Cigar Aficionado Ranks Best Cigars of 2013

It’s Man Cave Month presented by Peter Salerno Inc., where we take a look at some of the ways you can turn your personal “man cave” design from a simple den into a room your friends will envy. After all, at Peter Salerno Inc., it’s all about the extraordinary.

When it comes to man caves, plenty of guys out there enjoy kicking back with a fantastic cigar. But which cigar is right for you? We’re here to give you the answer, with a big thanks to the fine people at Cigar Aficionado. They’ve compiled a list of the top 25 best cigars of 2013, and we’ll share some of our favorite winners with you here.

The Best Cigar of 2013: Montecristo #2

If you enjoy rich notes of leather coupled with the sweetness of nutmeg and cinnamon, all topped off by a tangy wood note, then the Montecristo #2 (affectionately known as the Monte 2) is right for you. If that description wasn’t proof enough, then perhaps you’ll be swayed by the fact that Cigar Aficionado named the Monte 2 its clear-cut winner of Best Cigar of 2013.

Cigar Aficionado noted the Montecristo #2’s versatility – savory enough to please regular cigar enthusiasts, yet not so powerful that it turns off the casual cigar smoker. Their score of 96 is the highest ever awarded to a cigar in a blind taste test. The Monte 2 measures 6 1/8″ in length, is handmade, and ranges in retail price depending on source (usually between $30-40).

Cigar Aficionado’s Best Cigars of 2013: Other Notables

Davidoff Nicaragua Toro

The #3 cigar on Cigar Aficionado’s Best Cigars of 2013 list is the Toro version of the revamped Davidoff Nicaragua line. Retailing at $16.50 (US), this cigar offers up notes of the coffee and floral varieties, and provides a very long finish.

Arturo Fuente Don Carlos #2

This Dominican-based cigar retails for around $12.50 (US), and makes the Cigar Aficionado top 25 for the second time. Be patient with the slow start of the Don Carlos #2, and you will soon enjoy a surprisingly refreshing mix of sweet and spice mixed with a hint of cocoa.

La Palina Classic Toro

If you’re looking for an inexpensive cigar that outperforms those three to four times its cost, check out the Toro version of the La Palina Classic. This 6″ cigar, which Cigar Aficionado describes as “a bargain”, retails for just $7.75. It surprised the panel with a tangy, warm smoke and light chocolate finish.