2022 Cigar of the Year Countdown (Coop’s List): #1: Alec Bradley Fine & Rare BC-(13)4EV

“…the Alec Bradley Fine & Rare BC-(13)4EV comes to the table delivering the total package – flavor, complexity, and construction. It’s the flavor that truly shines in this cigar, delivering notes that complement each other very well. This is not only one of the best Fine & Rare cigars, but one of the best Alec Bradley cigars, and one of the standouts from 2022.”

Wrapper: Honduran (Trojes)
Binder: Honduran, Nicaraguan
Filler: Honduran, Nicaraguan
Country of Origin: Honduras
Factory: Fábrica de Tabacos Raíces Cubanas S. de R.L.
Churchill: 7 x 50
Price: $23.64

Sponsor: Yes
Samples Provided for Initial Review: No
Review: Alec Bradley Fine & Rare BC-(13)4EV
Appearances on Countdown (By Year/Company): 6 (2012, 2013, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022)

The Number One Cigar of the Year for 2022 is the Alec Bradley Fine & Rare BC-(13)4EV! The Alec Bradley Fine & Rare is an annual limited-edition ultra-premium line that made its debut in 2011. Over the years, the Fine & Rare has been released in different sizes and different blends, but the one common denominator is that each release incorporates ten different tobaccos into the blend. The BC-(13)4EV was planned to be the 2021 release, but its ship date was delayed until early 2022. They say good things are worth the wait, and that’s certainly the case with the Fine & Rare BC-(13)4EV as it was the best-performing cigar of the year, and secures Alec Bradley its first Number One Cigar of the Year on Cigar Coop.

BC-(13)4EV refers to the name of the blend. While the specific varietals of the leaves of the Fine & Rare BC-(13)4EV are not disclosed, we do know that all of the tobaccos come from Honduras and Nicaragua. The wrapper comes from the Trojes region of Honduras. There is a double binder on the cigar – one leaf from Honduras and one from Nicaragua. The filler also utilizes a combination of tobaccos from Honduras and Nicaragua. The BC-(13)4EV is a 7 x 50 Churchill. As always, production for the Fine & Rare comes from the Raices Cubanas factory in Honduras. The Fine & Rare is Alec Bradley’s most premium offering with the BC-(13)4EV priced at $23.65.

The packaging for the Fine & Rare is always exceptional and the BC-(13)4EV is no exception. There are ten BC-(13)4EV cigars that come packaged in a wooden chest. Included in the chest is an 11th bonus cigar featuring a different blend and size.

The Fine & Rare BC-(13)4EV is a complex cigar delivering a combination of natural tobacco, bread, fruitcake, earth, tea, cedar, and pepper. The flavors start off medium-bodied before going from medium to full in the latter stages. This is countered by medium strength. There are plenty of flavor nuances and flavor transitions. While this cigar certainly delivers the total package of flavor, construction, and complexity, it’s the flavor that totally puts this cigar over the top.

This is the second cigar from Alec Bradley to land on the 2022 Countdown and the sixth year that Alec Bradley has landed on the Countdown. Coming from Honduras, it’s the second Honduran blend to land on the Countdown (both came from Alec Bradley). Finally, the BC-(13)4EV gives the country of Honduras its fourth Number One cigar in the history of the Countdown.