The list is almost complete as we count down the remaining days before 2018 comes to close. Today we release the next 6 candidates for the Stogie Press top 25 Boutique Cigars of 2018. This takes us to 22 candidates. The last group will include 8 more for a total of 30 cigars and then we will rank them 1 -25 and include 5 honorable mentions as there were quite a few fine cigars released this year.
David P. Ehrlich PLM Series
By far, the David P. Ehrlich PLM Series is the best cigar Mike Bellody and MLB Cigar Ventures has produced to date. From pre-light through the journey down to the nub this cigar demonstrated exquisite burn qualities with flavors that were full and enticing with great transitions and shifting aromas.
Micallef Grande Bold Nicaragua 554N
This Micallef Grande Bold Nicaragua 554N had a well-balanced flavor profile with just a small section where there was some sour notes that was more of shift to the citrus notes that followed. Sweetness was the dominate note once it got into the burn.
DBL Cigars 35th Anniversary
The 35th Anniversary cigar from DBL Cigars and Francisco Almonte was one of the best balanced cigars I have smoked this year with notes of chocolate, sweetness, fruit, and cinnamon spice. The aged wrapper on this cigar was clearly demonstrated with a significant oiling through the burn.
II Saints by Felix Assouline
As I said in the review of the II Saints by Felix Assouline – Go get this cigar!! This is a cigar I am sure you will enjoy. The burn on this was absolutely pristine and the flavors were perfectly balanced with amazing flavor nuances throughout the burn. Take your time and puff it slowly and retro-hale often and you will enjoy every flavor laden, aroma filled puff.
Providencia Cigars The Hostage
The Hostage by Providencia Cigars was a cigar that was full of great flavors, and at times, unique flavors like clove and currant. This is a nicotine punch for sure. For the little Texas cigar company, this was a tribute to owner Jim Faber’s harrowing experience in Honduras and it lives up to its expectations.
Isabela Cigars Shape Shifter
Isabela Cigars has proven that a cigar does not have to be big to offer big smoke and aromas along with a long time to enjoy. The company’s “Shape Shifter” is a terrific blend and smoking experience. The flavors and aromas kept shifting and moving in and out, keeping me on edge, like watching a tight scoring baseball game, never knowing what was coming.
The final candidates will be posted on Sunday December 30, 2018 and the official rankings will be posted at the stroke of midnight on December 31st. I would like to thank all the followers, sponsors, and contributors to Stogie Press for an amazing year of cigars, even as the FDA continues to bear down on the industry. Let’s have a rocking 2019 as more great cigars hit the market.