Back in March of this year, I set upon a mission to find some of the best cigars. Throughout the year I have visited a wide variety of shops, as well as different online retailers. But without the help of family, friends, social media, and of course, my friends over at /r/cigars, none of this would have been possible. Another special thank you goes out to all of the cigar companies that have been in contact with me and their sales representatives for all of the samples they have supplies me with. The people I have met over the past nine months have really helped this website become what it is today. With total page views creeping up on 30,000 views, I feel this website is going in the right direction, and I have all of you to thank for this wonderful feeling.
Now I will get into the part that everyone has been waiting for. This is a compilation, of what I feel, were the 10 best cigars that I reviewed in 2011.
10) My Father Le Bijou 1922: This cigar certainly deserves a spot on this list. This is definitely the best My Father cigar that I smoked this year. This was one of those cigars that when it was first received by my local shop, I grabbed a handful of them. I think I went through them in about a week. Now I feel that every Father’s Day I need to smoke one these with my Father.
9) Oliva Serie V Maduro: This year I discovered the beauty that is the Oliva Serie V. Upon reviewing that cigar, I received several comments and emails asking me if I had ever tried the Maduro edition. Once I learned about them, I called and emailed a few local shops to see if they had any in stock. Luckily a cigar shop right near where I work at had a couple left in stock, so I grabbed them. Everyone was right, it is a hell of a lot better, but they are hard to get, so I can’t keep a steady supply.
8) Partagas Lusitania: Upon receiving this cigar as a gift, I knew right then and there that I had to review it. This cigar wasn’t the biggest I have ever seen, but it was by far the biggest Cuban I have ever seen. This was definitely one of the best tasting cigars that I have ever smoked. The only problem with this cigar is that I don’t know when I will ever get the chance to smoke one again. A special thank you goes out to my friend who gave this cigar to me.
7) San Lotano Oval: This was the cigar that gave me biggest runaround this year for sure. Upon learning that A.J. Fernandez was putting out this line, I had to find one. Finally I received one in a cigar trade, and then my local shop got a few boxes in. Now I can’t get enough of them. Whenever I need a good cigar, I know I will have a couple in my humidor ready to go.
6) Emilio Cigars Grimakin: There is one reason that this cigar is on my list, because it rocks. I didn’t really know what to expect when I picked up this cigar. I heard a few things about it before trying it out, but once I got my hands on a couple, I was definitely not disappointed with my purchase. The packaging is one thing that drew me in. The eyes just feel like they are staring at you asking you so try it out.
5) Ave Maria: Well, of course my favorite cigar would be on this list. If you are looking for a very complex cigar, this one isn’t for you. But if you are looking for a great flavor profile, a relaxing smoke, and an overall pleasure, then try this one out. This is one of those cigars that always has to be in my humidor. There really isn’t a bad time to smoke this cigar because it is the right strength to smoke at any time.
4) God of Fire by Don Carlos 2007: This cigar was a gift to me, and upon receiving it, I knew I would have to save it for a special occasion. That occasion was my birthday. What a better way to start of the day than with a fantastic cigar. This cigar surly did delivery on every aspect I expected it to. The flavor, the construction, and the packaging were all fantastic.
3) Ashton VSG: I will be the first to admit that I haven’t had many Ashton cigars, but once I smoked this one, I knew I was going to be keeping a few of these on hand. The flavor profile was unlike any other sun grown wrapper I have had before. With the high quality that Ashton delivers, I knew that this cigar would be a treat. Plus I never heard a bad thing about this particular cigar.
2) Diamond Crown Julius Caeser: When it comes to the Diamond Crown line, this one takes the cake. Yes, I love the Maximus as well, but in all seriousness, the Julius Caeser stands out much more. This cigar is a little harder to find than most cigars for one reason: it is exclusive to Diamond Crown Lounges. If you are familiar, and enjoy the other Diamond Crown cigars, this one is sure to please as well.
1) Man O War Armada: This cigar is the top of the line when it comes to Man O War. You may be asking yourself why this cigar is my number 1, the answer is simple. It was amazing all the way through. There wasn’t one moment where I didn’t enjoy the immense amount of flavor that was pouring out. The construction was flawless, but the price tag is a little high, but that just makes it all the more desirable.
And that is my list. I know there are some hard to find sticks on there, but that just makes the hunt all the more fun. Nothing in life that is worthwhile comes easy, and I certainly learned that over the past year.
Thank you to everyone who has been reading my reviews throughout the year. I want to thank everyone who also signed up for my email updates as well.
Seriously, Thank You to everyone who helped me make this website what it is today.
Thank you again,
Zack the Stogie Man
Good list bro. Going to find that grimalkin.
ReplyDeleteThat Lusitania is amazing. I have had the pleasure of having a 13 year old Lucy. OH MY GOD!
ReplyDelete