Continuing with the unveiling of our 2019 Top 25 Boutique Cigars, today we present candidates 11 – 15. Remember, these are not yet ranked, they are only candidates, and like in the past, there will be 28 cigars finally listed with 3 getting honorable mentions. The final ranked list will be announced, as always, at the stroke of midnight December 31, as the ball in Times Square lights up the 2020 sign and champagne glasses clink through the US eastern time zone.
So without further adieu here are the next 5 candidates:
DBL Cigars Tamo Lindo El Amarillo Fancy Belicoso
The DBL Tamo Lindo El Amarillo Fancy Belicoso is an excellent line extension to the highly rated Amarillo series from the company. Starting with the excellent craftsmanship to the smooth and enticing flavors and aromas from the foot to the nub. This is most certainly box worthy. It is a perfect morning cigar to pair with a sweet cup of espresso
Vintage Rock-A-Feller Cigar Group – Dominican Blue Toro
The Vintage Rock-A-Feller Cigar Group Dominican Blue Toro offered a bold and full body of complex flavor notes from foot to nub. I was especially enjoying the mint, caramel, and sweetness that danced along the core of cinnamon spice. Aromas were pleasant throughout the journey.
Tarazona 305 Robusto
The Tarazona 305 is simply a spectacular cigar that had solid construction, less a mild jag in the burn at times. The flavors and aromas were extremely well balanced, offering smooth transitions from foot to nub. Once into the journey there was a delicious tobacco sweetness that formed a core which was accented by notes of chocolate, espresso, mint, and berry. This is certainly a box worthy cigar.
Rodriguez Cigars Reserva Privada Robusto
I can not speak highly enough about Rodriguez Cigars and in this case the Reserva Privada. This cigar was what any mild cigar smoker would want, it was filled with flavorful transitions throughout the journey and demonstrated pristine construction qualities. The oils on the wrapper continued to develop throughout. This was such a well balanced cigar,and for a Connecticut it was a big surprise to my palate.
C.L.E. Wynwood Hills Mayhem
The C.L.E. Wynwood Hills Mayhem was a terrific 1 hour plus smoke and offered a consistent set of spice and savory flavor notes. I would not described the Mayhem as complex but it did have some shifts and moves in flavor and aroma. From a construction perspective, the Mayhem held an amazing ash. This is one that is worth the money and certainly highlights the great Honduran Corojo leaf that C.L.E. is famous for.
That wraps up the the next 5 candidates for the 2019 Stogie Press Top 25 Boutique Cigars. Stay tuned as we continue to announce the remaining candidates, then tune in New Years Day, as we announce the ranking and the Stogie Press Boutique Cigar of the Year!