Managers Top 3 Cigars 2023
As we welcome in 2024, I have had a quick look back at 2023 and have picked my three cigars of the year just gone. It has been a a very tough decision this year, as I have been lucky enough to try a number of fantastic sticks from a number of different countries. Before I get on to the main list, I wanted to highlight a couple of sticks that almost made it (a case of close but no cigar!).
The Rocky Patel Sixty Sixty was my favourite cigar of 2022 and, for me, it still knocks the spots off many of the other cigars that I had the pleasure of trying this year. It's rich, moderately full palate is sublime being smooth and elegant with notes of leather, coffee, nuts and straw which are all backed up by a wonderful, dark earthiness. Also making a close call was the Charatan 160th Anniversary - released in the late summer, this Cubanesque Lancero was smooth and elegant and quite silky on the finish and gave the mighty Cohiba a very good run for it's money - we have received a further small batch of this wonderful cigar, so if you wish some please order today - they won't be around for long!
Drum roll please - my top three follows....
- La Flor Dominicana La Volcada - Dominican Republic - £36.90
This is the third instalment in an unofficial series of small batch cigars released by La Flor Domincana; the first being La Nox, the second, the award winning Andalusian Bull. The Bull was a former Cigar Of The Year in Cigar Aficionado magazine. The La Volcada has an oily San Andres wrapper covering an Ecuadorian Corojo binder and filler from the Dominican Republic. Featuring a knotted pigtail cap this cigar has notes of leather, coffee and pepper with spicy undertones and an open, even draw.
- VegaFina Cum Lauda 1998 25th Anniversary - Dominican Republic - £32.95
VegaFina ranks as one of the world's biggest-selling cigar brands. Launched in 1998, VegaFina has gained a reputation for making consistently good cigars. This LIMITED RELEASE VegaFina 1998 has been released, not only, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of VegaFina, but also as a precursor to the launch of the 1998 range. These are medium-bodied, showing some delightful toasted notes, nuts and a little spice. A small dash of sweetness on the finish brings the whole ensemble together. The smoke is absolutely delightful all the way through, steadily developing intensity over the course of the hour or so smoking it, but it never overpowers.
- Silencio Black Supremo Toro - Dominican Republic - £35.35
This is one of those rare cigars that shows it's intensity even before it has been lit - strong, earthy and pungent straight out of the wrapper and looks beautiful. The Maduro wrapper is dark, oily and silky to the touch - this is draped around the extra-aged Domincan Ligero leaf - the end result is full-bodied, creamy and very smooth. This is a joy to smoke and goes great with Cognac, Whisky or coffee, but best with friends!
For the first time ever, I have picked 3 Dominican Republic cigars as my favourites - even I am amazed by that!
Let me know what you think.
Eann - Manager & Cigar Buyer
1. La Flor Dominicana La Volcada
The overturned. This is what ‘La Volcada’ directly translates to, although that’s not exactly what this cigar is about. The term ‘La Volcada’ comes from a step in the tango dance that originated in Uruguay where Litto Gomez grew up and this cigar celebrates his Uruguayan heritage.
This is the third instalment in an unofficial series of small batch cigars released by La Flor Domincana; the first being La Nox and the second the Andalusian Bull. An oily San Andres wrapper covers an Ecuadorian Corojo binder and filler from the Dominican Republic. Featuring a knotted pigtail cap this cigar has notes of leather, coffee and pepper with spicy undertones and an open, even draw.
2. VegaFina 1998 25th Anniversario
VegaFina ranks as one of the world's biggest-selling cigar brands. Launched in 1998, VegaFina has gained a reputation for making consistently good cigars. This LIMITED RELEASE VegaFina 1998 has been released, not only, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of VegaFina, but also as a precursor to the launch of the 1998 part of the range in the UK later this summer.
These are medium-bodied, showing some delightful toasted notes, nuts and a little spice. A small dash of sweetness on the finish also brings the whole ensemble together.
3. STG Silencio Black Supremo Toro
From seed to final cigar everything about Silencio is the search for perfection! It starts with meticulously selected seeds which are raised in climate-controlled greenhouses with the plants being raised in nutrient rich soils. Once harvested the leaves that hang in the curing barns are closely monitored so that they express moisture and release their natural sugars at the precise rate. Once the maturation period is over, only the best rollers get to work on these wonderful leaves.
The end result is a cigar that that is not only full bodied and full of flavour, but one that is rolled to perfection - every step in the process has been carefully monitored to ensure that every cigar is perfect. The Maduro wrapper is dark, oily and silky to the touch - this is draped around the extra-aged Domincan Ligero leaf - the end result is full-bodied, creamy and very smooth. Definitely one to consider for that special occasion!
