We are calling all cigar enthusiasts! If you want to know which cigars made it to the top of the list in 2023, you're in for a treat. In this blog post, we'll reveal the five best cigars, according to Cigar Journal, that every connoisseur needs to try. 🌟

Today, we dive into the world of premium cigars and uncover the crème de la crème of 2023. Cigar Journal, a trusted authority in the industry, has meticulously selected these cigars. Join me as we explore these exquisite blends and discover what makes them unique.

Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or just starting your journey into fine tobacco, this guide is your gateway to experiencing some truly exceptional smokes. So please sit back, prepare your palate, and let's indulge in the artistry of these masterfully crafted cigars together.

The Plasencia Alma Fuerte Eduardo is renowned for its complex and rich flavor profile and boasts a Colorado Claro wrapper that has aged for a decade. This cigar has earned high praise and deserves a place in every humidor. Rating: 90.

Upon lighting, you'll be greeted with deep and comforting notes of cocoa and almonds. These flavors set the stage for a luxurious smoking experience.

Hints of nutmeg and cedar emerge, adding warmth and woodiness to the palate. The aging process contributes to developing nuanced flavors, including dark chocolate, plum, and cinnamon.

Finishing notes of oak and molasses come forward, providing a rich profile that includes black pepper, natural tobacco, fruit, and earth. This combination ensures a complex and satisfying smoking experience. 🌰🌿

Aged Rum – The deep and rich flavors of an aged rum, such as Ron Zacapa 23, beautifully complement the cocoa and almond notes. The sweetness of the rum enhances the plum and cinnamon flavors, while the oak and molasses in both the cigar and the rum create a harmonious balance, making this pairing a delight for the palate.

The Rocky Patel Disciple Robusto features a Mexican San Andrés wrapper and a blend of Nicaraguan fillers and binder. This medium—to full-bodied cigar has earned a 91-point rating from Cigar Aficionado.

Initial flavors of oak, earth, and spice dominate the palate, creating a robust start to the smoking experience.

A transition to balanced black pepper occurs, with toasted cedar notes emerging around three-quarters of an inch into the cigar. Mocha notes begin to dominate, adding a rich, flavorful dimension.

Rich espresso beans and black pepper lead the flavors, with the raisin sweetness taking a back seat. The overall construction ensures a beautiful draw and a consistent burn. 🌶️🍫

Single Malt Scotch—A smoky single malt Scotch, such as Lagavulin 16, pairs perfectly with the cigar's earthy and spicy notes. The Scotch's peatiness enhances the oak and earth flavors, while the caramel and vanilla undertones complement the mocha and espresso notes, creating a well-rounded and satisfying experience.

The Liga Privada Unico Serie Year of the Rabbit is part of Drew Estate's esteemed Liga Privada line. It features a Connecticut River Valley Stalk Cut Habano wrapper. This cigar is known for its complex and evolving flavor profile and has earned a 93 rating.

Expect an impeccable taste with an incredible flavor profile, setting a high standard from the start.

The dominant flavors transition to earthiness, barnyard, and leather, with barnyard notes replacing toastiness. Toastiness remains present alongside some generic cracker flavors.

The rich and complex flavors characteristic of the Liga Privada line continue, showcasing the quality and craftsmanship that make this cigar a standout. 🐰🌾

Dark Beer – A rich and robust dark beer, such as a stout or porter, complements the earthy and leathery notes of the cigar. The beer's roasted malt flavors enhance the toastiness and barnyard notes, while its creamy texture balances the overall smoking experience, providing a smooth and satisfying pairing.

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The J.C. Newman El Baton Belicoso carries a rich history and robust pyramid shape, earning a 93 rating.

Bold flavors of coffee, spice, and raisins greet the smoker, setting a rich and enjoyable tone.

The cigar continues to impress with a balanced combination of flavors, maintaining its strength and complexity.

A consistent and robust profile of coffee and spice persists, showcasing the craftsmanship and tradition of the Newman family. ☕🌶️

Bourbon – A well-aged bourbon, such as Pappy Van Winkle, pairs excellently with the coffee and spice notes of the cigar. The bourbon's caramel, vanilla, and oak flavors enhance the raisin sweetness and spice, while its smooth finish complements the robust profile of the cigar, making for an unforgettable pairing.

The E.P. Carrillo Allegiance Confidant is a notable addition to Ernesto Perez-Carrillo's esteemed portfolio. Featuring an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper and a Nicaraguan binder and filler, this cigar has earned a 95 rating and the number 1 spot in Cigar Journal’s Top 25 of 2023.

Pepper notes are quickly complemented by caramel and cream, creating an engaging sweet and spicy flavor profile.

Vanilla comes to the forefront, adding aromatic sweetness, while an earthy mushroom note delivers umami depth. Burnt wood notes provide a robust base.

The profile shifts towards a rich, peppery finish with gingerbread spice, nutmeg, and cinnamon. The intensity picks up, ending on a bolder note highlighting expert craftsmanship. 🌟🔥

Cognac—A fine cognac, such as Hennessy XO, is the perfect match for the E.P. Carrillo Allegiance Confidant. The cognac's rich, fruity, and spicy flavors enhance the cigar's caramel, cream, and gingerbread spice notes, while its smooth, velvety texture complements the overall smoking experience, creating a luxurious and memorable pairing.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our blog on the top 5 cigars of 2023, as chosen by Cigar Journal Magazine. Please enjoy another in our growing line of videos, such as this ‘Cigar Lounge Etiquette’ on the screen now.