We sifted through the year’s biggest awards, critic lists, and release trackers to build a practical short list you can actually shop. Below: award winners so far in 2025, proven 2024 champions still smoking great in ’25, and brand-new releases to watch.
How We Picked
- Awards & Lists: We weighted recent industry awards (e.g., Cigar Journal’s Cigar Trophy 2025) and last season’s Top 25 lists that carry into 2025 smoking.
- Release Radar: We cross-checked halfwheel’s 2025 release tracker to surface new drops.
- Smoky’s Palate: We prioritized blends with consistency across boxes and sensible availability/pricing.
Editor’s Top Picks (2025)
Flagship / All-Around
Quesada 50th Anniversary Toro Prensado — halfwheel’s Cigar of the Year 2024 and still a benchmark in 2025: refined cocoa, baking spice, satin smoke texture.
- Medium-Full
- Dominican/Nicaraguan blend
Nicaraguan Standout
My Father The Judge Grand Robusto — Cigar Aficionado’s 2024 top pick, delivering dense earth, dark chocolate, and sweet spice; 2025 boxes have shown excellent burn.
- Full
- Nicaragua
Best Brand Momentum (2025)
A.J. Fernandez Días de Gloria — Took Best Brand Nicaragua at the 2025 Cigar Trophy awards; classic cedar/leather profile with caramel sweetness.
- Medium-Full
- Nicaragua
Dominican Classic (2025 winner)
Arturo Fuente Don Carlos — Named Best Brand Dominican Republic 2025; almond, citrus zest and warm spices in that signature Fuente balance.
- Medium
- Dominican Republic
Honduran Heritage (2025 winner)
Plasencia Cosecha 151 — Best Brand Honduras 2025; syrupy espresso, toasted walnut, and floral lift.
- Medium-Full
- Honduras
American Craft (2025 winner)
The American (J.C. Newman) — Took Best Brand (Other Countries) 2025; notable for U.S.-grown tobaccos and Tampa production; cedar, honeyed toast, white pepper.
- Medium
- USA
New & Noteworthy Releases to Watch (2025)
These lines are drawing buzz from the 2025 release cycle.
| Cigar | Why It’s Interesting | Status |
|---|---|---|
| AGANORSA Leaf Aniversario 25 Edición Limitada | 25th-anniversary presentation; hallmark sweet-spice Corojo with polish. | Released Apr 2025. |
| Aging Room La Bohéme (2025 relaunch) | AJF-made Nicaragua expansion of a beloved boutique line; rich coffee/leather. | Released 2025. |
| 601 La Bomba “Independence Day” Warhead | Limited pepper-forward powerhouse for strength lovers. | Released Jun 2025. |
Release dates/availability are dynamic; check with your local Smoky’s for stock.
Where the Critics Landed (recent highlights)
- halfwheel Top 25 (2024): #1 Quesada 50th Anniversary Toro Prensado.
- Cigar Aficionado “Best of 2024”: My Father The Judge Grand Robusto leading the list.
- Cigar Journal Cigar Trophy 2025: Best Brand winners include Partagás Serie D (Cuba), Arturo Fuente Don Carlos (DR), A.J. Fernandez Días de Gloria (Nicaragua), Plasencia Cosecha 151 (Honduras), and The American (USA).
Buying Tips (2025)
- Box codes & consistency: For award-winners, different box dates can show minor variation; buy two singles before springing for a box.
- Strength planning: Pair fuller blends (Judge, Warhead) with a meal. Morning smokes: Fuente Don Carlos, The American.
- Storage: Keep 65–69% RH for mixed-origin humidors; let box-fresh cigars rest 2–4 weeks.
Best Cigars 2025 — FAQ
When do the big Top-25 lists drop?
Most outlets publish late December–January. For example, halfwheel unveiled its 2024 Top 25 on Jan. 17, 2025; those picks remain highly relevant through 2025.
Are Cuban cigars on this list?
We focus on cigars you can reasonably buy in the U.S. today. We do track global awards (e.g., Partagás Serie D winning Best Brand Cuba in 2025) for context, but availability/pricing varies.
What about price spikes?
High-end demand (especially in Asia) has pushed luxury prices higher and tightened availability for certain brands. If you love a blend, consider cellaring a couple of boxes when you find a good batch.
How do I choose the right strength?
Beginner-friendly: Fuente Don Carlos, The American. Medium-plus/classic Nica: Quesada 50th Anniversary, Días de Gloria. Big & bold: My Father The Judge, 601 Warhead.
Can Smoky’s special-order something not in stock?
Often, yes. Drop us a line—we’ll track down boxes from our distributor network.
Talk to a Tobacconist
Tell us your favorite flavor notes and typical smoking window—we’ll build a custom 5-pack matched to your palate.
Sources: halfwheel Top 25 2024 & 2025 Release List; Cigar Aficionado Best Cigars of 2024; Cigar Journal Cigar Trophy Awards 2025; Reuters industry reporting on luxury demand.
