When I started keeping a cigar journal, I didn’t know I’ll end up here. I’m no longer the occasional smoker I once was. I burn cigars all the time now. These days, I’m averaging 5 to 6 sticks per week. Sometimes more. I used to call myself a dilettante, but that’s clearly behind me. I’m an aficionado now.

So, as the end of 2022 is approaching, I’m planning to prepare a post that lists my top 10 cigars of the year. And I think that’s a good idea, especially when a lot of my friends already ask me for similar lists. What to smoke, what not to smoke, and so on. So, why not? I’ll call it “Bored Absurdist’s Top 10 Cigars of the Year.”

For now, however, I’ll start with the top 10 cigars of 2021. It may be a little late for it, I know. But as they say, “Better late than never.” Also, why not?

Here are my Top 10 cigars of 2021.

10. Paradiso Quintessence Robusto

The Paradiso Quintessence Robusto is an excellent cigar, and it’s easy to fall in love with. It dispenses a truly pleasing aroma and produces abundant smoke. Its colorful band, moreover, makes it an attractive stick to look at. I like to pair it with stout or dark rum. I smoked a lot of them in 2021, and I still occasionally light one up. It’s a cigar that deserves to be in every top 10 list.

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9. Casa Turrent Serie 1901 Robusto

In terms of quantity, I smoked more of these than any other cigar in 2021. The reason is straightforward: The Casa Turrent Serie 1901 Robusto is amazing and affordable. I like to pair it with blended Scotch whiskies.

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8. Davidoff Winston Churchill The Late Hour Toro

This was the best Davidoff cigar I had in 2021. When people ask me what Davidoff cigar they should try first, I usually advise them to go with the Late Hour.

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7. Oliva Serie V Double Toro

A 6×60 party cigar. A cigar that has been in my smoking repertoire ever since I first tried one. Amazing stuff. Oliva is one of the best cigar brands I know, and I rarely meet aficionados who don’t appreciate their Serie V.

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6. Cohiba Maduro 5 Genios

Here’s a superb cigar paired with one of the best whiskies in the world. I will definitely repeat this experience whenever I get my hands on a Cohiba Maduro 5.

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5. Paradiso Revelation Prophet

There always has to be at least one Paradiso Revelation cigar in my humidor. It’s a good-looking cigar with great construction and great taste. The Paradiso Revelation Prophet has helped me taste paradise more than once.

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4. Padron 1964 Anniversary Series Belicoso Maduro

Although it’s not currently in my smoking repertoire, this cigar is nothing short of a masterpiece. It deserves its number 4 spot. Wonderful smoke.

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3. Partagas Serie D No. 4

The Partagas Serie D No. 4 is a classic. Everyone loves it, and so do I. There’s nothing more I can say here. I’d light one up anytime.

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2. El Septimo Excepcion Esmeralda

A cigar that stuns. I like to pair it with single malts like Glenfiddich and Macallan. The El Septimo Excepcion Esmeralda is truly a luxury cigar. Every draw is a pleasure. It tastes like success, and it burns like passion.

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This has to be my cigar of the year. Why? Because I smoked five amazing cigars on my wedding day, and the Avo Syncro Nicaragua Toro Tubo was the last of them and the one I enjoyed most.

Besides, a cigar that reminds me of the best the of my life has surely earned its number one spot on my list. No questions asked.

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That covers the top 10 cigars of 2021. But before I end this post, let me remind you that smoking is bad for you. And I’m in no way encouraging you to pick up smoking.