The 10 Best Cigars of 2026: The Humidor's Greatest Hits
From Nicaraguan powerhouses to refined Cuban classics, these ten cigars represent the pinnacle of the roller's art in 2026.
The premium cigar world in 2026 is experiencing what can only be described as a golden age. Nicaraguan blenders are producing cigars of breathtaking complexity, Dominican artisans continue to refine their craft, and even the Cuban industry—despite its well-documented challenges—occasionally delivers something transcendent. We smoked our way through over 80 vitolas to identify the ten cigars that best represent excellence this year. Light up, settle in, and take notes.
1. Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Maduro (Exclusivo) — 96/100
MSRP: $18 | Best For: The cigar that ends all arguments
The Padrón family has been crafting cigars in Nicaragua for decades, and the 1964 Anniversary Series remains their magnum opus. The Maduro Exclusivo offers a masterclass in balance—rich dark chocolate, espresso, cedar, and dried fruit wrapped in a silky San Andrés wrapper that burns with mathematical precision. From the first puff to the nub, this cigar never puts a foot wrong. If you smoke one cigar this year, make it this one.
2. Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Shark — 95/100
MSRP: $25 | Best For: Special occasions that demand perfection
The Fuente family's crown jewel is a figurado of extraordinary craftsmanship. The unique torpedo shape with its pointed tip concentrates flavors beautifully—cedar, cream, white pepper, and a sweetness that evolves from honey into dark caramel as you smoke. The Cameroon wrapper is flawless. This is cigar making as fine art.
3. Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado — 94/100
MSRP: $14 | Best For: Nicaraguan puro perfection
Named after the family patriarch, the Melanio takes Oliva's already excellent Serie V blend and elevates it with specially aged Jalapa Valley ligero. The result is a cigar of extraordinary depth—dark chocolate, black coffee, leather, sweet earth, and a peppery spice that dances without ever overwhelming. The value proposition is unmatched.
4. My Father Le Bijou 1922 (Torpedo Box Pressed) — 93/100
MSRP: $12 | Best For: Full-bodied flavor seekers
Don PepÃn GarcÃa's tribute to his father is a bold, uncompromising Nicaraguan puro that delivers cocoa, dark espresso, earth, black pepper, and a sweetness that emerges in the second third like a plot twist you didn't see coming. The box-pressed torpedo is the ideal format—comfortable in the hand, explosive on the palate.
5. Davidoff Winston Churchill "The Late Hour" (Churchill) — 92/100
MSRP: $28 | Best For: Scotch-and-cigar evening pairings
The Late Hour uses tobaccos aged in single malt Scotch whisky casks, and the influence is unmistakable. Warm oak, leather, dried fruit, cocoa, and a whisper of peat smoke create a cigar that pairs magnificently with a dram. The construction is, as expected from Davidoff, impeccable.
6. Liga Privada No. 9 (Robusto) — 91/100
MSRP: $16 | Best For: Drew Estate's finest hour
Jonathan Drew's personal blend has become one of the most sought-after cigars in the industry. Connecticut Broadleaf maduro wraps a blend of Honduran and Nicaraguan fillers that deliver dark chocolate, espresso, leather, and a sweet creaminess. Finding them at retail requires patience, but they're worth every bit of the hunt.
7. Foundation Cigars The Tabernacle (Robusto) — 90/100
MSRP: $11 | Best For: Connecticut Broadleaf enthusiasts
Nick Melillo's The Tabernacle wraps Nicaraguan fillers in a gorgeous Connecticut Broadleaf maduro that delivers cocoa, coffee, earth, cedar, and a pleasant leather note. The smoke is dense, creamy, and satisfying from start to finish. A modern classic at a fair price.
8. E.P. Carrillo Pledge (Prequel) — 89/100
MSRP: $13 | Best For: Medium-to-full complexity
Ernesto Perez-Carrillo continues his remarkable post-General Cigar career with the Pledge. Sumatra wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and fillers creates a cigar of elegant complexity—cedar, cream, baking spice, nuts, and a finish that rewards slow smoking. Beautifully constructed.
9. Rocky Patel Fifteenth Anniversary (Robusto) — 88/100
MSRP: $12 | Best For: Approachable luxury
Rocky Patel's anniversary blend hits the sweet spot between accessibility and complexity. Ecuadorian Habano wrapper delivers cedar, cream, coffee, and a pleasant sweetness with a medium-to-full body that satisfies without overwhelming. Excellent construction and burn consistency.
10. AJ Fernandez New World Cameroon Selection (Doble Robusto) — 87/100
MSRP: $9 | Best For: Budget excellence
At under $10, the New World Cameroon is one of the best values in premium cigars. The African Cameroon wrapper adds nuance and sweetness to AJ Fernandez's Nicaraguan core—cedar, coffee, nuts, and a pleasant floral quality. The cigar that proves price doesn't determine quality.
Methodology
All cigars were evaluated over multiple smoking sessions. We scored across five dimensions: Aroma (20%), Flavor (30%), Finish (20%), Value (15%), and Complexity (15%). Only cigars widely available at retail were eligible. All cigars were purchased from authorized retailers and properly humidified before evaluation.
