I burned a lot of cigars in 2022. I even published a book called A Poet’s Cigar Journal and Ten Poems, which is now available on Amazon. I hope all my BOTLs out there get the chance to read it.

Now, as the year is coming to an end, I guess it’s the perfect time for me to list the Top 10 cigars I had in 2022. So, without any further ado, here we go:

10. La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero Chisel Maduro

One of the most interesting discoveries of 2022. The LFD Double Ligero Chisel Maduro is a strong cigar that instantly found its place in my smoking repertoire. It is affordable and suitable for almost all occasions. I like to pair it with all sorts of drinks, including peated whiskies, dark rums, stout beers, and gold/reposado tequilas.

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9. Undercrown 10 Toro

A good-looking, well-constructed cigar that doesn’t have any weaknesses. It’s simply a great smoking experience. I like lighting up the Undercrown 10 Toro when I’m outdoors for some reason. It burns quite nicely and slowly, and it produces a decent amount of smoke.

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8. Hamlet Paredes 25th Year Toro

I have good memories smoking this cigar. As it’s well-known by cigar smokers, sometimes it’s the atmosphere and the people you’re surrounded with that make the cigar a great cigar. Therefore, in a way, this cigar guaranteed its spot in the top 10 from the moment I decided to light it. I guess it was the right cigar at the right time.

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7. Ashton VSG Pegasus

I’ve met a lot of people who love the VSG line, and I can see why. Great smoke. Great taste. Great for parties. It’s a blend that provides a rich and powerful experience. Two thumbs up for this one.

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6. Montecristo No. 2

A true classic and also the best Cuban cigar I had this year. Reading Hegel’s The Phenomenology of Mind made me want to light it. I don’t think there are many aficionados out there who do not like the Montecristo No. 2… It definitely deserves its place on this list.

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5. Rocky Patel Number 6 Toro

Paired with vodka, the Rocky Patel Number 6 Toro became the number 5 cigar of the year. I loved every draw. It was pure excellence.

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4. Oliva V Melanio Figurado

I would never say no to the Oliva V Melanio Figurado. A beautiful smoke from start to finish. Clearly, there is a good reason why it was once Cigar Aficionado’s cigar of the year.

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3. Camacho Triple Maduro Gordo

For many months in 2022, the Camacho Triple Maduro Gordo was my favorite cigar. We’re talking about great size, great power, great taste, and great beauty here. I used to smoke Camacho Triple Maduro Gordo cigars in bars and clubs all the time, and I still do occasionally. I smoke less of them these days only because there are many cigars out there that I’d like to try, and life is too short to stick with one cigar.

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2. La Flor Dominicana Salomon Maduro

Here’s a celebration cigar perfect for birthday gatherings and weddings. I smoked only one Salomon Maduro this year, and it was to celebrate a BOTL’s birthday. It’s great stuff. I wouldn’t mind lighting another one up on New Year’s Eve. But I’m keeping my options open for now.

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1. El Septimo Sacred Arts Botticelli

And the number one cigar of the year 2022 is El Septimo’s Botticelli from the Sacred Arts collection. From all the El Septimo cigars I smoked, this one was the best. The Botticelli wins!

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Remember: Smoking is bad for you. If you haven’t started smoking yet, don’t.

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.