13 Best Cuban Cigar Brands 

Nothing beats good Cuban cigars when you’re looking for a high-quality smoke. Smooth and flavorful, deep and complex, they are the gold standard and highly popular in the cigar industry.

But with so many different varieties out there, it can be difficult to choose the right one to suit your needs.

If you’ve found yourself asking, “what is the best Cuban cigar,” look no further. Below is a comprehensive list of the best Cuban cigar brands to help you find the perfect fit.

Best Cuban Cigar Brands

Cohiba 

This most famous cigar brand backs up its hype with richly flavored and complex smokes. Cuba’s premium tobacco keeps Cohiba cigars ahead of the competition.

• Best for: Cigar aficionados seeking a unique and refined smoking experience.
• Flavor profile: Rich, complex, and smooth flavor profiles. Often comes with notes of leather, cedar, spice, and cocoa, with just a hint of sweetness.
• Popular cigars: Cohiba Siglo VI, Cohiba Behike 52, Cohiba Robustos.
• Strength: Medium to full.
• Wrapper: Cuban-grown tobacco.
• Construction: Long-filler with a hand-rolled technique. Featuring a blend of filler, binder, and wrapper leaves.
• Smoke time: Ranging from 20 to 60 minutes depending on size and shape.
• Price range: One of the pricier Cuban cigar brands, ranging from $8-$25+ depending on rarity.

Montecristo

Next to Cohiba, Cuban-made Montecristo cigars are the most beloved cigars of all time. Smooth, flavorful, and balanced, these legendary cigars are as satisfying as they come.

• Best for: A favorite among both novice and long-time smokers.
• Flavor profile: A smooth, balanced flavor profile. Comes with notes of cocoa, vanilla, coffee and caramel.
• Popular cigars: Montecristo 1935 Leyenda, Montecristo 1935 Dumas, Montecristo No. 2.
• Strength: Medium strength.
• Wrapper: Cuban-grown tobacco.
• Construction: Handmade construction using premium Cuban tobacco, often from the Vuelta Abajo region.
• Smoke time: 20 to 30 minutes.
• Price range: $7-$20+ for higher-end cigars like the Montecristo 80th Anniversary or Montecristo Gran Reserva.

Punch

Cuban Punch cigars are another go-to choice for aficionados. Thickly textured and loaded with taste, these treasures are great anytime.

• Best for: Popular among both beginner and experienced smokers.
• Flavor profile: Nutty, woody, overall smooth experience. Comes with a hint of spice and earth with a subtle sweetness.
• Popular cigars: Punch Double Coronas, Punch Punch, Punch Regios De Punch.
• Strength: Medium strength.
• Wrapper: Cuban-grown tobacco.
• Construction: Tightly packed, well-made construction. A smooth, oily wrapper featuring a consistent draw.
• Smoke time: 45 to 60 minutes
• Price range: Between $$7 to $15+ per cigar for high-end varieties like Punch Diablo or Punch Grand Cru.

Romeo y Julieta

A fan favorite year after year, Romeo y Julieta offers a sumptuously smooth smoke. It comes in a wide range of cigar sizes that appeal to just about everyone.

• Best for: Perfect for both novice and experienced cigar smokers.
• Flavor profile: Medium-bodied, smooth flavor profile. Comes with notes of earth, cedar, leather, and subtle spices. It often displays a hint of sweetness.
• Popular cigars: Romeo y Julieta Churchills, Romeo y Julieta Belicosos, Romeo y Julieta Churchills Tubos.
• Strength: Light to medium strength.
• Wrapper: Cuban-grown tobacco
• Construction: Hand-rolled with full-length filler (leaves). They provide the ideal draw and ash build-up.
• Smoke time: 20 to 40 minutes.
• Price range: $6-$12+ depending on size and rarity of the cigar.

Partagás

This famous brand emerged out of Cuba in 1845 and has been a connoisseur favorite ever since. The Partagas Lusitanias is one of the world’s top Cuban cigars.

• Best for: Experienced cigar smokers looking for a powerful smoking experience.
• Flavor Profile: Deep, earthy, and complex flavor profiles. It usually features notes of chocolate, coffee, spice, and a hint of pepper.
• Popular Cigars: Partagas 898 Varnished, Partagas Coronas Gordas Añejados, Partagas Series D No.4.
• Strength: Full-bodied.
• Wrapper: Cuban-grown tobacco.
• Construction: Hand-rolled construction using high-quality Cuban tobacco leaves.
• Smoke Time: 60 to 90 Minutes.
• Price Range: $7-$18+ depending on the size of the box and the rarity of the variety.

H. Upmann

Another Cuban brand dating back to the 1840s, H. Upmann maintains its place as one of the world’s top brands. It offers beautifully balanced and deeply gratifying smokes. Enjoy these in the morning, the afternoon, and at night.

• Best for: Both novice and experienced cigar smokers alike.
• Flavor profile: Medium-bodied with notes of cedar, nuts, and leather. Also has subtle hints of cream and spice.
• Popular cigars: H. Upmann Magnum 54, H. Upmann Magnum 50, H. Upmann Petit Coronas.
• Strength: Light to medium-bodied cigars.
• Wrapper: Cuban-grown tobacco.
• Construction: Hand-rolled in Havana using premium Cuban tobaccos from the Vuelta Abajo region.
• Smoke time: 20 to 60 minutes, depending on size.
• Price range: $8 to $30+ per cigar, depending on the specific line and size.

Trinidad

Trinidad is one of the premier cigar brands from Cuba. These impressively smooth and delectable smokes simply cannot be ignored.

• Best for: Those celebrating special occasions or seeking a memorable Cuban cigar experience.
• Flavor profile: Smooth, silky draw. Complete with notes of dried fruits, caramelized almonds, and marmalade. Also has hints of hazelnut and coffee beans.
• Popular cigars: Trinidad Esmeralda, Trinidad Coloniales, Trinidad La Trova (La Casa del Habano)).
• Strength: Medium to full.
• Wrapper: Cuban-grown tobacco.
• Construction: Handmade with long-filler leaves from the Vuelta Abajo region of Cuba.
• Smoke time: 30 to 60 minutes.
• Price range: $20 to $50+ per cigar, depending on the size and rarity.

Bolívar

The legend of the Bolivar cigar continues to grow with each passing year. It offers veteran cigar connoisseurs a joyously rich and savory cigar-smoking journey. Not for beginners, these are best suited for experienced palates.

• Best for: These cigars are best for experienced smokers, as they're one of the more full-bodied on our list.
• Flavor profile: Robust and full-bodied with notes of earth, leather, spice, and cocoa.
• Popular cigars: Bolivar Belicosos Finos, Bolivar Coronas Junior, Bolivar Royal Coronas.
• Strength: Full-bodied.
• Wrapper: Cuban-grown tobacco.
• Construction: Hand-crafted with long filler, using high-quality Vuelta Abajo tobacco from Cuba.
• Smoke time: 45-60 minutes.
• Price range: $10 to $40+ depending on specific line and size.

Hoyo de Monterrey

A brand that stacks up against the best in the World, Hoyo de Monterrey delights with a rich textured smoke. It also supports a broad range of pleasing flavors. The Hoyo de Monterrey Double Coronas is an experience not to be missed!

• Best for: A popular choice for both beginner and experienced cigar smokers.
• Flavor profile: Smooth and complex flavor with notes of earth, leather, cedar, and a touch of spice.
• Popular cigars: Le Hoyo Rio de San Juan, Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial, Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2.
• Strength: Light strength.
• Wrapper: Cuban-grown tobacco.
• Construction: Hand-made using long filler and binder leaves. They come from the Vuelta Abajo tobacco zone.
• Smoke time: 45-60 minutes.
• Price range: $10 to $35+ per cigar, depending on the particular line and size.

Vegas Robaina

While not as well known as other Cuban brands, Vegas Robaina is one of the very best for experienced smokers. Aficionados favor Vegas Robaina cigars for their thickly textured flavor and body.

• Best for: A consistent favorite among both beginner and experienced cigar smokers.
• Flavor profile: A decidedly complex flavor, with notes of earth, wood, and spice. It features a subtle sweetness, with hints of coffee, cedar, and cocoa.
• Popular cigars: Vegas Robaina Don Alejandro, Vegas Robaina Unicos.
• Strength: Medium to full.
• Wrapper: Cuban-grown tobacco.
• Construction: Hand-made using tobacco from the premium Vuelta Abajo region.
• Smoke time: 45 to 90 minutes.
• Price range: $15 to $40+ depending on size and variety.

Cuaba

Cuaba is another Cuban brand that slides under the radar. These luscious smokes are wonderfully flavorful and complex. Offered only in a variety of Figurados, Cuaba is a dream for lovers of shaped cigars.

• Best for: A popular offering among both experienced and beginner cigar smokers.
• Flavor profile: Presents a medium to full-bodied smoking experience. Comes with notes of cedar, nuts, and spices, with an occasional hint of floral sweetness.
• Popular cigars: Cuaba Salomones, Cuaba Divinos, Cuaba Distinguidos.
• Strength: Medium to full.
• Wrapper: Cuban-grown tobacco.
• Construction: Constructed in the Briones Montoto (Romeo y Julieta) factory in Havana, Cuba. Made using tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo region.
• Smoke time: 30 - 110 minutes.
• Price range: $15 to $50+ per cigar, depending on size and variety.

Juan López 

With intense flavor rising out of their well-aged tobacco, Juan Lopez cigars are a go-to. The Juan Lopez Seleccion No. 2 is a stunner.

• Best for: Experienced smokers who appreciate a rich, full-bodied smoking experience.
• Flavor profile: A complex smoking experience with notes of cedar, nuts, and spices. Also has subtle hints of earth and cocoa.
• Popular cigars: Juan López Selección No. 2, Juan López Coronas Especiales, Juan López 2000.
• Strength: Medium to full.
• Wrapper: Cuban-grown tobacco.
• Construction: Hand-made construction, using long-filler tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo region.
• Smoke time: 45-60 minutes.
• Price range: $10 to $30+ per cigar, depending on the size and range.

Quai D’Orsay

The Quai D’Orsay line is another of Cuba’s top brands. Unheralded by casual cigar smokers in North America, many global connoisseurs love it.

• Best for: Beginners and experienced smokers looking for a smooth, elegant smoking experience.
• Flavor profile: Contains notes of wood, spices, and subtle sweetness. Joined with hints of nuts, coffee, and cocoa.
• Popular cigars: Quai D'Orsai Coronas Claro, Quai D’Orsay Coronas, Quai D’Orsay Panetelas.
• Strength: light to medium strength.
• Wrapper: Cuban-grown tobacco.
• Construction: Made using long-filler tobacco leaves. These contribute to their smooth and consistent burn.
• Smoke time: 30-60 minutes.
• Price range: $8 to $25+, depending on the size and range.

How to Choose the Right Cuban Cigar for You

Choosing your first cigar is a rewarding experience that should be embraced fully. With just a few helpful tips, you’ll be able to choose your cigar confidently and decisively.

Experience level

If you’re new to the world of cigar smoking, consider starting out with lighter-bodied options. The Quai D’Orsay or Hoyo de Monterrey are good options. These offer a more relaxed smoking experience that won’t feel overwhelming.

Body

The body is the characteristic texture of a cigar that falls on the palate. It ranges from mild-bodied to full-bodied and every space between. Consider your preference in both strength and flavor. Don't be afraid to experiment with different varieties.

Size

The size of a cigar will determine how long you spend smoking. Smaller cigars provide a speedier, more concentrated experience. Longer cigars, on the other hand, provide more complex smoking sessions.

Shape

The shape of a cigar can also affect how a cigar will smoke. Cigar shapes, also known as vitolas, come in various sizes and formats. Each shape offers a unique smoking experience. To choose the right Cuban cigar shape, pick your preferred smoking time and intensity.

Enjoy Top Cuban Cigars

Choosing the best Cuban cigars to meet your preferences is all about trial and error. Listed above are the top Cuban cigars in the industry. Each has its own complexities and flavor profile.

Armed with the knowledge above, you can start browsing today. Take a look at the world's most trusted online store for authentic Cuban cigars.