Here we go again, with the same gusto – maybe a little more, given the current strength of the cigar world. Welcome to the Top 25 Cigars of 2025.
Our annual Top 25 list has become a dependable favorite, and we look forward to kicking off each year’s first issue with it. It highlights the best regular-production cigars that earn 91 points or higher in our ratings over the year, the same reviews many of you use as buying guides.
Each year, we gather those top scorers and smoke them again. It sounds like pure fun—and sometimes it is—but behind the cartoon image of a group of guys nodding off in a smoke-filled room, it is a lot of focus and respect, weighing nuanced aromas and flavors to get it right.
Cigars introduced to the market in 2025 receive more consideration. It allows for more turnover and gives new brands a shot at the list.
We consider that we are ranking a handmade product made with raw materials that come from the ground, not a widget stamped out by a machine. At times, what dazzled us in August leaves us a little cold in December.
Conversely, sometimes we get a cigar that is good, but not exceptional. We come back for a second round, and it becomes a ‘wait a minute’ moment. In that case, we re-evaluate, and perhaps it earns a place in the rankings.
Which brings us to the first stretch of this year’s countdown, cigars 16–25. This segment was particularly tricky, with impressive newcomers elbowing in alongside familiar high performers. For many readers, this is the sweet spot of the list, where there’s room for rising brands to stake a claim on their way to the top.
Join us on our social media feeds for a conversation about the list with members of our panel.
16. HVC 500 Years Anniversary
Manufacturer: Fábrica de Tabacos HVC in Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua; Binder: Nicaragua; Filler: Nicaragua
Vitola: Selectos; Physical size: 5 5/8 x 46
MSRP: $12.30
Rating: 92
17. Illusione Oneoff +53
Manufacturer: Aganorsa Leaf in Nicaragua
Wrapper: Honduras; Binder: Nicaragua; Filler: Nicaragua
Vitola: Robusto; Physical size: 5 x 52
MSRP: $28.85
Rating: 92
18. A. Fuente Don Carlos
Manufacturer: Tabacalera A. Fuente in Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Cameroon; Binder: Dominican Republic; Filler: Dominican Republic
Vitola: Robusto; Physical size: 5 x 50
MSRP: $13.86
Rating: 91
19. Curivari Buenaventura Maduro
Manufacturer: Tabacalera de Nicaragua in Nicaragua
Wrapper: Mexico; Binder: Nicaragua; Filler: Nicaragua
Vitola: Gran Toro; Physical size: 6 x 60
MSRP: $9.50
Rating: 91
20. Cavalier Geneve Black II
Manufacturer: San Judas Tadeo Factory in Honduras
Wrapper: Mexico; Binder: Nicaragua; Filler: Nicaragua
Vitola: Toro; Physical size: 6 x 54
MSRP: $12.60
Rating: 91
21. Florida Sun Grown 20 Acre Farm
Manufacturer: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate in Nicaragua
Wrapper: USA/Connecticut; Binder: Honduras; Filler: Nicaragua & USA
Vitola: Toro; Physical size: 6 x 52
MSRP: $15.70
Rating: 91
22. Crux Epicure Maduro
Manufacturer: AJ Fernández in Nicaragua
Wrapper: Mexico; Binder: Nicaragua; Filler: Nicaragua
Vitola: Robusto; Physical size: 5 x 50
MSRP: $12.49
Rating: 91
23. Diamond Crown Tampa
Manufacturer: Tabacalera A. Fuente in Dominican Republic
Wrapper: USA/Connecticut; Binder: Dominican Republic & USA; Filler: Dominican Republic & USA
Vitola: Toro; Physical size: 6 x 52
MSRP: $30.00
Rating: 91
24. Gurkha The Classic Havana Seed
Manufacturer: American Caribbean Cigars in Nicaragua
Wrapper: Mexico; Binder: Nicaragua; Filler: Nicaragua
Vitola: Robusto; Physical size: 5 ½ x 52
MSRP: $8.99
Rating: 91
25. Aladino Corojo Reserva
Manufacturer: Fábrica de Puros Aladino in Honduras
Wrapper: Honduras; Binder: Honduras; Filler: Honduras
Vitola: Robusto; Physical size: 5 x 50
MSRP: $14.20
Rating: 91
