Some cigars aren’t like others. Some cigars hit a certain criteria whereby they are deservedly savoured for worthy occasions. Often you’ll find cigars bandied about in a casual nature, after a business meeting or post-dinner, but not these. These cigars are acquired, often already aged or bought with the intention to do so. They get better over time, and smoke better that way too.
They are a unifier. Cigars are best enjoyed around the people you love, celebrating an occasion that has brought everyone together. It could be a family wedding, a reunion, a graduation, a birthday, an anniversary and so on. The unfiltered joy of such moments are topped off by the finest cigars time and money can buy—the misconception however, is that these cigars cost an arm and a leg. Whilst there are some holy grails in which a 4-figure amount is a necessary amount to part with, there are other cigars that are significantly less expensive and yet, just as enjoyable. Here are some of our favourites:
Hoyo de Monterrey Double Coronas
Disclaimer: I love Hoyo de Monterrey cigars. So much so in fact, that I’ve a whole article dedicated to them, which you’ll be able to read soon. They’re my go-to cigar brand, so naturally when Ettore kindly gifted me with a Double Coronas, I decided to save it for the perfect moment. And okay, it wasn’t actually any of the above occasions I have mentioned, but rather a rare evening I had to myself in Havana, when the air was particularly beautiful and the sun more golden than ever. I had time to myself after a successful week of editorial photography campaigns, and wanted to celebrate with a special cigar.
The Double Coronas, which you can probably guess by its name, is by no means a short smoke, but the fact that it is a fairly light-bodied cigar means that one can enjoy it over a course of a couple hours, with delectable food and drink pairings. However, should you wish to take it a step further, the Double Coronas Gran Reserva Cosecha 2013 is certainly worth an investment. One of the most anticipated Gran Reservas prior to its release in 2019, the cigar measures at 194mm x 49 ring gauge in a Double Corona vitola, and consists of all the beautiful aromas Hoyo de Monterrey is known for. The leaves used in this cigar were part of the 2013 harvest and were thus aged for a minimum of five years before being rolled into the cigars we enjoy today.
Cohiba 55 Aniversario
Okay, so this cigar does come in at quite a higher price point, but aficionados the world over will confirm that it is certainly worth it—especially for special occasions, given that it was created to celebrate one to begin with. As you may have guessed, Cohiba released this Edición Limitada to commemorate their 55th anniversary. Like all Edición Limitada cigars, the tobacco used for these is carefully selected from the finest crops and has undergone additional ageing. The Victoria vitola used is one not seen before from Cohiba, and measures an imposing 57-ring gauge by 150mm, making it one of the thickest Cohibas we have seen so far. Each one is finished with a pigtail detail at the cap—a hallmark of the Cohiba BEHIKE line. A worthwhile addition for any humidor, and even better when smoked!
Partagás Serie E No. 2 Gran Reserva Cosecha 2015
The Gran Reserva Series, as we've touched upon, is one of the most illustrious in the world of Cuban cigars. The Partagás Serie E No. 2 Cosecha represents the second time the brand has been featured—quite an achievement, which makes these cigars that extra bit special. The tobacco leaves used to create these magnificent sticks have been aged for a minimum of five years after harvest and delivers the traditional full-strength flavours of this ancient and illustrious Marca for a well-earned 90 minutes. Only 5,000 boxes were made in this edition, each crafted in black lacquer and individually numbered. Keenly sought after, and something to cherish.
Trinidad Vigia
The Vigia is not exactly a long smoke, and whilst the price of the Trinidad brand has rocketed as of late, it’s still an accessible (and worthwhile) investment, should you find them! The Vigia measures at 110mm by 54 ring gauge, forming what is referred to as the Torres vitola. The smoke will last around 40 or so minutes, and is definitely enjoyed with a friend or two. The strength is light-to-medium, but don’t let it fool you, for it is certainly a cigar smoker’s cigar whilst attaining the wide flavour profile to please first time smokers also. One of the best sellers, and a personal favourite, I never pass up an opportunity to smoke this glorious cigar.
Partagás Culebras
The Culebras is sort of like the joker in the pack. A cigar that turns into three, and sparks intrigue, interest and quite often, a broad smile. Should you find yourself in a party of three, this is definitely the cigar to break out. Culebras is the Spanish word for snake—and looking at the appearance of this smoke, the name is certainly fitting. The story goes that they formed this shape to prevent Partagás employees from selling cigars to the black market. Or at least, that’s what we’ve been told by generations prior. We’ll never know the true story behind this shape, but it makes for a great story to share with the friends you smoke with, nonetheless.