Featured Cigars - July 2015

The Gran Habano line is produced in a small Honduran factory under the careful scrutiny of father and son team Guillermo and George Rico. They epitomize small time boutique, but their blends—which include the Blue Label and 92-rated 3 Siglos lines as well as Gran Habano—are always right on the money. Gran Habano is a delicious medium-bodied handmade with a Sun Grown Rosado wrapper that hugs a Nicaraguan binder and a blend of Mexican...

We keep holding out hope that there will be a sufficient change of leadership in Cuba that once again the cigar market will open up to those of us in the States; but, sadly, Raul is still a Castro. Given that Cuba Libre means "Free Cuba," the folks behind Cuba Libre seem to share our sentiments. In the interim, they assure we're not deprived by making great premiums and selling them at affordable prices. With the Magnum you get the biggest...

The fine cigars from the Joya de Nicaragua line are not only popular with our panel members; they've been a big hit since they first hit the market in 1964. In the 1970s the brand was hugely popular, widely considered to be the best in the world – and most fans of the line still do to this day. Known for their powerful and bold blends, the Joya Red takes it down a notch without sacrificing flavor or quality. This Nicaraguan puro takes us out..

For cigar aficionados, the Camacho brand is synonymous with “full” – as in full-bodied, full-flavored, and full of character. Their blends usually promise a powerful well-balanced smoke brimming with aromatic flavor. This is precisely why Camacho makers Christian and Julio Eiroa have developed such a loyal cult-like following – that and their profile of 90+ rated cigars, including this one which Cigar Aficionado gave a rating of 90. This...

The Black Ops Rubicon is from a name you might not be able to say three times fast, but the name and maker, Kaizad Hansotia, has rapidly swept through the cigar industry. Known as the master blender behind the Gurkha brand, he's admired for his mastery of fine tobacco blending and creativity in developing attractive packaging for his cigars, and the Black Ops cigar line is no different. Fresh out of boot camp, this cigar is said to be their...