I’m someone who tends to stick to what I know. I’ve never been big on stepping out of my comfort zone, whether that’s with food or anything else.
That said, during my time at C.Gars Ltd, I’ve had the chance to try a wide range of cigars - but there are a select few I always find myself coming back to. Whether it’s their reliability, flavour, strength, or a mix of all three, they’ve earned a regular spot in my rotation.
So, here are my current go-to cigars.
Mitchellero Robusto
- Format: Robusto (5x50)
- Ideal for: Social gatherings, walking the dog, chilling in a pub garden
- What it tastes like: Chocolate, cedar, earth, with a touch of spice
This is one I keep coming back to because it just ticks all the boxes. It’s easy to enjoy, consistently well-made, and doesn’t require much thought - which is exactly what I want most of the time.
It’s Mitchell Orchant’s own brand, so it’s one you see around quite a bit - but there’s a good reason for that. It’s reliable, flavourful, and offers great value, which is why it’s become such a regular in my rotation.
Foundation Cigars Tabernacle David
- Format: Perfecto
- Ideal for: Evening smoke, lounge, events
- What it tastes like: Coffee, chocolate, spice and dark fruits
If there’s one cigar I have raved about over the past couple of years, it’s this one. Something about this cigar just hits different. It’s intense, packed with flavour and complex.
This one isn’t for the faint of heart, it’s a strong cigar that demands respect and time to enjoy. The first one I had was in a friend’s garden on a sunny day next to his pond - which has been my most memorable cigar experience to date.
H. Upmann Majestic
- Format: Crema
- Ideal for: Walking the dog, relaxing in the lounge, events, or a barbecue
- What it tastes like: Light tobacco, nuts, a touch of saltiness, with hints of wood and leather
If I could go back and experience one cigar for the first time again, it would be this. I was gifted one by Jimmy McGhee (formerly of Hunters & Frankau) during a Havana training session at their headquarters, and it completely blew me away.
It’s a lighter Cuban cigar that delivers that classic profile without too much intensity - or too much of a hit to the wallet. An easy choice when you want something traditional and approachable.
Cohiba Siglo I
- Format: Perla
- Ideal for: Beach walks, sitting in the garden, or relaxing in a lounge
- What it tastes like: Earthy, creamy, malted biscuit, with hints of gingerbread and a savoury finish
Initially scarred from my first Cohiba experience (don’t ask - let’s just say my body didn’t like it), it took me a while to pluck up the courage to try another Cohiba cigar. The Siglo I was a fantastic example of why we shouldn’t judge a brand or cigar just from one experience.
In my cigar rating book, this is one of the highest ratings I’ve ever given (9/10) and I even labelled it as a top 3 Cuban cigar contender.
Yes, they’re slightly pricey for the size - but I do think every cigar smoker should try one of these, I promise it’s worth it.
Written by Lewis Hearn
