Cigar brands | Let's discuss Cigar Aficionado and Halfwheel's top 25 cigars of the year
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.พ. 2025
- In this must-watch cigar industry update, Privada Cigar Club founder Brian Desind breaks down the state of cigar brands in 2025. We take a deep dive into Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 Cigars of 2024, Halfwheel’s Top 25 list, and the biggest cigar industry trends shaping the future.
From boutique cigars* to legacy brands, we analyze which cigars dominated 2024, what’s trending in premium cigars, and how the industry is evolving. Whether you're a seasoned cigar aficionado or just starting your journey, this video is packed with expert insights into the best cigars of 2025, the rise of new brands, and what’s next for the **cigar world.
🔥 Halfwheel’s Top 25 Cigars of 2024:
✅ CRAFT Maquette La Maestranza
✅ Quesada 50th Anniversary Toro Prensado
✅ Sin Compromiso Selección No. 4
✅ Plasencia Alma Fuerte Colorado Claro Robustus II
✅ AVO Expressions Limited Edition 2024
✅ Fuente y Padrón Legends (Arturo Fuente)
✅ Maestranza Ciutadella Catalonia
✅ LeRoy Neiman 2023 Collector’s Edition
✅ Las Calaveras Edición Limitada 2024 LC52
✅ Davidoff Grand Cru Diademas Finas Limited Edition Collection
✅ Plasencia Cosecha 151 La Musica
✅ CroMagnon Knuckle Dragger (2024)
✅ AJ Fernandez 20th Anniversary Toro
✅ ADVentura Blue Eyed Jack's Revenge Robusto
✅ Davidoff Winston Churchill The Late Hour Petit Panetela
✅ Días de Gloria Brazil Toro
✅ Crux Epicure Habano Toro
✅ Warfighter Night Shift
✅ 601 La Bomba Warhead X
✅ Powstanie Connecticut Corona Gorda "Justice"
✅ Knuckle Sandwich 56
✅ Padrón Black PB-97 Maduro
✅ Buenaventura Favoritos 56 Natural
✅ La Llorona Corona
✅ Viaje Skull and Bones Tsar Bomba Camo Blue
🔥 Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 Cigars of 2024:
✅ My Father The Judge Grand Robusto
✅ Padrón Serie 1926 No. 2
✅ Oliva Serie V Melanio Toro
✅ Rocky Patel Sixty Sixty
✅ Cohiba Riviera Robusto
✅ H. Upmann The Banker Daytrader
✅ La Aroma de Cuba Noblesse
✅ Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua No. 2
✅ Alec Bradley Fine & Rare BC-(13)4EV
✅ My Father Le Bijou 1922 Churchill
✅ Plasencia Alma Fuerte Sixto II
✅ Davidoff Winston Churchill The Late Hour
✅ Tatuaje Black Label Corona Gorda
✅ Ashton Symmetry Sublime
✅ E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel
✅ Warped Maestro del Tiempo 6102R
✅ Joya de Nicaragua Cinco Décadas El General
✅ San Cristobal Quintessence Churchill
✅ L'Atelier La Mission 1959
✅ Illusione Epernay Le Matin
✅ La Flor Dominicana Andalusian Bull
✅ Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real Nicaragua Churchill
✅ Crowned Heads Mil Días Corona Gorda
✅ Hoyo de Monterrey Elegantes
✅ Punch Knuckle Buster Maduro Toro
📌 Topics Covered:
✅ Cigar Aficionado Top 25 Cigars of 2024 - What made the cut?
✅ Halfwheel’s Top 25 Cigars of 2024 - Breaking down the rankings
✅ Boutique vs. Big Brand Cigars - Who’s leading the industry?
✅ The rise of limited-edition and collector’s cigars
✅ Cigar trends shaping 2025 - What’s next?
📌 Subscribe for more premium cigar content, industry insights, and expert reviews.
Let us know in the comments - What’s your top cigar of 2024?
#Cigars2025 #PrivadaCigarClub #BrianDesind #CigarAficionado #Top25Cigars #HalfwheelTop25 #CigarIndustry #BestCigars #CigarTrends
I actually like that Brian is being honest and showing love to the cigar brands he feels deserve it! Not a lot of people do that
LEts go we need 250 comments!!!
This is gold!! 😂 so much that I agreed with you on and so much that I disagreed on haha (had me crying laughing with some of your reactions to the "top cigars"). So appreciative of what you're doing for the industry!! Thanks my brother of the leaf !
Hi Brian, I'm commenting on your recent video on "Best Cigars Lists."" I agree with your central thought about these lists are "bullishit", but:
1. "You would never smoke Partagas" yet you like Partagas de Titan de Bronce, they are available through Privada, and I agree with you that these are fantastic cigars "sans" the occasional construction issues.
2. Cohiba Magicos are Cubans, and if you are crazy enough to shell out $400-500 per stick, more power to you. I understand that these sticks are truly magical (hence the name "majicos"() from what others are experiencing, but I will never pay that price for any cigar.
3. Dumbarton. Please try Polpetta. It's a short Corona (4X48), but it's a flavor bomb. Perfect for inclement weather situations.
4. Dominican cigars need to take their finger of their ass... I agree, but there are exceptions. I.E. LFD (La Flor Dominicana), especially the Doble & Triple Ligero Chisels in maduro....
5. Tabernacle cigars are the bomb. Smoking a Tab Havana seed CT Doble Corona while I'm writing this, yummy!
Add to the list:
A. Dunbarton Polpeta and Umbagog
B. Monte Espeso 100% Nica. we'll made great flavors but on the downside is cost, $20/stick...
C. Tatuaje Fausto Toro
D. Oliva V 135 is a great cigar. I agree with you on the rest of the line but the 135's are really good.
Al R
PS great work keep up with the good stuff. We love you man.
Just been getting back into cigars over the the last couple weeks. I'm very thankful I saw this video. I was about to make a substantial purchase based off of these lists. thanks for suggesting some better picks.
He’s not all correct. He slammed some good companies.
@larryfagan5068 for someone who doesn't know much about cigars, it's at least nice to know which are the "Budweiser" of the industry. Just like Patron might make some perfectly acceptable bottles of tequila, you're missing out on everything that tequila can be, if you only stick to Patron.
That's how I interpreted his comments, not so much as some brands should be avoided because they are producing an objectively bad product, it's that you won't know the true potential of cigars if you stick to the brands that have large marketing budgets. He was being a bit crude, no doubt, but being concise and blunt is what I appreciate.
One correct. The partagas on the cigar aficionado is the Cuban brand. Otherwise I love this content and need more.
Would love Privada to start putting out a top list.
I really should have looked myself lol...Work in progress and thank you so much my bro for watching and commenting
Yes cuban Partagas!
Came here to say this too 😂
@@PrivadaCigarClub yup, and guess you made the same mistake with the number 8 on Cigar Aficinado list ... the Cohiba Maduro 5 Magicos which is also cuban ...
The Cuban Cohiba too was on CA list
So many brands pay to play… it’s wild. PS: the Leroy Neiman Churchill is 🔥
Plasencia & Quesada absolute perfection.
100 %
Halfwheel trying to keep us on the website longer 😂😂
Love the honesty. Padron is always going to be in my top 3, love Avo as well
Love this. Candid and real with no marketing behind it. Love the real not bought thoughts
First and foremost, I thoroughly enjoyed your video and found your analysis of the featured brands to be both insightful and well-aligned with current industry trends. That said, I was struck by the noteworthy absence of Nelson Alfonso-a visionary master blender whose portfolio includes iconic brands like Atabey, Byron, and Bandelero. These cigars are widely celebrated as exemplars of craftsmanship, blending artisanal precision with unparalleled complexity in flavor and construction. Given their reputation as benchmarks for premium puro offerings, their omission feels like a perplexing oversight. I’d be curious to hear your perspective on this, as their inclusion could elevate future discussions on ultra-luxury cigar lines. Keep up the stellar work!
Brian your a savage. A lot of truths in this video. My top Cigar of 2024 was the Atabey.
Would like to see more love for La Palina, Illusione, and Rojas
Private is definitely educating the industry in a spectacular way. This is how things should be said without the ties of the big brands, to enjoy good cigars without being conditioned by a paid ranking. Very good video #PrivadaCigarClub #weareprivada
We do love our maestro
I tried 3 HVC cigars this week for the first time and it was more than good. 💣
I'd like to see Stulac get some more love. I've liked damn near everything he's put out. AJF of course is always a beast and has great shit. Southern Draw is amazing too
1. Carolina blue cigars
2. Perdomo’s new 30th sun grown
3. Esteban Carrera Chupa Cabra
AJ Fernandez, Espinosa, HVC, d'Crossier off the top of my head
LEts go
HVC needs more love.
Also I loved this video. It’s always great seeing the longform content
Bro, the cigars from Tampeno that the club has sent out are worthy of being on any list. They've been the shit!
I love all of these brands.
Rojas, HVAC, viva la vida, illusione, DBT&T/ still well, and where is De Crossier and the El septimo
#wearefamily
#weareprivada
Thank you for always being real.
We all want to smoke the best cigars, and you make it happen for us.
Thanks for the information and education you bring to the community.
Honestly, the most interesting cigar I smoked that came out last year was the La Flor Dominicana 30th Anniversary. The SOMM BDX Blanc robusto, Warped Isla de Cocodrilo and Eladio Diaz Before & After Legado were also pretty damn high up on my list.
Im either agreed with or hated for this : I love what Gellis puts out. Not only in Warped but Drop cigar club too. Never had a bad blend or bad construction
whether or not you like what privada/desind does media-wise, (i personally haven't been a big fan in the last 2 years) you have to admit he is really the only hype man for the cigar industry in contemporary culture. there are many outlets doing reviews, lists, etc. but desind is the only one creating a social dialogue on the industry as a whole. case in point, literally last week I was in my local humidor looking around thinking exactly this, 21:57 illusione, what's going on!? i imagine that many people that got into cigars around the same time I did are thinking the same thing.
Keep up the good work Brian👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻... There should be more people like yourself to grow this industry 🙏🏻
I have always had fantastic experiences with Privada and Brian. Met him last year and was a great guy.
Just got done smoking Blue Cheese and loved it! It is appropriately priced at $10 and smokes/tastes like a $10 cigar. Bravo! HOWEVER…you’ve got a serious axe to grind my brotha and it’s a little too evident. I must agree whole heartedly that the Cigar Aficionado top 25 list is straight bullshit but let’s be honest, some companies you called out are putting out great smokes regardless of their “Budweiser” status 😂. And I must say, Budweiser is a pretty damn accurate comparison, but it doesn’t take away from some of the products they’re putting out. I’ve been a long time lover of such brands as Oliva and still remain. I’ve been a long time hater of Rocky Patel (except for The Edge) and have since changed my stance ever since my ady has taken on this hobby with me, and proved me wrong with the Sixty and the ALR. And come on man…I agree that Nick Melillo has come out with some good smokes, especially the Olmec Maduro, but you rode that weiner so hard, it’s sounding like you’re doing it in hopes to get a spot on Rogan’s show. And BTW, retrohaling is not a must for determining a good cigar. Inhaling through the nasal passages after an exhale probably works better 😉. Don’t take this the wrong way. I love what you’re doing. I’ve been considering a subscription to the club for a minute now but just haven’t pulled the trigger. And don’t follow in your foes footsteps. That would make you a fake piece of shit asshole just like them. We need you.
Blackbird cigars should've made the list. Very underrated in my opinion
This man's spitting facts
This is the most honest review out there. Brain holds nothing back! It never about who you know, it’s about your dedication to the craft, you should never be able to buy your way into a top 10 list. In the cigar industry it’s all about the art and love for the tobacco, brian hits the nail on the head. It so refreshing to see an honest look at the industry.
I do believe thePartagas cigar from CA was a Cuban Cigar not the General Cigar produced
It is. So is the Cohiba mentioned
@@jd-the-red3026I think Cohiba was general cigar
@@Mike_in_WPBno also Cuban
D9minican Tobaccos. The Gurkha Legend V8ntage 2001 ha a triple aged wrapper Cameroon binder and Cibao tobacco. Great cigar. The Gurkha Sherpa Orane has as one of the fillers C8bao tobacco. Good value cigar.
Brian always keeps it real great video
LOU!!!
Avo Expressions is fantastic… on my third box, super dope project. Grand Cru Diadema with Red Wine is a great way to spend your time. The Leroy cigars are fantastic my guy.
EPC cabinet cigar is what officially got me interested in smoking more cigars. Privada introduced me to Rojas and Blackbird and Montenegro and Chico Rivas. So many great cigars. Montenegro should absolutely be on everyone's list of must try. So much respect for their craft and their respect for their tobacco is incredible! Love your take and honesty Brian, keep it up brother! #WeArePrivada
Never understood DE. Their cigars pour off smoke. They must add oil or something to the wrappers. JD seems like a fun dude though.
I don't doubt they're messing around with some extras in their blends. I bought some of the Factory Smokes when they started making them and ones I left out for over a year still had squish to them. Not saying it's necessarily the same thing that makes them put out smoke because I had some smoke heavy Nica's that went dry as a bone before that.
What is the cigar that you say is as good as Padron but half price
Stay tuned
Love Padron and Tatuaje. Also have really taken to AJ Fernandez. Great stuff. By the way, I know you don’t like Carlito, but Casa Cuba is my favorite blend. Good review Bro!
My question would be what do You think of Joya de Nicragua , specifically the antano maybe original I get two of them mixed up still , the strong one that I remembered not the hella mild one ... That and the more important GT20 recently I believe I thought was giving me nice cuban vibes without the specific cuban smell.
Video content is always on point w Privada. Who else is doing this good of productions and information???
Good production ? His assistant is a bit slow😂
Alright, let’s talk cigars-because nothing says ‘I have my life together’ like overanalyzing fermented leaves.
First off, I gotta be honest-I don’t get the hype around Oliva. I’ve tried a few, and while they’re not bad, they don’t exactly make me want to write poetry about them, you know? Meanwhile, some brands have been absolutely crushing it this year-The Nick, VIAJE, Foundation, Montenegro, Guardian of the Farm, Aventura. And yeah, I’ll say it-Espinosa has seriously stepped up its game.
Now, about these ‘Cigar of the Year’ releases… Look, I love a good Opus X as much as the next guy who enjoys unnecessary luxury, but these rankings? Lately, they feel more like a marketing checklist than a showcase of true craftsmanship. There was a time when these lists introduced us to game-changers, but now? It’s like, ‘Hey, here’s another overhyped release we told you was amazing, so you better believe it.’
Anyone else feeling this, or am I just puffing into the void here?
Sometimes the void puffs back
@@Fortjul good point!!
I will never understand why Select Tobacco (Byron, Atabey, etc) are not on these lists…
I think because they’re so expensive and don’t care about sponsoring/paying for advertising. People seek these brands out and pay top dollar for a reason
They are on Half wheel and the consensus list. Just not top ten
fantastic video. loving the energy .. always love all the education we get from you.
I like some of the major brands, but I also love what I've gotten and love from Privada. I need to learn more. I will say, i do LOVE the Rojas Street Taco Barbacoa, the Blue Bonnet, and the 10th Anniversary. I'm one of the weird guys who adores the CAO Amazon Basin (not much else from them, but I love the Basin). And I know Brian doesn't like them, but I do like La Aroma De Cuba (specifically the reserva and the Nobaless). I went to an LCA shop, and the man working didn't know much about Privada. But he said aside from me, there is a young guy who comes in and buys the LCA sticks exclusively. I asked how old this kid was, and he said 22. Then he said he doesn't see 20 somethings come in. I explained how Privada is reaching out to more, and that's why this kid found this shop. Why fight that?
I don't smoke but this guy makes me want to, everything seems so cool when he talks about it
One of the most informative videos like this out there
I’m one of them. My journey is new and I’m trying to show the journey as I go. Hopefully I’m giving correct information as I go. But I will murder some cigar names as I go lol. I have actually learned a lot from watching your videos.
Byron should have had a ton of their cigars all over all of these list....Selected tobacco is straight fire!!!!
Great content! Really detailed and informative. #weareprivada 🔥🔥
Ferio Tego, Illusione, Cavalier to name a few. A couple of the Ferio Tego TAA releases were incredible IMO.
Truth
Dunbarton is 👑 for me. Love your videos Brian! ✌🏼 🍻
What are the crumby products that plasencia makes? I'd like to know in order to avoid them?
They make all of Rocky stuff as far as i know and theyve made many brands we will never be told about there. Like romeo and some big companies brands that may not sell for a ton..there are plenty of others too. Not all crummy of course...what I really meant is they are saving the best stuff for their own branded cigar lines and they deserve a spot at the table for sure!
@PrivadaCigarClub ok i see what you mean, yeah I love their Alma Fuerte, and Reserva Original cigars. Those are the only two I've tried from them so far, but they're a great smoke in my opinion.
Brian just place my order for Hector The Toad and Sons of Ash Newsboy Daily along with the Free shipping stick. I can wait for them to arrive. Do you suggest letting them rest in the humidor for a week or so as I am concerned about splitting with the cold weather climate I live in.
That’s why I love Brian being honest to cigar smokers #privada
Another great video. Love these
Agree
Black Label Trading Co. I love everything they’re putting out.
Southern draw is always a winner for me.
I had no idea about Partagas 😂😂 thanks for that info!!
Is there any chance of you reviving the Los Caidos brand?
Keep rocking Brian! LCA Shop here to say thank you!
Good video, For The People.
I haven’t smoked any AVOs before. Should I try it?
YES
AVO is a great Dominican brand. Their limited editions rival davidoff. The XO is a great CT cigar, and also my wedding smoke
Great content.
21:29 cigar page had the box of padron y fuente for 1400 dollars
Bandolero, from Nelson Alfonso, for the money, is definitely one of my favorites. Byron and Atabey are incrdible from Nelson Alfoso as well, but so pricey. Was surprised LFD wasn't mentioned at all. I'm a big fan of all they do. Agree that Foundation is absolutely one of the very top brands. Loved this video, and how outspoken you are!
Brian can you please give us YOUR top 10 cigars of 2024??
Love this!
I’d like to speak with you to talk about some things that we need help with as a new brick and mortar store we are 7 months old.
Email clark@privadacigarclub.com we would love to help in any way possible
Strangely my online expierience is much better than my expierience in the B & M shops. Perhaps it is timing as all the boutique blends are flourishing today.
Illusione and Foundation never disappoint
Brian some of my faves have been the Privada ones! Always a surprise.
I wholeheartedly agree with the take about EPC. I tried I think the pledge, and more recently La Historia. Both times I was halfway through the stick thinking ‘man, there are no flavors to balance the bitterness and astringency’.
I was able to comment
We need your top 10 / 5!!!
Brian unfiltered is always worth my time. Ok, here are some cigars that I personally like: Regius Blue Label, Sans Pareil Blue Line, La Galera 1936 BXP, Adventura Queen's Pearls, Cavalier Geneve Black Line, Villiger La Flor de Ynclan... there are so many of them! And of course everything that the Eiroa family puts on the market. No love for Fuente or Padron.
I have found most high rated cigars by CA are good. Just had a RP Renaissance Torpedo. Good.
This from someone who had nothing but blue mold sensitive tobacco aged five yrs and highly packed with tobacco cigars of the 70's 80's and 90's.
Aj, blackbird, and warped have been some of my favorites this year
Warped is good. The new stuff with the broadleaf wrapper I'm in love with.
wooohoooo!
Great concept for a video. Good insights. But homeboy in the background was not keeping you on point. Next time I’d like to see you on a screen share talking stick by stick.
Valid
I enjoy Oliva,Padron and Rocky patel a lot. But for the rest I agree with him
Great video no fluff. Loving the honest opinion. I would love to see a Cigar Public Top list. I would agree with Plasencia and AJ. Loving d’cross as well.
Kinda surprised that I didn't see 1 Black Label Trading cigar. Their one of the best brands on the market. It's nice to see so many Romacraft w's! Black Starline should be on this list. PROTOCOL cigars as well. I think it's interesting that Tatuaje didn't score as high.
Great stuff Brian.
Great vid brother. I'm not deep enough to know whos behind all these, here's my top 3: Joya de Nicaragua L’attache (Fire!), Espinosa Laranja Reserva (Everyday), Southern Draw Rose of Sharon (Aj?)
It's 7:39 a Cuban partagas I think
Dímelo Braian aquí el Titin desde PR te dejé mi lista
I never follow lists and I constantly try new cigars. I would give my list according to the cigars I smoke daily and those that have remained in my memory.
1 -Foundation - Olmec Maduro
2 - Warped - Isla Del Cocidrilo
3 - Aganorsa - Golden Locket “Privada LCA”
4 - Privada - Frank Llaneza LCA Oliva
5 - Eiroa - CLE Signature THT-EKE
Great content. Very insightful and 2025 Privada is choosing violence…..
LAMO what are you talking about?!!
The Asylum Sensorium. Also one of the CLE or Eiroa has one as well.
Great job!!🔥🔥👍🏿💪🏿✌🏿
This canines is amazing.
what are your thoughts on Aladino or Patel sp1014s/industry killers. Hype? or punching above there price tag?
SP is garbage
@@PrivadaCigarClub even though some are made by Chico and Eladio?
@@jd-the-red3026 all blenders have a budget blend.
Some of my top brands are Aj fernandez, espinosa, sinistro, Chico, Dunbarton, asylum , Privada of coarse never had a bad blend.
Great video Brian! Keep bringing us great cigars💯
No mentions of " Arturo Fuente" and curious to know why
They literally mentioned the Don Carlos
fuente not hitting like it used to. It’s become a collectors item smh
@@nando8019 Anejo is still my favorite
Yeah I felt this opinion was on point in knowing tobacco from the Plasencia team is one to enjoy. In my opinion one of the best
Also Blakbird, HVC, Tampeno for sure!
I also use Cordoba and Morales. Great guy. Azarias Mustafa
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