Best Cinco de Mayo Cigars
Sometimes mistaken for Mexico’s Independence Day (September 16), Cinco de Mayo is much more than a day to imbibe in tequila and cold cerveza. Cinco de Mayo marks Mexico’s military victory over France during the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Despite being outnumbered by more than two to one, the Mexican Army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, defeated the French forces in a pivotal battle that halted a strengthening of French influence on the North American continent.
We’re paying homage to this festive day with a list of the best cigars you can smoke on Cinco de Mayo. And what better way to do so than by recommending the best cigars blended with a San Andrés wrapper leaf? Located in the Mexican state of Veracruz, the San Andrés region is renowned for growing wrapper varietals prized by today’s most revered cigar-makers. The region’s rich volcanic soils yield tobacco crops of impeccable quality and complexity. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the taste of premium Mexican tobacco.
#1 - La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor
A 95-rated, former ‘#2 Cigar of the Year’ maintains amazing consistency nearly a full decade since its debut. An oily San Andrés wrapper leaf conceals premium vintage binder and filler tobaccos grown in Nicaragua and blended by legendary cigar-maker Jose ‘Pepin’ Garcia. Notes of cracked black pepper, almonds, cocoa, and roasted espresso beans converge in a zesty and creamy finish with loads of complexity. La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor is recognized for its rich versatile taste.
#2 - San Cristobal Ovation
A jet-black San Andrés Oscuro wrapper leafs shimmers with an alluring luster. Underneath, a well-aged amalgam of select Nicaraguan long-fillers is blended by Pepin Garcia in a full-bodied limited edition handmade in a trio of classic shapes. Notes of hickory, earth, pepper, and molasses display marvelous depth and density in an exceptional after-dinner cigar.
#3 - My Father La Opulencia
Talented father-and-son cigar-makers Pepin and Jaime Garcia deliver another 95-rated ‘#2 Cigar of the Year’ with My Father La Opulencia. A hearty core of Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos is cocooned inside a toothy San Andrés wrapper to create a full-bodied, full-flavored profile. Note of earth, leather, and wood mingle with signature Nicaraguan spices from beginning to end. A resonant finish layers the palate and delivers enticing aroma.
#4 - Oliva Serie V Maduro
A glistening San Andrés Maduro wrapper reveals bountiful amounts of sweetness and zest with an ample interior of rich Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos. A full-bodied profile of dark chocolate, chestnuts, cedar, leather, and a touch of maple is balanced by vigorous notes of cayenne and black pepper. Until recently, the blend was made in annual limited edition quantities, but now you can stockpile another gem from Oliva on a regular basis.
#5 - Rocky Patel Mulligans Eagle Reserve
If you’re in the market for a bargain-based blend to share with your pals on Cinco de Mayo, mix up a vat of margaritas and unwrap a bundle of Rocky Patel Mulligans Eagle Reserve. An aged San Andrés wrapper embraces a well-matched interior of premium Dominican and Nicaraguan long-fillers. Notes of toasted walnuts, dark chocolate, hickory, and earth reveal a touch of zest around the edges. Five classic shapes are handmade to a superb standard at an unimaginably low price for one of Rocky’s biggest-selling blends.
