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Expert reviews, pairing guides, humidor wisdom, and the stories behind the world's finest cigars.

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Featured Review

Cohiba Behike BHK 52: The Pinnacle of Cuban Craftsmanship

The Behike is not merely a cigar — it is a declaration. Rolled exclusively at El Laguito in Havana using the elusive medio tiempo leaf, this smoke demands your full attention and rewards it generously.

Arturo Fuente Opus X: The Dominican Masterpiece

When Carlito Fuente Jr. first grew Dominican wrapper tobacco in the 1990s, the industry said it couldn't be done. The Opus X proved them spectacularly wrong.

Elena Voss · 7 min readRead →

pairings

The Definitive Whiskey & Cigar Pairing Guide

The art of pairing a cigar with the right whiskey is one of the great pleasures of the aficionado's life. Here is everything you need to know to get it right.

James Caldwell · 12 min readRead →

humidor

Building the Perfect Humidor: A Complete Guide

A cigar is only as good as the conditions in which it is stored. Whether you own five cigars or five hundred, understanding humidity and temperature is essential.

Marcus Ashford · 10 min readRead →

reviews

Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Natural: A Benchmark Revisited

Few cigars have maintained their reputation over decades the way the Padrón 1964 Anniversary has. We revisit this benchmark to understand why it endures.

Elena Voss · 6 min readRead →

reviews

Oliva Serie V Melanio: Nicaragua's Most Decorated Cigar

The Oliva Serie V Melanio has won more Cigar of the Year awards than any other blend in history. After lighting one, it is not difficult to understand why.

Marcus Ashford · 7 min readRead →

reviews

My Father Le Bijou 1922: The Jewel of Estelí

José "Pepin" Garcia is one of the most celebrated blenders in the cigar world. Le Bijou 1922 — "The Jewel" — may be his finest achievement.

Elena Voss · 7 min readRead →

reviews

Drew Estate Liga Privada No. 9: The Underground Legend

Liga Privada No. 9 was never meant to be sold. It was Jonathan Drew's personal blend — until word got out. Now it is one of the most coveted cigars in the country.

James Caldwell · 6 min readRead →

reviews

Davidoff Winston Churchill Late Hour: Diplomacy in Smoke

Winston Churchill smoked an estimated 250,000 cigars in his lifetime. Davidoff's tribute to the great statesman is a cigar worthy of the name.

Marcus Ashford · 7 min readRead →

reviews

Montecristo No. 2: The World's Most Famous Torpedo

The Montecristo No. 2 is arguably the most recognized cigar shape in the world. We revisit this Cuban legend to see if it still earns its legendary status.

Marcus Ashford · 8 min readRead →

reviews

Alec Bradley Prensado: The Honduran Dark Horse

When the Alec Bradley Prensado won Cigar Aficionado's Cigar of the Year in 2011, it was a watershed moment for Honduran tobacco. We revisit this landmark blend.

James Caldwell · 6 min readRead →

reviews

Perdomo Habano Bourbon Barrel-Aged Maduro: Innovation in a Band

Nick Perdomo had the audacious idea of aging his tobacco in spent bourbon barrels. The result is one of the most unique and compelling cigars in the market.

Elena Voss · 6 min readRead →

reviews

Plasencia Alma Fuerte: The Soul of Nicaraguan Terroir

The Plasencia family has been growing tobacco for five generations. The Alma Fuerte — "Strong Soul" — is their most ambitious and personal expression yet.

Marcus Ashford · 7 min readRead →

reviews

Rocky Patel Vintage 1990: The Lawyer Who Became a Legend

Rocky Patel left a successful law career to pursue his passion for premium cigars. The Vintage 1990 is the blend that made his name — and it still delivers.

James Caldwell · 6 min readRead →

origins

Nicaragua: The New World's Greatest Tobacco Country

Nicaragua has emerged as the dominant force in premium tobacco. Understanding why requires a journey through its geography, history, and the families who built its reputation.

James Caldwell · 9 min readRead →