More Reviews By Michael

Perdomo 10th Anniversary Champagne is definitely worth a spot in your humidor. Not a wimpy Connecticut, this mellow to medium-bodied smoke has an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper and Cuban-seed Nicaraguan binder and filler, giving it a rich, smooth smoke with notes of cream, oak, and cedar. The perfect cocktail for this cigar is a Kentucky Mule.

This '92' rated gem ranked Cigar Aficionado's Top 25. Made in Nicaragua with an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper and Nicaraguan binder and filler gives it complex notes of wood, vanilla bean, and toasted nuts with a smooth caramel finish. I'm breaking out the bourbon for this one and pairing it with a Scofflaw cocktail.

Another winner from cigar industry icon, AJ Fernandez, Hoyo La Amistad Gold is a '90' rated medium to full-bodied smoke packed with flavor. The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper drapes a complex Nicaraguan binder and filler producing earthy notes of spice, cocoa, and pepper—perfect for an early evening smoke paired with a vodka Ruby cocktail.

Governor's Private Blend is another Gurkha gem. This cigar features an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, Dominican binder, and Columbian Corojo filler. Once lit, this medium to full-bodied smoke features complex notes of cedar, spice, and coffee. Very smooth, well-rounded, and perfect to enjoy with hot Spiced Apple Twinings of London Chai Tea with Jim Beam Whiskey.

Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real is a creamy smoke that's a must-have. The Connecticut Shade Ecuadorian wrapper is enhanced by the Nicaraguan binder and Dominican and Nicaraguan long-fillers, resulting in notes of roasted nuts and slight spice on the finish. On a chilly night, I like to pair this with a Maple Old Fashioned.

If you're looking for a medium to full-bodied cigar that's smooth, look no further than E.P. Carrillo Capa de Sol. Featuring a sun Grown Ecuadorian Habano wrapper surrounding choice Nicaraguan binder and fillers, this blend gives you wonderful notes of coffee, cocoa, and a slight peppery finish—perfect to pair with a premium brandy, neat of course.

La Aroma de Cuba Edicion Especial is '94' rated for good reasons. Medium to full-bodied, a high-priming Ecuadorian Habano wrapper gives intense woody notes. The Nicaraguan binder and fillers round it out well, with deep flavors of cocoa and espresso. As the nights start to get chilly, Edicion Especial would pair nicely with a Sazerac.

La Palina Red Label is a ‘92’ rated gem from the Dominican Republic. This mellow-medium-bodied beauty features an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, Ecuadoran binder, and aged long-fillers from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. There is subtle spice with notes of pepper, wood, cocoa that make this cigar a summertime treat, especially with a nice Rye cocktail.

This third installment of the Oliva Master Blend series should be a staple in your humidor. Oliva Master Blends III has notes of dark chocolate, coffee, and black pepper. Receiving its complexity from the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper and robust Nicaraguan binder, this cigar pairs perfectly with 10-year-aged Bacardi Diez Gran Reserve rum.

Alec Bradley American Sun Grown is a '91' rated, Nicaraguan puro that boasts earthy notes complemented by sweet hints of dark chocolate and a nutty finish. This cigar is the perfect everyday smoke for those who like a medium to full body profile. This dark and rich puro pairs perfectly with a nice Imperial Stout.