I've been asked my thoughts on the top cigars of 2021. As you know, December through January is usually the time that just about every cigar magazine, blogger, writer, and internet site declares their top cigars of the previous year. Here are my thoughts on this!

Taste is subjective. What I like may not be to your liking at all. This is something to keep in mind as you pour over all these lists. In my opinion, the best "lists" take the time to detail the cigar. Besides country, wrapper, and strength; they give you tasting notes that mean something. For me, it's good to know if a cigar has pepper, sweetness, cedar, or any other notes I can understand. When people go off on tangents like fried chicken, burnt leaves, dirty gum, and duck butter, I can't get behind their reviews.

I did look at a few lists this year. To me, Cigar Aficionado is one list that most industry people follow closely. No surprise that those that advertise appear to do well in the top 10. I can't remember when Fuente and or Padron was not in the top 5. Don't get me wrong, they both make GREAT stuff and I enjoy their offerings when possible. It just seems predictable. I saw many folks pick out the #1 cigar days before it was official. As a side, the #2 cigar was a favorite of mine! The Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua No. 2 was a GREAT smoke and I enjoyed it. I even did a video with Rafael Nodel about it when I smoked it. He and Aj Fernandez are a blending force!!!

Here's my takeaway and why I started Cigar Samplers. Try a variety of cigars! You may find something you like. To me, cigars are about moments in time. Do you recall a cigar you smoked with a family member or group of friends to celebrate an occasion? Chances are that cigar was tops with you at that moment in time! To me, this is what makes cigars great. The opportunity to get together and share experiences with myself or people that matter to me.

Enjoy your cigars, use these lists as a possible guide, try different and new things to create experiences. In my opinion, this is what cigars are about. My top-rated cigar is the one I'm enjoying right now!