StogieGuys.com’s Top Cigars of 2019 (Part II)

Here at StogieGuys.com we delight in reviewing good cigars, and it’s especially rewarding when we can introduce readers to worthwhile smokes they haven’t tried.

This year, we smoked quite a few cigars that rated four stogies on our scale. While they may not be quite the show-stoppers that get five stogies, or those that earned four and a half stogies this year, they’re still excellent and enjoyable, and we wanted to list them here. (You’ll find an explanation of the StogieGuys.com rating system here.)

So without further ado, here’s an alphabetical list of the nearly two-dozen smokes we rated a (very) admirable) four stogies in 2019:

Aquataine Pestra Muierilor: “Once lit, you’ll find a full-bodied smoke with leather, toast, dry earth, and a combination of floral and fruit sweetness.”

Arturo Fuente Hemingway Signature: “The Arturo Fuente Hemingway Signature has stood the test of time, and for good reason.”

Arturo Fuente Rosado Sungrown Magnum R 54: “From the wrapper’s pre-light floral aroma to some light pepper in the final third, Rosado Sungrown Magnum is a most enjoyable smoke.”

Black Label Trading Co. Killer Bee Connecticut: “[I]t never falls into the trap of tasting like ‘just another Connecticut.’”

Black Label Trading Co. Morphine 2019 Corona Gorda: “The 2019 Morphine Corona Gorda is unapologetically San Andrés. If you like that rich, earthy flavor—and I do—you’ll not want to miss this.”

Cohiba Connecticut Robusto: “While relatively few of us light up $20 cigars on a regular basis, if you occasionally reach for a high-end smoke I’d suggest you add Cohiba Connecticut to your list of possibilities.”

Crowned Heads La Imperiosa Magicos: “La Imperiosa is well-made, rich, and classically Garcia and Nicaraguan.”

Curivari Gloria de Leon Dominante: “One of the more interesting cigars I’ve smoked recently, and one with flavors that are anything but linear.”

Diamond Crown Black Diamond Radiant: “[A] wonderful cigar worthy of your time, attention, and, yes, hard-earned money.”

Diesel Hair of the Dog: “While the cigar, overall, is in the medium-strength range, it begins with a strong pepper blast reminiscent of some of Don José ‘Pepin’ Garcia’s early smokes.”

Espinosa Alpha Dawg Short Churchill: “The Alpha Dawg is an interesting, satisfying smoke, especially for those who like Nicaraguan tobacco and appreciate subtlety.”

Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Cameroon Merlin: “[S]eems to be among the least heralded offerings in the vast General Cigar catalog. I think that’s a shame because it is, for my taste, among the most enjoyable.”

Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Epicure: “The tasty blend of Dominican, Honduran, and Nicaraguan filler inside a Connecticut Broadleaf binder hit the spot.”

Intemperance Whiskey Rebellion 1794 Hamilton: “Call me a RoMa fanboy if you like, but this is another winner from Skip Martin, and a great sub-$7 smoke.”

La Palina Nicaragua Oscuro Robusto: “The Nicaragua Oscuro has the look of a full-bodied cigar, and the introductory profile lives up to that expectation.”

Oliva Master Blends 3 Torpedo: “Along the way I enjoyed tastes of nuts, leather, and sweetness that moved between syrup and cinnamon.”

Partagas Limited Reserve Decadas 2019: “It’s not overly sweet, and there’s plenty else going on, including black pepper spice, red pepper heat, cereals, and oak.”

Protocol Probable Cause Lancero: “This is this is a good lancero at a fair price ($10).”

Sir Robert Peel Maduro: “It’s a full-bodied smoke from the get-go. Leather, chocolate, espresso, cedar, and cinnamon notes are all apparent.”

Sir Robert Peel Natural: “This is a soft, smooth cigar with a creamy, buttery texture.”

S.T.K. Black Dahlia by George Rico Robusto: “It’s suitable for a morning smoke with a cup of black coffee, an afternoon round of golf, or a post-dinner treat with some sipping rum.”

Villiger La Meridiana Toro: “This cigar would seem to be one of Villiger’s best efforts yet.”

If these beauties aren’t enough to keep you busy, check back on the cigars we rated highly in 2018. Now, on to 2020. And happy smoking!

–George E

photo credit: Stogie Guys