15 Tariff-Buster Cigars
The rising price of cigars has become a sticking point in the cigar industry over the past few years with inflation, new cigars retailing for $100 apiece or more and, most recently, the tariffs announced by the Trump istration on imported goods. Though cigars have long been referred to as “the affordable luxury,” it’s unknown for how much longer that may remain the case, as experts estimate that these tariffs will add 50 cents to as much as $2.10 more per handmade cigar in a zero-tobacco tax state, even more in states with tobacco taxes.
Fortunately, there are cigars that won’t break the bank, even with these tariffs. We combed through the past six months of ratings to bring you a list of 15 budget-friendly cigars (or “tariff busters”) which were recently reviewed by Cigar Aficionado or Cigar Insider. For those looking to save a few simoleons, to keep this list handy on your next visit to the local tobacconist.
La Aroma de Cuba Robusto (94 points, $7.25)
Introduced in 2003, the La Aroma brand and its multiple offshoots have been a popular staple over the years. This robusto from the original line has an ample draw that delivers rich notes of chestnut and crushed peanut with hints of licorice and minerals. It earned a rating of 94 points in a recent tasting—just one point away from Classic status on our 100-point scale, which makes it all the more impressive that it retails for a little more than $7. See full tasting note.
Arturo Fuente Spanish Lonsdale Maduro (90 points, $6.85)
While the market may favor thicker ring gauges, don’t neglect the old-school, slimmer sizes. They not only deliver fine flavor, you can even fit more of them in your humidor. Drawing and burning evenly, the smoke from this 6 1/2-by-42 lonsdale imparts a salt-and-pepper quality, with some cinnamon and almond preceding a finish reminiscent of ginger and molasses.
Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story (90 points, $7.35)
Cameroon wrapper leaf, which comes from the rain forest of western Africa, is difficult to grow and is only available in small quantities. It’s prized by aficionados for its sweet-and-spicy qualities and toothy appearance. You can find it covering this 4-by-49 perfecto. It’s a toasty smoke that picks up sweeter elements of cream, honey and almond paste as it burns. See full tasting note.
Charter Oak CT Habano Lonsdale (90 points, $6.80)
Nick Melillo created the Charter Oak series in 2016 as a love letter to Connecticut, the state where his headquarters is based. The Habano line (which is made using no leaves from the Constitution State) is rolled with an Ecuador Habano wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler. The closed foot takes flame quickly and burns evenly, imparting notes of toast and wood that also take on impressions of orange and lemon before a finish reminiscent of a pecan sandie cookie.
Don Diego Corona (90 points, $6.38)
For many years the Don Diego brand was clad in a genuine Connecticut-shade wrapper but nowadays it’s rolled with an Ecuadoran leaf as Connecticut tobacco rises in both price and scarcity. No matter the country of origin, the medium-bodied smoke shows depth of flavor despite its light appearance. Notes of graham cracker, clove, walnut and vanilla lay atop a tasty foundation of wood and nuts.
La Aroma de Cuba Corona (90 points, $7.25)
Clad in a Connecticut broadleaf wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler, this corona is made in Nicaragua by the Garcia family at My Father Cigars S.A. It’s a medium-to-full-bodied smoke, with tones of earth, leather and black pepper laying down a hearty foundation. The sweet, bready finish calls to mind a brioche bun.
Bolivar Cofradia Petit Corona (89 points, $4.79)
Measuring 4 1/2 by 36, this rustic petit corona is bolder than its size suggests. Notes of earth, coffee bean and vanilla emerge before a finish smacking of black pepper and oil. Retailing for $4.79 each and shipping in boxes of 24, this diminutive cigar is also the most affordable option on our list. See full tasting note.
Curivari Buenaventura Favoritos Natural 60 (89 points, $5.90)
Released last year, the Favoritos brand comes in three varieties (Connecticut, Natural and Maduro) and this big, fat smoke from the Natural line is quite a bargain at just under $6. The smoke from this thick cigar is characterized by earth and raisin notes, accented by roasted coffee and black pepper. The finish hints of cedar and spice. See full tasting note.
La Aurora Cazadores Nicaragua Robusto (89 points, $5)
When the budget-friendly Cazadores brand was introduced in 2018, it was made with a light, Connecticut-seed wrapper. In 2024 the brand was expanded with the darker Nicaragua and Maduro lines, providing three affordable options at differing strengths. This robusto from the Nicaragua line imparts a leathery, spicy smoke layered with elements of gingerbread, earth and some red pepper spice. See full tasting note.
La Flor Dominicana Cameroon Cabinet No. 3 (89 points, $6.40)
A small, box-pressed petit corona from Litto Gomez, clad in its namesake Cameroon cover leaf, makes for quite a spicy, zesty smoke. Despite its size, it delivers a big note of saffron coming out of the gate, keeping the spiciness interesting with red pepper flakes and ground black peppercorn, along with some citrus for contrast. See full tasting note.
La Galera Imperial Jade Chiquito Perfecto (89 points, $6.61)
Made in the Dominican Republic at the Tabacalera Palma factory by Jochy Blanco, this 4-by-52 perfecto is crafted with a nipple foot, yet has an open draw. Clad in a Cameroon wrapper over Dominican binder and filler, the smoke is full of wheaty, woody notes complemented by hints of vanilla and spice before the herbal finish. See full tasting note.
Oliva Connecticut Reserve Petit Corona (89 points, $6.80)
While Oliva Cigar Co. is known for bolder offerings such as Serie V or Serie V Melanio, there are milder options in its portfolio as well. With its mild-medium body and 4-by-38 dimensions, this petit corona is an ideal choice for a quick breakfast cigar. Impressions of almond and vanilla are balanced by hints of cocoa, herbs and white pepper. See full tasting note.
Oliva Serie O No. 4 (89 points, $7.20)
Made with an Ecuador wrapper atop Nicaraguan Cuban-seed tobaccos hailing from Estelí, Condega and Jalapa, this robusto has an even burn and slightly firm draw. It’s a medium-bodied smoke, with first puffs reminiscent of incense. It evolves, eventually taking on straightforward notes of wood, earth and chocolate before a finish of freshly-split wood. See full tasting note.
Arturo Fuente Chateau Fuente (88 points, $7.45)
The Chateau Fuente Series is available in multiple wrapper options but they all come packed in a cedar sleeve for some extra protection. This 4 1/2-by-50 robusto is clad in a genuine leaf of Connecticut shade over Dominican binder and filler. It’s a mild smoke, with a pleasant assortment of dried flowers, citrus and peanut notes. See full tasting note.
Curivari Buenaventura Favoritos Connecticut 50 (88 points, $4.90)
Meaning “good luck,” the wallet-friendly Buenaventura brand certainly does feel lucky for those looking to stick to their budget. Consisting of an Ecuador Connecticut wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler, it’s a mild-medium cigar with creamy notes of oak, vanilla and toasted marshmallow with a citrusy finish. Retailing just under $5 each, you only need about a C-note for a full 20-count box.
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