It’s that time of year again when Cigar Aficionado comes out with its top 25 cigars of the year. I must admit that I don’t get too excited for this release, as I have found that these rankings do little to influence my smoking preferences. If there is something that makes the list that I haven’t smoked, then maybe I will give it a shot, but for the most part I don’t see these types of lists as a great tool in helping select my next stick. The best thing about this list and many like them is the debates they spark.

Many folks get really upset over this list. If a rather inexpensive cigar from one of the big conglomerates cracks the top ten, many start ranting that they paid for their high rating with advertising dollars. As with many in the craft beer world, some just don’t consider something special unless it is made one or two at a time in someone’s garage, with homemade implements. As a huge fan of boutique cigars, I do applaud when they get the recognition they deserve, but I feel that many of the larger manufacturers also do a great job of creating wonderful new products each year.

With all that said, I am very disappointed with the Top Cigar of 2013. Cigar Aficionado somehow thought that crowing a cigar, that 90% of its United States readership can never get their hands on legally, as its pinnacle stick, to be a good idea. The Cuban Montecristo #2 received top billing this year and I just don’t know how they came to the conclusion that this is the best cigar. Forget the fact that it is unattainable, I can think of at least ten other Habanos that I would prefer having over the Montecristo #2. When I see the hundreds of cigar makers at the IPCPR Trade Show, promoting their fine products and selling their wares, I don’t like the idea of giving top honors to a cigar from a country which stole the homes, factories, and farms from many of the people we do business with at this very trade show.

Well, enough of the political talk. Let’s talk about the list and what I suggest you give a shot. First of all, there are four cigars that you can find in your neighborhood ABC store. We are proud owners of #4-Padron 1964 Anniversary Series Diplomatico Maduro, #6-Arturo Fuente Don Carlos No.2, #9-Gurkha 125th Anniversary XO, and #25-Romeo by Romeo Julieta Toro. Now that last one is technically the “en tubo”, but we carry the non-tubed cigar which is the same size and blend of tobacco.

You can’t go wrong with any of these cigars and a few others that we don’t currently stock in our humidors are also high on my list. The Davidoff Nicaragua Toro is an amazing cigar and comes in at number three. I am also a big fan of the number eight cigar, the Herrera Estelí Piramide Fino. My cigar cohort, Steve “Big Mungo” Mungeer and I both wanted to bring this one in at the 2013 trade show, but we were simply out of space in our humidors. Look for this one to pop up in the future. Another one that is foreign to our stores now but a favorite of mine is the Casa Magna Colorado Extraordinario. This massive figurado comes in at the number 23 spot, but don’t let that make you think any less of it.

There are a few that didn’t get consideration that had me shaking my head quite a bit. Maybe they will find their way into the list of Top Cigar Bargains which gets released on December 20th. I was surprised not to see a Liga Privada stick not make the list along with the new CAO Flathead. I also expected to see the La Gloria Series R Estelí get a little more love. Both the Flathead and Series Estelí are products from General Cigar and maybe their moderate price will garner them some bargain list attention.

There are many others that I would love to add to the list but there just isn’t enough room here. I am also certain that there are some who will disagree with some of my choices. That is the thing about lists. What I like and what another smoker likes may be two different things. Don’t get too caught up in what someone else tells you is great. Form your own opinions. If you smoke a “top cigar” and it doesn’t do anything for you, then don’t worry. There is nothing wrong with your palate, you just have different tastes. It’s these different preferences that are the reason there are so many different manufacturers making cigars today. As long as there are enough of us trying all these new cigars. then they will continue to make more of them. I am doing my part, will you?

Long Ashes,

Chris Gwaltney, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits North Florida Regional Manager. Certified Tobacconist and Cicerone Beer Server. Follow me on Twitter @abccigarchris.