Will a Habano be Cigar of the Year?

[Guest Nekhyludov]

It seems like Cigar Aficionado is overdue for naming a Cuban cigar CoY. I think the SigVI has a shot. It fits the bill - iconic cigar, never won before, highly rated this year.

They've already burned through the usuals (Padron, Fuente, MF, Alec Bradley). So there's an opening.

And of course this is super important because we all put a lot of stock in CA ratings 

[nKostyan]

I never give serious importance to the ratings of CA. The best cigars in the world do not need advertising, the best advertising-customer reviews

[El Presidente]

30 minutes ago, Nekhyludov said:

. I think the SigVI has a shot. It fits the bill - iconic cigar, never won before, highly rated this year.

 

Surely there hasn't been enough of them made in 17/18?  it would be akin to the SLR DC being COY. Great choice but can't be found. 

Then again I have no idea what criteria they are using 

[mbflash80]

16 minutes ago, El Presidente said:

Surely there hasn't been enough of them made in 17/18?  it would be akin to the SLR DC being COY. Great choice but can't be found. 

Then again I have no idea what criteria they are using 

They have been available numerous times throughout the year at a number of online vendors.  They get snatched up quickly.  Two of the highest volume web shops have them in stock as we speak.

[El Presidente]

I have seen them come through here as well during 2018 and up on 24:24 once 

Volumes however were down 99% on previous years.  I doubt some of my online mates have had them in stock (at regular pricing) for more than 2 weeks this year.  A little like Behike. 

[Edward7]

I was discussing with friends tonight, the lack of representation of CC’s on the top 10-2 cigars. I’m unsure where CA’s subscriber base is, but as a US based magazine with probably a majority American base, it may suit them to promote non Cuban brands that support the magazine by advertising. Just a thought. I don’t know what’s actually going on. 

[Lotusguy]

Gurkha hasn’t been up there yet

[Stump89]

I was also thinking there's a chance given that all the companies they run advertising for have already been on the list. The Sir Winston was up there. P2 maybe? Cubans have generally performed well in their reviews this year. Still not out of the question that it'll be some sort of 6x60 monster or weird offshoot brand.

[JIK]

I hope it’s not a habanos I smoke often. 

[BrightonCorgi]

How about the new QdO releases.  That would make sense to nominate.

[Whisky91]

9 hours ago, nKostyan said:

I never give serious importance to the ratings of CA. The best cigars in the world do not need advertising, the best advertising-customer reviews

From a personal preference standpoint, I couldn’t agree more.

[Guest Nekhyludov]

Nope. E.P. Carrillo. 

[Puros Y Vino]

It's going to be a Rocky Patel.  They have yet to make an appearance. 

[Guest Nekhyludov]

3 minutes ago, bundwallah said:

It's going to be a Rocky Patel.  They have yet to make an appearance. 

It's an E.P. Carillo. I had heard several knowledgeable people suggest that it would be RP though. Thankfully that didn't bear out.

[Puros Y Vino]

2 minutes ago, Nekhyludov said:

It's an E.P. Carillo. I had heard several knowledgeable people suggest that it would be RP though. Thankfully that didn't bear out.

 

Wow.  I bet that first third is an epic smoke!!    But seriously. Congrats to Mr Carillo. 

 

[BrightonCorgi]

47 minutes ago, Nekhyludov said:

It's an E.P. Carillo. I had heard several knowledgeable people suggest that it would be RP though. Thankfully that didn't bear out.

How are they?  Sounds strong if it's all Nicaraguan.  Good flavors from Nicaraguan tobacco, but they're usually too high in nicotine for me.

[Guest Nekhyludov]

30 minutes ago, BrightonCorgi said:

How are they?  Sounds strong if it's all Nicaraguan.  Good flavors from Nicaraguan tobacco, but they're usually too high in nicotine for me.

I've never had one. And now they're (predictably) marked up at every online retailer. They were readily available for $82 this morning, but now they're "Out of Stock" at $149.

So I won't be chasing any. 

[JohnS]

I'm off to Corona Cigar Lounge tonight in Orlando (Dr. Phillips). I'm interested to see what they cost!

[SCgarman]

24 minutes ago, FatherOfPugs said:

The last time a CC won CA COY was 2013, Monte No. 2. I just don't agree with their rating system basing if off of about 1" of a cigar, there is so much more. Seems like a waste; yes, they have to smoke a lot of cigars to rate, them, but only 1", just a waste........

Yup. Smoking only one inch of a cigar is akin to going out on a 20 minute date with a woman and deciding to marry her! LOL

[MooseAMuffin]

I've honestly never had an E.P. that I liked. Every single one of them has tasted very harsh. Not saying this one wont be good, but i'm not sure I will even give it a shot based on this award due to my history with them.

[cfc1016]

1 hour ago, FatherOfPugs said:

The last time a CC won CA COY was 2013, Monte No. 2. I just don't agree with their rating system basing if off of about 1" of a cigar, there is so much more. Seems like a waste; yes, they have to smoke a lot of cigars to rate, them, but only 1", just a waste........

Have their ratings of CCs ever been reasonable? I used to be a regular on the forums, and would occasionally read the magazine, but lost interest in it altogether around 2002. The old forums were always full of much better substance than the magazine ever was 

[Guest Nekhyludov]

15 minutes ago, MooseAMuffin said:

I've honestly never had an E.P. that I liked. Every single one of them has tasted very harsh. Not saying this one wont be good, but i'm not sure I will even give it a shot based on this award due to my history with them.

I've always resented Carrillo for pioneering the short and fat trend in the late-90s, but I have to admit that I did like the Seleccion Oscuro torpedo that was rated in the top 5 a few years ago.

[Gamehawker]

3 hours ago, FatherOfPugs said:

Usually it goes to whomever advertises the most.......money talks!

This.

[Guest Nekhyludov]

3 hours ago, FatherOfPugs said:

Usually it goes to whomever advertises the most.......money talks!

I like crapping on CA as much as the next guy, but if this were the Gospel truth that people take it to be, the Cigar of the Year would be Rolex.

[Monterey]

17 hours ago, Nekhyludov said:

It seems like Cigar Aficionado is overdue for naming a Cuban cigar CoY. I think the SigVI has a shot. It fits the bill - iconic cigar, never won before, highly rated this year.

I wouldn't be surprised if it's the Trinidad Fundadores.

You see statements like this and then people blast the magazine for advertising bias.  People, neither of these cigars were contenders.  NEITHER could win COTY.  Read the rules of how they award the top cigars. 

A cigar reviewed in the past year receiving a 91 score or higher.  ONLY those cigars are eligible to be in the top 25.  So no La Trova, no Esplendido, etc . . .

I don't buy the advertiser bias.  I think people get upset if their favorite cigars don't win and lash out.