Boutique cigars real smokers rave about (and where to start)
Before we stocked our humidor's boutique shelf, we read thousands of comments from cigar smokers in online groups: which cigars they come back to, which ones they'd pick over a Padrón, and which ones are overhyped. These are the names that came up again and again, and every one below is on our shelf.
Foundation Cigar Company
Ask cigar smokers which maker "only makes great cigars" and Foundation is one of the most common answers.
- The Tabernacle Havana Seed CT: the single most-mentioned cigar in our research. Smokers praise its construction and call it rich and smooth, though a few find the first inch peppery.
- Olmec Maduro: some smokers who love Padrón's maduros call it the closest thing for less money, and some rate it above the Tabernacle. If you love Padrón, try this next.
- Wise Man Maduro: dark and sweet with some spice. It was recently reblended, and longtime fans are split on old versus new.
- Highclere Castle Victorian: the darker sibling of the creamy Highclere Edwardian, with cedar, spice and a little coffee.
- Charter Oak Broadleaf: the value pick. Same company as the Tabernacle, at a much friendlier price.
Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust
Steve Saka's company has some of the most loyal smokers we found. "By far my favorite brand" and "you can't go wrong with Saka" came up again and again.
- Dunbarton 10th Jubilee: the anniversary release smokers have been chasing this year.
- Mi Querida Triqui Traca No. 552: Mi Querida is one of the Dunbarton names that comes up most, for smokers who like a fuller, earthier cigar.
- Sobremesa Brûlée (Toro and Brûlée Blue): creamy and sweet, and a favorite with newer smokers. Many swear the cap is sweetened; Saka says it isn't, it's the tobacco. The Blue is a stronger, year-aged version.
Curivari
A smaller maker with a loyal following. The Buenaventura BV 500 is the everyday smoke people keep coming back to, and the Reserva Limitada Café Noir gets repeat posts from fans of coffee and cocoa notes. Also on the shelf: the Seleccion Privada Maduro and the Buenaventura Pralines.
Crowned Heads
A Nashville boutique with fewer, more limited releases. Moonflower is the newest blend people are raving about, and it's hard to find.
And Padrón
Padrón is still the benchmark. The 1964 Anniversary Maduro is the cigar smokers name most as their all-time favorite: start with the Principe, or go bigger with the No. 4 Maduro or No. 4 Natural. For a special occasion, the Family Reserve is the splurge: 44 Maduro, 45 Natural and 50 Maduro. Padrón's milder line, Dámaso, is here too: No. 12 and No. 17.
How to try them
Start with singles. Smokers told us the same thing over and over: they try two or three of a cigar before committing to a box. Everything on our boutique shelf is sold as singles. Order online and pick up at 224a Merrick Road in Lynbrook in about an hour, or stop in. 21+, ID checked.
