In the spirit of Cigar Aficionado’s top 25 list, I have decided to put together my own list of 10 cigars under $7 that you can find at your local ABC Fine Wine & Spirits store. These cigars range from mild to full-bodied and there should be something for everyone. From the novice to the seasoned smoker, prepare yourself to save some money and smoke some really good cigars. This week I am listing cigars ranked 10-6. You will have to come back next week to learn all about the top 5.

#10 Quorum Shade Toro ($2.19)

Yes, I am starting the list with a bundle cigar. For those of you who are new to the cigar world, bundles were started by the online cigar retailers. Many are proprietary blends, but all are inexpensive cigars that
even those on the tightest budget can afford to purchase in large quantities. To put it plainly, they are everyday smokes. Here at ABC, we recently got involved in the bundle business and sales have really taken off. Partly because of price, but mostly because we have purchased some top quality bundles.
The Quorum Shade Toro is a special little cigar for us. Just last month Cigar Insider gave it an 88 rating. I would also like to mention that they rated it slightly ahead of the Cuban Montecristo #3! I love it when David triumphs over Goliath and a $2 stick knocking off a $30 legend is always an attention getter. This cigar will provide you with a mild and slightly peppered flavor. An absolute must-try for new cigar smokers.

 #9 Partagas Black Classico ($7.09)

Ok, so it's not under $7 but it is close enough. I just had to include this cigar on this list-- if for no other reason than it is a favorite of ABC's West Coast General Manager, Rick Hughes. On a recent trip to the Dominican Republic I couldn't help but notice that this was Rick's go-to cigar and for good reason. This cigar is very complex with flavors of pepper, dark chocolate, and rich coffee notes. It is on the medium to full-bodied side so first time smokers may want to work their way up to Partagas Black Classico. It's an absolute gem at $7.

#8 Torano  Master BFC ($6.29)

This is a great cigar made by historically one of the top cigar family's in the industry . The BFC is a 6x60
, big boy cigar so you can decide for yourself what the BFC stands for. As with their entire line, this is a great smoke at a great price.  Talk about bang for your buck, this cigar delivers an excellent medium-bodied smoke. One can expect cocoa, cedar, and a small amount of sweetness on the palate. As the cigar heats up the coffee flavors seem to intensify and the sweetness fades. I didn't get as much honey notes as other who have reviewed this cigar, but I like it nonetheless.

 #7 Padron 4000 Maduro ($6.99)

What can I say about one of the most popular cigar lines in the country that hasn't already been said? This is a great cigar that comes in under the $7 mark and either the Natural or Maduro are both great choices. I really love the richer flavor I get from the Maduro. This cigar has more complexity than its Natural counterpart and I love the dark roasted coffee notes it gives off. It's one of Padron's least expensive cigars, but it still packs the same punch that the other lines do.

#6 Gurkha Royal Challenge Torpedo ($5.49)

Just when you think you have seen it all,  Mr. Hansotia comes along a releases something new. From the company that brought you the Gurkha Black Dragon that costs $1150 per cigar, if you can find one, they have released a line that is a little more affordable. We picked up several new cigars from Gurkha this year but I have to say that the Royal Challenge line has taken off like a rocket. This is a mild to slightly medium-bodied cigar which delivers lots of creamy smoke. Its nutty flavor will stay with you throughout the cigar, highlighted with small bits of black pepper. There is a mild undertone of sweetness in the earlier stages, but it fades in the last third of the cigar.

I know many will dispute the order in which I have these cigars. Just remember-- this is a list of cigars for under $7 that I think you should try. So, give them a shot and come back next weekend when we reveal the top 5. 

Long Ashes,

Chris Gwaltney,

ABC Fine Wine & Spirits regional manager in Jacksonville. Follow him on Twitter @chrisgnole