10 Best Connecticut Cigars in 2025
Connecticut Shade cigars have a reputation for their delicate texture and creamy, mellow flavors. Their attractive light brown appearance and mellow flavor profile are highly sought after. Originating from Connecticut, the cigar gets its name from the region and its unique cultivation process. Tobacco is grown in the Connecticut River Valley with fields covered for shade.
In this guide, we’ll break down what makes Connecticut Shade wrappers so distinctive, why they remain a favorite in 2025, and share our picks for the 10 best Connecticut Shade cigars available today.
Best 10 Connecticut Cigars:
- Liga Undercrown Shade Gran Toro – Best for Flavor Aficionados
- New World Connecticut Robustos by AJ Fernandez – Best for Early Mornings
- San Lotano Requiem Connecticut Robusto – Best for Reminiscing With Friends
- Tabak Especial Toro Dulce – Best for Weekend Mornings
- Acid Cold Infusion by Drew Estate – Best for Experimental Smokers
- La Aurora 1903 Edition Connecticut Robusto – Best for Friday Night Relaxation
- Liga Undercrown Sun Grown Gran Toro Tubo – Best for Experienced Smokers
- La Aurora Preferidos Sapphire Tubos – Best for Special Occasions
- Acid Krush Classic Blue Connecticut Cigars – Best for Short Smoke Breaks
- Tabak Especial Belicoso Dulce – Best for After-Dinner Smokes
What are Connecticut Cigars?
A Connecticut cigar is a cigar wrapped in Connecticut Shade tobacco leaf. Connecticut wrappers are known for their light brown color and mild, sweet flavor. It is one of the four most popular wrapper types among aficionados worldwide.
The wrappers are known as ‘Connecticut Shade’ because of their unique cultivation process.
How is Connecticut Shade Tobacco Cultivated?
‘Shade’ comes from the process of growing the tobacco underneath cheesecloth-style tents. This filters the sunlight that the plants are exposed to, acting as a synthetic cloud cover. It also creates a humid microclimate.
The microclimate causes the tobacco leaves to grow larger, thinner, and almost veinless. Subsequently, they are ideal for use as cigar wrappers.
Why Connecticut?
The Connecticut River Valley area in the north east of the US is renowned for its fertile, silty soil. This makes it an ideal location for growing tobacco, rivaling equatorial conditions.
Tobacco growth in the valley predates the 17th-century settlement in the area. While tobacco was grown by Native Americans, settlers began importing Virginian tobacco seeds. Virginian tobacco was deemed to be of better quality and flavor.
Cultivation of Connecticut Shade runs along the River Valley and into neighboring Massachusetts. In modern times, this method has made its way south to Cuba, and down into some South American nations.
Our Picks for the Best Connecticut Cigars
Liga Undercrown Shade Gran Toro – Best for Flavor Aficionados
Connecticut cigars are known for their mildness, but this doesn’t mean they lack flavor. The Shade Gran Toro is the perfect example of the complexity that can be achieved. With notes ranging from buttered toast to cedar and nuts, it’s an ideal choice for flavor aficionados. It’s also a cigar to sink into, with its 52 ring gauge and six inches of length.
- Price: $30.00 for 5
- Manufacturer: Liga Undercrown
- Shape: Toro
- Wrapper Leaf: Connecticut Shade. A perfect companion to a versatile flavor profile.
- Construction and Draw: Impeccable construction, with a uniform shape allowing for an even burn. You’ll appreciate the cigar’s smooth, and incredibly flavorful, draw.
- Ring Gauge: 52
- Length: 6 inches
- Flavor: Creamy and sweet, with notes of buttered toast and nuts. A slight touch of spice can be tasted throughout the cigar. The cigar packs more flavor than most of its kind, making it ideal for flavor seekers.
- Strength: Medium-bodied. A perfectly balanced smoke that will satisfy both beginners and experienced smokers.
- Burn Time: Approximately 100-120 minutes, making it ideal for pairing with a nice drink in the evening.
- Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Range of complex flavors | Requires you to have spare time |
| Burns slowly and evenly | |
| Balanced flavor profile |
New World Connecticut Robustos by AJ Fernandez – Best for Early Mornings
The New World Connecticut Robustos by AJ Fernandez present an ideal smoke to ease you into the day. The cigar builds gradually from mild to medium-bodied throughout the 60-minute burn time. Its mellow flavors pair beautifully with a strong black coffee and a slice of buttered toast. This truly cements it as one of the best Connecticut wrapper cigars.
- Price: $23.00 for 4
- Manufacturer: AJ Fernandez
- Shape: Robusto
- Wrapper Leaf: Connecticut Shade
- Construction and Draw: Perfectly constructed and tightly filled from cap to foot. The draw will initially feel firm, but will loosen up and become buttery smooth.
- Ring Gauge: 50
- Length: 5 inches
- Flavor: The New World Connecticut Robusto is bursting with mellow flavor. It contains notes of leather, mixed with cream and hazelnuts. Expect further earthy flavors with the subtlest touch of spice.
- Strength: Mild to medium-bodied. The cigar builds from mild to medium throughout, creating an exciting crescendo.
- Burn Time: Approximately 60 minutes. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy the cigar without it becoming tiresome.
- Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Builds up to an excellent finish | Not ideal for those who prefer predictable cigars |
| Perfect burn time for fitting into a relaxed morning | |
| Full of interesting flavors |
San Lotano Requiem Connecticut Robusto – Best for Reminiscing With Friends
Rich and smooth, the San Lotano Requiem is among the top Connecticut cigars. It’s perfect for long nights under the stars. There are few better cigars to smoke while reminiscing about good times with old friends. Sit back and fall into its velvety embrace as you float into the gentle arms of nostalgia.
- Price: $22.00 for 4
- Manufacturer: San Lotano by AJ Fernandez
- Shape: Robusto
- Wrapper Leaf: Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade, presenting a mild, yet intriguing flavor.
- Construction and Draw: A beautifully constructed cigar with an almost perfect draw. It is smoothness personified.
- Ring Gauge: 52
- Length: 5 inches
- Flavor: Rich double cream with subtle notes of honey and vanilla. A slight nutty edge will pop in and out throughout the duration of the smoke.
- Strength: Mild to medium bodied. Has enough strength to pull you in, but won’t feel overwhelming at any point
- Burn Time: 45-60 minutes. Before you know it, you’ll be reaching the latter stages of the cigar, wishing you were back at the beginning.
- Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Beautifully sweet flavor profile | Will leave you wanting even more time with it |
| A cigar you can effortlessly sink into | |
| Expertly crafted |
Tabak Especial Toro Dulce – Best for Weekend Mornings
Infused with Nicaraguan coffee beans, the Toro Dulce is ideal for slow mornings. The 52 ring gauge, six-inch Toro requires a dedicated time slot in which it can be savored. There is a lot to savor too, with a blend of mellow flavors and richness contained within the wrapper. So, sit back, listen to the birdsong, and enjoy every moment of this excellent cigar.
- Price: $20.00 for 3
- Manufacturer: Tabak Especial
- Shape: Toro
- Wrapper Leaf: Connecticut Shade wrapper, aged for two years for a harmonious flavor blend.
- Construction and Draw: Superb construction, with the tobacco filler tightly packed into the cigar. The draw is effortlessly smooth, making for an immensely satisfying experience.
- Ring Gauge: 52
- Length: 6 inches
- Flavor: A strong coffee infusion, mixed with notes of milk chocolate and cream. The cigar also features a sweetened cap for additional flavor. An overall cappuccino-like flavor throughout the cigar.
- Strength: Medium-bodied. The cigar has a decent level of intensity, while still giving space to the mellower flavors.
- Burn Time: 60-90 minutes. Perfect time for an easy-going weekend morning smoke.
- Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Satisfying flavor combinations | Coffee infusion may be off-putting to some smokers |
| Features a sweetened cap for added taste | Requires you to have enough time on your hands |
| Ideal burn time for a relaxing morning smoke |
Acid Cold Infusion by Drew Estate – Best for Experimental Smokers
Acid by Drew Estate is known for its unique approach to flavor, with Cold Infusion being no different. If you’re looking for something out of your comfort zone, this is the cigar for you. It features a profile which pulls in a range of different flavors, from tea and fruit to pepper. Its slim shape adds another layer of intrigue to an already exciting stick.
- Price: $22.00 for 3
- Manufacturer: Acid
- Shape: Panatela
- Wrapper Leaf: Connecticut Shade, with its mellowness counteracting the distinctive tobacco flavors
- Construction and Draw: A long, yet slim cigar perfectly put together. It certainly won’t fall apart in your hands. A particularly smooth and easy draw makes for a comfortable smoke.
- Ring Gauge: 44
- Length: 6.75 inches
- Flavor: The Cold Infusion cigar pulls together a range of interesting flavors. These include cloves, fruit, and tea. There are also notes of anise, pepper, and earth to be discovered.
- Strength: Mild to medium-bodied. The mildness of the cigar will allow you to fully appreciate the blend of flavors present.
- Burn Time: 25-30 minutes. While relatively long, the cigar is slim, meaning it can be smoked within half an hour.
- Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Unique, interesting flavor profile | The experience may feel too quick for many |
| Can be squeezed into a busy schedule | There are some acquired tastes present in the cigar |
| Excellent construction quality |
La Aurora 1903 Edition Connecticut Robusto – Best for Friday Night Relaxation
La Aurora doesn't miss when it comes to quality. The 1903 Edition Connecticut Robusto is a great Friday night post-work option. Its complexity and full-bodied strength pairs beautifully with a strong drink. This should help you unwind after a long work week.
- Price: $18.00 for 3
- Manufacturer: La Aurora
- Shape: Robusto
- Wrapper Leaf: Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade. This wrapper proves that Connecticut Shade can thrive outside of the River Valley.
- Construction and Draw: A tightly packed, expertly constructed cigar with a distinctive Connecticut Shade wrapper. The draw offers the right amount of resistance, while remaining smooth.
- Ring Gauge: 50
- Length: 5 inches
- Flavor: An intense and complex smoke, filled with leathery, earthy flavors. Dig a little deeper and you’ll notice nuttiness, a splash of cream, and cedar.
- Strength: Full bodied. The 1903 Edition Connecticut Robusto packs a real punch. If you want intensity, or a cigar for pairing with a strong drink, it’s an excellent option.
- Burn Time: 45-60 minutes. This burn time will allow you to slot the cigar into your day without much issue.
- Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Packed with intensity | May be overwhelming for new smokers |
| Premium quality, every time | |
| Pairs perfectly with a strong spirit |
Liga Undercrown Sun Grown Gran Toro Tubo – Best for Experienced Smokers
To create this gem, Liga Undercrown pulled influence from across the Americas. Nicaraguan, Honduran, Ecuadorian, and Connecticut influences can be found within the cigar. The intensity of the cigar is instantly noticeable, packing a strong savory punch. This tailors the cigar to experienced smokers who are unlikely to be overwhelmed by it.
- Price: $40.00 for 5
- Manufacturer: Liga Undercrown
- Shape: Gran Toro
- Wrapper Leaf: Ecuadorian Sumatra sun-grown wrapper. The cigar also features a Habano and Connecticut River Valley stalk-cut binder.
- Construction and Draw: The construction is mostly spot-on, with occasional reports of cracks in the wrapper. A perfect draw, producing impressive smoke output.
- Ring Gauge: 50
- Length: 6 inches
- Flavor: Intensely savory stick, with flavors of wheat, pistachio, and spice. There is also an earthy, leathery side to the cigar.
- Strength: Medium-bodied. The cigar will drift toward a full-bodied intensity throughout the cigar.
- Burn Time: Approximately 90-100 minutes. A slow, but satisfying burn if you have the time.
- Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Full of savory flavor | Slightly above the usual price point |
| Ideal for those seeking intensity | Occasional cracks in the wrapper |
| Interesting presentation |
La Aurora Preferidos Sapphire Tubos – Best for Special Occasions
You’ll instantly notice the quality of the Preferidos Sapphire Tubos by La Aurora. It is a beautifully presented party piece of a cigar, with each stick coming in its own individual blue tube. It’s the sort of cigar that will raise the eyebrows of anyone in its vicinity. This makes it the ideal option for a fancy special occasion.
- Price: $117.00 for 8
- Manufacturer: La Aurora
- Shape: Figurado
- Wrapper Leaf: Oak-aged Connecticut Shade to add extra flavor to the smoke.
- Construction and Draw: Superbly crafted to a top-level standard. Good consistent draw from the first puff to the last.
- Ring Gauge: 54
- Length: 5 inches
- Flavor: Subtle flavors of wood, cashews, and toast. Coffee flavors are unlocked toward the latter end of the cigar. A delightfully creamy finish to wrap things up.
- Strength: Mellow and mild. The Preferidos Sapphire Tubos is subtle and smooth, releasing gentle flavors throughout.
- Burn Time: Around 60 minutes. Long enough to savor, but not long enough to distract you from the party. A perfect cigar for the special occasion.
- Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Beautifully presented | May be a little expensive for some |
| Takes you on a flavor journey | |
| Real premium feel |
Acid Krush Classic Blue Connecticut Cigars – Best for Short Smoke Breaks
When you don’t have much time on your hands but need a cigar fix, cigarillos are a perfect option. The Classic Blue Connecticut cigarillos are affordable, making them a great day-to-day choice. Despite their short size, they contain plenty of flavor. This is absolutely helped by their Connecticut Shade wrapper.
- Price: $13.00 for 10
- Manufacturer: Acid
- Shape: Cigarillo
- Wrapper Leaf: Connecticut Shade. Provides a mild, creamy addition to the cigarillo.
- Construction and Draw: Superbly constructed cigarillos. The draw is naturally tight, due to the size of the stick. However, there is still a smoothness to be savored.
- Ring Gauge: 32
- Length: 4 inches
- Flavor: A fruity, berry-infused taste, with floral undertones. Subtle notes of tea leaf, clove, and earth add character to this cigar. Sweet and mellow on the whole.
- Strength: Medium bodied. An ideal strength for a small cigar, providing you with enough intensity in the time you’ll spend smoking it.
- Burn Time: 20 minutes. This cigarillo is ideal for satisfying a craving when time is not on your side.
- Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable price | May leave you wanting another one |
| Short burn time perfect for quickly satisfying a craving | |
| Complex flavors despite their size |
Tabak Especial Belicoso Dulce – Best for After-Dinner Smokes
The tobacco in the Belicoso Dulce is intertwined with Nicaragua’s coffee-producing regions. So much so, the tobacco within the cigar is infused with noticeable coffee flavor. This gives it a unique richness, complemented by its subtle spice notes and nuttiness. It’s best enjoyed as an after-dinner smoke, preferably paired with an espresso.
- Price: $20.00 for 3
- Manufacturer: Tabak Especial
- Shape: Belicoso
- Wrapper Leaf: Connecticut Shade, covering Nicaraguan tobacco filler
- Construction and Draw: A perfectly uniform presentation with all the hallmarks of an expertly constructed cigar. The consistency between each cigar is impressive. The draw is somewhat on the loose side, but remains smooth throughout.
- Ring Gauge: 54
- Length: 5 inches
- Flavor: Coffee is the most notable flavor produced by the cigar. Subtle notes of cocoa and nuts eventually kick in. There are slight hints of spice mixed in with a creamy undertone.
- Strength: Mild to medium. The Belicoso Dulce hits a real sweet spot. It has the traditional mildness that you’d associate with a Connecticut Shade cigar. However, a gradual medium-bodied intensity builds throughout the smoke.
- Burn Time: 75-90 minutes. The perfect length of time for a relaxing post-dinner smoke.
- Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Beautiful coffee flavors | The draw may feel a little loose for some |
| Excellent uniform construction | |
| The intensity builds throughout, keeping it interesting |
Comparison of the Best Connecticut Cigars
Want to compare the different Connecticut cigars? Check out the table below for all the key criteria summarized.
| Brand | Cigar | Shape | Ring gauge | Length (in) | Burn Time (minutes) | Strength | Price (no. of cigars) |
| Liga Undercrown | Shade Gran Toro | Toro | 52 | 6 | 100-120 | Medium | $30 (5) |
| New World | Connecticut Robustos | Robusto | 50 | 5 | 60 | Mild to Medium | $23 (4) |
| San Lotano | Requiem Connectic ut Robusto | Robusto | 52 | 5 | 45-60 | Mild to Medium | $22 (4) |
| Tabak Especial | Toro Dulce | Toro | 52 | 6 | 60-90 | Medium | $20 (3) |
| Acid | Cold Infusion | Panetela | 44 | 6.75 | 25-30 | Mild to Medium | $22 (3) |
| La Aurora | 1903 Edition Connecticut Robusto | Robusto | 50 | 5 | 45-60 | Full | $18 (3 |
| Liga Undercrown | Sun Grown Gran Toro Tubo | Gran Toro | 50 | 6 | 90-100 | Medium | $40 (5 |
| La Aurora | Preferidos Sapphire Tubos | Figurado | 54 | 5 | 60 | Mild | $117 (8) |
| Acid | Krush Classic Blue Connecticut | Cigarillo | 32 | 4 | 20 | Medium | $13 (10) |
| Tabak Especial | Belicoso Dulce | Belicoso | 54 | 5 | 75-90 | Mild to Medium | $20 (3) |
Selection Criteria
We haven’t just opted for the obvious choices when curating this list. Instead, we’ve put the Connecticut cigars through a rigorous selection process. We have used a range of criteria, including construction quality and price. Our insights are also informed by manual research, trying the products we recommend.
- Construction and tobacco quality: We’ve been sure to only include cigars with a reputation for excellent construction. Poor construction is a hallmark of mass-produced cigars, which offer a subpar experience.
- Key Characteristics: We wanted to ensure that this list has a variety of options, not just similar items with different labels. We’ve selected a range of cigars with unique, appealing characteristics. These include different ring gauges, flavor profiles, and cigar shapes.
- Price: We’re aware that our readers all have different budgets to play with. We’ve catered for this, selecting options at a range of price points. This will ensure that everyone has at least one option to choose from.
- Occasion: Some smokers are in need of a go-to, while some are looking for the perfect special occasion stick. Some may even want to pair their cigar with a specific drink. This played a part in our selection process as we aimed to cover all bases.
- Different Brands: Each different cigar brand will add its own flair to the product. That’s why we’ve included a selection of different cigar brands in the list. Producing a list consisting of only Connecticut cigars has narrowed the options.
How to Pick the Best Connecticut Cigar
The best Connecticut cigar for you will come down to your personal preferences. There are a handful of quirks to look out for in each cigar that can influence your decision, however.
Occasion
Different cigars are suited to different occasions. If you’re looking for something to enjoy in the evening, look out for long burn times and intense flavors. If you want a cigar that you can fit into a busy morning, you may lean toward mellow, shorter sticks.
Experience Level
If you’re new to smoking, full-bodied, complex cigars can be a little overwhelming. Try picking out something mellow, with accessible flavors such as cream and nuts. Those who have been in the game for years may want to dabble in something more unique. If so, there are plenty of Connecticut options with diverse flavor profiles.
Price
There are plenty of great options at reasonable prices. However, premium products usually cost more. It’s always best to part with a little more cash in return for an experience you’ll love.
Origin
There are certain regions that grow Connecticut Shade tobacco better than others. There is, of course, the Connecticut River Valley. Ecuador and Nicaragua are two other areas that do it exceptionally well. So, look out for these places of origin when possible.
Find Your Ideal Connecticut Cigar With Swiss Cuban Cigars
Connecticut cigars are as delectable as they are distinctive. Their pale brown wrappers produce a mellow sophistication. This will suit all tastes and experience levels.
Tempted to venture into the world of Connecticut cigars? At Swiss Cuban Cigars, we stock the best premium sticks from Cuba and beyond. Among our collection is a broad roster of Connecticut cigars. These include options from world-famous brands such as Liga Undercrown and La Aurora.
Browse our collection today to find your ideal Connecticut Cigar.
Jul 30, 2025
Last Modified: Jul 30, 2025
