“There are two things worth living for: one is a good cigar, and the other is a better one.” This quote by Raul Julia perfectly captures the essence of the cigar experiences of every cigar aficionado out there. Speaking of “Cigar Aficionado,” the American lifestyle magazine has been a longstanding publication for cigar fans. They have been sharing expert opinions with in-depth reviews of top cigars from around the world. The magazine, founded in September 1992, is well known for celebrating the best the cigar industry offers. In addition to that, the publication helps fans find the absolute best cigars available today. There is great anticipation every year when Cigar Aficionado releases its number one cigars of the Year. However, the “Best of the Decade” list is always considered unique. This showcases the finest cigar brands, and also established a standard of quality to measure others in these categories.
The “Best brands of the Decade” list significantly impacts the cigar world, influencing future generations of cigar lovers and collectors. Many cigars on this list are sought after for years, and become a benchmark for an excellent smoke. “The House of Cigars” is looking at the best cigars Online that have been deemed the “top” during the last decade. In this web blog, we are sharing some exceptional cigars over these past ten years. The list is from the “Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 selection” of past decade.
How Cigars Earn a Spot in the "Best Cigar of the Decade" Lists
Securing a spot on Cigar Aficionado’s “Best Cigars of The Decade” list is no small accomplishment. Not only do these cigars make their mark, but they are also the best in quality. When it comes to quality, these cigars are an embodiment of craftsmanship and flavor encased in a unique lifestyle. Choosing the number one and an awarded cigar is a lengthy ordeal with clear guidelines. Cause: Lack of uniformity. A cigar has to taste not only good, but it needs to provide a great experience with every smoke.
Expert Judging Panel: Evaluating Excellence in Every Cigar
The panel of judges at Cigar Aficionado comprises veteran professionals who know what to look for in a great cigar. Each reviewer assesses every cigar’s flavor, construction, draw, burn, and overall experience. Top cigar brands have a track record of well-crafted smokes that draw perfectly, and entertain you with every puff. It tastes harmoniously, but the commission also prioritizes innovation along with the taste. They are an outlet for brands that refuse to tread where others have merely. And in the case of cigars, those who deviate from the ordinary often find themselves being showcased at year’s end on best cigar lists.
Critical Criteria for Selection: Consistency, Flavor, and Innovation
The overall quality of the cigars, including tobacco blend, wrapper, and aging time is also vital. Whether it’s your constant innovative spirit, your impeccable touch, or the innate ability of what a cigar enthusiast appreciates. Reaching number one not only means being considered the best but also years of tradition in making it comes with the experience. Finally, the cigars that made the “Best of the Decade” list were top-echelon quality.
Best Cigars of the Decade (2014-2023) According to Cigar Aficionado
1. Arturo Fuente OpusX Reserva d’Chateau (2023): A hallmark cigar for its entire body, intense taste profile, and top-notch construction. The cigar fans out there might find another kind of ‘Special’ a favorite amongst them. The Special R has a great blend of Dominican tobaccos along with an aged wrapper.
2. H. Upmann No. 2 (2022): A staple in the Cuban cigar world, this smoke boasts a medium body that is both balanced and smooth to draw. It provides a mid-bodied smoking experience with hints of cedar, leather, and spices. No wonder it’s one the best cigars out there.
3. Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Torpedo (Natural) (2021): The name is synonymous with Nicaraguan cigars. This strong stick lives up to its reputation for bold flavors of dark coffee over chocolate and leather. Rich and medium-bodied with an elegant 90-mile smoke, these cigars are sure to deliver a satisfying experience.
4. E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel (2020): A complex, strong smoke showing cedar, earth, and white pepper notes. It’s a popular variety amongst cigar lovers who love bold smokes.
5. Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua Maestro (2019): A smoke rolled with extremely high construction qualities and a taste of heavy coffee, chocolate etc. The Nicaragua Maestro flavor makes it complex but without ever being harsh at any time.
6. E.P. Carrillo Encore Majestic (2018): This limited edition is a tribute to E.P. Carrillo. It accurately indicates the blending skills of this master craft! It has a layered profile trial with cedar, leather, and spice hints.
7. Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Shark (2017): This odd-shaped stogie with a fishtail layout is aggressive, with a pepper, spice, and leather flavor profile. No wonder it’s in the list of one of the number one cigar in the world.
8. La Flor Dominicana Andalusian Bull (2016): A robust, full-bodied smoke, the Andalusian Bull displays a blend of nuanced flavors that exhibit spiciness and earth.
9. My Father Le Bijou 1922 Torpedo Box Pressed (2015): A flavorful and complex Nicaraguan. Inch Short Club Offer Experience: A taste of smooth and creamy coffee, chocolate, and leather flavors.
10. Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado (2014): This Nicaraguan offering stands out for its striking figurado shape and dynamic flavor. It provides a lovely sweetness, spice, and earthiness balanced with one another.
Why These Cigars Continue to Be Popular Among Aficionados
In the past, Cigar Aficionado and its sister publication Cigar insider have ranked cigars of the year every year. There are many reasons why people have loved them for generations! First and foremost is flavor. The world’s best cigars have multiple layers of subtle flavors that change as you smoke them. These cigars set themselves apart, whether in their rich earthy tones or subtle hints of spice and sweetness that cement this as a unique cigar that every aficionado should try.
Reliability
One of the appeals to these cigars remaining popular is that you can always rely on them. When a cigar is awarded, it means that each one you smoke from the line will be smoking superbly. Brands have the unique ability to demand attention from cigar lovers, and those that do it best tend to perform with consistency. These are also made using the most premium quality tobacco leaves. Some leaves are aged for many years to increase complexity and deliver a smooth experience.
Consumer preferences
Consumer demand also helps to make these cigars more versatile. For those who have been smoking cigars in the past decade, are turning to boutique and craft brands for distinct flavor profiles. The best cigars that suit these tastes, create an excellent cigars with amazing crft, and tell a story in a bigger picture. Be it the history of the brand, the tobacco material, and where it comes from, or what innovation is present in the blend.
It is also true that the long-enduring popularity of the top cigarss has something to do with the prestige factor. Part of the appeal is likely due to some cigar enthusiasts bragging they only smoke cigars that rank in the high 90s in Cigar Aficionado. Having an awarded cigar in your corner or lighting up one puff of it as a badge of success, showing that, yes, you are someone who sees the high life for what it is. Consider these cigars as a ‘holy grail’ of any cigar portfolio.
The House of Cigars: Your Go-To Cigar Store in the UK
If you’re a cigar lover based in the UK, look no further than “The House of Cigars” for your premium quality cigar supply. We’re a family-owned business in Stratford, London, and the keeper of one of the finest selections of premium Cuban and non-Cuban cigars in the UK. Therefore, The House of Cigars delivers some of the finest cigars in the UK. Our collection comes straight from the best regions in South America: Nicaragua, The Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Mexico, along with Cuba! So, contact us if you are looking for an awarded cigar to prepare your palate or the next best brand to excite your collection. Our online store surely ensures only the finest cigars find their way into our offering.
Customer satisfaction is our number one goal at “The House of Cigars”. From the moment these cigars arrive, we keep them fresh in humidors and ready to ship to your door. Also, the discreet packaging ensures that your cigars reach you in pristine condition, ready to be lighten up. For those near Stratford, we also have a handy “click-and-collect” service, in which you can collect your order within just 30 minutes.
Browse Our Collection!
In keeping with our customer service focus, “The House of Cigars” is always want to know what folks have to say about our products and seeks to improve continuously. Additionally, if you have any feedback on our goods or need help with dispatch, reach out to us. Our friendly team is available via phone during business hours or 24/7 through email and social media.
For the actual cigar-loving individual looking to enjoy some of the world’s best cigars legally, look at “The House of Cigars’ fantastic range today. Please browse our collection on our website and start a premium cigar journey like never before!