Creekside’s Take on Cigar Aficionado’s 2024 Top 25

From Creekside Podcast Ep. 002: Reacting to Cigar Aficionado's Top 10 Cigars of 2024, aired Jan 03, 2025. Recorded at Creekside Cigar Co. in Maineville, Ohio.

On this Creekside Podcast, Dave sits down with Noah Tucker and Conner Pilter to react to Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 Cigars of 2024. Their conversation moves from individual rankings to broader questions about consistency, price, personal taste and what makes a cigar worth seeking out. The crew’s different preferences make the episode a reminder that a top-cigar list can start a conversation, but it cannot decide what belongs in your humidor.

How did the crew approach Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25?

The crew works its way up from number 25, sharing whether each cigar is familiar and what they think of its place on the list. They point out that the ranking reflects the tastes of a particular panel, not a universal verdict. They also discuss Cigar Aficionado’s blind-smoking process, while recognizing that their own shared list would likely look quite different.

That difference matters throughout the episode. Some cigars are familiar favorites for one person and unknown to another; some are respected without being personal picks. The conversation treats the ranking as a prompt to compare experiences, not as a checklist everyone needs to agree with.

Why did price and consistency come up so often?

Price becomes a major point of discussion around the Rocky Patel Conviction Toro, which the crew says has a $100 suggested retail price. They question whether that price is justified, while noting that blind tasting means the panel may not have known the cost. For the crew, the bigger question is how a cigar performs for its price, not simply where it lands on a numbered list.

They also give credit to brands known for producing cigars at scale. Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro and Padron 1926 No. 6 lead into a discussion of how difficult it can be to deliver a consistent cigar over and over. The crew acknowledges that boutique releases have their appeal, but says established producers can make excellent cigars, too. In their view, reliable quality across many productions deserves recognition.

Which cigars sparked the strongest disagreements?

The number-one selection, My Father The Judge Grand Robusto, draws a nuanced reaction. The crew recognizes My Father as an important, consistent producer and acknowledges that the company makes cigars they enjoy. At the same time, one speaker says the brand’s familiar earthy, mineral and spicy character is not his profile, and questions whether this particular cigar would be his own number one. The large 5-by-60 size also prompts comment.

The EP Carrillo Encore Celestial creates another clear difference of opinion. One speaker says it did not deliver discernible flavors for him, while another describes it as one of the more boring cigars he has tried from the brand. They still recognize its construction and note that the cigar burned evenly. It is a useful example of the distinction they make between a well-made cigar and one that personally connects with a smoker.

Not every reaction is a disagreement. The crew is enthusiastic about the Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro, calling it dependable, and speaks highly of Padron’s consistency. One speaker also praises the OneOff Black & Tan Robusto, describing a dark, fruity and chocolatey character. Those reactions show how the episode balances criticism with genuine appreciation.

What cigars and brands did the crew call overlooked?

At the end, the conversation shifts from the national ranking to cigars the crew thinks deserve more attention. Principle Cigars is one speaker’s pick, especially the NightLight. He highlights its changing flavor and the way its tapered shape affects the draw as the cigar progresses.

Sereno is another favorite. The crew singles out the Wayfair, especially the 109 size, and recalls a naturally sweet impression with toasted-coconut character. They also mention that smaller producers may be less visible because they cannot supply as many shops. Their point is not that every overlooked cigar will suit every smoker; it is that a shop conversation can introduce people to brands beyond the most familiar names.

Key takeaways

• A top-cigar ranking reflects the preferences and process of its panel, not every smoker’s palate.
• Price, personal enjoyment and consistency all shape how the crew evaluates a cigar.
• A cigar can be well constructed and still fail to connect with an individual smoker.
• The crew’s overlooked picks include Principle Cigars and Sereno, with NightLight and Wayfair singled out.

Cigars from this episode

• Illusione OneOff+53: Conner calls it possibly his best cigar of the year and praises its Aganorsa tobacco.
• Warped Sarto: Noah says he is trying it for the first time and likes its Broadleaf character.
• OneOff Black & Tan Robusto: Conner calls it a favorite, describing dark, fruity, chocolatey notes and a medium body.
• LFD Double Ligero Chisel Maduro: The crew discusses its bold, peppery profile and unusual shape.
• Cohiba Riviera Robusto: The speakers share mixed reactions and discuss whether Cohiba’s price matches their experience.
• Drew Estate Herrera Estelí Norteño: One speaker calls the line a standout from Drew Estate and praises its Lonsdale format.
• Plasencia Cosecha 151 Robusto: One speaker says it is good, but prefers other cigars in the Cosecha series.
• Brick House Churchill: The crew discusses its value and consistent quality; one speaker recalls buying Brick House Maduro.
• Rocky Patel Conviction Toro: The crew questions its $100 suggested retail price and discusses the blind-tasting context.
• Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro Torpedo: The crew calls it a dependable cigar and discusses the consistency of large producers.
• Padron 1926 No. 6: The crew praises its quality and consistency.
• EP Carrillo Encore Celestial: The speakers differ on its flavor, while noting its construction and even burn.
• Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Robusto: One speaker says he would try it, preferably in a different size.
• My Father The Judge Grand Robusto: The crew discusses its number-one ranking, My Father’s signature profile and the cigar’s large size.
• Principle Cigars NightLight: Named as an overlooked pick for its complexity and changing draw and flavor.
• Sereno Wayfair: The crew praises its naturally sweet character, especially in the 109 size.

Shop, smoke and listen with Creekside

• Shop the cigars from this episode
• Join the Creekside Cigar Club for boutique cigars picked by our crew every month
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