For this Cigar of the Year list, we had many discussions about how to proceed. We made a conscious choice to diverge a bit from the standard format. Since we did not publish a list at the end of 2020, we decided to make all cigars reviewed in 2020 and 2021 eligible for this list. We also made a few minor adjustments to the selection criteria versus the criteria we used for the 2019 list. To learn more about our overall rating and scoring process, click here. To learn more about our process and scoring criteria for the 2021 Cigar of the Year list, click here.
We also did the official unveiling of our 2021 on Episode 140 of HBTC Live. Check it out!
We have all of the details below for each cigar on the 2021 list. You can see a summary for each cigar, and click to go to the original review page for each one.
#1 Cigar of 2021 – JRE Aladino Cameroon Lonsdale (Review Score 95)
Click here to see the original review. Here’s a snippet from the summary: “Of all the Aladino cigars to be released, I think this may be my favorite. The flavors are clean, accessible, and the burn performance on each has been exceptional. The price point is very budget-friendly while still maintaining a flavor profile above and beyond the cost. If you are a fan of Cameroon wrapper, this is absolutely a cigar you should purchase and enjoy on a regular basis.”
#2 Cigar of 2021 – RoMa Craft Wunder|Lust Fiorella Cran Corona (Review Score 94)
Click here to see the original review. Here’s a snippet from the summary: “This is one of the more complex blends that I have smoked in a long time, and maybe the favorite cigar that I’ve ever had from RoMa Craft. Each that I have smoked has been very well constructed with a nice draw and clean burn. The most surprising thing about this one was the overall smoothness factor. With the wide array of sweetness, earthiness, spice, and other notes, each one that I have smoked was made more cohesive by a very pleasant smooth feel and aroma.”
#3 Cigar of 2021 – Stolen Throne Crook of the Crown Robusto (Review Score 94)
Click here to see the original review. Here’s a snippet from the summary: “The bold blends with San Andres wrappers are plentiful in the marketplace today, but not many of them are as good as the Crook of the Crown. This cigar does not reinvent the category, but what it does is pull all of the notes I typically get from this type of blend into a cohesive and enjoyable experience.”
#4 Cigar of 2021 – My Father Fonseca Cosacos (Review Score 92)
Click here to see the original review. Here’s a snippet from the summary: “This new Fonseca from My Father is the best new release from the My Father brand in years. It is refined, smooth, nuanced, and complex. I have smoked nearly a box of these cigars so far and they have all performed consistently. The burn is great, the draw and smoke output is very nice, and the flavor profiles are delivered on each and every puff. “
#5 Cigar of 2021 – Crowned Heads Court Reserve XVIII Full Court Press (Review Score 93)
Click here to see the original review. Here’s a snippet from the summary: “It is intense and rich, while it still has balance in the boldness. Even though it is leaning toward the strong side, and all the way on the full-body side, I think this is a cigar that is good for transitioning yourself into some heavier blends. It is not overly complex, but I didn’t care. The flavors, aromas, and performance are very enjoyable.”
#6 Cigar of 2021 – E.P. Carrillo Pledge Sojourn (Review Score = 93)
Click here to see the original review. Here’s a snippet from the summary: “It is a really intense and rich blend. It has some complexity and great burn performance. Although it’s not as strong as I was expecting, it does have enough power to bring out the flavors in the profile. I can definitely recommend this one without hesitation.”
#7 Cigar of 2021 – Drew Estate Undercrown 10 Robusto (Review Score = 91)
Click here to see the original review. Here’s a snippet from the summary: “Not only did the Robusto tend to deliver the flavor profile in the best way, it also had consistent burn performance. If you are a consumer who enjoys a medium-plus profile with a mix of sweetness and spice, this is one you should definitely check out.”
#8 Cigar of 2021 – Fuente Rare Pink Signature (Review Score = 91)
Click here to see the original review. Here’s a snippet from the summary: “Of all the vitolas I tried this is the one I enjoyed more. It was easier to smoke and tended to have more cohesive flavor and aroma profiles. Because the ash was rather flaky, it may not be a good stick for the car, but is a very nice addition to the Fuente family of fine cigars. It is a cigar that delivers on flavor, and also gives something back to help others.”
#9 Cigar of 2021 – Camacho Nicaragua Robusto (Review Score = 91)
Click here to see the original review. Here’s a snippet from the summary: “It is a blend that I enjoy very much. I think it has an approachable profile of flavors and aromas that never get much above a medium body. The cigars smoked for this review all burned incredibly well. I would say this is a cigar that most smokers can enjoy.”
#10 Cigar of 2021 – Pichardo Reserva Familiar Connecticut (Review Score = 90)
Click here to see the original review. Here’s a snippet from the summary: “For cigar smokers, clean and classic flavor profiles are highly sought after. As great as the newer generations of ultra-strong cigars can be, sometimes our palates crave a cigar that is refreshing. This cigar delivers that. It is a great example of classic flavor profiles that also delivers just the slightest hint of new-world spice. This is a cigar that would please any experience level, and one I recommend to anyone.”
Budget Cigar of 2021 – Alec Bradley Project 40 05.50 (Review Score = 92)
Click here to see the original review. Here’s a snippet from the summary: “The flavors also worked properly in conjunction with one another. As we sometimes mention, we want the story of the flavors to make sense. This cigar tells a very good story. If you like milder flavor profiles that just scratch the surface of some spice and coffee notes, this is a nice choice.”
2020 and 2021 have been filled with challenges, but also a lot of good cigars. We are grateful and excited to be a part of the cigar culture and we look forward to a continued journey alongside all of our wonderful readers, viewers, listeners, and supporters. Here’s to a phenomenal 2022!