As a cigar enthusiast, few things excite us more than diving into the 2021 Cigars of the Year. Cigar Aficionado's annual rankings spotlight the pinnacle of craftsmanship, flavor innovation, and tobacco mastery. In 2021, the list showcased a blend of Nicaraguan powerhouses, rare Cuban cigars, and Dominican gems that captivated smokers worldwide. Whether you're a beginner exploring premium cigars or an aficionado seeking the best cigars 2021 has to offer, this guide breaks down the top picks. From rich, chocolatey notes to spicy earthiness, these selections embody the finest aspects of cigar culture. At CigarsDirect.com, we stock many of these award-winners, making it easy to elevate your humidor.
What Makes the 2021 Cigars of the Year Stand Out?
The 2021 Cigars of the Year aren't just smokes—they're masterpieces born from decades of tobacco expertise. Cigar Aficionado's rigorous blind tasting process evaluates hundreds of cigars based on draw, construction, balance, and complexity. For 2021, the top honors went to blends that pushed boundaries while honoring tradition. Nicaraguan tobaccos dominated, thanks to their bold profiles, but Cuban classics held their ground despite availability challenges. These cigars feature premium wrappers, fillers, and binders that have been aged to perfection, delivering consistent burns and rich, layered flavors.
Transitioning from history to highlights, let's examine why these stood above the rest. Factors like soil quality in regions like Nicaragua's Jalapa Valley and innovative rolling techniques played key roles. For instance, many feature box-pressed shapes for even burns, a trend in modern cigar craftsmanship.
Cigar Aficionado's Top 10 Cigars of 2021: Detailed Reviews
Here’s the definitive list of the 2021 Cigars of the Year, ranked by Cigar Aficionado. Each entry includes key details on flavors, origins, and why it earned its spot. We've included links to shop these great cigars for your convenience—perfect for building your collection.
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Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Torpedo (Natural) - Nicaragua, Maker: Padrón, Rating: 97 points. This torpedo-shaped stunner is smooth and chocolatey, with reliable cocoa and nut flavors that evolve elegantly. It's a benchmark for Nicaraguan cigars, celebrating the brand's heritage. Ideal for special occasions.
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Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua No. 2 - Nicaragua, Maker: Montecristo, Rating: 95 points. A bold Nicaraguan puro with a spicy, earthy backbone refined by leather, coconut, and malted milk notes. Its complexity honors the brand's 1935 origins while appealing to modern palates.
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San Cristobal Quintessence Churchill - Nicaragua, Maker: San Cristobal. Rich and nutty, this Churchill offers an earthy coffee bean base, mid-palate baking spices, and a cappuccino finish. It's a testament to blended tobaccos creating harmonious depth.
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Partagás Serie D No. 4 (Cuban) - Cuba, Maker: Partagás. A robusto classic from Havana, known for its balanced draw and Cuban authenticity. Though embargo restrictions limit U.S. access, it's prized for earthy, woody profiles among global smokers.
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Casa Cuba Doble Cuatro - Dominican Republic, Maker: Casa Cuba (Fuente factory). Deliciously spicy and sweet, this cigar pays homage to early Fuente blends. Its medium body suits beginners while intriguing veterans with layered sweetness.
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Illusione Cruzado Robusto - Nicaragua, Maker: Illusione. Featuring a classic Corojo wrapper, it delivers a kick of hickory and black pepper, alongside notes of nuts and cocoa. Perfect for those craving sophisticated spice in premium cigars.
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Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro Churchill - Maker: Oliva. This luxurious maduro unfolds with German chocolate cake, baking spices, malted chocolate, and cedary accents. It's a regal choice for full-bodied enthusiasts.
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Cohiba Siglo VI (Cuba) - Cuba, Maker: Cohiba. A fantastic Cuban icon, blending creamy smoothness with subtle spice. Watch for counterfeits—authentic ones offer unparalleled elegance, although they are pricey.
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Rocky Patel Grand Reserve Robusto - Honduras/Ecuador blend, Maker: Rocky Patel, Rating: 93 points. Savory and leathery, with crushed peanut and red meat notes. Designed for international tastes, it's a versatile addition to any rotation.
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Arturo Fuente Rare Pink Vintage 1960’s Series Happy Ending - Dominican Republic, Maker: Arturo Fuente. Starts earthy with hazelnut and coffee, then bursts into orange peel, cloves, and gingerbread. Supports charity, adding heart to its flavor.
These cigar reviews 2021 highlight diversity—from full-bodied Nicaraguans to milder Dominicans—catering to various preferences.
How Were the 2021 Cigars of the Year Selected?
Cigar Aficionado employs a multi-round blind tasting system, scoring on appearance, taste, and consistency. Only cigars scoring 91+ advance, ensuring only the elite are selected. In 2021, Nicaraguan dominance was reflected in fertile volcanic soils that yielded robust leaves. However, Cubans like Partagás remind us of timeless techniques from Vuelta Abajo plantations.
Moreover, craftsmanship shines through aging processes. Many tobaccos ferment for years, which enhances their smoothness. For beginners, note that higher ratings correlate with balanced construction, which helps prevent common issues like uneven burns.
Smoking Tips and Pairings for 2021 Cigars of the Year
To fully appreciate the 2021 Cigars of the Year, proper technique is key. Start with a clean cut using a guillotine for optimal draw. Light evenly with a butane torch to avoid off-flavors. Store in a humidor at 70% humidity—link to our cigar storage guide for more.
Pairings elevate the experience:
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Bold Nicaraguans like Padrón Pair Well with aged rum or espresso for a nutty synergy.
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Cuban Classics: Pair with Scotch whisky to amplify earthy notes.
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Maduro Varieties: Enjoy with dark chocolate or stout beer for a rich, sweet flavor.
For lifestyle readers, incorporate these into golf outings or evenings—cigar culture thrives on relaxation.
Shop with us today and receive free shipping on orders over $99. We offer a 100% money-back guarantee. Additionally, you can save 15% OFF your first order with the discount code FIRST15
Please find the links below to other cigars of the year for your searching convenience.
#1 Cigars of The Year
2022 Cigars of The Year
2023 Cigars of The Year
2024 Cigars of The Year
