It’s Top 25 Time
The new year means a new batch of Top 25 cigars, and in this issue we’re proud to present the 2024 Top 25 as well as the 2024 Cigar of the Year. It’s quite the collection of cigars. They come in all shapes and sizes (from shorter than four inches long to longer than nine, with ring gauges ranging from 44 to 60), from five different countries (including the United States) and with a wide variety of price points. The most expensive cigar on the list sells for $100, while the least expensive is less than $9. That’s quite a range. We can comfortably say there’s a cigar for just about every palate and every budget.
Even with all their differences, it’s important to mention what they have in common: quality. We are tough judges at Cigar Aficionado, so it’s not easy for a cigar to make this list. The first challenge is rating well in one of our blind taste tests. The second challenge is to perform well again. The cigars that make the very top of this list must be consistent performers.
Furthermore, when we review cigars, we taste them blind. That means our tasting coordinator buys the cigars, makes a code, removes their band (or bands), puts on a generic band with a code (TT-1, for example) and then es them out to the tasting , which includes the two of us along with a group of other experienced tasters from our editorial team. The coordinator is not a taster, as he knows the code. Those who review the cigars do not know where they were made, what company made them, how much they cost or any other detail. The cigars are rated on how they perform and how they taste. It’s how we do it and how we’ve done it from our first issue back in Autumn 1992. Anyone who tries to rate with the bands on is not taking the process seriously, as prior knowledge will prejudice the taster.
The 25 winners are amazing (see page 46) and none is more impressive than our No. 1, the My Father The Judge Grand Robusto. This 98 pointer from Nicaragua just blew us away. Congratulations to the Garcia family for making such a fine cigar.
There’s more to this issue than just our Top 25. We bring you the story of one of the NFL’s most exciting former players, the four-time Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski, who played with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay, led by superstar quarterback Tom Brady. Gronk, as he’s known, is charismatic, funny and tougher than a tank. We think you’ll like reading all about him. Turn to page 36.
We also have stories about a superb golf region that just doesn’t get the attention it deserves (page 64), one reviewing what may just be the best steakhouse in Las Vegas (page 73) and a look at the favorite cigars of several intriguing personalities, including legendary country music star Kix Brooks (page 80). And there’s so much more.
We hope you enjoy this issue and that you enjoy smoking these award-winning cigars as much as we have. Here’s to a wonderful 2025.
