“It wasn’t a surprise to me that bourbon barrel aged tobacco could deliver some very good flavor in a cigar. What I was surprised about was the (higher) level of complexity of this cigar…” Wrapper: American Broadleaf Binder: American Broadleaf Filler: American Broadleaf, Pennsylvania Maduro, Honduran Corojo Country of Origin: Dominican Republic Toro: 6 x 50 (Box Press) […]
2015 Cigar of the Year Countdown: #30 The Rake Cut by MoyaRuiz Cigars (Part 1 of The Box Worthy 30)
William Cooper Cigar of the Year 1 Comment 2015 Cigar of the Year, Box Worthy Thirty, Epic Encounters, MoyaRuiz
“MoyaRuiz has been producing some excellent cigars. The Rake continues the pattern of excellence established by this company as this is one very enjoyable and complex cigar.” Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Binder: Not disclosed Filler: Nicaraguan (including four ligero leaves, two from Jalapa and two from Esteli) Country of Origin: Nicaragua (La Zona SA) Cut: 5 […]
Editor’s Corner Volume 5, Number 1: Changes to the 2015 Cigar of the Year Countdown
William Cooper Blog, Cigar of the Year, Editor's Corner 6 Comments 2015 Cigar of the Year, Editor's Corner
They say change is good…. and this year big changes are coming to the 2015 Cigar Coop Cigar of the Year Countdown. The countdown originated back in 2010 and the concept involves ranking the Top 30 Cigars over the past year. For 30 days throughout December, we countdown from 30 – all the way to […]
Cigar News: Drew Estate Introduces Kentucky Fire Cured Yard Bird as Event Only Cigar
William Cooper Cigar News, Cigar of the Year 1 Comment 2015 Preview, Drew Estate, Kentucky Fire Cured, MUWAT, News
Drew Estate has introduced a new size in its Kentucky Fire Cured line that will become an event only offering. Today the company announced the Kentucky Fire Cured Yard Bird will be a 5 x 50 torpedo offering based on the Kentucky Fire Cured blend. The cigar made its debut at the second annual Drew […]
2014 Year in Review: The Honorable Mentions
William Cooper Cigar of the Year No Comments 2014 Year in Review
The Cigar Coop 2014 Honorable Mentions follow the criteria set forth in 2014. The purpose of this list is to select ten standout cigars smoked in 2014 that did not meet the criteria to qualify for the Cigar of the Year Countdown. For the most part, this list will include cigars released prior to the […]
Aged Selects 2014 Cigar of the Year Countdown: #1 Joel Sherman 75th Celebration by Nat Sherman (2014 CIGAR OF THE YEAR)
William Cooper Cigar of the Year, Uncategorized 1 Comment 2014 Cigar of the Year, 5.0 - The Oasis, Epic Encounters, Nat Sherman
“The Joel Sherman 75th Celebration is simply the total package when it comes to a cigar. It has excellent flavor, a good amount of complexity, and top-notch construction. Nat Sherman and the Quesada family really took things to another level with this cigar.” The 2014 Cigar Coop Cigar of the Year is the Joel Sherman 75th […]
Aged Selects 2014 Cigar of the Year Countdown: #2 Quesada 40th Anniversary Corona Clasica
William Cooper Cigar of the Year, Uncategorized No Comments 2014 Cigar of the Year, 5.0 - The Oasis, Epic Encounters, Quesada
“The Quesada 40th Anniversary Corona Clasica is a cigar that represents the highest level of work by the Quesadas. This cigar is nothing short of a grand slam home run…this may be talked about as an all-time historic cigar” Coming in at #2 is the Quesada 40th Anniversary Corona Clasica. In 2014 Quesada Cigars celebrated 40 years […]
Aged Selects 2014 Cigar of the Year Countdown: #3 Davidoff Art Edition 2014
William Cooper Cigar of the Year, Uncategorized No Comments 2014 Cigar of the Year, 4.5 - Fight Chuck Norris for Them, Davidoff, Epic Encounters
Note: Cigars #1 and #2 on the 2014 Cigar of the Year Countdown will be announced on 12/31/14. “…this is one of the best perfectos I have had in sometime – and easily is the best perfecto I’ve had this year.” Coming in at #3 is the Davidoff Art Edition 2014. This is a limited edition […]
Aged Selects 2014 Cigar of the Year Countdown: #4 Debonaire Maduro
William Cooper Cigar of the Year, Uncategorized No Comments 2014 Cigar of the Year, 4.5 - Fight Chuck Norris for Them, Debonaire, Epic Encounters
“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 […]
Aged Selects 2014 Cigar of the Year Countdown: #5 Regius Damaris
William Cooper Cigar of the Year, Uncategorized No Comments 2014 Cigar of the Year, 4.5 - Fight Chuck Norris for Them, Epic Encounters, Regius
“Since Regius Cigars has come on the scene, the company has been doing some outstanding releases. In this author’s opinion, the Regius Damaris stands among the best of them. This is a grand slam home run and one of the best releases in 2014.” Coming in at #5 is the Regius Damaris. The Damaris is a release […]