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 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.
This year, I decided to publish just a single list of the Stogie Press top 30 cigars for 2024 but while also keeping with the Large, Medium, and Small company format for awards. It was a surprise to me that the following three cigars were the top 3 in the Stogie Press 30 Top Cigars for 2024 and just happen to be a small, medium, and large company.
Overall Stogie Press #1 Cigar of 2024 – Family by Loyalty FREKI Box Pressed Toro
From the list of 30 cigars, the Stogie Press #1 cigar this year goes to the small company, Family by Loyalty, with their FREKI Box Pressed Toro. A spectacular 98 rated cigar that every enthusiast should try. This small company has been showing market strength growth over the years, and rightfully so. Right from the pre-light down to the nub, the FREKI Box Pressed Toro pleases in every dimension of flavor, aroma, and construction. The cigar is crafted at the Blackbird Factory in the Dominican Republic.
The Family By Loyalty Cigars – Freki Box Press Toro journey begins with subtle notes of white pepper and caramel, laying a flavorful foundation. In the background, gentle floral hints gradually unfold, adding a delicate complexity. A light grey ash forms atop a thin char line, marking the cigar’s steady progress. Sweet vanilla cream enters the mix, providing a harmonious balance to the developing flavors. The draw remains smooth, offering a full volume of smoke with each puff. Rich chocolate notes make an appearance deep in the first third, adding depth to the profile.
As the cigar progresses into the second third, a tantalizing hint of mint brightens the overall experience. Natural sweetness emerges at the core, complemented by the addition of mouthwatering citrus rind, which enhances the already pleasant profile. Midway, the initial chocolate transforms into a darker, more robust chocolate. A sweet, lingering nutty note rests gently on the palate, while a subtle spice graces the taste buds deep into the second third.
Moving through the final, an earthy note evolves, bringing the experience to an extremely satisfying finish. This is by far an amazing cigar and should be in everyone’s rotation. It should be approachable to all cigar enthusiasts with its complex yet balanced medium strength profile. Most certainly a box buy, if you are looking for a flavorful and satisfying experience. The extreme ash is just an added bonus overall. I rate this a rock solid 98.
The #1 Large Size Company cigar goes to the Miami Cigar Co. Nestor Miranda Grand Reserve 2024 Torpedo.
I know this is a limited edition cigar, but it was a cigar I smoked and shows what a factory and/or brand can produce. I have been enjoying Nestor’s craft for years and have great respect for what he has accomplished in the industry. This 2024 Gran Reserve was a spectacular cigar. If you can get them, do your palate a solid and pick one up. The cigar is crafted at the My Father Cigar Factory in Nicaragua.
The first puffs of the Nestor Miranda Grand Reserve 2024 Torpedo reveals a creamy profile with a touch of pepper, complemented by a delightful nutty aroma. Subtle oak notes quickly emerge, enriching the flavor. As the pepper softens, a hint of chocolate gradually unfolds, adding depth to the experience in the first third. A gentle honey sweetness harmonizes beautifully with the nutty undertones, creating a pleasing interplay on the palate.
Bright citrus sweet notes introduce a lively dimension, transitioning into the second third. The initial chocolate evolves into a richer, dark chocolate essence, while a mild spice punctuates the midpoint. The long, sturdy ash finally falls, revealing a well-shaped burn cone. In the final third, a touch of plum joins the balanced medley of flavors, with the nutty core lingering elegantly on the palate, completing the journey.
This cigar was as close to perfect as you can be. Spectacular in construction and extremely well balanced and complex in flavor. I highly recommend this for any cigar enthusiast. Grab or share a box of these before they are gone. I rate this a rock solid 98.
The #1 Medium Size Company cigar goes to ADV & McKay Cigars Blue Eyed Jack’s Revenge Toro
ADVentura cigars have been producing some fine cigar journeys over the years. This year (2024) set a new bar for them. This is a very approachable smoke and any cigar enthusiast would love this. Construction, flavor, aroma were hitting all the sails of the ship. This cigar was one of the first to come out of the company’s new factory, Tabacalera Mina del Rey in the Dominican Republic.
The Blue Eyed Jack’s Revenge Toro opens the journey with enticing flavors of pepper, cashew, and cream. A firm, “stacking dimes” white ash begins to form above a medium-thick char line. Sweet aromas swirl from the foot, hinting at the complexity yet to come. As the first third deepens, enticing honey notes emerge, balanced by a subtle dry cocoa powder.
Moving into the second third, a delicate floral and fruity essence joins the flavor profile, accompanied by a lingering nuttiness on the palate. Midway through, a hint of citrus peel adds a bright, refreshing note, while coffee flavors start to develop.
As the cigar nears its conclusion, vibrant spice notes make a bold appearance, bringing the experience to a lively finish. This is most certainly a box buy, and I do believe these will get even better with age. I rate this a solid 97.
The Stogie Press 2024 Top 30 Cigars
- The average price of the 30 top cigars was $14.11
- The most expensive was $33.75
- The least expensive was $9.00
- The Top Wrapper was Mexican San Andres (10) followed by Habano (5)
- The Top Country was the Dominican Republic (11) followed by Nicaragua (10)
- The Top Factory was My Father Cigars (6) followed by A.J. Fernandez (5)
Here’s hoping everyone has a happy, healthy and prosperous 2025 as I continue my cigar media journey into a second decade. Hope to see many of you at PCA in New Orleans. ~ James (Boston Jimmie) Vita
worse than cigar afficionado
I think you got what you were looking for! Nice job.