Everyone has one of these. Whether it is a Top5, 10, or 25, Whatever the number everyone has a list and no two are the same. And they shouldn’t be. These lists are the opinion of the smoker who writes them, and they are based on that persons tastes and experience. Keep that in mind as you read my list. Chances are you aren’t going to agree with it, but then you aren’t supposed to… Right? 
. You probably have your own list so feel free to share yours by leaving it in the comments below. I love seeing what others enjoy and why. It often points me in the direction of things I have yet to try. Also like everyone does with these kinds of lists, I am attaching a disclaimer. This list represents my top 5 cigars at the time I wrote it. It is subject to change and I promise you it will change, probably sooner rather than later. It is a living list that seems to be constantly in motion as I discover cigars I have yet to try. That being the case, there is a good chance… no, I’d say better than good chance that this list will not be updated as often as the list in my head changes, but I will make an effort to update it occasionally, especially if there is a major shift in the rankings. So without further delay, here it is:
Version 2.0
[Updated 3/20/2009]
1. Tatuaje Reserva SW
Time after time I am blown away by this cigar. It is smooth, refined and creamy. There is a myriad of subtle flavors that work their way in an out during the course of smoking one. Every time I sit down with one of these sticks I know I am in for a special treat.
2. Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Roi (2000)
Aged Habanos are a truly special treat. The flavors of a good Cuban cigar that has been truly aged, meaning several years of rest in proper storage conditions, are unlike what you’ll taste in any other cigar. The flavors are refined,dynamic and perfectly balanced. The Hoyo de Monterrey is a shining example of this. An amazingly complex cigar that delivers a myriad of amazing flavors weaving around a creamy, chewy core of wood and cafe au lait. These cigars are fast approaching their ninth birthday and they are indeed peaking now.
3. Ramon Allones Specially Selected(2005)
The older these cigars get the better they get. Three years ago they would have probably been ranked down in the number five spot on this list. Fresh off the truck they were indeed a top five smoke, but now that they are past their 3rd birthday they are something really special. Leather, earth, nuts, all wrapped in a creaminess and an aroma that transports you to another world of smoking bliss. In another 2 or three years these are likely to be so good it will physically hurt to smoke one. I hope my last few hang around long enough for me to find out…
4. Tatuaje Havana Cazadores
This is the Reserva SW’s tough little brother. A little rougher around the edges and packing a bigger punch, this robust smoke still brings plenty of complexity to the table. I could smoke one of these just about every day and be happy. As good as these are fresh, they benefit immensely from some aging as well. One of these beauties with 2 to 3 years of rest in a well maintained humidor, and some of the edge comes off and some more subtle flavors are able to come through.
5. Cruzado Elitas
If I was obliged to select the best new cigar of 2008, without a doubt the Cruzado Elitas would have my vote and it wouldn’t even be close. In a year that brought us an amazing amount of fantastic new cigars, the Cruzado Elitas was far and away the best of all of them. This firecracker of a cigar is the creation of Dion Giolito who is also the man that brought us the Illusiones line of cigars. The Elitas sports a Criollo wrapper and a stylish pigtail cap. It is a powerful, robust smoke that comes at you swinging with the first puff. Spicy with a slightly sweet finish, there is lots of leather, earth, chocolate and more. It is a dynamic cigar changing up on you three or four times in the course of the smoke. It is a fantastic cigar from start to finish. I don’t recommend trying to tackle this one with an empty stomach. Its as powerful as it is flavorful.
Former Top 5 Cigars:
Dropped 3/2009
4. Oliva Master Blends (original 2003)
5. Perdomo Edición de Silvio Cameroon Toro
August 27, 2008 at 5:04 pm |
Feel free to leave your comments here. Let me know what you think of the cigars on my list, or tell me what your Top 5 looks like.
-Matt
August 29, 2008 at 3:27 pm |
Those are certainly some good choices, Matt!
August 31, 2008 at 4:01 pm |
I guess my Top 5 would be”
Fuente Fuente Opus X “XXX” (Power Ranger)
Cuesta Rey Centro Fino Sungrown (any size)
Arturo Fuente Cuban Belicoso
Padron Anniversarios (Natural or Maduro)
Arturo Fuente Hemingway (any size)
September 30, 2008 at 6:11 pm |
Sorry to say I’ve never had a Tatuaje. I will look for them. Thanks!
October 11, 2008 at 8:43 pm |
The ‘07 RASS is the best smoke I’ve had this year. The Bolivar RC edges out the Tat Reserva SW for #2. After that, it gets a little hazy for me. I can think of about a half-dozen that could reasonably be #4 or #5.
November 16, 2008 at 8:42 am |
Matt, I along with you beleive my list changes frequently according to what I am liking now. So with that in mind here are my Top 5 currently.
1. Padilla Miami 8/11 Robusto
2. Coronado by La Flor Lancero
3. Tatuaje VI Angeles (my go to cigar)
4. Bolivar Royal Corona
5. San Cristobol Maestro
As you can see by my choices, I am a Pepin fanatic. I could include 5 more of HIS blends if we went to 10, I think they are that good.
January 5, 2009 at 12:58 am |
I’ve had my eye on the Perdomo Edición de Silvio and I think I will try it within the next couple of weeks. As for my Top 5 for starters I’m a maduro lover… 1) Don Pepin Garcia JJ Maduro, 2) Liga Privada No.9, 3) Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve Maduro, 4) Alec Bradley Tempus and 5) La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero. I’ve smoked a lot of good cigars but I keep going back to those that I listed above! ; )