Top 5 Cigars Of 2024
Of Autumn At Blue Label Cigar Lounge.
Kai Beluso - October 2024
In this blog post, I will explore my top five cigar picks for the fall season of 2024. Working at the Blue Label Cigar Lounge allows me to explore diverse cigar brands I would otherwise know little about. Our humidor houses a unique collection of boutique and legacy lines, making it a haven for enthusiasts and a treasure for beginners just getting into this pastime. Each section will cover the blend (when disclosed), strength, and my tasting notes.
1) Padron 1964 Anniversary Series No.4 Natural
Wrapper: Nicaraguan / Binder: Nicaraguan / Filler: Nicaraguan / Strength: Medium / Factory: Padron Cigars Inc.
As always, Padron's reputation precedes itself. The 1964 Anniversary Series No.4 is a genuinely well-rounded cigar. This cigar has rich and robust coffee, earth, cocoa, and nuts flavors, and its size makes it a phenomenal smoke, when given the appropriate time to enjoy it.
In the initial third of the experience, I was captivated by the intertwined flavors of earthy notes and rich coffee. It was fascinating to observe how the distinct characteristics of coffee and earth complemented each other, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
As I progressed into the second third, the flavor became more focused on cocoa, with the earthy notes taking a backstage presence. Around halfway, the cocoa became the dominant flavor, showcasing its complexity. Towards the end of the second third, the cocoa flavor lightened up, and a nutty tone emerged, creating a distinctive hazelnut-like flavor.
Transitioning from the second third to the final third, the nuttiness and cocoa notes stayed in the beginning, but midway, a mix of coffee and earth tones was in the background. These two background notes impacted the nutty and cocoa notes. A minor spice undertone was featured back in the final third, making the flavors more diverse and displaying an enjoyable complexity in the cigar.
My overall impression of this cigar is highly rated, and Padron's quality is preserved from beginning to end. The flavors were highlighted distinctly, capturing my engagement further throughout the duration the Padron 1964 Anniversary Series No.4 was smoked. In my opinion, the final third of this cigar was the most enjoyable since it stood out the most, blending all the flavors together.
2) Montecristo 1935 Ann. Ed. Diamante No.2
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Jalapa / Binder: Nicaraguan Ometepe Criollo / Filler: Nicaraguan Esteli / Strength: Medium-Full / Factory: San Lotano Factory
I recently had the opportunity to smoke the Montecristo series 1935 Anniversary Edicion Diamante for the first time. Most people overlook it, but not in our lounge, where the members rave about it. That experience led to me securing three more. Since then, I have purchased extras, and they have only improved with each smoke.
What captivated my interest about this cigar was its appearance. When applying a cold draw and the retrohale, there were strong dark chocolate and cacao flavors with a smooth sensational cream flavor in the background.
The first third had dominant flavors of rich cacao, a well-known likable taste that sustained through every puff. I also picked up something similar to Cocoa Puffs, yet a richer note. The cocoa flavor was consistent till the end of the first third.
Upon reaching the second third, a creamy note blended well with the consecutive waves of cocoa, making it rich in flavor profile. Midway to the end of the second third, earth notes were transitioned.
The final third highlights this cigar for me. It started out with rich earthy notes, but then I noticed spices creping in behind the cream and cocoa notes. A prestigious way to end the cigar was enriched by a combination of the flavor profiles mending together, but each of these flavors dominated until the end.
During the entire smoking experience, the Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Edition Diamante No.2 consistently delivered rich cocoa flavors, keeping me engaged for over an hour. Overall, it's a likable smoke for those seeking flavorful cigars.
3) E.P. Carillo Allegiance Confidant
Wrapper: Ecuador Sumatran / Binder: Nicaraguan / Filler: Nicaraguan / Strength: Medium-Full / Factory: Tabacalera Oliva S.A. (Tabolisa)
The E.P. Carillo Allegiance Confidant has a strong reputation and is highly ranked and favored by many in the cigar industry. This cigar is a standout in the lounge! The vibrant colors on the band complement its dark, oily wrapper. After coming across a magazine feature, I was given the opportunity to try it when I saw it in the lounge.
The initial third began with a subtle flow of spices, mainly pepper, with hints of coffee and chocolate in the background. As it progressed, the spiciness mellowed, and the flavors remained consistent throughout, with dominant notes of mild pepper and cocoa at the end.
A noticeable burst of cocoa flavors appeared as I entered the second third of the cigar. It was super rich with cacao and had a strong chocolatey taste. Moving further into the second third, I began to detect coffee notes, especially espresso, which complemented the cocoa flavors. This added more complexity to the cigar, which was the highlight when smoked.
As the E.P. Carillo Allegiance Confidant entered the final third, the flavors of cocoa and coffee continued to hold their presence, providing a consistent and enjoyable experience. As the cigar progressed, it revealed additional notes of earth and distinctive spices, with hints of pepper and a subtle touch of cinnamon. The finale of the cigar was marked by a delightful interplay of peppery and earthy flavors, leaving a lasting impression on the palate.
This exceptional cigar features a tantalizing Ecuadorian Sumatran wrapper crafted at the renowned Oliva factory. It is highly esteemed for its remarkable richness and offers an indulgent smoking experience, boasting bold flavors of coffee, cacao, and subtle hints of mild peppers.
4) Foundation The Wise Man Double Corona
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo / Binder: Jalapa & Nicaraguan Esteli / Filler: Jalapa, Esteli, Condega / Strength: Full-Body / Factory: My Father Cigars
The Wise Man Double Corona just entered the lounge this year and has already become a crowd favorite. Before lighting this cigar, I was struck by the sweet cream and caramel flavors during the cold draw and initial light. The first third offered mild pepper with a hint of sweetness reminiscent of cinnamon. Towards the end of the first third, the flavors transitioned to more hay and spices.
When reaching the second third, intense flavors of cedar and spices emerged, with a subtle nutty undertone reminiscent of peanuts that complemented the other flavors.
As I approached the final third of the cigar, I was met with a delightful blend of nuttiness and spice, accompanied by a subtle undertone of caramel. This stage of the cigar encompassed a captivating medley of flavors, elevating the overall experience.
After everything considered, I rank this cigar as well-rounded and enjoyable, even with just a coffee. If you're looking for a full-bodied cigar that smokes like a true medium-to-full-bodied, if you haven't already, I highly recommend trying the Wise Man Corona from Foundation Cigars.
5) Los States Deluxe Connecticut
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut / Binder: Nicaraguan Habano / Filler: Esteli, Jalapa, Pennsylvania Broadleaf / Strength: Mild-Plus / Factory: Fábrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua S.A.
The Los States Deluxe Connecticut, definitely stands out in the humidor. With its full-length purple wrapper and protruding tissue paper liner, it makes a big statement on the shelf. That is what Justin Andrews and Matt Booth had in mind for this reblended and rereleased cigar. The owner brought this line in at the beginning of the year, and ever since it has surprised its’ smokers with a delightful experience.
I enjoyed this cigar's cold draw with its bouquet of smooth, earthy flavors. Once lit, a sweet creaminess emerged to take a noticeable front seat. A minor spice blended in the background smoothly compliments the cigar's sweetness. The cigar maintains its rich flavor profile while being consistent with every puff from beginning to end.
In the second third, there was a noticeable introduction of hay and baker’s spice. These flavors developed boldly but pleasantly throughout this part of the smoke. The creamy hay notes complemented each other well, making it an enjoyable experience and a highlight, making up the second third.
Once the final third was reached, a subtle sweetness kicked in while maintaining the smooth, hay, and sweet spices from the second third. The final third was interesting as it was smoked down to the nub. I was interested in how the Los Statos Deluxe Connecticut's complexity shifted in the final third. In the end, this is a well-made cigar, with subtle transitions and a creaminess well needed in the rest of the Los Statos lineup.
Until next time, I look forward to meeting in the lounge and sharing a cigar.
-Kai
