Cigar Aficionado has released some of their top cigars of 2009 (the full list will be revealed by 1/8/10), and I am already uninspired by their selections. Yawn.
If I were picking my top cigars of 2009, here’s what they would be:
1. Panacea RED 560- A relatively unknown cigar, I could smoke this day in and day out. That’s saying a lot because I have my choice of cigars to smoke.
2. Alec Bradley Tempus Magistrai- an oldie, but a goodie. I can’t stop loving you Tempus.
3. Torano 50th anniversary torpedo- holy cow, I love this stick. I can’t stop smoking them. It’s so much fuller than anything else Torano has done, and they did it well. Plus, a $7 price point for an anniversary cigar? Sold.
4. Los Blancos NINE Double Corona- I think I keep smoking this because I can’t quite put my finger on it. Is it strong? Medium? Chocolately? Spicy? All I know is that it’s smooth and well balanced, and I like it. Slight burn issues can be a problem on this guy, but nothing major.
5. Padron 45th- If I didn’t take price into consideration, this would be a weekly smoke for me. But I do (can’t smoke all the profits, you know), so it’s a rare treat. Not as spicy as an original Padron, but still yummy-licious.
6. 601 Green La Trabuca- another older cigar, but it’s still one of my favorites. I love to smoke this with espresso. The pairing in unimaginable.
7. Illusione Mj12 – a nice, classic Nicaraguan profile, and it comes wrapped up like a shiny, Chipotle burrito to boot. What’s not to like?
8. Tobaco Baez SF- What, a short filler? This is on my list because it’s $3. THREE DOLLARS. It’s a great cigar for the price, with a nice punch of spice during the first third. Just don’t guillotine it unless you want to snack on short filler for lunch.
9. Esteban Carreras Habano Maduro- This cigar is one of the stronger things I have smoked, and I smoke chisels for breakfast. I’ve been told I have the palate of a billy goat. Yet, this cigar can still get to me. That’s impressive. I love the spice, the larger ring gauge, and the rich flavor. But, make sure to eat first.
10. Cain Habano robusto- yeah, I like the Cain. I think the spice is nice, the price is right, and it’s aesthetically pleasing.
11. Panacea Black 560- the milder brother to the Red, this cigar has a wonderful earthiness to it, while maintaining a great draw, solid ash, and a medium flavor. A great afternoon smoke.
12. San Cristobal Seleccion del Sol- I’ve loved the flavor and spice on this guy every time I’ve had it. Unfortunately, I had serious burn problems every time I’ve smoked it. That’s why it’s last on my list. I keep hoping I’ll get one that burns right and then we’ve got something here.
Very interesting list. I guess I need to try these Panaceas out some time. I’ve heard you talking about them, but I didn’t know you liked ‘em that much!
We’ve got one in common, or two if you count my honorable mention of the Tabacos Baez Serie SF. (How did they pull that off? They must have sprinkled crack on SF filler to make it so good. LOL)
I think the Cain Habano would have done much better if I hadn’t had a bad initial impression. I’ve reacquainted myself with them since the new year, and have been very much impressed.
Have you tried Alec Bradley’s Prensado yet? IMHO, the best cigar they’ve produced to date. I don’t know if it’s the Tempus, or me, but it’s no longer a chart topper in my book.
Link | January 5th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
Have to agree on the Panacea RED 560. While I would like to see this outstanding cigar get some proper recognition… then more people would want it and that will make it harder to get
So thank you Heather for suggesting it and my brother-in-law has become a big fan of the BLACK 560.
Cheers
Link | January 9th, 2010 at 4:58 am