Top 10 Cigars of 2009 by The Weekly Cigar

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Here it is, the list that you’ve all been waiting for! The cigars listed below are my Top 10 Cigars of 2009. Let’s clarify a few things before we begin. First, these cigars did not have to come out in 2009, I just had to smoke them in 2009. Second, the order isn’t nearly as important as the list itself. Besides the number one spot, the rest of these cigars are all favorites, I just put them in some sort of numerical order. Last, these are not the only cigars I enjoyed this year, these are just the cigars I enjoyed the most.

1. Tatuaje Noella Reserva – Anyone who has been lucky enough to try the Tatuaje Noella Reserva will know that it stands out from the crowd. When I first smoked this cigar, I immediately knew that it was one of the best cigars I’d ever had. The rich flavors and perfect construction make the smoking experience incredible. Unfortunately, these were a limited release by Pete Johnson, but evidently he will be re-releasing them soon.
2. Tatuaje T110 - If you read my review of the Tatuaje T110, you know that I truly enjoyed this cigar. This cigar is packed with amazing flavor and a good bit of nicotine strength. I smoked this cigar down to the nub, putting it down only when it started to burn my fingertips. This is another one of those cigars that Pete released a limited quantity of, but rumor has it that the shop in Hawaii where they were originally sold is getting more of them in stock.
3. Don Pepin Garcia Blue Lancero - This cigar has somewhat of a special meaning to me, as it was the cigar I was given to smoke while at Don Pepin’s birthday party at his home in Miami. The party was a gathering of close family and friends, and I happened to get an invite from Pete Johnson of Tatuaje Cigars. I was reluctant to come along, as I didn’t want to intrude, but I am definitely glad I went. I had a great time and got to rub shoulders and socialize with a lot of great people in the cigar industry. Anyway, this is a great cigar, and in my opinion, is the best size in the Don Pepin Garcia Blue Label line.
4. Tatuaje El Triunfador Lancero - Much like the Tatuaje Noella Reserva, this is one of the richest cigars I have ever tasted. I have really developed a liking for smaller ring gauge cigars over the past few months, and this cigar is no exception. If you love rich maduros and lanceros, this is the perfect cigar for you. This is also a favorite of Jerry Cruz over at Stogie Review.
5. Cruzado Marelas – The Cruzado Marelas is a delicious perfecto created by Dion Giolito of Illusione Cigars. The Cruzado is the medium bodied little brother of the more powerful Illusione line, and they really hit the spot for me. I get some notes of earthiness, but also pick up a great sweetness. I reviewed the Cruzado Dantes a while back, but like the Marelas better because of the flavor changes that happen as the cigar changes ring gauges.
6. El Titan de Bronze Redemption Maduro Coronita - Another cigar in the rich maduro with a small ring gauge category. I hate to get repetitive with this list, but I am a sucker for maduros, and Willie Herrera of El Titan de Bronze did a great job with this one. If you are ever in Miami, specifically Calle Ocho, make sure to give him a visit. He has a small shop on 8th Street, but what it’s lacking in size it makes up for in character.
7. EO Cigars 601 Habano Red Rabito - This offering from Erik Espinosa and Eddie Ortega at EO Cigars was one of my go to cigars of 2009. The flavors this cigar imparts embody the flavors of Nicaraguan tobacco perfectly, and because of this, the 601 Habano fits my flavor profile perfectly. The Rabito is my favorite size because of the smaller ring gauge, which causes the ratio of filler to wrapper to change for the better.
8. Padron 1964 Anniversary Maduro Principe - Man, do I sound like a broken record or what? Another great cigar, another rich maduro. The reason it’s on the list instead of the 1926 Anniversary is price. I think both of the cigars are great, but don’t think the 1926 is worth the higher price, especially if I want to smoke these on a regular basis.
9. Padilla Miami Corona - The Padilla Miami was a cigar I was introduced to recently, while visiting Ernesto Padilla’s shop/factory on Calle Ocho in Little Havana. Ernesto was nice enough to give me a few cigars to try, and the Padilla Miami Corona was one of them. Now I see what the hype around these cigars is about! The flavors were great, as was the construction. This is another cigar that I really encourage you to try if you haven’t already.
10. Drew Estate Liga Privada No. 9 Robusto - Last, but definitely not least. The Liga Privada line from Jonathan Drew of Drew Estate is outstanding. The flavors and construction on this cigar are second to none. All of the variations of the original Liga Privada No. 9 series that Drew Estate is coming out with are great as well, including the Liga Privada T-52, Flying Pig, and Dirty Rat. This is another cigar on your must try list, although these might be a little harder to find.

This list could have been completely different, but I am still new to the hobby of cigar smoking and haven’t tried a lot of cigars. I have been trying to smoke through my collection and try new cigars, but admit that I have not gotten to as many as I would have liked. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the list and can use it as a guide to finding some new cigars to add to your regular rotation. Remember, everyone’s palate is different, and just because the cigar is on my list doesn’t mean you will enjoy it. Enjoy, and thanks for checking out The Weekly Cigar.