One of the most exciting parts of my job is connecting cigar enthusiasts with cigars that meet or exceed their expectations. In this case, we wanted to hand select our Top 10 Cigars for $6(0) that are sure to under promise and over deliver. Below you'll not only see why we selected each cigar, but the ability to purchase all 10 cigars for $60 shipped.
NOTE: As time passes, we'll be updating this sampler with different cigars depending on availability. Please click the sampler link below to see the current pack.
La Aurora Midwest Exclusive Lancero
It was hard to find a lancero for this project because they're more expensive to make. Each lancero is meticulously hand rolled without the use of Lieberman machines commonly found in cigar factories to ensure an even roll when bunching the cigar. Traditionally, only a select few rollers produce lanceros in each factory (if any) because it demands more skill of the rolling team to ensure an excellent smoking experience.
This particular cigar is a great introduction to La Aurora, showcasing a slightly stronger blend than what you'd expect from the Dominican Republic due to the smaller ring gauge. Expect a pleasant experience that's easy on the palate but keeps you engaged from start to finish.
Padron Classic 2000 Natural
The Padron Classic series is a Hall of Famer for cigar enthusiasts and is consistently talked about for multiple reasons. Looking for outstanding budget cigars? Look no further than the Padron Classic, affectionately named the Padron X000 (thousand) series. Looking for cigars that age well over time? You've found one of the best!
In fact, this cigar is so classic that you've probably already smoked a handful. And you know what? Chances are that once you smoke another, you'll ask yourself why you don't light up a Padron Classic more often. When it comes to flavor and construction, it's hard to beat this cigar for the money.
If you haven't enjoyed this cigar before, expect hints of soft woods, smooth caramels, and mild coffee notes.
HVC Pan Caliente
Pan Caliente translates into "Hot Cakes" and Reinier Lorenzo couldn't have chose a more fitting name! Hitting the scene in 2016, HVC (meaning Havana City) made a huge splash with the Pan Caliente. Not sacrificing anything for the entry level price point, this cigar will take you on a wild ride complete with bready nuances and balanced sweetness.
This cigar also features a 109 cap, allowing you to have more control over your experience. Simply cut shallow for a more tapered draw or cut deep to open it up. For this reason as well as the price point and flavor profile, HVC's Pan Caliente comes highly recommended for newer cigar enthusiasts as well as seasoned veterans.
A.J. Fernandez Last Call Geniales
The story goes that A.J. would pass these out to guests while watching football at The White House, a bona fide guest resort that's adjacent to the factory. These were such a hit, that he committed to making them for the public. The Last Call Geniales is his first size to hit the market, and the same 4 1/2 x 48 that he still passes out to guests to this day.
This cigar features a covered foot, allowing you to toast it and taste the wrapper without igniting the binder and filler. Expect spicy notes upfront that slowly transition into vibrant sensations of different woods, breads, and cream. A.J. is famous for delivering remarkable cigars for the price, and this one is no exception.
Foundation Cigar Company Charter Oak Broadleaf Rothschild
Nicholas Melillo debuted this cigar in 2016 as a tip of the hat to his home state of Connecticut. And, considering that he's nicknamed Chief of the Broadleafs, it's no surprise that this cigar tastes as good as it looks! Nick even had this to say about the Charter Oak series, “I wanted to create an economy-minded, everyday smoke for connoisseurs; something tasty and delicious but didn’t break the bank.”
Also featuring a closed foot, the Charter Oak Broadleaf Rothschild carefully balances earthy, chocolatey, and creamy tasting notes - all while providing the impeccable construction expected by A.J. Fernandez.
Quesada 40th Petite Belicoso Clasica - Small Batch Cigar Exclusive
You've probably heard of the Quesada 50th Anniversary, and that's for good reason. Before the original Corona Clasica was introduced in 2014, you could only get these cigars from Manalo Quesada himself. And in 2016, we gave this cigar a high octane kick by specially producing a small quantity of petite belicosos just for SmallBatchCigar.
This 4 1/2 x 40 vitola has everything you could want: a robust flavor profile, perfect construction, and a price point that has you driving a Muscle Car on a Pinto budget. Expect to test your boundaries with pepper during the first inch of this blend as it flips the script on what you'd expect from a Connecticut Shade wrapper. But power alone wouldn't land this cigar in our Top 10 Cigars for $5 lineup - the Quesada 40th Petite Belicoso then follows up with a refined experience leaving you wanting more.
Tatuaje El Triunfador No. 5
While the usual budget pick for Tatuaje is the Tattoo, we felt that El Triunfador offers more of the range that you'd expect from a Small Batch selection. The original El Triunfador was a cuban brand that Pete Johnson revitalized nearly ten years ago. While he initially only produced a lancero size, what you see here today was re-blended in 2010 and offers a sophisticated smoking experience for the size and price.
Expect more of Muhammad Ali and less Mike Tyson in this cigar, where you'll get plenty of punch along with lots of class and pizazz.
Caldwell Long Live the King Harem
Released around the time of the Quesada 40th Petite Belicoso Clasica, we also decided to produce a Small Batch exclusive blend of the popular Long Live the King. The story goes that Caldwell's The King is Dead and Long Live the King were blended to be enjoyed sequentially, with The King is Dead first and Long Live the King following suit. But don't think that's the only way to enjoy it, this cigar can stand on it's own any day of the week.
Much like the lancero vitola, the Harem is keen on exotic spices, cream, leather and brown sugar. If you've got a sweet tooth, you're in for a treat!
RoMa Craft Intemperance BA XXI Intrigue
The Intemperance line was not only Skip and Mike's first cigar under the RoMa Craft name, it was also the first cigar to be produced at their new Nica Sueno factory in Nicaragua. This cigar has everything you'd expect for such a debut cigar, and showcases their ability to blend an excellent cigar at a price point that's accessible to all walks of life.
The Intemperance line sports an unfinished foot, allowing you to toast the binder and filler without igniting the wrapper. This cigar is also the only selected in this list to feature the Brazilian Arapiraca (BA) wrapper for a unique experience.
Crux Passport Half Corona
Crux is brought to you by Jeff Haugen and Joel Rogers, two gentlemen that worked retail long before they founded a cigar brand. And they've used that knowledge with countless customers to continually bring classic tastes to market without breaking the bank.
Featuring a covered foot and a twist cap, the Crux Passport Half Corona smokes with as much personality as you'd expect. Just goes to show that good things can come in small packages.
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