Cigar of the Year

Looking for a Cigar of the Year winner with a proven record? This range brings together cigars that reached No. 1 in major yearly lists. So, you can explore famous blends with clear praise from well-known cigar media.

Cigar Aficionado has picked a No. 1 cigar each year since 2004. Its editors use blind tastings and yearly scores to build a Top 25 list. The cigar in first place gets the top title. Cigar Journal also makes its own yearly Top 25 list.

At The House of Cigars, you can compare past winners by taste, strength, size, origin, and price. Some feel smooth and creamy. Others bring cocoa, coffee, earth, leather, or spice.

Why Choose a Cigar of the Year?

A top-ranked cigar has already stood out in a large group. Reviewers look at taste, draw, burn, balance, and build. They also check how the cigar changes from start to end.

Still, each winner has its own style. A top blend can be mild, medium, or full. So, the best choice still depends on your taste.

These cigars can also make good gifts. A No. 1 rank gives the cigar a clear story. Therefore, it can add more meaning to a special smoke.

Famous Winners to Explore

Many major brands have taken first place over the years. Padrón is one of the best-known names on the list. Its 1964 Anniversary Series Torpedo took No. 1 in 2021. The Family Reserve No. 45 Maduro won in 2009.

Casa Carrillo also has a strong record. The Encore Majestic won in 2018. Then, the Pledge Prequel took first place in 2020.

La Flor Dominicana Andalusian Bull won in 2016. My Father The Judge Grand Robusto won in 2024. More recently, the Padrón 60th Anniversary Perfecto became Cigar Aficionado’s No. 1 cigar for 2025.

These Cigar of the Year winners show that one style does not rule the list. Some taste dark and rich. Others feel smooth, sweet, or woody.

How Does a Cigar Reach the Top?

First, a smoke needs strong scores. For Cigar Aficionado, it must score well during the year before it can reach the final Top 25 test.

Next, the best group goes through another blind tasting. The editors then rank the final 25 cigars. The No. 1 smoke becomes the Cigar of the Year.

Other media use their own rules. For example, Cigar Journal publishes a separate Top 25. So, always check which source gave the award and which cigar size took the top spot.

Choose by Taste

First, think about the flavours you enjoy. Cream, cedar, nuts, and toast often feel soft. Coffee, cocoa, earth, and leather taste darker. Pepper and spice add more heat.

Next, think about strength. A mild winner may suit a calm-day smoke. A full smoke may work better after a meal.

Then, think about size. A Robusto often gives a mid-length smoke. A Toro gives you more time. A large Figurado or Salomon may last much longer.

Cigar of the Year vs Top 25 Cigars

The two terms do not mean the same thing. The top winner takes first place. A Top 25 cigar can rank anywhere from No. 1 to No. 25.

So, use this page when you want No. 1 winners. Browse our Top 25 Cigars range when you want a wider group of highly rated smokes.

You can also explore Award-Winning Cigars. That range covers cigars with high scores, awards, and strong praise from several sources.

Why Shop Top-Ranked Cigars Here?

The House of Cigars brings many past winners into one place. You can compare famous cigars from Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and other key regions.

Start with a smooth winner if you like cream, cedar, and nuts. Choose a darker blend for cocoa, coffee, earth, or spice. Then, check the size and smoke time before you buy.

You can also browse our Nicaraguan Cigars, Dominican Cigars, Honduran Cigars, Cigar Gifts and Cigar Samplers.