Stogie Press Top Cigars of 2025

It’s that time of the year when folks like me publish our lists of what we feel were the best cigars of the year that we smoked. Publications from Cigar Aficionado, Cigar Journal, and Cigar Snob, along with media sites, cigar groups, and everyday cigar consumers, all share their thoughts. Stogie Press has been doing this for well over a decade. Over the years, we’ve adjusted our format, originally focusing on boutique brands and eventually paying tribute to large, medium, and small companies.

Continuing with last year’s approach, we published a single list of the Stogie Press Top 30 Cigars for 2025, while still maintaining awards for large, medium, and small company categories.

Overall Stogie Press #1 Cigar of 2025

DBL 12th Anniversary Habano Toro – Rated Outstanding 99

From the list of 30 cigars, the overall Stogie Press #1 cigar for 2025 goes to the medium-sized company, Dominican Big Leaguer (DBL) Cigars, with their 12th Anniversary Habano Box Pressed Toro.

With an outstanding 99 rating, this cigar is highly recommended for all enthusiasts. DBL has excelled in both smoking pleasure and price. Over its 12-year journey, the company has consistently produced cigars that made our list year after year, but this marks the first time they have earned the Overall Cigar of the Year title. The company is fully vertically integrated, including its own box factory, helping keep costs down.

DBL 12th Anniversary Habano Toro Review

Time is your friend in the cigar business, and the DBL Cigars 12th Anniversary Habano proves just that. The pre-light experience introduces evolving flavor notes that intrigue the palate. Once lit, the cigar opens with a bold burst of pepper, immediately engaging the senses. As the spice settles, notes of fruity jam and vanilla emerge, softening the intensity.

The smoke is thick and full, coating the palate with a rich texture. Retrohale delivers a spicy, sinus-clearing freshness. After the first inch, deeper flavors of cocoa and sweet cream develop, adding complexity.

In the second third, flavors shift toward leather and spice, bringing an earthy depth. A sweet, woody aroma enhances the experience, while fruit notes become richer and more rounded.

In the final third, fruit and spice dominate, with a lingering sweet woody aroma. Strength peaks at medium-full, leaving a balanced and refined impression.

This is one of the most worthy cigars for a box purchase. At just $13.50 per cigar, it deserves a place in every enthusiast’s rotation.

#1 Large Company Cigar of 2025

Cohiba Spectra 2025

This is an expensive and limited-edition cigar, but price is not considered when ranking top cigars. The performance and flavor profile were exceptional.

The Cohiba Spectra 2025 delivers a refined and evolving experience, transitioning from earthy and cedar notes to plum sweetness, spice, chocolate, citrus, and a creamy finish. Construction is excellent, with an even burn, solid ash, and a beautifully oily wrapper.

Retrohale is smooth and flavorful, while the aroma shifts through butter cracker, sweet nut, and toasted oak notes. This cigar is ideal for those who appreciate subtle transitions and complexity over strength. While the price may not suit everyone, it remains a finely crafted and luxurious experience.

#1 Small Company Cigar of 2025

The Schöelen Originell

Schöelen Cigars is a brand gaining recognition, led by founder Samuel Schöelen. The brand is built on a passion for handcrafted cigars that deliver exceptional quality and unique smoking experiences.

The Schöelen Originell opens with a bold burst of pepper, surprising for a Connecticut-wrapped cigar. The spice softens, revealing savory notes. A sweet, nutty aroma emerges as smoke production increases.

Burn performance is excellent, with a clean line and solid ash. In the second third, flavors of dark chocolate and raisin develop. The retrohale enhances fruit notes and adds brightness.

As the cigar progresses, vanilla cream and caramel add richness. In the final third, chocolate evolves into a lighter profile, paired with spice and raisin notes. The cigar maintains balance and complexity throughout, offering a dynamic yet controlled experience.

Stogie Press Top 30 Cigars of 2025

Rank	Cigar	Rating	Price
1	DBL 12th Anniversary Habano Toro	99	$13.50
2	The Schöelen Originell	97	$22.00
3	Room 101 15th Anniversary	97	$14.99
4	Hiram & Solomon The Patriot Toro	97	$16.00
5	Left Hand Cigar Blurred Lines	97	$18.00
6	New England Cigar Militia Spy Glass Habano OG Robusto	96	$10.50
7	Black Star Line Meadowood MLK Robusto	96	$11.99
8	Sobremesa Solita “Red”	96	$18.66
9	Tabacalera Caballeros J16 Box Pressed Toro	96	$12.00
10	Cohiba Spectra 2025	96	$149.99
11	Viva La Vida Connecticut Robusto	96	$14.50
12	Bella Dama Cigars King Toro	96	$15.00
13	Luciano Cigars The Machinist Toro	96	$11.50
14	Black Label Trading Co. Super Deluxe Petite Corona	96	$11.00
15	My Father Cigars Blue 2025 Toro	95	$14.25
16	LFD Suave Grand Maduro No. 6	95	$12.80
17	MBombay MQBA Mayura Robusto	95	$31.00
18	J.C. Newman Diamond Crown Julius Caeser Troublemaker	95	$17.00
19	Rebellion Cigars Screaming Skull	95	$13.80
20	Fathom & Fury Cigars – No Quarter Given Toro	95	$13.95
21	Davidoff Maduro Toro	95	$54.00
22	Villiger 1888 Gran Reserva Box Pressed Toro	95	$22.00
23	Tabacalera Caballeros Papolo	95	$16.00
24	The Head of The Table Cigar Box Pressed Toro	95	$11.00
25	Croation Mafia Cigars The Soldier	95	$15.95
26	Black Label Trading Co. Eletto Short Robusto	94	$12.90
27	Cohiba Rubicon Robusto	94	$8.49
28	El Rey Del Mundo Appointment Robusto	94	$8.79
29	Lure Cigars Tally Allie Toro	94	$12.00
30	Sinistro Cigars Mr. Sinistro Robusto	94	$10.50

2025 Top Cigar Stats

• Median price: $14.10
• Most expensive: $149.99
• Least expensive: $8.49
• Top wrapper: Habano (11), followed by Mexican San Andres (7)
• Top country: Nicaragua (12), followed by Dominican Republic (11)
• Company size breakdown: Large (8), Medium (8), Small (14)
• Top factories (tie): A.J. Fernandez, Tabacalera Caballeros, Fabrica Oveja Negra