Top cigars of 2011

I reviewed 94 cigars this year. Now, it's time to talk about the best of the best. Below are my picks for top cigars of the year. 11 cigars achieved a score of 94 or higher! For a complete list of cigars reviewed you can email me at ticotych@hotmail.com and I will send the "word formatted" list.


 Click on the cigar name of the top rated cigars for a direct link to the review. Most of the reviews in the direct link also have a video review.

This year's top reviewed cigars are...

97 pts.

Ashton VSG Spellbound (7.5x49) *BEST CIGAR OF 2011*

This has to be one of the most complex cigars I've ever smoked! It is easily the best cigar I've had this year. I absolutely loved it!

96 pts. (2 cigars with this rating)

E. P. Carrillo Elenco Series Elites (6x54)

The Carrillo's should be very proud of this cigar. The richness of this cigar makes it a joy to smoke. I highly recommend it. This cigar seems to be a little richer than the Limitada 2010 and the price point is better giving this cigar a higher score.

Padron Family Reserve no. 45 natural toro (6x52) 

At the end of the cigar I found myself thinking back over the many flavors it had. It changed so many times. This is a great cigar worthy of high praise.

95 pts. (5 cigars with this rating)

Illusione mj12 (6x54)

This was an excellent cigar. Numerous changes. A full bodied, flavorful cigar that has a tremendous amount of black pepper. Any lover of Nicaraguan cigars will love it. I highly recommend it.

Fuente Opus X D'Chateau (7x48)

To sum up, the cigar was one of cinnamon, rich orange citrus and a ton of black pepper. The finish was long with vanilla notes, then changed to rich vanilla, then to rich vanilla with almond. I really enjoyed this cigar and highly recommend it.

Monte Pascoal Minutos (4 3/8x42)

I brought out my nubbing tool to enjoy the last bits of this cigar. I is a pronged device sort of like what you would use to eat corn on the cob. This cigar is amazingly good. If you like rich cinnamon, citrus, and almonds you will love this cigar. If you love pepper you'll love this cigar. This cigar is simply great.

Perdomo Exhibicion Sun Grown Robusto (5x54)

As the cigar burns it gets richer. The cigar continued it's great flavor right to the end. The cigar did not change much at all making it very consistent. I am a huge fan of rich, sweet citrus and I absolutely loved this cigar. They are new to the market so get out and grab a few for yourself. You won't be disappointed.

Fuente Opus X Double Corona (7 5/8x49) 

The cinnamon and vanilla flavors remained strong and I enjoyed the port flavors. The finish was very good with vanilla and port flavors. The pepper was very good on both ends. A great cigar and among the best Opus X cigars that I have smoked.

94 pts. (3 cigars with this rating)
Arturo Fuente Anejo Reserva no. 48 (7x48)

This is a very good, sweet cigar with lots of coffee notes and tawny port flavors. There are also leather and cedar notes. The pepper is very good. The finish is one of primarily vanilla but at times there is the addition of raw almond notes. This is a great cigar that you should try.

Litto Gomez Diez Americano 2009 (5 3/4x46)

I found this to be a great cigar. The sweet cinnamon, rich vanilla, and orange citrus along with the powerful black pepper last throughout the entire smoke. Lovers of full bodied cigars will really enjoy this cigar. I have to be honest, I smoke a lot of cigars and this cigar hit me like a ton of bricks.

E. P. Carrillo New Wave Connecticut El Decano (6x60)

This cigar was very consistent from the 1 1/2 inch point onward. The rich orange citrus notes combined with the vanilla and almond notes make for a wonderful experience. The cigar is ultra rich. Another great addition to the New Wave Connecticut family.

The best of the rest...

93 pts.
Sencillo robusto (5 1/4x50
E. P. Carrillo Core Line Maduro Golosos (6 1/8x60)
Amilcar Perez Castro robusto (5x50)
Savinelli Special Selection 2006 (5 1/2x50)
Perdomo2 Limited Edition 2008 torpedo (6.2x54)
Pride Cigars Bandolero Billy the Kid (5x50)
Arturo Fuente Don Arturo Gran AniverXario Sungrown (6 1/4x44)
Vegas de Santiago Don Luis Secretos de Maestro Barber Pole torpedo (6 1/8x52)

92 pts.
Vegas de Santiago Don Luis Gordo (6x60)
La Gloria Cubana Serie N #58 (6 1/2x58)
Arturo Fuente Anejo Reserva #77 Shark (5 5/8x54)
Opus X Perfecxion no. 4 (5 3/16x43)
Warlock Churchill (7x54)
Room 101 LTD Conjura (4 3/4x50)
E. P. Carrillo New Wave Connecticut Divinos (6x52)
Graycliff Maroon torpedo (6x54)
E. P. Carrillo New Wave Connecticut Brillantes (5x50)
Don Pepin Garcia Los Imperialistas torpedo (6 1/8x52)
La Herencia de Cuba White Label torpedo (6 1/8x52)
Casa Magna Domus Magus Limitada (6 1/2x55)
Perdomo Exhibicion Connecticut churchill (7x54)
Savinelli Dos Compeones Coraje Esteliano (4 1/2x48)
Perdomo ESV 2002 Maduro Epicure (6x54)
Pride Ritual torpedo (6 1/4x54)
La Gloria Cubana Artesanos Retro Especiale Club (5 3/4x47)
Liga Undercrown Gran Toro (6x52)

There were many more very good cigars but these are the best. I enjoyed smoking each one of them and look forward to 2011 and a whole new batch of great cigars! I would like to thank you for reading my blog and please feel free to comment. Here's wishing everyone a great 2012!