It’s that time of the year when folks like me publish our lists of what we feel were the best cigars of the year which we smoked. Publications from Cigar Aficionado, Cigar Journal, Cigar Snob down to media sites and even cigar groups along with just everyday cigar consumers express their thoughts. Stogie Press has been doing this for well over a decade now. We adjusted our format a few times, originally focusing on just boutique brands and then eventually paying tribute to large, medium. and small companies.
Continuing with last years approach we published just a single list of the Stogie Press top 30 cigars for 2025 but while also keeping with the Large, Medium, and Small company format for awards.
Overall Stogie Press #1 Cigar of 2025
DBL 12th Anniversary Habano Toro – Rated Outstanding 99
From the list of 30 cigars, the overall Stogie Press #1 cigar for 2025 goes to the medium size company, Dominican Big Leaguer (DBL) Cigars, with their 12th Anniversary Habano Box Pressed Toro.
With an outstanding 99 rated cigar, which I highly recommend for all enthusiasts, DBL has exceeded in both smoking pleasure and price. The 12 year journey of the company has offered numerous cigars that have made our list year over year, but this is the 1st time they have received the Overall Cigar Of The Year. The company is completely vertically integrated including a box factory that keeps the cost of their cigar offerings down.
As I stated in the beginning of the review of the DBL 12th, Time is Your Friend in the Cigar business and the DBL Cigars 12th Anniversary Habano is a testament to this. The pre-light intrigued the palate with evolving flavor notes and then once ignited, the journey continued with a bold burst of pepper, immediately engaging the palate with its lively character. As the initial spice settles, rich notes of fruity jam and vanilla emerge, softening the intensity and providing a more rounded, approachable profile.
The smoke was thick and full, with each draw enveloping the palate in a rich texture. The retrohale is notably spicy, adding a sharp, sinus-clearing freshness. After an inch of burn, deeper notes of cocoa and sweet cream begin to unfold, enriching the experience with a layer of complexity.
As the cigar progresses into the second third, the flavor shifts towards leather and spice, introducing a more earthy, savory depth. A sweet, woody aroma drifts from the foot, complementing the evolving flavor profile. Fruit notes intensify, moving away from the early sweet grapefruit note to reveal a fuller, more rounded sweetness.
In the final third, the fruit and spice continue to dominate, while the sweet woody aroma lingers in the air. Strength peaks at medium-full, leaving a lasting, balanced impression of depth and refinement.
This is a one of the worthiest cigars for a box buy. At just $13.50/cigar, the DBL 12th Anniversary Habano is one that should be in every cigar enthusiast’s rotation. One can only imagine what the next three years will bring to DBL when they release their 15th Anniversary.
The #1 Large Size Company Cigar of 2025
Cohiba Spectra 2025
I know this is a crazy expensive and limited edition cigar, but when it comes to top cigars, I do not factor price in as a parameter. The cigar performed beautifully and offered a delectable profile that had me enjoying 5 of them.
The 2025 Cohiba Spectre delivers a refined and evolving flavor experience, marked by standout transitions—from earthy and cedar-laced beginnings to plum sweetness, spice, chocolate, citrus, and a velvety cream finish. The construction is exemplary: an even burn, solid ash, and glistening wrapper oils all speak to skilled craftsmanship. Retrohales are smooth and deeply flavorful, while the aroma shifts through butter cracker, sweet nut, and toasted oak, adding layers of sensory pleasure.
That said, this cigar is a strong contender for those who value subtle evolution and nuanced layering over a solid medium strength. It’s a luxurious, contemplative smoke—best enjoyed when you have time to appreciate every transition. Whether it earns its top-shelf price tag may depend on your palate, personal preferences, and wallet but there’s no denying this is a cigar crafted with intention and finesse. If you can afford the cost, it is worth checking it out.
The #1 Small Size Company of 2025
The Schöelen Originell
Schöelen Cigars is a brand name that should become known to many, especially if owner Samuel Schöelen keeps doing what he planned on when he founded the company. The origin of the Schöelen cigar brand is rooted in a passion for creating handcrafted cigars that exemplify the finest quality. These premium cigars are crafted with care, ensuring that each one offers a unique smoking experience.
The Schöelen Originell opens with a burst of pepper, an unexpectedly bold start for a Connecticut-wrapped offering. That initial pop settles gently, allowing the savory pre-light notes to transition seamlessly into the early profile. A sweet, nutty aroma lifts from the foot as smoke production ramps up. On the burn, the cigar performs beautifully: a stacking-dimes light grey ash builds atop a thin, clean char line. After the first inch, the pepper has softened, making space for emerging nuances.
Sliding into the second third, mild dark chocolate and raisin begin to weave through the profile. When the ash finally drops, it does so in a large, solid chunk, revealing a perfect burn cone—always a satisfying sign of excellent construction.
The retrohale is especially smooth and rewarding, accentuating the fruit tones and giving them a brighter, more aromatic lift. As the midpoint approaches, a touch of salinity appears alongside a gentle uptick in spice, adding dimension without disrupting balance.
Deeper into the second third, the profile evolves further with vanilla cream and caramel, enriching the sweetness while keeping the smoke velvety. By the final third, the early dark chocolate has lightened, settling into a milk-chocolate character that pairs harmoniously with the continuing spice. The cigar closes with sustained spicy raisin notes, maintaining both depth and structure through the finish. A dynamic yet controlled progression—peppery, sweet, creamy, and subtly fruity—keeps the experience engaging from start to final draw.
The Stogie Press 2025 Top 30 Cigars
2025 Top Cigar Stats
- The median price of the 30 top cigars was $14.10
- The most expensive was $149.99
- The least expensive was $8.49
- The Top Wrapper was Habano (11) followed by Mexican San Andres (7)
- The Top Country was Nicaragua (12) followed by Dominican Republic (11)
- When it comes to company size the break down is: Large (8), Medium (8), Small (14)
- Three Factories are tied for top factory this year with 2 entries each : A.J. Fernandez, Tabacalera Caballeros, Fabrica Oveja Negra
Here’s hoping everyone has a happy, healthy and prosperous 2026. As for me, I will continue my cigar media journey throughout my retirement and now into the 2nd quarter of the 21st Century. At my age I hope I make it through the next quarter century which would put me at a young 91 years old! – Hope to see many of you at PCA in New Orleans. ~ James (Boston Jimmie) Vita ~
