Every year, the experts at Cigar Aficionado pull together the best of the best cigars, give their opinion on each, and rank them. We have compiled that new 2023 best-of-the-best cigar list and summarized each review so that you can easily compare and add each cigar to your collection. Also, don't forget to check out our CA Top 25 Cigar Samplers!

(We are working to source the items from the list that we currently don't carry. We will update the post with the link to the product once we have them in stock.)

Cigar Aficionado 2023 Top 25 Cigars:

#25 West Tampa Red Robusto

After a seasoned tenure with General Cigar, Rick Rodriguez ventured forth, establishing the West Tampa Tobacco Co. alongside his partner, Gus Martinez, in 2022. Since its inception, the duo has been dedicated to cultivating the brand and ensuring their cigars find their way into the hands of enthusiasts. While the name pays homage to the cigar-centric city where Rodriguez's grandparents settled, the cigars themselves are not crafted in Tampa. Instead, they find their origin in Nicaragua at the Garmendia Cigar Co. factory. The West Tampa Red marks the company's third and most robust release to date. Its bold essence of chocolate remains consistently pronounced from the initial draw to the final puff, unveiling nuanced layers of hickory, nutmeg, leather, and culminating in a mocha-infused finish.

#24 Padilla Miami 8&11 Churchill

Step inside the vibrant El Titan de Bronze factory nestled in Miami's Little Havana, and you'll find yourself in one of the few remaining strongholds of handcrafted cigar production in the United States. The ambient hum of tobacco leaves and the rhythmic clink of chavettas create a constant symphony in this bustling space. Amidst this industrious setting, one of the factory's standout creations is the Padilla Miami 8&11, crafted exclusively for Ernesto Padilla. While the brand has seen production in various factories and countries, it has returned to its origins in Miami with the Miami 8&11 line. The Churchill variant, boasting flavors reminiscent of walnut, molasses, and gingerbread, evokes the essence of a Christmas cake, yet its excellence remains a delight regardless of the season.

#23 Rafael Gonzalez Coronas de Lonsdale Cuban Cigar

Neither a corona nor a lonsdale, the Rafael Gonzalez Coronas de Lonsdale emerges as the newest addition to the often-overlooked Cuban brand in recent years. Remarkably, by Cuban standards, it stands as a tremendous value, outperforming its price point. Very few handmade Cubans are available at such an affordable cost. While Rafael Gonzalez may not boast the same level of recognition as larger brands, this cigar unequivocally merits a place in the conversation—an assertion validated the moment it's lit. Its spicy essence, weaving together leather and cedar, intertwines with rich undertones of coffee bean, earth, and cinnamon, all while enveloping the room in an alluring aroma. Should you chance upon a box, don't hesitate—this cigar retails for a mere 12 Swiss Francs in Switzerland, making it an enticing find worthy of acquisition. (Cuban cigars are not sold in the US)

#22 Ozgener Family Cigars Bosphorus B52

Renowned for his tenure at the helm of the CAO brand, Tim Ozgener stepped away from the cigar scene following CAO's sale. Upon his return to the industry in 2022, Bosphorus marked his first blend in over a decade. Initially encountering some turbulence, Ozgener parted ways with his initial manufacturer before finding a home with Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, who now oversees the production of Bosphorus in the Dominican Republic. The name pays homage to the Bosphorus Strait in Turkey, reflecting Ozgener's Turkish roots. Despite the absence of Turkish tobacco in the blend, it features a Havana 2000 wrapper and Nicaraguan filler, resulting in a delightful smoke characterized by notes of cocoa powder, coffee, nutmeg, and marzipan.

#21 La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero Lancero

This particular cigar has now secured its place on the Top 25 list for the third time, a testament to its remarkable consistency among lanceros available in the market. Not only does it uphold consistency, but it also stands out for its exceptional taste. With the exception of the wrapper, every tobacco leaf used in crafting this lancero originates from Litto Gomez’s La Canela farm in the Dominican Republic. The dry, hot microclimate of this farm yields tobaccos that are robust and highly concentrated—an essence that defines this cigar. Its slender ring gauge intensifies each puff, delivering an earthy, peppery essence at the forefront of the palate, gradually unfurling into notes of dark fruit, cocoa powder, and leather that linger pleasingly on the finish. SHOP NOW

#20 Olmec Claro Corona Gorda

Foundation Cigar Co. offers an insightful exploration of anthropology through its Olmec Claro line. Named after the ancient Mesoamerican civilization that once inhabited the region in Mexico where tobacco now thrives, the Olmec series distinctly embodies this heritage by utilizing Mexican cover leaf in its cigars. Crafted in Nicaragua under the expertise of A.J. Fernandez, Olmec is available in two wrapper variations: Maduro and Claro, the latter presenting a slightly lighter shade. Our discovery of exceptional equilibrium lies within the Claro Corona Gorda, which delivers a rich, sweet-and-spicy smoking experience. Vibrant bursts of ginger and citrus enliven the palate, complemented by nuances of nuts, toast, and vanilla that add a delightful sweetness to the blend.

#19 Foreign Affair By Luciano Cigars Corona

The cigar shares its name with a 1948 classic Marlene Dietrich film, but it doesn't aim to conjure Hollywood's Golden Era. Nor does it seek to navigate diplomatic landscapes. Luciano Cigars dubs this brand "an homage to the global cigar industry and its diverse aficionados." Setting aside its lofty concept, the Foreign Affair stands as an impressive Nicaraguan creation wrapped in a flavorful leaf of Sumatra-seed tobacco cultivated in Ecuador. What sets this Corona apart is the inclusion of Costa Rican tobacco in the filler, adding a distinct X factor. Bursting with an assortment of baking-spice nuances like cinnamon, allspice, ginger, and nutmeg, this cigar also hints at flavors of graham cracker, almond, and honey, delivering a well-rounded smoking experience.

#18 Tatuaje Miami Havana Cazadores

Nestled at the rear of My Father Cigars’ headquarters in Doral, Florida, lies a quaint factory known as El Rey de Los Habanos. This establishment stands as My Father's hub for crafting cigars in Miami, a nostalgic tribute to the fading artistry of handcrafted cigars in the United States. Alongside its own cigar lines, My Father takes charge of producing the renowned Tatuaje brand for Pete Johnson within this facility. While the majority of My Father's and Tatuaje's cigars hail from Nicaragua, a select few continue to be meticulously crafted in this intimate setting. Here, skilled rollers craft timeless Cuban-style cigars like the Tatuaje Miami Havana Cazadores, a superb lonsdale boasting robust notes of earth, black pepper, and coffee, accented by subtle sweet undertones of nutmeg and chocolate. SHOP NOW

#17 Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Edición Diamante Grande

Altadis U.S.A. injects vitality into the Montecristo line with the 1935 Anniversary Edición Diamante. Originally discarded as a prototype, this blend found redemption when Rafael Nodal of Altadis and master cigar craftsman A.J. Fernandez revisited it, discovering that additional years of aging had wrought a spectacular transformation upon the cigar. The Edición Diamante showcases Nicaraguan tobaccos, featuring a wrapper derived from a hybrid Cuban-seed plant cultivated in Jalapa. Nestled beneath lies Estelí filler and a Criollo binder sourced from the volcanic terrains of Ometepe. Initial draws unleash a symphony of pepper, leather, and earth, yet a gradual infusion of roasted nuts, baking spices, and dark chocolate mellows the smoking experience into a harmonious balance.

#16 Cohiba Pirámides Extra Cuban Cigar

Setting aside limited editions and special releases, the Cuban Cohiba Pirámides Extra stands as the sole figurado in its lineup. It not only boasts the greatest girth but also holds the distinction of being one of the most expensive offerings. Should you decide to indulge in this sizable torpedo, you're in for an encounter with the most vibrant Cohiba we've had the pleasure of experiencing in 2023. Named Pirámides Extra due to its slight increase in thickness and length compared to traditional Cuban pirámides, this cigar embodies that little "extra" in more ways than one—it's woven into the blend itself. Presenting an elegant profile that commences with notes of chestnut and cinnamon, evolving into almond paste and black pepper, it exudes sophistication. The inherent oakiness, a hallmark of the Cohiba brand, stems from the fact that Cohiba's tobacco undergoes a final fermentation period in oak barrels. (Cuban cigars are not sold in the US)

#15 Ashton Virgin Sun Grown Illusion

Within Ashton’s expansive Virgin Sun Grown series boasting a total of 12 sizes, some cigars tend to fade into obscurity, particularly amidst the current penchant for thicker smokes. Yet, it would be a disservice to dismiss the Illusion, a slender and lengthy lonsdale that captivated with its remarkable performance. While not the most popular size within the lineup, it undeniably stood out as the most memorable this year, showcasing the deep Ecuador Sumatra wrapper with finesse. Handcrafted by Arturo Fuente Cigar Co. in the Dominican Republic, the Illusion presents a robust earthy essence, complemented by a distinct, precise roasted peanut character that leaves a resonant impression on the palate. SHOP NOW

#14 Long Live The Queen Ace of Hearts

In 2022, Caldwell Cigar Co. introduced Long Live the Queen, unveiling Ace of Hearts as the sole limited-edition size. Notably, it emerged as the top-ranking size in a brand-focused tasting conducted by Cigar Insider, our bi-monthly newsletter. Responding to fervent demand, Caldwell transitioned it into regular production by October, significantly widening its availability. Crafted in the Dominican Republic at El Maestro, a factory under the ownership of William Ventura, this box-pressed gem now reaches a broader audience. Its blend represents a global journey through various tobacco origins, harmoniously yielding flavors of coffee and leather, complemented by nuanced touches of almond, caramel, and chocolate, creating an unforgettable smoking experience.

#13 My Father Le Bijou 1922 100 Años LE Corona Especial

Presented in only two sizes, the My Father Le Bijou 1922 100 Años commemorates what would have marked José García Alayón's 100th birthday—a tribute to José “Pepín” Garcia's father and Jaime Garcia's grandfather at My Father Cigars. Among the pair, the Corona Especial stood out as the superior, marking itself as the finest My Father cigar we enjoyed throughout the year. Despite its distinction from the core Le Bijou line, all the tobacco utilized hails from Nicaragua, cultivated by the Garcia family on their San Rafael, Las Quebradas, and San José farms. These cigars exhibit both strength and sophistication, commencing with delightful hints of caramel, vanilla, and oak-infused rum before delivering an explosion of ground red pepper, baking spices, and culminating in a luscious finish reminiscent of truffled honey.

#12 Trinidad Espíritu Series No. 1 Belicoso

Altadis U.S.A. has embarked on numerous endeavors to craft a non-Cuban rendition of the famed Cuban Trinidad brand, and this particular creation stands out as one of its most remarkable achievements. A collaboration between Rafael Nodal of Altadis and A.J. Fernandez in Nicaragua has birthed an exemplary Belicoso. Sporting a distinctive second band labeled "Series No. 1," each series showcases a unique blend accentuating different wrappers. However, in this rendition, the spotlight shines on Nicaragua. The wrapper itself is a fusion of Criollo ’98 and Sumatra, skillfully developed by Fernandez. The initial draws unveil concentrated nuances of fig, raisin, date, and dried blueberry. A robust, savory essence harmonizes these flavors, culminating in a lusciously jammy finish reminiscent of a fine California Cabernet.

#11 Romeo y Julieta Línea de Oro Hidalgo Cuban Cigar

Romeo y Julieta Linea de Oro was originally announced in 2020 to commemorate 145 years of the iconic brand, the new line is presented in three sizes: Dianas, Hidalgos, and Nobles. All three sizes have been blended to a medium to full Cigar with long filler and binder tobaccos from the well-loved Vuelta Abajo region and hand-rolled in the trending thick ring gauge of 56. A medium to full-bodied smoke, which is a novelty to the Romeo y Julieta brand, laced with flavors of earth, leather, and wood.

The Romeo y Julieta de Oro Nobles cigars are housed in a luxurious lacquered scarlet red box, enhanced with the wooden grains from the sycamore wood base. Double-banded with a metallic golden ring embossed with the name of the series and the individual vitolas. (Cuban cigars are not sold in the US)

#10 El Pulpo Belicoso Grande

El Pulpo, released in 2023 by Artesano del Tobacco, stands as a recent addition to the cigar scene. Crafted by A.J. Fernandez in Nicaragua, this cigar boasts a robust and concentrated profile that captivated us upon tasting. Utilizing a Mexican San Andrés wrapper aged longer than the norm, the brand's dedication to quality delayed its market arrival. However, the payoff was evident—a sizable, intense cigar that harmoniously melds strength with finesse. Rather than solely relying on potency, it unveils layers of coffee, dark chocolate, nuts, and citrus, leaving a memorable impression.

The brains behind this venture are brothers Gus and Billy Fakih, former proprietors of a New York City cigar shop, who transitioned into full-time brand ownership after their initial success with Viva La Vida, a line previously featured on our Top 25 list. El Pulpo catapulted them to new heights, its name—Spanish for "the octopus"—symbolizing how the smoke envelops the palate akin to an octopus seizing its prey. This analogy charmingly captures the unique smoking encounter, a sentiment we wholeheartedly endorse.

#9 La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor Belicoso

La Aroma de Cuba stands out among Ashton's high achievers. Crafted in Nicaragua by the Garcia family, this cigar not only consistently impresses but also offers exceptional value, delivering a smoking experience that surpasses its retail price. Originally introduced by Ashton in 2003 and produced in Honduras, the brand underwent a transformation in 2009 when production shifted to the Garcias.

The subsequent launch of Mi Amor marked the brand's inaugural line extension, pioneering the use of a Mexican wrapper—a departure from Ashton's previous offerings. Nicaraguan tobaccos cultivated across the Garcias' extensive farms complement the Mexican wrapper in Mi Amor, a creation meticulously crafted at the My Father Cigars factory, utilizing the factory's distinctive dual binder technique. While the blend maintains robustness, the Belicoso's tapered head concentrates the smoke, intensifying the cigar's distinct character. Rich notes of malted chocolate and assorted nuts define the experience, leaving a delightful mix of sweet and savory impressions that envelop the palate and resonate throughout the long finish. SHOP NOW

#8 Alec Bradley Prensado Torpedo

Alec Bradley Prensado rose to prominence when its Churchill size earned the prestigious title of Cigar of the Year in 2011, essentially placing Alec Bradley firmly on the cigar aficionado's map. However, this accolade brought unforeseen challenges as the company grappled with an overwhelming surge in demand, leading to a brief period of quality issues for Prensado.

Alan Rubin, the company's owner at the time, committed to rectifying these issues and placed a doubled emphasis on quality control measures. Fast forward more than a decade later, Prensado has reclaimed its position as a truly remarkable cigar, resuming its stature among the year's finest. While maintaining its original blend of Nicaraguan and Honduran tobacco, Alec Bradley underwent acquisition by the Scandinavian Tobacco Group in February 2023. Encouragingly, STG appears dedicated to preserving Prensado's exceptional quality and distinctive character.

This cigar harmoniously combines earthy tones with nutty nuances, leading to a robust note of cocoa that not only adds sweetness but also intensifies the overall experience. SHOP NOW

#7 Blackened Cigars “M81” By Drew Estate Corona

Collaborations are fairly common in the cigar industry, but finding a three-way fusion between a cigar company, a whiskey distiller, and a heavy-metal frontman is a rarity. Enter Blackened Cigars' "M81" by Drew Estate—the lone example known of. The collab proudly highlights two partners in its name: Blackened American Whiskey and the cigar craftsmen Drew Estate hailing from Nicaragua. The hidden gem? James Hetfield, the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the iconic Metallica (M81 nods to the band's birth year).

If there’s a cigar matching Metallica's head-thrashing guitar riffs, this is it. Packed with robust, dark broadleaf from Pennsylvania and Connecticut, this amped-up blend stormed the taste buds of Cigar Aficionado's judges, unleashing a spicy smoke charged with intense chocolate and earthy undertones. Amidst its more delicate moments, you'll find saffron, nutmeg, cinnamon, and brioche-like notes—akin to an acoustic guitar solo in the midst of a metal performance.

For the ultimate experience, pair this cigar with sips of Blackened Whiskey while immersing yourself in Metallica's iconic Black Album. But hey, that’s just a suggestion. Fans of bold cigars will relish in Blackened’s potency regardless. And the fact that it’s packed into a compact corona only amplifies its impact.

#6 Partagás Serie P No. 2 (Cuban Cigar)

The telltale band of Cuba's Partagás Alphabet Series is a beacon for seasoned Cuban cigar enthusiasts. Its sleek, glossy red exterior adorned with gold lettering lacks embellishment but speaks volumes—a clear mark of distinction. Originally, the Alphabet Series boasted just one cigar: the renowned Partagás Serie D No. 4. This cigar gained such immense popularity over the years that Habanos S.A. made a pivotal decision in 2005 to expand the series, introducing the Serie P No. 2—a pyramid-shaped creation crafted to mirror the iconic Montecristo No. 2 in size.

Today, the Alphabet Series has evolved to encompass various sizes, becoming a brand within a brand. Yet, it's the Serie P No. 2 that captivated the attention of Cigar Aficionado's judges. Marketed by Habanos as one of Cuba's fuller-bodied cigars, we found it exquisitely balanced and intricate. While not overwhelmingly strong, this cigar presented a symphony of flavors: nutmeg, maple syrup, fresh coconut, and cured tobacco—a honeyed aroma reminiscent of a barn filled with nearly cured leaves. (Cuban cigars are not sold in the US)

#5 E.P. Carrillo Allegiance Confidant

Typically, cigar brand proprietors turn to Ernesto Perez-Carrillo when seeking a craftsman for their cigars, hoping for his nod of approval. However, in a unique twist, Perez-Carrillo collaborated with Oliva Cigar Co. to create Allegiance, the fourth installment in the Perez-Carrillo series—a line that has consistently excelled. La Historia, the series' inaugural chapter, secured multiple placements on the Top 25 lists. Following suit, Encore (Part II) claimed the Cigar of the Year title in 2018, while Pledge (Part III) triumphed as the Cigar of the Year in 2020. Now, Part IV has proudly earned the No. 5 spot.

Throughout the series, the bands maintain a consistent pattern and design for coherence, differing only in color to distinguish between blends. Allegiance boasts a green band, symbolizing nature and the essence of tobacco. Apart from the Ecuador Sumatra wrapper, all the tobacco in this cigar hails from Nicaragua. So, does it bear more resemblance to an Oliva or an E.P. Carrillo creation? That's a debate we're still pondering. What's certain is its splendid composition, orchestrating a delightful interplay of sweet and spicy tones, underscored by woody nuances. Expect lively hints of gingerbread, accompanied by charming notes of nutmeg and cinnamon, culminating in a peppery finish. SHOP NOW

#4 Rocky Patel A.L.R. Second Edition Toro

This cigar isn't a stranger to our Top 25 list; it made its debut in 2019, securing the No. 5 spot. Fast forward to 2023, and it's ascended a rank, a testament to Rocky Patel's ongoing commitment to elevating quality and consistency at his Tavicusa factory in Nicaragua, where this exceptional cigar is crafted. Branded as "A.L.R.," signifying "Aged, Limited, and Rare," Patel produces these cigars in minimal quantities annually, ensuring each undergoes a two-year aging process post-rolling. While some might question the necessity of this prolonged aging, in the case of the A.L.R. Second Edition Toro, it's the defining element.

Crafted with a Mexican wrapper and Nicaraguan tobacco sourced from Patel's Condega and Estelí farms, the extended aging period appears to have allowed these tobaccos to harmonize, resulting in an exquisitely balanced smoke that envelops the palate in luxurious sensations. With each puff, the richness deepens, unveiling layers of nutmeg, German chocolate cake, and shredded coconut that grows in complexity and sophistication. If you missed out on experiencing this cigar in 2019, now's the time to indulge in its splendor. SHOP NOW

#3 Oliva Serie V Melanio Toro

The Oliva Serie V Melanio Toro embodies the complexity that defines this company's continual enhancement. It stands as a testament to Oliva's unwavering dedication to excellence. Post the acquisition of Oliva Cigar Co. by Vandermarliere Cigar Family in 2016 (formerly known as J. Cortés), Fred Vandermarliere made a bold commitment to uphold the esteemed tradition set by the Oliva family. This commitment wasn't mere words. The company recently inaugurated an expansive facility in Nicaragua solely focused on the meticulous fermentation, aging, and processing of tobacco. Alongside doubling its rolling capacity, Oliva significantly expanded its agricultural endeavors. However, all this growth would be futile if the product's quality declined, but that's far from the truth. Quite the opposite, actually.

Throughout the year, Oliva has consistently garnered high scores, yet none match the impressiveness of the Serie V Melanio Toro. Featuring a Sumatra-seed wrapper cultivated in Ecuador and a blend of Nicaraguan tobacco, the smoke is laden with earthy and spicy notes. It offers a spectrum from cumin and cardamom to hints of ground clove and allspice, all balanced by an underlying cedar thread that provides structure and equilibrium. SHOP NOW

#2 Padrón Serie 1926 No. 48 Maduro

Mention "Padrón" to most cigar aficionados, and you'll witness a near-universal reaction. Their nods and gleaming eyes speak volumes about the brand's unwavering reputation. Padrón's consistency across the years is evident—a result of their tobacco being cultivated under the open sun, imparting bold richness, and aged to perfection, lending an elegant, non-overpowering quality. Such balance is rare, consistently earning Padrón a spot on the Top 25 list annually.

This specific cigar commemorates dual milestones. Launched in 2002 to honor founder José O. Padrón's 75th birthday, and later, in 2016, the No. 48 size marked the 48th anniversary of the Tobacconists' Association of America. Initially exclusive to TAA retailers, it now stands as an integral part of the Serie 1926 line. Despite its thick 60-ring gauge, the blend retains its integrity—proof that Padrón successfully upscaled without compromising the distinct qualities of Serie 1926. Its lush smoke, carrying notes of cocoa, almond, honey, and cinnamon, embodies the brand's ability to preserve excellence on a larger scale. SHOP NOW

#1 Cigar of the Year: Fuente Fuente OpusX Reserva d’Chateau

In the 1980s, a Parisian retailer scoffed at Carlos “Carlito” Fuente Jr., now the patriarch of Arturo Fuente Cigar Co., dismissing cigar makers as mere tobacco assemblers. At that time, the Fuente family, then under his father's ownership, crafted cigars using tobaccos from various origins. However, the absence of Dominican wrapper tobacco became a persistent issue for the young Fuente, sparked by the Parisian's disdainful comment.

If that remark set the stage for the OpusX narrative, the story truly began in the early 1990s. Driven by his determination, Fuente Jr. set out to cultivate high-quality wrapper leaf in the Dominican Republic. Conventional wisdom suggested that Dominican soils were inadequate for such endeavors. Yet, after planting the right Corojo seeds in 1991, Fuente reaped the reward—a unique wrapper boasting a splendid reddish hue, remarkable flexibility, rich aroma, and an impressive flavor profile. This wrapper, now known as Chateau de la Fuente, thrived on a distinct Bonao-based farm, characterized by lighter, loamy soil with elevated clay content, setting it apart from other Dominican regions.

Fast forward to a brisk November night in 1995, where a line of enthusiasts snaked around a Manhattan cigar shop, eagerly awaiting the premiere of OpusX. That evening marked the birth of a cigar phenomenon.

OpusX emerged as a robust presence in a market dominated by milder offerings upon its release. Despite the current array of full-bodied competitors, OpusX maintains its allure and relevance. Its leathery, assertively spicy nature doesn't compromise on smoothness. Each draw reveals an opulent sweetness reminiscent of baking spices, nutmeg, and vanilla. The cigar strikes an impeccable balance between robust strength and refined elegance, earning its rightful place as our Cigar of the Year.

The Reserva d’Chateau's slender ring gauge highlights the pivotal role of the wrapper in shaping the smoking experience. Ultimately, the OpusX narrative revolves around a wrapper once deemed implausible. Yet, Fuente defied expectations, crafting an exquisite all-Dominican cigar that transcends its individual components, truly becoming more than the sum of its parts. Shop All Arturo Fuente Cigars

See the 2022 list of Best Cigars!

Learn more at https://www.cigaraficionado.com/top25/2023.

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(Cuban cigars are not sold in the US)