Top 5 Maduro Cigars of 2024
Rich Flavors and Expert Picks for Aficionados.
2024 Top Maduro Cigars (from left to right) Montecristo Espada Oscar, Cavalier Black Series II, Plasencia Cosecha 149, Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro & Tatuaje Cojonu 2015.
Kai Beluso - August 2024
Discover the allure of maduro cigars, where rich flavors meet dark sophistication in every puff.
In 2024, Maduro cigars continue captivating aficionados with their deep, complex flavors and luxurious dark wrappers, offering a premium smoking experience combining tradition and modern refinement. Here are the top 5 Maduro cigars that make up 2024 (so far). Before the year is concluded, you should take time to review for yourself, based upon both, the aficionados in the cigar industry and our knowledge in the lounge. Here are five phenomenal cigar picks experts and enthusiasts would consider every cigar smoker should smoke based on the rich profile these cigars offer.
Maduro Cigars: The Rich Dark, Wrapper Explained
What is a Maduro cigar? Maduro cigars are characterized based off its’ misinterpreted appearance being dark and oily wrappers. But do not be intimidated by the color of the maduro as it translate to “ripe” or “mature.” DO NOT shy away from maduros based upon the recommended strength. Maduros enhance your palate as you further venture into the world of magnificent cigars. For more information on “What is a Maduro?”, reference our other blog post here.
Top 5 Maduro Cigar Ratings For 2024
Plasencia - 149 Cocesha Azacualpa- 96 (Cigar & Spirits Rated)
Montecristo - Espada Oscuro Quuillon - 93 (Cigar Aficionado Rated)
Oliva - Serie V Melania Maduro - 93 (Cigar Journal Rated)
Tatuaje - Cojonu 2015 - 93 (Cigar & Spirits Rated)
Cavalier -Geneve Black Series II - 92 (Cigar Snob Rated)
1) Plasencia Cigars 149 Cochesa Azacualpa (Toro)
Wrapper: Honduran / Binder: Honduran / Filler: Honduran / Strength: Medium-Full / Cigar Factory: Plasenicas’ Tabacos de Oriente
The initial light has a deep, earthy foundation with added crisp black pepper notes and a final hint of cedar wood notes.
The first third begins with developed rich cacao close to high-quality dark chocolate. Dried fruits, such as raisins and a splash of fig, begin to emerge. In the background, the earthy notes remain present, with sweeter flavors in the background as the peppery notes lighten up.
Transitioning to the second third, sweeter flavors mingle, transforming the cocoa into a milk chocolate tone. The creamy nuttiness is prominent, and hints of coffee appear slightly; as this occurs, the leather notes add depth and complexity, subduing the dried fruit notes as they remain consistent.
Towards the final third, the spice profiles heighten, with black pepper merging with a pleasant spice close to cinnamon or nutmeg. Now, the earthly flavors expand close to a truffle. Nuts evolve to a more robust flavor as cocoa, leather, and fruit cooperate in the background. The finish concludes with a subtle sweetness, keeping a balance in spice.
“The Cochesa149 is a rich, balanced euro and the first all-Honduran cigar from Plasencia. Evident notes included sweet cream, dark chocolate, and earth with backplate.” — Cigar & Spirits
2) Montecristo Espada Oscuro Quillon (Churchill)
Montecristo Espada Oscuro robusto size shown.
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano Rosado Oscuro / Binder: Nicaragua / Filler: Nicaragua / Strength: Medium / Cigar Factory: Plasencia Cigars
Rich and dark chocolate flavors dominate initially, followed by coffee and espresso notes, finalizing with hints of black pepper and spice. In the background, subtle flavors of rich, earthy, leathery notes are present.
The first third is recognized with heavy notes of dark chocolate and coffee, with an additional peppery kick of baker’s spice. Secondary notes include raisins and/or dried figs. The complexity of the Montecristo Espada Oscuro hastily interplays between chocolate and coffee notes, integrating a sweeter sensation and a rounded hint of pepper.
The cigar settles down a bit in the second third, where the flavors evolve into leathery, earthy tones, followed by nutty undertones of almonds and walnuts. The diversifying leather notes, following the chocolate sweetness and black pepper, make a smoother gateway while still playing nice from the beginning.
The final third has an increased amount of intensity with spices with a distinguished return of dark chocolate. A long-lasting smoke with lingering notes of dark cocoa and espresso concludes the end of this full-bodied cigar. Notable for the transition from medium to full strength, with the flavors escalating to the end.
“A constant thread of anise runs through the core of this toasty, earthy smoke. Touches of leather and semisweet chocolate also surface, making for a healthy smoke. The draw and burn are even throughout.” — Cigar Aficionado
3) Oliva Servie V Melanio Maduro Churchill Extra
Wrapper: Mexico (San Andrés) / Binder: Nicaragua / Filler: Nicaragua / Strength: Full / Cigar Factory: Tabacalera Oliva de Nicaragua S.A.
The initial flavors open with a bold hit of dark chocolate reminiscent of bars with high cacao content. Espresso notes follow, automatically providing a robust coffee-like bitterness. Hints of black pepper are subtle, adding more complexity to the palate.
Transitioning to the middle section, the earth tones emerge more in a rich soil-like depth. The chocolate notes evolve with a nuanced cacao powder taste. Furthermore, there is a subtle sweetness that appears akin to dark molasses and dark caramel. Towards the end of the third section, there is an appearance of leather notes developing, adding a sophisticated layer.
The final third consists of a definite pepper note, providing a kick of spice and intensifying the coffee flavors, similar to a Cuban espresso. Hints of toasted nuts and almonds join the mixture, following a woody characteristic that continues its depth towards the finale.
In conclusion, the Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro has lingering notes of dark chocolate and espresso, eluding a pleasant peppery tingle. Throughout the smoke, subtle, sweet undertones gradually balanced the entire experience.
“An Exciting, multi-faceted cigar with roasted, leathery, and earthy aromas. It’s slightly tart and reminiscent of oriental spices. It also delivers fruity notes, citrus freshness, and a lot of cream in the smoke.”— Cigar Journal
4) Tatuaje Cojonu 2015
Wrapper: Ecuador (Habano) / Binder: Nicaragua / Filler: Nicaragua / Strength: Medium-Full / Factory: My Father Cigars S.A
Before smoking this cigar, the initial light directly opens with the presence of black pepper and the addition of an underlying sweetness of dark molasses.
When entering the first third, the dominant flavor is rich-dark chocolate notes with espresso and a slight sweetness. Subtle hints of toasted almonds and nuts round out the first third.
Following the second third, we see the emergence of leather notes, which are pronounced with the developing undertones of creamy earthiness. At the end of the second third, a distinct splash of dried fruits emerges.
The final third intensifies the pepper and espresso flavors, adding more woody notes that become more prominent tastes of oak and cedar.
Throughout the smoke, the Cojonu ’15 remains consistent with its full body and strength. It is smooth yet powerful in delivering flavors. The complex layering evolves in taste as the cigar progresses into its individual sections. The finishing touch included a mix of dark cocoa and black coffee with a meager creaminess that gently smooths out the bold flavors.
“Rolled by My Father Cigars S.A., this robusto gordo offers the smoker a flavorful, full-bodied smoke with complexity and is made for fine aging. Cojonu’s are loaded with spice, blackberry jams packed with rich tobacco flavors, and finished with an eye-catching Cuban triple-seam cap.”— Cigar & Spirits
5) Cavalier Geneve Black Series II Toro
Wrapper: Mexico (San Andrés) / Binder: Nicaragua / Filler: Nicaragua / Strength: Medium-Full / Cigar Factory: San Judas Tadeo
The initial light is potent, a full burst of black pepper. The pepper is immediate and rich with a subtle side profile of cayenne pepper.
Leading into the first third, the pepper subsides, creating a rich pathway of dark chocolate that emerges, creating a complex flavor. It then opens up again to a clean, woody base of cedar, complementing the chocolate with a faint espresso note.
During the second third, this cigar gradually smoothly shifts to a bold profile as new flavors emerge. The leather note intensifies, creating an earthly core, while the dark chocolate adds depth without taking over. The woody notes remain persistent, providing a creamier smoke while integrating well with the other flavors.
Transiting to the final section of the Cavalier Geneve Black Series, we experience a dominant espresso and leather note coming forward more. Towards the last nub of the cigar, there is a slight baker’s spice that emerges for a last kiss.
Maduro cigars offer a rich yet satisfying experience for all cigar enthusiasts around. Their dark, oily wrappers impart deep flavors of chocolate, coffee, and earth, creating a complex smoking profile that is worth smoking. With the aging process, these cigars give a smoother yet mellow complementary trait despite their bold profiles. Maduro cigars pair excellently with robust spirited beverages while providing a luxurious way to unwind. For those seeking a full-bodied yet flavorful cigar, Maduros are an excellent choice that shouldn't be overlooked. The brilliant and the bold.
“An earthy and flavorful box-pressed toro with a profile of bittersweet chocolate, roasted almond, and ripe fruit balanced by smooth pepper in the background. The medium plus strength blend is consistently well-constructed.” — Cigar Snob
Let us know if these points were useful and brought some interest in acquiring these cigars to your experience. And as always, I look forward to seeing you at Blue Label Cigar Lounge.
Kai-
