At the time of posting, five days will be left within 2019. As it is customary during this time, those of us who write about cigars list out our favorites on the year. This year, similar to the last couple of years, no cigars were rated a Perfect 10. One was rated a 9.5/10 (it’s on the list), and many others followed below. Looking back at the cigars from the year, this was a tough group to pick from. I know I could have added a few more on this list but wanted to keep the overall number to five.
I used the following criteria to be mentioned in this selection:
- The cigar and/or liquid libations have had to have been reviewed by me during the 2019 calendar year.
- Cigars must be rated at least a 9/10 for this list.
- Past scores do not guarantee overall end of year rating.
Favorite Cigars of 2019
In no particular order
Sky Flower by Warped Cigars
I just smoked the last of my Sky Flowers a couple of nights ago. I thnk it comes in as the most expensive in this list. Despite the cost, the cigar itself has a wonderful combination of flavors with an approachable strength level that nearly everyone can appreciate. The Sky Flower is also the only cigar that can be authenticated via the company website by way of QR code.
Villiger Cuellar Black Forest
This is likely the strongest of the cigars on the list, as well as the highest rated cigar on the year. Couple that with lots of complexity and an under $10 per cigar price, you have the recipe of a popular cigar in my humidor. I was fortunate to have smoked several cigars in the Villiger family and the Black Forest was by and far my favorite from them on the year.
Southern Draw Rose of Sharon
If the Black Forest listed above was the strongest on the list, then the Rose of Sharon was easily the mildest. Southern Draw did a nice job balancing enough flavor notes in this cigar while keeping the strength hovering between mild and medium bodied. Everyone I gave this cigar to raved about it and when I think of milder cigars, this one is near the front of my list.
Hand Gripper by Moya Ruiz
The presentation of this cigar makes this easily memorable (two cigars bound together by the cap with a fake spring to make it look like a grip press). But this one also smoked great. Medium to full bodied with an interesting balance of flavors. I can really appreciate the creativity coming from Moya Ruiz with this cigar.
Nub Sumatra by Oliva
This cigar ended up being a random discovery from shopping at Cigars International earlier in the year. Not one that I was familiar with, it soon became a favorite Nub in my house by both my wife and I. And after sending a few to a few friends, it got even more positive reviews. Lots of flavor and complexity with a great balance of strength. If it has been awhile since you bought any Nubs, give this one a look.
Favorite Libation of 2019
Libations turned out to be much easier to choose from. The surprise is that my favorite this year is not a whiskey but a Caribbean Rum. The Matusalem 18 Year Grand Reserva fits the bill for complexity of flavors and balance of sweetness. Now put all that in a bottle and charge $43.00 for it. That is better than most whiskies I can find for that cost. Check it out if you have never had the enjoyment of Caribbean Rum with your cigar before.
A person’s time is the most important commodity they can give and it means a lot to me that you all take time to read what I write. Please enjoy a safe and happy New Years in the coming days. See everyone in 2020.
