A ranking of ten Cuban cigars

Given how varied they are, choosing a cigar is not always straightforward, and the choice is harder still for a newcomer. We have looked at several factors, such as taste, strength, build quality and balance, in order to draw up this ranking of ten Cuban cigars.

Each of the ten entries below is set out with its characteristics, its dimensions and an indicative price.

1. Cohiba Behike 52

Anyone who follows cigars has probably heard of the Cohiba Behike. These are the most exclusive Cuban products. The Cohiba Behike 52 is the smallest member of a range that also includes the BHK 54 and the BHK 56. Cohiba Behike cigars are produced in very limited quantities, as they include the "media tiempo" leaf, which is said to carry unusual flavours. That makes the Cohiba Behike 52 a distinctive and strong cigar with a creamy taste. It is 119 mm long and 20.6 mm in diameter. Its burning time is between 30 and 45 minutes. It costs around 119 euros.

2. Partagas Serie D N° 4

The Partagas Serie D N° 4 is a long-established cigar and one of the most widely smoked in the world, after the Montecristo N° 4. It is the Robusto format of the Cuban brand founded in 1845 by Don Jaime Partagas Ravelo. Known for its harmony and for a complex balance between strength and aroma, this cigar is aimed at seasoned smokers. Its soft, cushioned character and even draw are widely commented on.

With a diameter of 19.84 mm and a length of 124 mm, the Partagas Serie D N° 4 takes between 45 and 60 minutes to burn. It leaves a mild sharpness on the tongue, with notes of fresh grass, menthol, earth and spices. The product costs around 505 euros a box in France. It can be stored in the Pinel et Pinel high-end humidor.

3. Partagas Lusitanias

Made in the Partagas factory, the Lusitanias is one of the best known hand-rolled cigars in Cuba. Many specialists also consider it the strongest Double Corona, which is why it appears among these ten Cuban cigars.

Particularly noted by connoisseurs, the Lusitanias carries rich leather and wood flavours. On the market since 1976, this cigar has stayed in the catalogue. Production after 1995 saw a slight change, in particular in the variation between vintages. At 194 mm long and 19.45 mm in diameter, the Partagas Lusitanias takes at least 2 hours 30 and up to 3 hours to burn. It costs between 15 and 23 euros each.

4. Romeo Y Julieta Churchill

Created in 2008, the Romeo Y Julieta Churchill is a substantial cigar. It is the fourth product in the Habanos Reserva series and is made with matured tobacco. The Romeo Y Julieta Churchill is of medium strength, which builds gradually. Its smoke is heavily woody, with notes of damp earth, roasted coffee and spices (green pepper).

The Romeo Y Julieta Churchill is 178 mm long and 18.7 mm in diameter. Its burning time is estimated at between 1 hour 15 and 2 hours. This product, which features in this ranking, costs around 1,300 euros.

5. Saint Luis Rey Double Corona

Created in 1940, Saint Luis Rey is one of the best known cigar brands in the world. Its Double Corona carries rich, mild flavours (wood, vanilla) over 2 to 3 hours. This format is made with wrapper leaves rolled entirely by hand. The Saint Luis Rey Double Corona is fairly supple, 194 mm long and 49 mm in diameter. Its approximate price is 839 euros.

6. Davidoff Millenium Blend Robusto

The Davidoff Millenium Blend Robusto is made in the Tabadom factory in the Dominican Republic. It is a compact product of ring gauge 50 which takes around 45 minutes to burn. This strong cigar, 133.3 mm long and 19.83 mm in diameter, is marked by the range of its aromas.

As it burns, flavours of cedar, coffee, chocolate and cherry appear, along with white pepper, cocoa and a creamy earthy note. The Davidoff Millenium Blend costs around 17 euros each. In this selection it is the cigar with the best value for money.

7. Arturo Fuente Opus X Robusto

The Arturo Fuente Opus X Robusto belongs to the top end of the range. It is often described as a benchmark among cigars. The format carries a wide range of aromas, in particular wood, cognac and cedar, with a hint of nuts.

At 133 mm long and 19.4 mm in diameter, this cigar takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour 15 to burn. A box of 29 cigars costs 936 CHF, or around 954 euros.

8. Flor de Selva

With its silky cut, the Flor de Selva is regarded as a reference among Honduran tobaccos. It is a round, strong Robusto, mainly smoked by experienced consumers. The Flor de Selva carries resin flavours along with black and green pepper. As it burns, fairly sweet liquorice notes come through.

In the second half, the strength of the cigar rises another notch. The Flor de Selva is 120 mm long with a diameter of 19.8 mm. Its burning time is between 30 and 45 minutes. A box of 25 costs around 239 euros.

9. La Aurora 107 Nicaragua Robusto

The La Aurora 107 Nicaragua Robusto is a strong and distinctive cigar. At 127 mm long and 19.84 mm in diameter, this product, made exclusively with hand-rolled Nicaraguan tobaccos, carries flavours of cocoa, vanilla and black fruits, along with earthy notes and a hint of nutmeg.
Those aromas develop over the 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 the La Aurora 107 Nicaragua takes to burn. A box of 20 cigars costs around 162 euros.

10. Montecristo Open Eagle

Of medium strength, the Montecristo Open Eagle is nonetheless a large, carefully made cigar. Launched in 2009, this Cuban format remains one of the most widely bought today. The Montecristo Open Eagle comes in an oily, silky wrapper.

From the first draws, notes of cedar, vanilla and chocolate can be picked out. This Cuban cigar, of which a box of 20 costs around 481 euros, burns for 45 minutes to 1 hour 15.

Summary table of the cigars in this ranking

Here is a summary table of these cigars by strength, taste, burning time and price.

How should cigars be stored?

Cigars have to be stored properly if their flavours are not to be altered. Good long-term storage also changes those flavours over time. It is not simply a matter of leaving boxes of cigars in a drawer or a cupboard.

For storage, the high-end humidor from Pinel et Pinel is in our view the most suitable. It meets the strict criteria expected of proper storage, such as a temperature of between 18 and 21 °C and a relative humidity of 70 % inside the cabinet. The humidor also needs to be aired regularly: opening it every fortnight, for example. With its recognised craftsmanship, Pinel et Pinel has become a specialist in cigar storage, with trunks and cases sized for every collection. We rate their cabinets highly.