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.