What Made The Top 15 Highest Customer Rated Cigars List?
Every day we receive tons of new customer reviews on the thousands of cigars we sell. You can read customer reviews for our top-rated cigars, as well as our most-reviewed cigars, and get the gospel straight from the horse’s mouth: Holt’s customers. Check out what they have to say when you’re wondering what the general public thinks of that box you’ve got on your shopping list. When you’re looking for something new to smoke, soak up some unbiased feedback from fellow cigar connoisseurs below, with a mix of our highest-rated and most-reviewed cigars. Then, place an order and decide for yourself if these cigars are worthy of the 4 and 5-star praise they’ve earned.
#1 - Oliva Master Blends 3
The official crown jewel of the Oliva portfolio, Master Blends 3, is an undisputed first choice of aficionados everywhere and one of the most popular cigars we sell, period. Prestige, price, and quality combine in a cigar that reflects perfection. It’s drawn from a dark-brown Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper and well-aged Nicaraguan long-fillers. Notes of molasses and pepper layer the palate in a big hit from Oliva.
"Spectacular!"
This cigar is spectacular. Not as heavy hitting as Serie V but oh so tasty. Oliva knows how to do a premium cigar right. All sizes are great, have a ridiculously good draw, great smoke output and heavenly on the retrohale. Sometimes I wish they were 2 feet long. Thank you Oliva and thank you Holt's.
03/22/2024 - Mark H. from Snohomish, WA
#2 - Ashton
World-renowned cigar-maker Carlito Fuente has been blending the iconic Ashton portfolio for decades, and it all began with Ashton Classic. This mild Dominican gem consists of the finest premium Dominican long-filler tobaccos tucked under a silky Connecticut Shade wrapper. Savor this mild and creamy smoke in a wide array of sizes and discover why it’s beloved by connoisseurs in over sixty countries.
"Very mild & very enjoyable!"
Probably the most mild, light cigar I have ever smoked. Received one in the Cigar of the Month Club and I was blown away at how light and mild it was, and this is coming from someone that usually smokes Maduro cigars. Will be purchasing more in the future as a very nice palate cleanser from Maduros.
05/08/2024 - Thaddeus G. from West Palm Beach, FL
#3 - Arturo Fuente Hemingway
Arturo Fuente Hemingway sets the benchmark for cigars blended with a Cameroon wrapper leaf. Hemingway debuted in 1983 and continues to impress cigar lovers on a grand scale in an artful collection of handmade Perfectos. Savoring the 94-rated Arturo Fuente Hemingway is mandatory for any serious cigar lover.
"Short Story, Long Flavor!"
I’m constantly impressed by this consistently richly flavored cigar with its notes of chocolate and coffee and a lasting tobacco finish. It has long been perhaps my all-time favorite gem.
03/18/2024 - Terry W. from McKee, KY
#4 - Ashton VSG
Ashton VSG has spent twenty straight years as one of the most sought-after full-bodied Dominican cigars ever created. A masterful, 94-rated profile of leather, espresso bean, and earth delivers a sweet zest that cigar lovers can’t get enough of, and it’s meticulously handmade in several soft box-pressed sizes that burn perfectly.
"One of my favorite cigars"
This is probably the only cigar I enjoy in so many sizes. The Spellbound, the Torpedo, and my favorite size in the VSG line - the Wizard. VSG is a cigar I want to smoke for over an hour and a half. The rich and complex flavors are so enjoyable I don't want the cigar to end. An excellent full-bodied smoke. The VSG is a classic for me.
04/30/2019 - Joe M. from Manalapan, NJ
#5 - La Aroma de Cuba
Award-winning cigar-maker Jose ‘Pepin’ Garcia blends a consistent profile of cedar, molasses, cocoa, and black pepper with sweet intonations in La Aroma de Cuba. Its unsurpassed value resonates with a huge audience of cigar lovers. The first La Aroma de Cuba cigars were rolled in the late 1800s when the brand became a favorite of Winston Churchill. Today, La Aroma de Cuba is one of the leading blends coming from Nicaragua.
"My go-to!"
Walked into a humidor a few years back and a guy grabbed 6 of the El Jefes and I was looking for a good cigar. I asked him about that cigar, and he highly recommended it. So, I grabbed 3 and gave them a shot. I have smoked over 1000 of these in the last few years and can’t find a cigar that comes close for the price. Trying the new El Jefe and really like it too. Maybe have had ten that needed a poke out of 1000 or more. Can’t get more consistent than that. Buy them by the box and never run out. Great price for what you will find out there.
08/14/2023 - Rick R. from Cleveland, OH
#6 - Padron 1964 Anniversary
Serious aficionados unanimously agree Padrón 1964 Anniversary is worth the hype. A premium blend of Nicaraguan tobaccos is aged for several years before the most talented rollers assemble them in a collection of classic box-pressed gems. This critically acclaimed cigar is available in Natural and Maduro wrapper options. Padrón cigars hold the record for the most ‘Cigar of the Year’ titles from the critics in Cigar Aficionado, having won four in the past two decades.
"Best cigar ever!"
In my opinion, Padrón 1964 Anniversary is the best cigar on the market. Spot-on consistency in draw, burn, and flavor. Medium strong. Never a bad smoke in the box and I've been smoking them for years. Would put it up against any cigar out there regardless of price.
11/10/2023 - Chris V. from Whitehouse Station, NJ
#7 - San Cristobal Quintessence
A hearty Nicaraguan profile of black pepper, molasses, and wood emerges in San Cristobal Quintessence. Pepin Garcia blends a top-shelf cigar from premium aged Nicaraguan long-fillers tucked under a glistening Ecuador Habano wrapper leaf. In 2021, San Cristobal Quintessence was rated 95 points and ranked as the ‘#3 Cigar of the Year’ in Cigar Aficionado.
"Exceptional!"
Exceptional smoke! I have a full drawer of Cuban cigars and if I removed the label and mixed it in with my Cuban cigars you would not be able to tell this cigar from the others.
04/18/2024 - Brian S. from Hoover, AL
#8 - Flor de las Antillas
The first ‘Cigar of the Year’ title awarded to the Garcia family, makers of My Father cigars, goes to the 96-rated Flor de las Antillas. The all-Nicaraguan recipe is finished in a lovely Sun Grown wrapper handmade in a collection of popular, soft box-pressed formats. This balanced and versatile smoke became an instant classic when it debuted in 2012.
"Flor de las Antillas Belicoso"
This is one of my all-time favorites, something I will always go back to with its cool burn, notes of brown sugar, and molasses with a wonderful cinnamon finish. Pepin and Jaime Garcia well deserved Cigar Aficionado’s #1 spot in 2012 for this mouthwatering masterpiece.
06/09/2024 - Scott G. from Blacksburg, VA
#9 - Oliva Serie V Melanio
Oliva officially joined the pantheon of top-rated premium cigars when Oliva Serie V Melanio scored 96 points and a ‘#1 Cigar of the Year’ title from Cigar Aficionado in 2014. It’s blended from an Ecuador Sumatra wrapper and premium Nicaraguan long-fillers in several box-pressed sizes. Customers raid our warehouse in droves to save big on this masterpiece when it’s in our weekly deal rotation.
"Legit 5-Star Cigar!"
Been smoking cigars for 30-plus years & I'd say at least 20 of those years I would consider myself as someone with an appreciation of a quality smoke. Admittedly, I have to say I'd slept on the Oliva brand. I was gifted an 8-pack sampler a few weeks ago and was very impressed with the quality and smoothness of the samples. Read about the Melanio, grabbed a 10-pack of the Maduro Figurados and WOW!! Between draws, I kept saying to myself, I can't believe this is an actual medium-full cigar. Went with a v-cut and each draw was flawless and there were ZERO burn issues. I've placed a few more orders for a couple boxes. Holt's has fantastic sale prices, and the shipping is fairly quick.
09/22/2023 - Marcus S. from Kansas City, MO
#10 – Nub Connecticut
Nub cigars are blended and produced in Estelí, Nicaragua, at the renowned Oliva factory, and they come in several wrapper varieties rolled in hugely popular, short and thick sizes, like the 460. Nub Connecticut is among the bestsellers thanks to its approachable profile of almond, cashew, and white pepper. An Ecuador Connecticut wrapper is blended over vintage Nicaraguan long-filler tobaccos.
"Always come home to Nub CT!"
I like a wide variety of smokes in my humidors. When it comes to Connecticut sticks, I may stray, but always find myself coming back to Nub. It’s everything I want from a Connecticut. Medium in body, with a toasty, nutty flavor, and the usual dependable Oliva construction. Don’t let the size fool you, sometimes great things come in small packages, and this baby is 45 minutes of pure bliss.
05/27/2022 - Chris G. from Austin, TX
#11 - Rocky Patel Mulligans 19th Hole
Rocky Patel Mulligans cigars have become the most popular bundle franchise in the country over the past decade, and they’re exclusive to Holt’s. Rocky experiments with dozens of blends before finalizing a new cigar, and all of the excess side projects he creates are packaged and shipped out in the Rocky Patel Mulligans portfolio. Based on fan feedback, Rocky Patel Mulligans 19th Hole consistently scores the most praise with its mellow and rich flavor and aroma. You don’t have to stop there, though. This golf-themed franchise is a golden goose for Rocky Patel with twenty unique blends and counting.
"Pleasantly surprised!"
Recently bought a bundle of the 19th Hole, and for the amazing price of just over $2 per stick, I was pleasantly surprised! I gave one to each of my cigar brothers at a cigar party this past Friday night, and everyone, without exception, enjoyed this smoke tremendously! A touch of sweetness, even burn, and a nice taste beginning to end!
07/11/2023 - Anthony C. from Akron, PA
#12 – Perdomo 10th Anniversary Champagne
Perdomo 10th Anniversary Champagne is a pillar in the bestselling Perdomo portfolio. Brand founder Nick Perdomo created a creamy and nutty profile that appeals to virtually everyone. A golden-blond Ecuador Connecticut wrapper leaf embraces vintage Nicaraguan long-filler tobaccos that are grown on Perdomo family estates and assembled in a series of popular and thicker sizes.
“Must try this one!"
Perdomo has an outstanding reputation among cigar enthusiasts, so, I was expecting this to be a good smoke, but NOT THIS GOOD! The “10th Anniversary Champagne” exceeded my expectations! Coffee and light peppery flavor, very easy draw, strong but not overpowering aroma, all scored high marks. The eye-catching decorative band perfectly complimented the construction of this finely crafted cigar. And the very nice even burn was a satisfying bookend to the evening, courtesy of the folks at Perdomo. WELL DONE! My next purchase from HOLT’S will be a box of these! To everyone at Perdomo, SALUD!
05/26/2024 - Victor H. from Red Lion, PA
#13 - Montecristo
Few Cuban-legacy brands attract new cigar lovers on the same level as the world-famous Montecristo. The cigar’s mild and creamy profile of coffee bean and nuts is finished in an authentic Connecticut Shade wrapper leaf over premium Dominican long-fillers, perfect for seasoned smokers craving a milder blend as well as newbies who are just getting into cigars.
"The Original"
Got this as part of my Holt’s Cigar of the Month Club and really dug it. So, I fell into the cigar trap and purchased a box. Mild + with flavors of hay, coffee bean and cream. So far, construction has been on point. However, I do find it interesting the vitola of Robusto Larga is only found via Holt’s. It’s not even on the Montecristo website. Either way, when it’s on sale, I recommend trying it if you like a mild, no-fuss cigar.
03/26/2024 - Matthew W. from Ann Arbor, MI
#14 – Cain Daytona
Cain crosses new boundaries for bargain-priced cigars. The brand is handcrafted at the award-winning Oliva factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. Cain cigars mostly appeal to fans of potent and peppery smokes. Cain Daytona is beefy but less intense because it’s drafted from a Cuban-seed wrapper leaf and a sublime recipe of premium tobaccos grown in Nicaragua’s Jalapa region. Jalapa tobaccos impart a nutty flavor with a touch of sweetness in five popular sizes in the Cain Daytona line.
"A great anytime cigar"
I enjoy the Cain Daytona in the morning with coffee, in the afternoon with a cold beer, and in the evening with a chilled bottle of wine. It seems to fit every occasion . Don't get me wrong here I don't drink adult beverages every day, but when I do, I have a great cigar like Cain Daytona to enjoy.
09/20/2020 - Rick D. from Philadelphia, PA
#15 - Bella Cuba
When it comes to inexpensive bundles, Bella Cuba rules the roost. Allow Bella Cuba to exceed your expectations for flavor and aroma from a consistent utility cigar you can easily pass out to your pals or puff on while you’re pushing the lawnmower around. Bella Cuba is a basic and affordable smoke that’s produced for the masses from a premium Cuban-sandwich recipe of Dominican tobaccos finished in a gingerbread-brown Sumatra wrapper.
"Perfect Blend!"
Bella Cuba is the perfect blend of a quality low-priced cigar with great taste and aroma. Bella Cuba smokes as pleasantly as cigars, many times its price. Bella Cuba is the best inexpensive cigar on the market.
05/14/2023 - Gerry N. from West Glacier, MT
