Each year we compile a list of every regular production cigar that scored 91 points or better in our ratings during the calendar year. We then re-purchase and re-taste them to distill the list down to the 25 best cigars. Smoking nothing but highly rated cigars sounds like a dream scenario, and in many ways, it is, but if taken seriously, it is a daunting task. We’ve been producing this year-end list since 2012, and we always complete the process with a sense of admiration and gratitude for the scores of men and women that have a hand in the production of the cigars that make this list.

At the risk of stating the obvious, premium cigars are a natural, handmade product, free of additives and adulteration. Tobacco seeds are planted mostly by hand, harvested and cured by men and women, fermented using a time-tested manual process, even the central vein running down the center of each leaf is removed by hand in most cigar factories. When we say a premium cigar is “handmade,” we tend to focus on the final step, the bunching and rolling of the cigar, forgetting that the farming part of the process is overwhelmingly handmade as well.

All of this, along with Mother Nature’s hand, results in natural variances in flavor, aroma, and strength that are present in every premium cigar. Certain cigars score well when we first rate them, and not as well when re-tasted. Others just barely make the cut at the initial tasting but climb up the list on the re-taste. Producing this list is easily the most difficult and time-consuming thing we do all year, and we do it with pleasure in the hope that it will help you find your next favorite cigar.

The following is the first part of the list, the cigars ranked from 16 to 25. This portion has a little bit of everything – there are offerings made in Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic, and even Little Havana. There are big, established brands as well as tiny startups making the list for the very first time.

Join us on our social media feeds for a conversation about the list with members of our panel.

16. Artesano del Tobacco El Pulpo

Manufacturer: San Lotano Factory in Nicaragua
Wrapper: Mexico; Binder: Nicaragua; Filler: Nicaragua
Vitola: Belicoso Grande; Physical size: 5 ¾ x 58
MSRP: $17.00
Rating: 92

17. E.P. Carrillo Encore

Manufacturer: Casa Carrillo in Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Nicaragua; Binder: Nicaragua; Filler: Nicaragua
Vitola: Celestial; Physical size: 6 ⅛ x 50
MSRP: $13.50
Rating: 92

18. Oscar Valladares 2012 Sumatra

Manufacturer: Oscar Valladares Tobacco & Co. in Honduras
Wrapper: Ecuador; Binder: Honduras; Filler: Nicaragua & Honduras
Vitola: Toro; Physical size: 6 x 52
MSRP: $9.30
Rating: 91

19. Warped Guardian of the Farm

Manufacturer: Agricola Ganadera Norteña (Aganorsa) in Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua; Binder: Nicaragua; Filler: Nicaragua
Vitola: Apollo; Physical size: 6 x 44
MSRP: $9.50
Rating: 91

20. Herrera Esteli Norteño

Manufacturer: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate in Nicaragua
Wrapper: Mexico; Binder: Honduras; Filler: Nicaragua
Vitola: Toro Especial; Physical size: 6 x 50
MSRP: $11.45
Rating: 91

21. La Aurora Preferidos Gold Corojo

Manufacturer: La Aurora Cigar Factory in Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Dominican Republic; Binder: Dominican Republic; Filler: Brazil, Nicaragua & Peru
Vitola: Gold No. 2 Tubos; Physical size: 5 x 54
MSRP: $27.25
Rating: 91

22. HVC Seleccion No. 1 Maduro

Manufacturer: Fábrica de Tabacos HVC in Nicaragua
Wrapper: Mexico; Binder: Nicaragua; Filler: Nicaragua
Vitola: Esenciales; Physical size: 5 ⅝ x 46
MSRP: $8.80
Rating: 91

23. Altezas Reales 1871

Manufacturer: El Titan De Bronze Cigar Factory in Miami
Wrapper: Ecuador; Binder: Nicaragua; Filler: Nicaragua
Vitola: Robusto; Physical size: 5 x 50
MSRP: $19.00
Rating: 91

24. West Tampa Tobacco Company Red

Manufacturer: Garmendia Cigars Co. in Nicaragua
Wrapper: Mexico; Binder: Nicaragua; Filler: Nicaragua
Vitola: Toro; Physical size: 6 x 52
MSRP: $10.99
Rating: 91

25. Ashton VSG

Manufacturer: Tabacalera A. Fuente in the Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuador; Binder: Dominican Republic; Filler: Dominican Republic
Vitola: Torpedo; Physical size: 6 ½ x 55
MSRP: $17.80
Rating: 91