Every year ushers in a slew of unforgettable cigar releases, & 2016 was no exception. Last year aficionados were blessed with multiple lines of great cigars. These are highlighted every year at the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR). This convention & international trade show unites retailers, manufacturers & cigar lovers in one vibrant venue. This potent mix sets the stage for the best new releases to be presented to the cigar smoking community. As the industry scrambles to come up with better products, the real winner is the consumer.

In order to stay current, it’s essential to keep an eye on new cigar releases. These give aficionados a preview of where the industry is going. In a market that’s regularly forced to adapt to fluctuating regulation, innovation is key. This is often seen in epic debuts, & 2016 was full of ground breaking releases. We compiled a list of the best new cigars of 2016. Prepare to be united with your next favorite cigar!

Best Cigar Releases of 2016

New Cigar #1: Cohiba Macassar – Out of all the ultra-premium cigar producers, none have been more active in the last decade than Cohiba. This has helped maintain their status as one of the most treasured cigar brands in the world. Last year they stunned critics with a wild new release, the Cohiba Macassar. This innovative release was inspired by Macassar wood, an exotic ebony tree that’s nestled inside the Indonesian rainforest. This rare type of wood is renowned for being so gorgeous that it looks like a work of art.

Cohiba decided to pay homage to this natural masterpiece with an equally exceptional line of cigars. Their Macassar line consists of premium hand selected tobaccos that have been aged for 4 years. These blends are aged for an additional year in Dominican rum barrels. All this is wrapped with a 6-year aged Connecticut Havano wrapper that was designed specifically for this blend.

To top it off, a 6-year aged Connecticut Broadleaf binder gives each cigar a smooth burn. Each one features delightfully complex notes of wood & spice, along with a sweet aftertaste. This release is unapologetically exotic, which is what we have grown to love about Cohiba!

New Release #2: Davidoff Yamasa – Another big-name company that has been driving cigar lovers wild is Davidoff. This daring brand has already stolen the show with recent releases Nicaragua & Escurio. Even though these offerings were game changers, they pale in comparison to the Yamasa. This exotic blend is the product of over 20 years of engineering by Davidoff’s expert team of tobacco growers. The group is led by master blender Henke Keiner, & after two decades of research they created this masterpiece.

This new release showcases the potent tobacco grown in the Yamasa region of the Dominican Republic. Each stick features complex peppery flavors that compliment hints of wood & spice. These flavors are brought to life by Condega & Esteli grown Nicaraguan long fillers. It doesn’t get more complex than this cigar, it’s literally bursting at the seams with flavor!

New Release #3: Montecristo Politico – This line up was released at the perfect time, since it debuted right before a slew of controversial political elections. Even though many may attribute this name to current events, Politico actually refers to an extremely rare strain of tobacco. Hailing from the Dominican Republic, Politico tobacco is one of the hardest types of tobacco to grow. The seeds came from Cuba, so it demands a specific micro climate to flourish. They are extremely susceptible to blue mold, which makes the strain almost impossible to grow without incident.

Starting in the 90’s, Montecristo was finally able to source this rare tobacco from master growers Jose Mendez & Co. Due to its glorious taste, this tobacco is considered a treat by any respectable cigar smoker. It features a strong flavor profile that’s dominated by nuts & leather. Many people fell head over heels for its sweet aftertaste, which is helping revive this long-lost strain!

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Cuba may be the most infamous, but there are plenty of surprising countries that make exceptional cigars. These lush tobacco growing countries have managed to stay under the radar. For better or worse, they don’t have the notoriety of Cuban tobacco. They didn’t have the world’s spotlight, but that didn’t stop them from creating something completely unique. Instead of relying on a stereotype, these countries were forced to make better products. In many ways, the cigars produced in these hidden oasis’s outdo many Cuban brands.

Thanks to Castro’s revolution, the world has been blessed with a slew of new tobacco strains. As soon as the controversial dictator seized power, he plunged the Caribbean nation into communism. This devastated many businesses, & the thriving cigar industry was no exception. Many of the country’s top tobacco producers fled the revolution, bringing Cuba’s finest tobacco strains with them. This paved the way for a new generation of hybrids, & they found their way into countries around the world.

It’s always good to avoid gimmicks, & this is exceptionally true when picking a new cigar brand. It’s shameful how people flock to the same brands, when the real adventure is trying something new. For this reason, discovering lesser known countries that produce tobacco is essential. They give users access to hidden gems that are some of the world’s best. Prepare to be blown away by the quality tobacco produced by these lesser known countries!

Surprising Countries That Make Great Cigars

Tobacco Producer #1: Ecuador – This country may be new to the cigar scene, but they are taking the industry by storm. They have only been producing cigars for 15 years, but it’s hard to tell by the quality of their products. Their climate is ideal for growing premium tobacco, since it’s exceptionally humid & covered in clouds.

This proved to be a winning combination, & today Ecuadorian tobacco is on par with the best in the world. It’s renown for producing cigars that are delightfully spicy. This burst of flavor is so unique that the major names in the industry couldn’t ignore it. Ecuadorian Habano wrappers have been used in Tatuaje, My Father, Montecristo & Rocky Patel. This is the perfect tobacco to liven up your palate, so get ready to jumpstart any occasion!

Tobacco Producer #2: Mexico – It’s easy to forget about this wild country, but seasoned cigar aficionados know its true potential. Back in the day Mexican tobacco growers stole the show with their wildly popular “Te Amo” line of cigars. This epic debut forced international companies to respect Mexican cigars. Despite this success, Mexico has generally gone unrecognized in the cigar industry.

Thanks to new endeavors, this misguided stereotype is starting to change. Mexico is now producing top notch Maduro wrappers that are known as the Mexican San Andres. Many experts claim that these are on par with Connecticut broadleaf, which is nothing to ignore. This claim is validated by the use of Mexican Maduro wrappers in a slew of premium cigars. From the Drew Estate Norteño to the Crowned Heads Jericho Hill, it’s safe to say that Mexican tobacco is making a comeback. Try out their new brand Black Abyss to discover the true potential of Mexican tobacco!

Tobacco Producer #3: Brazil – Everyone knows about Carnaval, but not many know about Brazilian cigars. Aficionados agree that this South American country produces some of the most powerful tobacco in the world. Their blends showcase the intensity of dark tobacco. This deep, delicious profile has made Brazilian tobacco too enticing to ignore. The first big brand to feature it was CAO Brazilia, but now a slew of companies are using Brazilian tobacco. From Liga Privada No. 9 to other new releases, plenty of industry heavyweights are jumping for this potent tobacco.

Even though Cuba has stolen the spotlight, there are plenty of other countries that grow amazing tobacco. This notorious island isn’t the only place with ideal micro-climates, so plenty of countries produce equally impressive tobacco. Their premium leaves make some of the best cigars in the world. Like Cuba, there are a slew of countries with a deep passion for producing cigars. These products are hand rolled works of art that are revered by aficionados around the world. They may not be as well known to new comers, but any seasoned smoker will instantly recognize these countries’ products.

Fidel Castro didn’t just revolutionize Cuba, he unintentionally caused the entire industry to migrate. As soon as he took power, many of the country’s top tobacco producers fled his oppressive regime. This caused Cuba’s best genetics to be taken to neighboring Central American countries. Their climates are eerily similar to Cuba’s, but the producers were forced to adapt to the subtle climate changes.

The following genetic modifications gave birth to a slew of hybrids. Many argue that these surpass Cuban tobacco, which isn’t as bold of a claim as it sounds. Even though Cuban cigars are the most notorious, there are countless international brands with equally potent products. It’s no longer a monopoly, which is a godsend for avid cigar smokers. For this reason, it’s essential to explore new options when picking up a new cigar brand. We have compiled a list of 3 countries that produce tobacco that’s on par with Cuba’s. Prepare to be blown away by these surprising tobacco oasis’s!

3 Countries That Produce Amazing Tobacco

Country #1: Dominican Republic – Cuba may be the most famous, but they can’t beat the long heritage of cigar production in the Dominican Republic. This illustrious history pre-dates Cuba’s cigar production, which makes the Dominican Republic the true pioneer of premium tobacco.

On top of doing it the longest, the taste of their tobacco is unmatched. It’s notoriously light & smooth, making it the perfect flavor for premium cigars. Out of all the Dominican cigar brands, heavy hitters such as Arturo Fuente & Montecristo steal the show. La Flor Dominicana is yet another Dominican brand that has earned the respect of cigar aficionados around the world. These brands are irreplaceable, so treat your palate with their unique flavors!

Country #2: Nicaragua – Like many Central American countries, Nicaragua owes its most potent tobacco genetics to Castro’s revolution. Right after Cuba became communist, Nicaragua was flooded with the country’s finest rollers. After escaping Cuba, they set up shop in Nicaragua’s lush, humid climate. They created some exceptional hybrids, & now the country is a tobacco producing powerhouse.

Nicaraguan tobacco isn’t just unique, it’s extremely powerful. They are renowned for their bold spicy flavors. The most beloved cigar brands from Nicaragua are My Father, Padron & Perdomo. Their roots may be in Cuba, but their flavor is undeniably Nicaraguan! Wind down a long day with a potent cigar from this tropical Central American country. 

Country #3: Honduras – Their thriving tobacco industry is yet another product of Castro’s takeover of Cuba. After leaving the island, this was the first place that embraced Cuba’s Corojo tobacco. It adapted marvelously to the climate, & gave birth to some of the best tobacco in the world.

Honduran tobacco is outrageously dark, making it a staple in dessert cigars. The flavors are equally exotic, with strong earthy notes. These unique characteristics have made Honduran cigars some of the most revered brands in the world. From established classics like Camacho to newer brands like Room 101, there’s something for everyone. This unmatched versatility helped Honduran tobacco earn its place in any respectable smoker’s humidor.

America’s love of cigars wasn’t limited to the population, it was pioneered by our presidents. Our country was built by cigar aficionados, which is why it’s an essential part of our heritage. From the booming fields in Connecticut to the plantations in the South, tobacco has been an essential plant for America. It helped build this country, so it’s no surprise that our early leaders adored cigars. Public opinion may have shifted over the years, but we can’t escape our roots.

Even though cigarettes have given tobacco a bad name, there’s still a special adoration for cigars. This is due to the fact that they are a work of art. To this day, some of the most influential people in America retain this appreciation. This wasn’t lost on our fore-fathers, & some of the most revered presidents shared this fascination. To understand who we are, it’s essential to uncover hidden facts of the past. For this reason, we have compiled a list of U.S. presidents who adored cigars. Prepare to be blown away by this surprising list! 

President Ulysses S. Grant

When it came to fiery presidents, Ulysses steals the show. Allegedly it took 20 cigars a day to keep him calm, which was no surprise given the circumstances of his presidency. Faced with the horrors of the Civil War, Ulysses turned to tobacco to get the job done. He even used his public cigar smoking persona to win two terms in office. His campaign song was called “A Smokin’ His Cigar”, which boasted about the joys of cigar smoking.

This public affair with cigars may have won him the people’s adoration, but it was also used against him. His rivals made coy public messages that said “I smoke my weed & drink my gin, playing with the people’s tin.”. Even though these statements were controversial, they didn’t stop Ulysses from winning two presidential elections. This courage to be controversial makes him one of the most passionate cigar smoking presidents America has ever had.

President John F. Kennedy

Despite signing the infamous embargo against Cuba, Kennedy was obsessed with cigars. His love for smoking was notorious, & he even tried to make a loophole. According to a 2000 New York Times article, Kennedy’s embargo on Cuba was supposed to exclude cigars. The only reason cigars were added to the embargo was because of incessant lobbying by cigar manufacturers in Tampa. 

In the end they had their way, but Kennedy still figured out a way to get his stash. The last night before the embargo took effect, he had his press secretary buy 1,200 Cuban H. Upmann Petit Coronas. This may have held him over, but the effects of the embargo were felt for decades. It’s a shame what a few companies’ nefarious meddling did to the industry.

President Bill Clinton

Even though his sexual escapades stole the show, Bill was equally passionate about cigars. He was regularly seen smoking fine cigars throughout his presidency. After nearly being kicked out of office, he was photographed buying an expensive Cuban cigar at Heathrow Airport in London. To top it off, recent “inside sources” have made some eye-opening claims about his most infamous sexual scandal. According to them, Bill was enjoying a Gurkha Grand Reserve during his fateful encounter with Ms. Lewinsky. Bill was an extremely controversial president, but everyone can appreciate his dedication to quality cigars.

Although the stage V clinger wasn't around during the terms of these presidents, we are sure that they would have loved having a cigar holder around for when they were golfing or when they had to put down their cigar to attend to matters of national interest. 

Faced with stiff competition, some cigar producers decided to make cigars that defy all reason. These cigars are freaks of nature, but they are incredibly entertaining to examine. In an industry that prides itself on celebrating individuality, it’s no surprise that it’s created some outrageous products. From bejeweled accessories to larger-than-life sizes, these models prove that the sky is the limit when making a unique cigar. These sticks broke the mold, which is refreshing since they help revive the industry.

Cigar production was always based on creativity, but some producers went too far. They created novelty items that no normal aficionado can buy. Even though they are practically unattainable, these outlandish designs deserve to be showcased. For this reason, we compiled a list of the wildest cigars on the market. They all sport shocking features, so prepare to be blown away by these rebellious cigars!

Meet the Wildest Cigars on the Market

Wild Cigar #3: King of Denmark, The Royal Danish Cigar Company – Produced at a speed of 30 a day, these sticks carry a larger than life price tag. The Danish producer wanted to make a name for itself by creating something extraordinary, & innovation has its costs. Each one retails at $150, so getting your hands on one is a blessing. Even though the price is steep, it’s understandable since this stick is literally a work of art.

Unsurprisingly, this cigar is packed with luxurious amenities. On top of being rolled with premium tobacco, each one is customized with precious stones. They are all studded with multiple Swarovski crystals, wrapped in gold foil & embossed with the name of the buyer. These cigars are works of art, they put your local jeweler to shame!

Wild Cigar #2: Gran Habano No. 5 “El Gigante” – This larger than life cigar shattered records when it was released. On top of being the biggest cigar in the world, it’s also extremely expensive. Anyone who can afford to spend $185,000 can invite their friends to the smoking experience of a lifetime.

This gigantic cigar is 19 ft. long & made with 1,600 pounds of premium tobacco. Since it’s so huge, the cigar has to be smoked with a special tubing system. When hooked up properly, up to 40 people can help smoke this beast. Between the price & the challenges of properly smoking it, this is the definition of excess. It’s easily one of the most outrageous cigars ever created.

Wild Cigar #1: Mayan Sicars – While the other cigars on this list are works of art, these are part of history. Ever since the 12^th century, the Mayans have perfected the art of making cigars. These hand-rolled sticks were known as sicars, & they paved the way for what we enjoy today. At the time, they were so groundbreaking that Christopher Columbus took Mayan sicars back to Europe in the 15^th century.

Out of all the sikars created by the Mayans, one batch stands out from the rest. This was a small collection that was uncovered in a Guatemalan village in 2012. They are over 600 years old, but they have been miraculously well preserved. This anomaly was so stunning, that the collection sold for a whopping $507,000 at a private auction. These cigars are so impressive that smoking them should be a crime!