencia Alma del Campo

Score 93    Reviewer: Joe Kenney

A very delicate wrapper leaf with light nut brown coloring on this soft box press Toro. The pack and roll were both well done with a few noticeable veins and tight but visible seams. Immediately the draw was of good resistance, though perhaps a little hesitant at times. The smoke texture was particularly gentle and mild, with very soft and delicate flavor nuances. The burn was slightly irregular at times, but very impressive otherwise. The flavor boldness does increase a little as the cigar progresses, bringing out an excellent balance of nutty, buttery, and baking spice notes that meshed in a lovely chorus. I kept thinking of home made egg nog while I was smoking this one, and I can’t help but think that this stick would pair beautifully with it. Hot buttered rum, spiced rum, or a light roast coffee with cream would be great choices for pairing as well. A very good choice for the the morning, and with all these baking spices and spirits notes, I want this as my Christmas morning smoke!

#10 Privada Kickoff Blue

Score 94    Reviewer: Todd Farrell

Full disclosure: the first sample of the cigar was a bit more squishy and loose on the draw. It was quickly overcome with a sour bitterness that resulted in a very poor score… I don’t know if it was the loose draw causing it to burn too fast, fermentation or over humidification. But the second sample, that rested in my humidor a little longer, ended up being a FANTASTIC, mild ride through soft enjoyable notes. Very easy going and pleasant, a complete turn from the first sample. Perhaps a bit unfair, I chalked the first sample up to poor luck and focused on the second one for review purposes.

#9 Domain Cigars Neutron Shaggy His Excellency

Score 94     Reviewer: Andrew Nagle

 Clearly, this stick was near flawless, but my job is to nit-pick and nit-pick I must. One point for construction was taken, just for the transition from the shaggy foot to the wrapper. It started to canoe a bit, but corrected itself with both samples and really that is completely understandable given the drastic shift the cigar takes from the very shaggy foot into the wrapper. The draw especially for a shaggy foot cigar was impressive. It was a bit too loose at the start, but gradually gained the perfect touch of resistance as the wrapper portion took control. Flavor wise this cigar really checked all the boxes for me. Complex, but at the same time focused on delivering flavor notes that play well together. Full strength and full intensity, yet maintained an impressive smoothness throughout.
 This cigar was quite a sight to see. I joked with fellow reviewers that it wasn’t a shaggy foot, it was more a shaggy leg! A torpedo with about an inch of shaggy foot and once the wrapper portion entered the frame it really created quite a visual masterpiece. The wrapper was immaculate. Dark, DARK brown with tooth that would scare even a seasoned orthodontist. At light up, the wrapper-less introduction served up enough flavor that I probably would be perfectly satisfied if this stick had no wrapper at all! Although once the shaggy foot met the beautiful wrapper magic really began to happen. All the notes I search out in a cigar were present here. I am typically not a fan of shaggy foot cigars, but this one really made me rethink this notion. Construction from start to finish, even with the shaggy introduction, was damn close to PERFECT.

#8 Espinosa Las 6 Provincias CMW

Score 94     Reviewer: Joe Kenney

A very sharp box press on this cigar, with a very dark mocha color on the wrapper. The seams were somewhat loose on this one, but with a very nice pack and lots of visible tooth on the surface. This cigar was pretty adamant in its flavor strength right out of the gate, yet still maintained an impressive level of balance throughout the entirety of the cigar. The draw, burn, and smoke output were all excellent, almost perfect. I am definitely what you would call a full-flavor junkie, and this one scratched that itch better than most that I’ve had recently. Anytime I get this much strength combined with such impeccable balance I am a happy smoker!

Be ready for this one and have a full stomach before enjoying. Would hold up well to a barrel proof bourbon, Chocolate Stout, or with an old reliable espresso.

#7 Aladino Maduro

Score 95     Reviewer: John Cardenas

The construction, roll, and presentation on the stick were great! The burn was sharp and well throughout the entire experience I did not need to touch it up at all. Construction was phenomenal on this cigar. The flavors started with cinnamon red spices and then the sweetness of a cappuccino or chocolate cake balanced out the mineral and spices. It was like smoking a red spice chocolate cake. I would smoke more of these. This one is worth trying for yourself. It did have some strength but did not overdo it in that department.

#6 Crowned Heads Coroneta Maduro

Score 95     Reviewer: Todd Farrell

Such a wonderful cigar for me…I love a cigar like this that is fairly mild and easy going but extremely complex with copious flavor notes.

#5 Knuckle Sandwich Robusto Connecticut

Score 95     Reviewer: John Cardenas

This is the highest rated cigar to date for me. It did not have a razor sharp burn unfortunately which lowered construction/ burn points. Although it had those problems it was a fantastic cigar that is box worthy in my opinion. Buy at least a couple to experience them for yourself.

This cigar is a wonderful example of being able to blend tobacco so well that it’s difficult to pull out individual notes. It was a delicious blend of flavorful notes. It is higher on the pepper scale vs other cigars, but fantastic none the less. I put a – on strength, but I would give it a two out of five in that area.

#4 The From Chico by Chico Rivas

Score 95     Reviewer: Todd Farrell

Both samples were very well rolled with reticulated veins. The burn was a bit wavy, but consistent. A snug draw, but produced ample smoke without having to fight for it. This cigar manufactured notes that constantly circulated for a welcomed repetitiveness. The first two-thirds were heavenly before coming back to earth for a more classic smoke in the end. I really enjoyed this cigar! It took small score hits for a wavy burn and snug draw, with one sample taking a few more points there for a slightly lower score as a nit pick.

#3 Black Works Studio The Hornet Corona Larga

Score 97    Reviewer: Andrew Nagle

This cigar was as close to perfection as I’ve had in a long time. Construction was legitimately perfect. The burn only lost a point for a wonky burn at light up from the candela closed foot, which is completely understandable and evened out almost immediately.
Final Thoughts: This cigar was beautiful, but I have to admit, due to its unique appearance I believe I know what cigar this is. There aren’t many Maduro cigars with strips of candela in the cap along with a closed candela foot. With that being said, if it’s the cigar I believe it is, I have not smoked one before, nor do I know it’s binder or filler contents. Regardless, this is the highest rating I’ve ever given. I love candela and believe it or not, it was the first type of cigar I smoked that peaked the cigar nerd in me. This obviously was primarily a full-on maduro experience, but the touch of candela was executed perfectly. All in all, I have a new favorite cigar and it’s not even close!
Pairing Recommendations: Lager/Pilsner Beer, Guinness Stout, Old Elk Bourbon (neat), Pinot Noir, After a Steak dinner, Dark Chocolate, Black Hot Coffee

#2 Privada Spirits Bourbon

Score 98     Reviewer: Timothy Greene

This cigar lost practically no points. The burn was slightly off but other than that, it was on point.  This cigar changed my mood. It was perfectly constructed; firm even pack, perfect draw, and had a flawless wrapper. The draw was literally perfect. The smoke output and texture was amazing. Billows of creamy smoke that kept pouring off the cigar after each puff. The flavor notes exploded with depth. They were pronounced and deep. The finish was long lasting and I kept glancing at the cigar in disbelief. I got excited about a 1/2 inch in and that’s when my mood changed. I thought this was going to be just another cigar, but I was strapped it for what turned out to be a roller coaster of flavor and enjoyment. I am a critical judge when it comes to cigars. Maybe because I am a self proclaimed aficionado, or maybe it’s because I take tobacco, cigars, and enjoyment very seriously. Either way, you need to smoke this cigar. Let it change your mood, and go on the roller coaster you’d never see coming.

Cigar Public #1 Cigar of 2025: The Not Cap’N

Score 98     Reviewer: Andrew Nagle


This was as close to perfect as it gets, losing only a couple points for burn.
1 of the 2 samples required some touch-ups, but had no effect on the experience.
A real pretty looking Connecticut shade cigar, flawless wrapper and a solid feel in the hand. I was certainly surprised by everything I was getting at pre-light; normally a shade smoke doesn’t wow that much at this stage. The body, foot and cold draw got me really excited to light this one up. This also means that expectations were immediately elevated. It absolutely lived up the hype created at pre light. One of the most flavorful and interesting CT Shades I’ve ever smoked. The smoke was thick and creamy, pumping out copious amounts of smoke and flavor. This will hold up to any pairing and for me could be enjoyed any time of the day. Box worthy is an understatement.

Pairing Recommendations: Peanut Butter Whiskey, Caramel Latte, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Skyy Cold Brew Vodka, After a bowl of Honey Graham Cereal or Cinnamon Toast Crunch, White Russian, Vanilla Frappé, Stout Beer

What were your top picks from the past year?  Drop a comment below!