“This is a cigar that is going to combine all the things you love about a maduro with the signature meaty flavor profile Debonaire has become known for… it ranks as the premier Connecticut Broadleaf released in 2014.”

Coming in at #4 is the Debonaire Maduro.  This gives Phil Zanghi’s Debonaire brand its first appearance on a Cigar Coop Cigar of the Year Countdown. This cigar introduced a Connecticut Broadleaf maduro offering into the Debonaire portfolio.  This would become the third Connecticut Broadleaf wrapped cigar on this year’s countdown.  One of the other two Connecticut Broadleaf cigars on this year’s Countdown was the J. Grotto Anniversary (#19) – a cigar that Zanghi produced with Paul Joyal of Ocean State Cigars.

The Debonaire Maduro was launched at the 2014 IPCPR Trade Show and became the second blend for Debonaire Cigars joining the Debonaire (Habano) line.  For the Debonaire Maduro line, Zanghi kept the same core components of the binder and filler of the Debonaire, but replaced the Nicaraguan Habano wrapper with a Connecticut Broadleaf.  The Debonaire Maduro is being offered in the same regular production sizes as the original Debonaire line.

The original Debonaire line has become very well-known for its signature au-jus/meaty notes.  The Debonaire Maduro also incorporates these flavors, but combines them with the qualities of a sweet maduro.  There even is a touch of almond along the way. The result is one of the most unique flavor experiences from a maduro in recent years. This cigar is medium to full in strength and body to start and progresses to full-bodied by the second half.

This was our selection for the top maduro release of 2014.  A very special cigar and definitely one to hunt down.  It is a cigar that continually has gotten better with age and could be heading to Oasis status in 2015.

Click here for our-depth assessment of the Debonaire Maduro.

Blend Profile

Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic

Vitolas Available


The cigar is available has been launched in five sizes:

First Degree: 4 x 44 (Petite Salomon)
Sagita: 5 1/2 x 38 (Petite Lancero)
Robusto: 5 1/4 x 50
Belicoso: 6 x 54
Toro: 6  x 54

Recommended Vitola: Toro (6 x 54)

Assessment: 4.5 – Fight Chuck Norris for Them
Score: 94 (11/4/14)


For more information on our vision and criteria for the 2014 Cigar of the Year countdown, see our December 2014 Editor’s Corner.

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