It was certainly fun putting together our list of the ten best cigars of 2013. I have received a lot of positive feedback from folks who read our blog post last week, breaking down cigars 10 thru six. Today we unveil the Top Five Cigars of 2013. Remember, the criteria for this list is rather simple. The cigar just needs to be available at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits and it has to be a favorite of both Steve Mungeer and myself.

Coming in at number five is the much anticipated 2013 release from Mr. Sam Leccia. Sam, the creator of the very popular Nub cigar line for Oliva, decided to go out on his own and create his own line of cigars. It took nearly three years but he has finally delivered us the first cigar bearing his name. The cigar we rate at number 5 is the Sam Leccia Black and it incorporates some very interesting tobacco in the filler. He uses a fire-cured tobacco, which he calls dark-fire, to add smokiness to the flavor. This unique flavored leaf absorbs the smokey flavor from oak and various other hard woods that are burned inside the curing barn. It provides a nice touch to the cigar but doesn’t completely overpower the original blend. Sam already had a blend in mind for the black but when he came across the dark-fire tobacco he loved how it enhanced the flavor. It is the perfect companion for a glass of bourbon.

Chris Gwaltney:  “I can’t think of a better cigar to have with a glass of single barrel bourbon than the Sam Leccia Black, the two were made for each other. Its Habano wrapper, Nicaraguan Rosado binder, and blend of wonderful filler leaves, including some dark-fire, make for a wonderful smoking experience. It’s not your traditional maduro, providing some pepper notes along with a nice nuttiness. It is the mild oak and vanilla flavor that set this stick apart.”

Steve Mungeer:  “It is great to see Sam Leccia back in the cigar business and his Black selections come right out of the gate with an incredible smoke. The introduction of “fire-cured” leaf in the filler is what makes this cigar special. Fire cured leaf is the result of using hardwood fires in the drying process which imparts a smoky taste into the leaf. The Black toro has just the right amount of this leaf in the filler to give it that special flavor and aroma without going over the top. The key to this cigar is the blend…it is perfect and gives a rich and flavorful smoke that is mellow and keeps you wanting more.”

Number four on our list is Padron 64 Diplomatico Maduro. Yes, I know that this one is number four on another list. Steve and I thought that this was the best offering from Padron and its spot at number four just happens to be where our ranking system placed it. Padron is a name that has become synonymous with quality and this cigar is no exception. Complexity is another reason that this cigar stands out from many of its peers. There are so many different flavors, from nutty to coffee, and it’s rounded out with a mild sweetness. It’s also a box-pressed cigar and is as attractive as it is flavorful.

CG:  “The 1964 Anniversary Diplomatico Maduro is what happens when master craftsmen get their hands on some amazing tobacco. This eye-catching stick, packed full of sun grown Nicaraguan tobacco, provides a robust yet flavorful smoke. Lots of spice and tons of luscious smoke will have you heading back for more. In my opinion, dollar for dollar this is the best cigar ever produced by Padron.”

SM:  Padron is well known for all their quality cigars and the standout for me is the 1964 Anniversary Diplomatico Maduro. This cigar is at the top of the charts for maduro lovers. It is dark, it is rich, it is packed with flavors of nuts and raisins. Perfect draw and even burn…flavors that are upfront and smooth from beginning to end. Complex and not a cigar for the novice. This is a perfect smoke that shows what a maduro should be.

Third place in our cigar world is the Diamond Crown Maximus #4. This cigar from our good friends at JC Newman is a new addition to our humidors and we are very proud to have it. Diamond Crown is a very exclusive line that is only sold by trusted retailers. Much like our number four cigar, the Maximus #4 is a full-bodied cigar not for the faint of heart. It is produced in the Dominican Republic under the watchful eyes of Carlos Fuente, Sr. and Carlos Fuente, Jr. The sun grown Ecuadorian wrapper blended with the select Dominican fillers give this cigar its signature coffee and cedar notes.

CG:  “Diamond Crown cigars are wonderful, and the Julius Caesar line is equally as impressive, but it’s the Maximus #4 that is my absolute favorite of the bunch. They are the strongest smoke in the Diamond Crown family, but still approachable by those who prefer milder cigars. The cigar practically smokes itself and the rich, creamy smoke coupled with the spicy cedar and coffee notes make this a must-have in any collection.”

SM:  “I have yet to come across a Diamond Crown that I have not enjoyed and The Maximus #4 is no exception. These joint offerings from Arturo Fuente and JC Newman all have subtle differences and the creamy richness that the Maximus #4 offers make it my choice. Mellow and almost buttery in flavor, with some spicy and earthy notes, make this cigar stand out.”

First runner up in this years’ Top 10 is another cigar new to ABC. The Perdomo Edicion de Silvio Toro is one that we fell in love with at the IPCPR. It is one of the more pricey selections in our humidors, but one that is definitely worth the extra price. This cigar incorporates some very special and expertly aged tobaccos. The wrapper is Ecuadorian Connecticut, which is quickly becoming a favorite among all cigar makers. This cigar is medium to full-bodied and will provide you with lots of rich and creamy smoke along with several hours of relaxation.

CG:  “When I lit up my first Perdomo Edicion de Silvio I was instantly impressed. We were at the IPCPR trade show and I immediately looked at Steve and told him that we needed to find a way to bring this one in. The price is on the high end, but well worth it. Black pepper and cashews are two flavors that are very prevalent in this cigar. For those who love boutique cigars, this is one you really need to try.”

SM:  “A cigar that does not get the hype that so many other super premium cigars receive but definitely deserves! The filler is Nicaraguan but a secret family blend; however, rumor is that they are aged in oak barrels for a certain period of time. The result is smoothness…this is a cigar that does have the pepper spice you expect from Nicaragua but is offset with the Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper to mellow out the spice and the result is a perfectly balanced flavor of spice and hints of nuts.  Smooth and delicious with a bit of creaminess.”

Taking top honors at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits this year is a cigar that has received much critical acclaim over the last several years:  Liga Privada #9 Toro. It is a limited production item that until this year we were only able to stock in just 10 stores. In 2013 our friends at Drew Estate allowed us to expand that number to 25 locations. This has made our guests very happy, as well as the two hard-working tobacconist that call ABC home. The key to the Liga is its very special Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. It’s not your everyday broadleaf, as just for ligero leaves from each tobacco plant are destined to become this wrapper. The leaves are fermented for over 18 months and only the most expert rollers are allowed to make this cigar. The binder is Brazilian Mata-Fina which provides just the perfect amount of sweetness to the cigar. If rich espresso flavors muted by mildly sweet cocoa nibs are something that pleases your palate, then this is the cigar for you.

CG:  “If there were a Mount Rushmore of cigars, the Liga Privada #9 would certainly be one of the four statues. Someone asked me if I were about to be executed and what would I want my last meal to be. My answer was:  A bacon cheeseburger from Five Guys and a Liga Privada #9 Toro for dessert. It is everything a maduro should be and then some.”

SM:  “Just one look at the wrapper and you already know this is a winner. It’s oily; it’s so rich and dark it borders on being maduro. Connecticut Broadleaf Ligero Oscuro…there may not be a better wrapper.  The cigar is firm and perfectly made. The burn is perfect, the flavors so complex you don’t know where to begin…sweetness, coffee, chocolate, a little pepper, some floral notes, and perfectly blended and smooth. It is a cigar that must be experienced and by far my favorite.”

I hope you enjoyed our list of top cigars as much as we enjoyed putting it together. Come back next week as we begin our countdown of the Top Ten Cigars under $7.

Long Ashes,

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