Cigar Aficionado Top 10 (of 25) of 2017 Countdown..

BigAsh · 12-18-2017, 11:59 AM

Let the Reindeer games begin! Here's 10, 9 and 8...

#10 • 2017 • Villiger La Flor de Ynclan Robusto
Rank: 10

Made By: ABAM Cigars S.R.L.

Factory Location: Dom. Rep.

Wrapper: Ecuador

Binder: Indonesia

Filler: Nicaragua, Dom. Rep.

Dimensions: 5" By 50 Ring Gauge

Price: $11.00

Rating: 93

#9 • 2017 • Plasencia Alma Fuerte Generacion V
Rank: 9

Made By: Plasencia Cigars S.A.

Factory Location: Nicaragua

Wrapper: Nicaragua

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaragua

Dimensions: 7" By 58 Ring Gauge

Price: $22.00

Rating: 93

#8 • 2017 • Guardian Of The Farm Apollo Selección de Warped
Rank: 8

Made By: Tabacos Valle De Jalapa S.A. (TABSA)

Factory Location: Nicaragua

Wrapper: Nicaragua

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaragua

Dimensions: 6" By 44 Ring Gauge

Price: $8.00

Rating: 93

icehog3 · 12-18-2017, 07:45 PM

I'm 0 f0r 3 so far.

BigAsh · 12-19-2017, 12:04 PM

#7 • 2017 • My Father The Judge Grand Robusto

Rank: 7

Made By: My Father Cigars S.A.

Factory Location: Nicaragua

Wrapper: Ecuador

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaragua

Dimensions: 5" By 60 Ring Gauge

#6 • 2017 • Ashton Symmetry Belicoso

Rank: 6

Made By: Tabacalera A. Fuente Y Cia.

Factory Location: Dom. Rep.

Wrapper: Ecuador

Binder: Dom. Rep.

Filler: Nicaragua, Dom. Rep.

Dimensions: 5 1/4" By 52 Ring Gauge

Price: $12.25

Rating: 94

#5 • 2017 • Alec Bradley Tempus Natural Centuria

Rank: 5

Made By: Fabrica De Tabacos Raices Cubanas S. De R.L.

Factory Location: Honduras

Wrapper: Honduras

Binder: Honduras, Indonesia

Filler: Nicaragua, Honduras

Dimensions: 7" By 49 Ring Gauge

Price: $8.55

Rating: 94

icehog3 · 12-19-2017, 04:26 PM

0 for 6.

RevSmoke · 12-19-2017, 07:10 PM

Wow! Someone must be ponying up some serious coin to make these cigars in the top 25, much less the top 10.

shilala · 12-19-2017, 07:25 PM

#5 sounds like a tent peg. Like all the Alec Bradley offerings.
The all Nicaraguan offerings sound decent. I don't know, I haven't tried them.
I will say that a $22 Nicaraguan cigar is just, well, silly.

Chainsaw13 · 12-19-2017, 10:47 PM

The Warped cigar sounds interesting as I like some of the Warped cigars. But I'll pass on the rest so far.

BigAsh · 12-20-2017, 01:54 PM

Numbers 4,3 and 2....

#4 • 2017 • Bolivar Belicoso Fino
Rank: 4

Made By: Habanos S.A.

Factory Location: Cuba

Wrapper: Cuba

Binder: Cuba

Filler: Cuba

Dimensions: 5 1/2" By 52 Ring Gauge

Price: £21.60

Rating: 94

#3 • 2017 • Oliva Serie V Belicoso
Rank: 3

Made By: Tabacalera Oliva S.A.

Factory Location: Nicaragua

Wrapper: Nicaragua

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaragua

Dimensions: 5" By 54 Ring Gauge

Price: $8.36

Rating: 95

#2 • 2017 • Padrón Serie 1926 No. 2 (Natural)
Rank: 2

Made By: Tabacos Cubanica S.A.

Factory Location: Nicaragua

Wrapper: Nicaragua

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaragua

Dimensions: 5 1/2" By 52 Ring Gauge

Price: $17.70

Rating: 96

shilala · 12-20-2017, 02:50 PM

4, 3, and 2.
But I'd like a maduro in the Padron.

Wharf Rat · 12-20-2017, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chainsaw13

The Warped cigar sounds interesting as I like some of the Warped cigars. But I'll pass on the rest so far.

I’ve had a different size in the Guardian family. It was a good cigar, not unlike the Casa Fernandez Aganorsa leaf cigars. I recently got CF cigars on Cbid for $3 each, so...

icehog3 · 12-20-2017, 03:26 PM

Flip #2-4 and I'd be happy. Smoked through most of a slb of the '17 BBFs, they are freaking great. I've had the Oliva V, and that's a good cigar as well. And I'm a fan of the 1926 Natties, I just prefer the vitolas with a smaller RG. But at least we're rocking compared to #5-10.

AdamJoshua · 12-20-2017, 03:53 PM

Nothing bigger than a 60 rg ??? Bah!

aaron72 · 12-20-2017, 05:15 PM

Not sure if everyone wants to play the waiting game, but the full list is available already if people are interested.

Weelok · 12-20-2017, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shilala

4, 3, and 2.
But I'd like a maduro in the Padron.

I second this.

BigAsh · 12-21-2017, 12:01 PM

Drumroll please....

#1 • 2017 • Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Shark

Occasionally, a cigar comes along that is unique in every way—interesting blend, innovative shape, intriguing story—and, at the same time, can still maintain the classic standards of excellence. This is the case with the Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Shark, Cigar Aficionado’s 2017 Cigar of the Year.

The blend is based on the original Don Carlos cigar (which was released in 1976), but altered a bit for this particular release. If you want to know exactly what makes the Eye of the Shark different from the regular Don Carlos line, you’re going to have to use your imagination. The Fuentes are quite guarded as to the particulars of the blend. It’s enough to know that the wrapper is from Cameroon and the interior tobaccos are well aged and grown in the Dominican Republic, which is the basic recipe for most Don Carlos cigars.

One puff of the Eye of the Shark, however, and you’ll know you’re smoking an elevated blend—something comfortingly familiar to many Fuente fans, but with a slight twist. People who are familiar with brand owner (and now, company patriarch) Carlos Fuente Jr. know that he blends instinctively rather than by strict formula, especially when creating unorthodox cigars like this one.

The shape adds to the intrigue. Eye of the Shark is neither box-pressed nor conventional. Rather, the bottom half is pressed and the upper half tapers into a regular, rounded belicoso—a demi-press. Fuente has used the shape before, so as quirky as it may seem, it’s recurred in other lines, but only in limited quantities. As for why it’s called the Eye of the Shark, it’s most likely due to the overall form. If you look at the cigar horizontally, it resembles the body of great white shark.

Once the four corners of the box-pressed foot are fully lit, the Shark begins to express itself immediately. In addition to the range of baking spices and citrus notes found in most Don Carlos cigars, each puff communicates additional layers of complexity, kind of like a bonus track to a favorite album or an unexpected epilogue at the end of a classic novel. More intonations of nuts and leather unfold before a warm, lingering finish of cedar and cider. Simply put: we did not want this cigar to end.

In 2016, Fuente’s father, Carlos Fuente Sr., passed away. He was the Don Carlos, and active with the company until the very end. You’ll find the words “The Man’s 80th” printed lovingly on the side and on the lid of each bright red box. Eye of the Shark was released in 2016 as a tribute to Sr. and his contributions over the years to the cigar world. The Eye of the Shark is Cigar Aficionado’s No. 1 cigar of 2017. Sadly, Sr. is not here to see or receive the accolade, but his spirit is definitely alive in the smoke.

Rank: 1

Made By: Tabacalera A. Fuente Y Cia.

Factory Location: Dom. Rep.

Wrapper: Cameroon

Binder: Dom. Rep.

Filler: Dom. Rep.

Dimensions: 5 3/4" By 52 Ring Gauge

Price: $12.25

Rating: 97

jjirons69 · 12-29-2017, 02:57 PM

Nice review.

Tio Gato · 01-10-2018, 04:51 PM

Anybody see any gems in the Best Buys ratings? The AF short story is great but I was wondering if there are any fans of the others listed. The Joya looks good.
Thanks inmates.

12-20-2017, 03:26 PM	#11
icehog3 Admiral Douchebag Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Tom Location: Clermont, Kentucky Posts: 71,274 Trading: (60)	Re: Cigar Aficionado Top 10 (of 25) of 2017 Countdown.. Flip #2-4 and I'd be happy. Smoked through most of a slb of the '17 BBFs, they are freaking great. I've had the Oliva V, and that's a good cigar as well. And I'm a fan of the 1926 Natties, I just prefer the vitolas with a smaller RG. But at least we're rocking compared to #5-10. __________________ Thanks Dave, Julian, James, Kelly, Peter, Gerry, Dave, Mo, Frank, Týr and Mr. Mark!

12-20-2017, 03:53 PM	#12
AdamJoshua Article 4 Free Inhabitant Join Date: Jan 2013 First Name: The Other Adam Location: Satellite Beach Posts: 14,787 Trading: (40)	Re: Cigar Aficionado Top 10 (of 25) of 2017 Countdown.. Nothing bigger than a 60 rg ??? Bah!

12-20-2017, 05:15 PM	#13
aaron72 Still Watching My Back Join Date: May 2011 First Name: Aaron Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 171 Trading: (4)	Re: Cigar Aficionado Top 10 (of 25) of 2017 Countdown.. Not sure if everyone wants to play the waiting game, but the full list is available already if people are interested. __________________ Check out my cigar review site: Developing Palates

12-21-2017, 12:01 PM	#15
BigAsh Don't knock the Ash... Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Keith Location: Yardley, PA Posts: 5,046 Trading: (46)	Re: Cigar Aficionado Top 10 (of 25) of 2017 Countdown.. Drumroll please.... #1 • 2017 • Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Shark Occasionally, a cigar comes along that is unique in every way—interesting blend, innovative shape, intriguing story—and, at the same time, can still maintain the classic standards of excellence. This is the case with the Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Shark, Cigar Aficionado’s 2017 Cigar of the Year. The blend is based on the original Don Carlos cigar (which was released in 1976), but altered a bit for this particular release. If you want to know exactly what makes the Eye of the Shark different from the regular Don Carlos line, you’re going to have to use your imagination. The Fuentes are quite guarded as to the particulars of the blend. It’s enough to know that the wrapper is from Cameroon and the interior tobaccos are well aged and grown in the Dominican Republic, which is the basic recipe for most Don Carlos cigars. One puff of the Eye of the Shark, however, and you’ll know you’re smoking an elevated blend—something comfortingly familiar to many Fuente fans, but with a slight twist. People who are familiar with brand owner (and now, company patriarch) Carlos Fuente Jr. know that he blends instinctively rather than by strict formula, especially when creating unorthodox cigars like this one. The shape adds to the intrigue. Eye of the Shark is neither box-pressed nor conventional. Rather, the bottom half is pressed and the upper half tapers into a regular, rounded belicoso—a demi-press. Fuente has used the shape before, so as quirky as it may seem, it’s recurred in other lines, but only in limited quantities. As for why it’s called the Eye of the Shark, it’s most likely due to the overall form. If you look at the cigar horizontally, it resembles the body of great white shark. Once the four corners of the box-pressed foot are fully lit, the Shark begins to express itself immediately. In addition to the range of baking spices and citrus notes found in most Don Carlos cigars, each puff communicates additional layers of complexity, kind of like a bonus track to a favorite album or an unexpected epilogue at the end of a classic novel. More intonations of nuts and leather unfold before a warm, lingering finish of cedar and cider. Simply put: we did not want this cigar to end. In 2016, Fuente’s father, Carlos Fuente Sr., passed away. He was the Don Carlos, and active with the company until the very end. You’ll find the words “The Man’s 80th” printed lovingly on the side and on the lid of each bright red box. Eye of the Shark was released in 2016 as a tribute to Sr. and his contributions over the years to the cigar world. The Eye of the Shark is Cigar Aficionado’s No. 1 cigar of 2017. Sadly, Sr. is not here to see or receive the accolade, but his spirit is definitely alive in the smoke. Rank: 1 Made By: Tabacalera A. Fuente Y Cia. Factory Location: Dom. Rep. Wrapper: Cameroon Binder: Dom. Rep. Filler: Dom. Rep. Dimensions: 5 3/4" By 52 Ring Gauge Price: $12.25 Rating: 97 __________________ Keith

12-29-2017, 02:57 PM	#16
jjirons69 Haberdasher Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Jamie Location: Chucktown, SC Posts: 4,120 Trading: (94)	Re: Cigar Aficionado Top 10 (of 25) of 2017 Countdown.. Nice review. __________________ Somebody has to go back and get a chitload of dimes

12-18-2017, 11:59 AM	#1
BigAsh Don't knock the Ash... Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Keith Location: Yardley, PA Posts: 5,046 Trading: (46)	Cigar Aficionado Top 10 (of 25) of 2017 Countdown.. Let the Reindeer games begin! Here's 10, 9 and 8... #10 • 2017 • Villiger La Flor de Ynclan Robusto Rank: 10 Made By: ABAM Cigars S.R.L. Factory Location: Dom. Rep. Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Indonesia Filler: Nicaragua, Dom. Rep. Dimensions: 5" By 50 Ring Gauge Price: $11.00 Rating: 93 #9 • 2017 • Plasencia Alma Fuerte Generacion V Rank: 9 Made By: Plasencia Cigars S.A. Factory Location: Nicaragua Wrapper: Nicaragua Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua Dimensions: 7" By 58 Ring Gauge Price: $22.00 Rating: 93 #8 • 2017 • Guardian Of The Farm Apollo Selección de Warped Rank: 8 Made By: Tabacos Valle De Jalapa S.A. (TABSA) Factory Location: Nicaragua Wrapper: Nicaragua Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua Dimensions: 6" By 44 Ring Gauge Price: $8.00 Rating: 93 __________________ Keith

12-18-2017, 07:45 PM	#2
icehog3 Admiral Douchebag Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Tom Location: Clermont, Kentucky Posts: 71,274 Trading: (60)	Re: Cigar Aficionado Top 10 (of 25) of 2017 Countdown.. I'm 0 f0r 3 so far. __________________ Thanks Dave, Julian, James, Kelly, Peter, Gerry, Dave, Mo, Frank, Týr and Mr. Mark!

12-19-2017, 12:04 PM	#3
BigAsh Don't knock the Ash... Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Keith Location: Yardley, PA Posts: 5,046 Trading: (46)	Re: Cigar Aficionado Top 10 (of 25) of 2017 Countdown.. #7 • 2017 • My Father The Judge Grand Robusto Rank: 7 Made By: My Father Cigars S.A. Factory Location: Nicaragua Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua Dimensions: 5" By 60 Ring Gauge #6 • 2017 • Ashton Symmetry Belicoso Rank: 6 Made By: Tabacalera A. Fuente Y Cia. Factory Location: Dom. Rep. Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Dom. Rep. Filler: Nicaragua, Dom. Rep. Dimensions: 5 1/4" By 52 Ring Gauge Price: $12.25 Rating: 94 #5 • 2017 • Alec Bradley Tempus Natural Centuria Rank: 5 Made By: Fabrica De Tabacos Raices Cubanas S. De R.L. Factory Location: Honduras Wrapper: Honduras Binder: Honduras, Indonesia Filler: Nicaragua, Honduras Dimensions: 7" By 49 Ring Gauge Price: $8.55 Rating: 94 __________________ Keith

12-19-2017, 04:26 PM	#4
icehog3 Admiral Douchebag Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Tom Location: Clermont, Kentucky Posts: 71,274 Trading: (60)	Re: Cigar Aficionado Top 10 (of 25) of 2017 Countdown.. 0 for 6. __________________ Thanks Dave, Julian, James, Kelly, Peter, Gerry, Dave, Mo, Frank, Týr and Mr. Mark!

12-19-2017, 07:10 PM	#5
RevSmoke Ain't Never Gonna Leave Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Todd Location: Northcentral woods of Wisconsin Posts: 6,848 Trading: (51)	Re: Cigar Aficionado Top 10 (of 25) of 2017 Countdown.. Wow! Someone must be ponying up some serious coin to make these cigars in the top 25, much less the top 10. __________________ Todd__ "Smoke what you like, and enjoy it!"

12-19-2017, 07:25 PM	#6
shilala Dear Lord, Thank You. Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Scott Posts: 13,721 Trading: (252)	Re: Cigar Aficionado Top 10 (of 25) of 2017 Countdown.. #5 sounds like a tent peg. Like all the Alec Bradley offerings. The all Nicaraguan offerings sound decent. I don't know, I haven't tried them. I will say that a $22 Nicaraguan cigar is just, well, silly. __________________

12-19-2017, 10:47 PM	#7
Chainsaw13 Møøse bites can be nasty Join Date: Jan 2010 First Name: Bob Location: The Enchanted Mitten Posts: 7,179 Trading: (96)	Re: Cigar Aficionado Top 10 (of 25) of 2017 Countdown.. The Warped cigar sounds interesting as I like some of the Warped cigars. But I'll pass on the rest so far. __________________ My neighbor came by my house this morning at 2AM, pounding on the door. Good thing I was still up playing the drums.

12-20-2017, 01:54 PM	#8
BigAsh Don't knock the Ash... Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Keith Location: Yardley, PA Posts: 5,046 Trading: (46)	Re: Cigar Aficionado Top 10 (of 25) of 2017 Countdown.. Numbers 4,3 and 2.... #4 • 2017 • Bolivar Belicoso Fino Rank: 4 Made By: Habanos S.A. Factory Location: Cuba Wrapper: Cuba Binder: Cuba Filler: Cuba Dimensions: 5 1/2" By 52 Ring Gauge Price: £21.60 Rating: 94 #3 • 2017 • Oliva Serie V Belicoso Rank: 3 Made By: Tabacalera Oliva S.A. Factory Location: Nicaragua Wrapper: Nicaragua Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua Dimensions: 5" By 54 Ring Gauge Price: $8.36 Rating: 95 #2 • 2017 • Padrón Serie 1926 No. 2 (Natural) Rank: 2 Made By: Tabacos Cubanica S.A. Factory Location: Nicaragua Wrapper: Nicaragua Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua Dimensions: 5 1/2" By 52 Ring Gauge Price: $17.70 Rating: 96 __________________ Keith

12-20-2017, 02:50 PM	#9
shilala Dear Lord, Thank You. Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Scott Posts: 13,721 Trading: (252)	Re: Cigar Aficionado Top 10 (of 25) of 2017 Countdown.. 4, 3, and 2. But I'd like a maduro in the Padron. __________________

01-10-2018, 04:51 PM	#17
Tio Gato Uncle Kitty Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Jeff Location: Casa Grande, AZ Posts: 2,075 Trading: (11)	Re: Cigar Aficionado Top 10 (of 25) of 2017 Countdown.. Anybody see any gems in the Best Buys ratings? The AF short story is great but I was wondering if there are any fans of the others listed. The Joya looks good. Thanks inmates. __________________ "You stink like cigars Uncle Kitty!" Said my Boo age 3. "Kid, take care of your family and the hell with anyone else" My Grandpa Bubba.