Cigar Of The Year Last 10 Years
The pursuit of the perfect puff. It's a quest that drives cigar aficionados worldwide, a journey marked by nuanced flavors, masterful construction, and the unwavering dedication of blending artisans. For the past decade, one accolade has stood as a beacon, guiding enthusiasts towards the pinnacle of cigar excellence: Cigar Aficionado's Cigar of the Year.
This award, more than just a title, signifies unparalleled craftsmanship and a sensory experience that transcends the ordinary. But how has this prestigious award shaped the cigar landscape over the last ten years? What trends have emerged, and which manufacturers have consistently reached the summit of cigar perfection?
The Nut Graf: A Decade of Distinction
This article delves into the Cigar of the Year winners from 2013 to 2022, examining the cigars themselves, the manufacturers behind them, and the impact these awards have had on the industry. We will explore the vitolas, tobacco origins, and flavor profiles that defined each winning cigar, while also analyzing the recurring themes and evolving preferences that shaped the judges' selections. The goal is to understand not only which cigars won but also why they won, and what their victories reveal about the state of the premium cigar market.
2013: Flor de las Antillas Robusto by My Father Cigars
The 2013 winner was the Flor de las Antillas Robusto from My Father Cigars. This Nicaraguan puro, crafted from sun-grown tobacco, marked a significant milestone for the Garcia family. Its medium-bodied profile, characterized by notes of cocoa, cedar, and spice, resonated deeply with the judges, showcasing the potential of Nicaraguan tobacco.
The award propelled My Father Cigars to even greater prominence. It solidified their reputation for producing consistently high-quality and flavorful cigars.
2014: Bolivar Belicosos Finos by Habanos S.A.
In 2014, the coveted title went to the Bolivar Belicosos Finos, a classic Cuban cigar from Habanos S.A.. This full-bodied belicoso, known for its rich and complex flavors of earth, leather, and spice, represented the timeless appeal of Cuban cigars. It underscored the enduring legacy of Cuban cigar making, reaffirming the island's position as a source of premium tobacco.
Despite the challenges faced by Cuban manufacturers, the Bolivar's victory highlighted their continued dedication to quality.
2015: Padron Serie 1926 No. 2
Padron, a name synonymous with quality and consistency, took the crown in 2015 with the Serie 1926 No. 2. This Nicaraguan puro, celebrated for its impeccable construction and complex flavor profile, showcased the Padron family's dedication to excellence. With its rich notes of chocolate, coffee, and nuts, the Serie 1926 No. 2 offered a nuanced and satisfying smoking experience.
This victory further solidified Padron's standing as a leading brand in the premium cigar industry.
2016: My Father The Judge
My Father Cigars achieved another victory in 2016 with The Judge. This full-bodied cigar, a blend of Nicaraguan tobaccos, captivated smokers with its strength and complexity. The cigar’s dark, oily wrapper and bold flavor profile made it a standout among the year’s offerings.
This second win for My Father in just a few years highlighted their consistent quality and innovative blending techniques.
2017: Arturo Fuente Chateau Fuente Sun Grown
The Arturo Fuente Chateau Fuente Sun Grown claimed the title in 2017. A testament to the Fuente family's dedication, this cigar, known for its smooth, medium-bodied profile and notes of cedar and spice, appealed to a wide range of smokers. Its impeccable construction and consistent quality further solidified the Fuente family's legacy in the cigar world.
The award highlighted the Fuente family's commitment to producing exceptional cigars year after year.
2018: E.P. Carrillo Encore Majestic
2018 saw the E.P. Carrillo Encore Majestic named Cigar of the Year. This Nicaraguan puro, meticulously crafted by Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, impressed with its complex flavor profile and smooth, creamy texture. The cigar's use of extensively aged tobacco contributed to its refined character and nuanced flavors.
The Encore Majestic's victory was a significant achievement for E.P. Carrillo, showcasing his blending prowess.
2019: Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua Maestro
The Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua Maestro won the title in 2019. Blended by Rafael Nodal and produced by AJ Fernandez, this Nicaraguan puro offered a rich and complex smoking experience. Its well-balanced flavor profile and impeccable construction earned it high praise from the judges.
This win highlighted the success of collaborations between talented blenders and skilled manufacturers.
2020: Padrón Family Reserve No. 96
Padron once again claimed the top spot in 2020 with the Family Reserve No. 96. This limited-edition cigar, released to commemorate Jose Orlando Padron's 96th birthday, exemplified the family's unwavering commitment to quality. Its rich, complex flavors and impeccable construction solidified its place among the best cigars ever made.
This second win for Padron within the decade confirmed their legacy of excellence.
2021: Undercrown 10 by Drew Estate
In 2021, Undercrown 10 from Drew Estate secured the coveted award. This cigar, created to commemorate Drew Estate’s 10th Anniversary, delighted with its robust flavors. The cigar's San Andres Mexican wrapper imparted a distinctive sweetness, complemented by Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos.
This victory marked a significant milestone for Drew Estate, highlighting their blend of tradition and innovation.
2022: Montecristo No. 4
The iconic Montecristo No. 4, a timeless classic from Habanos S.A., was awarded Cigar of the Year for 2022. This globally recognized cigar delivers a harmonious blend of flavors, celebrated for its medium-bodied profile of cedar, spice, and subtle sweetness. The victory underscored the enduring appeal of classic Cuban cigars.
Despite evolving trends, the Montecristo No. 4 proved that timeless craftsmanship still reigns supreme.
Trends and Takeaways
Analyzing the past decade of Cigar of the Year winners reveals several key trends. Nicaraguan tobacco has consistently been a dominant force, showcasing the country's rich terroir and the blending expertise of its manufacturers. The popularity of full-bodied cigars has also been a recurring theme, reflecting a preference for bold and complex flavor profiles.
Furthermore, the dominance of family-owned companies like Padron and Fuente highlights the importance of tradition and dedication in the cigar industry. These manufacturers often prioritize quality over quantity, resulting in cigars that consistently meet the highest standards.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Cigar Excellence
As the cigar industry continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see what the next decade of Cigar of the Year winners will bring. Innovation in blending techniques, the exploration of new tobacco regions, and the increasing focus on sustainable practices will undoubtedly shape the future of cigar excellence. The pursuit of the perfect puff remains a timeless quest, and the Cigar of the Year award will continue to serve as a guide for enthusiasts seeking the very best the industry has to offer.
