#ELOsoFumarTakes

 #ELOsoFumarTakes #352ndTake 

We’re back with another special episode, and this one is a must-watch for cigar enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.

Joining me is Joshua Habursky, Executive Director of the Premium Cigar Association 
 https://premiumcigars.org

We dive into the current state of the premium cigar industry, advocacy efforts, legislative challenges, and why protecting premium cigars matters now more than ever.


#ELOsoFumarTakes #352ndTake #PremiumCigars #CigarRights #CigarIndustry #CigarCommunity 

WELCOME BACK! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The night is here! The time is right! It's time for the #ELOsoFumarTakes Top 10 Cigars of 2025!

Once again, the legendary George Brightman joins us for the Top 10 Countdown for the ages! I’ve sent George my top ten cigars for him to sample and taste test blind. He gives an honest breakdown alongside my own assessments. Enjoy!

Criteria:

It's vitola based.

I had to have smoked the cigar for the first time in the last year and a half.*

It must not suck.

No limited edition cigars (i.e. TAA, shop exclusive) are eligible.

A previous number 1 cigar winner (blend-specific, i.e. 2017 Winner Espinosa Habano) cannot be on this year's Top 10 or repeat as winner.*

A company cannot have more than 1 cigar on the Top 10, however, may be considered for honorable mention.*

THE BIG ONE: frequency of smoke. Basically, I had to have the means AND opportunity AND did, in fact, smoke the cigar frequently.

Just to review, here is last year's list:

Top 10 Cigars of 2024:

Tatuaje Havana VI Verocu Blue No. 1 Toro Grande

BLK WKS Killer Bee Robusto

Room101 Johnny Tobacconaut Robusto (2023 Edition)

Joya de Nicaragua Cinco de Cinco Robusto Gordo

Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Umbagog Bronzeback

Plascencia Cosecha 149 Azacualpa

Powstanie Connecticut Belicoso

La Aroma de Cuba Connecticut Corona

Micallef Blue Robusto

Ferio Tego Summa Torpedo

Top 10 Cigars of 2025 (this year):

1) Kristoff Veinte Twentieth Anniversary Toro (Timestamp: 02:49:37)

The Veinte Cigar follows the recipe template of incorporating tobacco from many regions. Blend-wise, the Veinte Anniversary consists of a Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper over an Indonesian binder and a combination of Nicaraguan and Pennsylvania fillers.

Wrapper: Brazilian Arapiraca

2) Powstanie Connecticut Justice (Timestamp: 02:35:57)

The Powstanie Connecticut features an Ecuadorian Connecticut shade wrapper over a Pennsylvania Broadleaf binder and aged Nicaraguan fillers. Production for Powstanie Connecticut comes from the Fábrica de Tabacos Nica Sueño S.A. factory in Estelí, Nicaragua.

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut

3) Perdomo 30th Anniversary Connecticut Epicure (Timestamp: 02:27:51)

Produced at Tabacalera Perdomo in Estelí, Nicaragua, the Perdomo 30th Anniversary Connecticut features 100% Nicaraguan tobaccos grown on the Perdomo family farms in Condega, Estelí, and Jalapa. The cigar is highlighted by a 15-year-old Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper aged in bourbon barrels.

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut

4) United Gold Star Robusto (Timestamp: 01:54:14)

The Gold Star features a Habano 2000 Intermedio wrapper from the Quevedo region of Ecuador. The blend also features a Sumatra binder and is composed of Connecticut Broadleaf and Dominican filler. The blend is slightly tweaked from the original limited edition.

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano 2000 Intermedio (Quevedo)

5) Gran Habano Corojo No. 7 Toro (Timestamp: 01:49:49)

The Gran Habano No. 7 is a Nicaraguan puro – namely, it uses 100% of the tobaccos grown in Nicaragua. In addition to the special hybrid wrapper used, the remainder of the blend uses Corojo tobaccos grown in Nicaragua.

Wrapper: Hybrid (Nicaraguan)

6) Trinidad Espiritu No. 3 Toro by Altadis USA (Timestamp: 01:40:05)

Keeping to the release’s theme, the Espiritu Series No. 3 features a Mexican wrapper from the San Andrés region. The Trinidad Espiritu No. 3 uses all Nicaraguan tobaccos for the remainder of the blend. Production comes from AJ Fernandez’s factory in Estelí, Nicaragua.

Wrapper: San Andrés (Mexico)

7) BLK WKS Studio Rorschach Sumatra (Timestamp: 01:31:42)

This short robusto (4.5 x 48) delivers a robust, flavor-rich smoking experience. Featuring a Sumatra wrapper with Nicaraguan binder and filler, it opens with bold charred wood notes, followed by black pepper, and finishes with an underlying sweetness. A medium-plus cigar that consistently delivers.

Wrapper: Sumatran

8) Aladino Fuma Noche Super Toro by JRE Tobacco Co. (Timestamp: 01:09:00)

JRE Tobacco keeps the blend close to the vest, but the cigar features a Maduro wrapper with Honduran binder and filler. Production comes from the Fabrica de Puros Aladino at Las Lomas Jamastran in Honduras.

Wrapper: Maduro

9) Cohiba Riviera Perfecto (Timestamp: 00:56:39)

The Cohiba Riviera features a San Andrés Tuxtla wrapper over a Honduran Connecticut binder, with filler tobaccos from Honduras and Nicaragua. Production takes place at the STG Estelí factory in Nicaragua.

Wrapper: San Andrés Tuxtla

10) Bentley White Edition Robusto (Timestamp: 00:41:24)

Vitola: Robusto

This week on #ELOsoFumarTakes for the #349thTake — we’re thrilled to welcome the return of our favorite Niitany Lion — Michael Cappellini as our special guest! ️Michael isn’t just a former political candidate — he’s also the official U.S. Brand Ambassador for Toscano Cigars . This episode dives deep into his unique journey: from running for public office in Lackawanna County to representing a legendary Italian cigar brand across the United States. Balancing all that and his growing family. Michael's one of the best.Join us for an unforgettable conversation about politics, heritage, cigar culture, and lifestyle — it’s one you won’t want to miss. Enjoy!

This episode, #ELOsoFumarTakes welcomes Steve Saka to sit down for our #346thTake. It’s our annual visit with the man, myth, and legend. The Cigar Curmudgeon will no doubt have some self-deprecation to administer. But, fear not, for this Star is no match for the wits of El Oso, as I plan to get him to enjoy himself despite his fierce denials. This Liga Legend may even crack a smile. You never know. Enjoy!