Day Two of our Top 25 list rolls on with numbers 6 to 15. This star-studded group contains a varied combination of blends from some of the biggest names in the business. Which of these have you smoked, and which are you going to try next?
Let us know at [email protected].
6. Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro
Manufacturer: TABOLISA 1 Factory in Nicaragua
Wrapper: Mexico; Binder: Nicaragua; Filler: Nicaragua
Vitola: Torpedo; Physical size: 6 ½ x 52
MSRP: $17.80
Rating: 93
The Oliva Serie V Melanio is the only brand that has won Cigar of the Year in both wrapper variations. The original Melanio, wrapped in an Ecuadorian Sumatra, took home the No. 1 spot in 2012. But it is the Melanio Maduro, which won it all in 2021 in this exact shape, that caught our panel’s attention again in 2024.
7. AJ Fernandez Dias de Gloria Brazil
Manufacturer: Tabacalera AJ Fernandez in Nicaragua
Wrapper: Brazil; Binder: Nicaragua; Filler: Nicaragua
Vitola: Toro; Physical size: 6 ½ x 54
MSRP: $15.00
Rating: 93
This soft-pressed toro is one of five AJ Fernandez-made blends to make this year’s Top 25 list, highlighting AJ’s continued dominance. The Brazil-wrapped extension to the Dias de Gloria showcases the factory’s trademark flawless construction, with a depth of flavor, strength, and complexity that secured it the No. 7 position.
8. Sobremesa Brulee
Manufacturer: Fabrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua in Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuador; Binder: Mexico; Filler: Nicaragua & USA
Vitola: Elegantes en Cedro; Physical size: 7 x 50
MSRP: $15.95
Rating: 92
Since its 2015 founding by Steve Saka, Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust has placed seven cigars on our Top 25, with six in the Top 10 and Sin Compromiso winning Cigar of the Year in 2018 with 94 points. While those were all maduros, the Sobremesa Brulee proves Saka’s mastery extends to shade wrappers as well.
9. Fuente Fuente OpusX
Manufacturer: Tabacalera A. Fuente in the Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Dominican Republic; Binder: Dominican Republic; Filler: Dominican Republic
Vitola: Double Corona; Physical size: 7 5/8 x 49
MSRP: $40.41
Rating: 92
For over 25 years, the Fuente Fuente Opus X has set the standard for luxury in premium cigars. While the brand now includes extensions like Angel’s Share, Forbidden X, 20th Anniversary, and Oro Oscuro, it was the original Opus X in classic double corona that scored 93 points in our July/August issue, earning this spot.
10. Rocky Patel Gold Label
Manufacturer: Tabacalera Villa Cuba (TAVICUSA) in Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuador; Binder: Mexico; Filler: Nicaragua
Vitola: Robusto; Physical size: 5 ½ x 50
MSRP: $12.00
Rating: 92
For this 2024 release, Rocky Patel revisited the double binder technique employed in the DBS, this time combining Connecticut Shade and Connecticut Broadleaf tobaccos. The double-binder method adds complexity to the blend while aiding in combustion and demonstrates an evolution from Rocky Patel and TAVICUSA, his Nicaraguan factory.
11. Foundation Cigars Aksum Claro
Manufacturer: Tabacalera AJ Fernandez in Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuador; Binder: USA; Filler: Nicaragua
Vitola: Corona Gorda; Physical size: 5 ½ x 48
MSRP: $14.50
Rating: 92
Foundation’s founder Nick Melillo’s fascination with history and tobacco come together in the Aksum brand. Named for the ancient Ethiopian kingdom that once controlled vital trade routes between Africa and Asia, this release is another example of Foundation’s ability to create blends that tell a story while delighting smoker’s palates.
12. Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua
Manufacturer: San Lotano Factory in Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua; Binder: Nicaragua; Filler: Nicaragua
Vitola: Churchill; Physical size: 7 x 52
MSRP: $20.45
Rating: 92
The Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua is another AJ Fernandez-made cigar that often punches above its weight. This is the second time that this blend makes our list, as in 2021 the torpedo reached the No. 3 spot with a score of 94. This blend manages to be ultra-flavorful and powerful while at the same time elegant and nuanced.
13. Espinosa Knuckle Sandwich Habano
Manufacturer: San Lotano Factory in Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuador; Binder: Nicaragua; Filler: Nicaragua
Vitola: Corona Gorda R; Physical size: 5 5/8 x 46
MSRP: $12.30
Rating: 92
The collaboration between Guy Fieri and Erik Espinosa continues to impress our panel. The habano-wrapped Knuckle Sandwich, which scored 92 points in our May/June 2024 issue, matched that score in year-end tastings – showcasing the consistency and quality of manufacturing partner AJ Fernandez.
14. Illusione Epernay 10th Anniversary D’Aosta
Manufacturer: Raices Cubanas Factory in Honduras
Wrapper: Nicaragua; Binder: Nicaragua; Filler: Dominican Republic & Nicaragua
Vitola: Toro; Physical size: 6 x 50
MSRP: $13.00
Rating: 92
In a market pushing towards stronger blends, the Illusione Epernay stands apart with its nuanced flavors, rich aromas, but minimal strength. Brand owner Dion Giolito developed it to pair with Champagne – hence the name Epernay, a town in France’s Champagne region. The vitola references Valle d’Aosta in Italy, where Giolito has family.
15. Plasencia Cosecha 151
Manufacturer: Plasencia Cigars Nicaragua
Wrapper: Honduras; Binder: Honduras; Filler: Honduras
Vitola: La Musica; Physical size: 5 x 50
MSRP: $13.50
Rating: 92
The Plasencia Cosecha 151 stands as the only Honduran puro on our list – fitting for a family renowned for their tobacco growing expertise. The Cosecha (Spanish for ‘harvest’) brand showcases the Plasencia’s agricultural mastery, with the number 151 representing the specific harvest from which this blend’s tobacco was sourced.
