Stogie Commentary: High Fives of 2009

A couple of years ago, I took a look at the cigars rated five stogies out of five. Now, well into 2010, it’s appropriate to  examine the best of the best from 2009 and consider the interesting mix of sticks rated at the top of the Stogie Guys’ scale.

One thing to bear in mind is that we try to review a wide range of cigars and provide variety. And when you consider our ratings system, I think you’ll see that we try to judge cigars on their own rather than making it a competition.

The list has a real mix, ranging from one of the most widely praised to a brand that’s likely unknown to many readers. If there’s one common characteristic that jumps out, though, it’s that these superb cigars were produced in small amounts, certainly when compared to top-selling sticks.

There’s only one Cuban, a Montecristo Sublime Edición Limitada 2008, which Patrick S called “one of the finest cigars I’ve ever smoked.” He also awarded top rank to the Arturo Fuente Opus X Perfecxion No.2 and said it “lives up the hype.” His other top pick was Don Pepin and Pete Johnson’s Cabaiguan Robusto Extra.

Patrick A praised the “great complexity and construction” of the Berger & Argenti Entubar Torpedo. He also had the rare privilege of enjoying an 18-year-old Paul Garmirian Gourmet Belicoso Fino ‘91 and found it to be a masterpiece. He introduced us to the Tesa line, citing the Vintage Especial Rothchild as “an absolute treasure…if you’re a smoker who can appreciate milder creations.”

Patrick M awarded the Litto Gomez Diez Small Batch No. 2 top honors. That cigar that later was selected as the StogieGuys.com top reviewed cigar of 2009. (That list was sent out exclusively to email subscribers.)

As for me, well, it seems I didn’t find a cigar worthy of five stogies last year. I confess I’m a little surprised. But it provides an easy New Year’s resolution: Look a little wider and smoke a little more.

–George E

photo credit: Stogie Guys