With so many boutique cigars and legacy cigars to choose from in terms of types, sizes, and brands, finding a good stick is like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Allow us to take the guesswork out of the equation. Whether you’re a cigar enthusiast or a cigar noob, this guide will help you understand the difference between boutique cigars and legacy cigars. So, instead of taking a long shot and trying something that’s a strong “maybe,” you can get one that gives you the richness in taste and relaxation you’ve been looking for.
There are a variety of cigars available. They range from expensive sticks from mainstay manufacturers to budget sticks from newcomers.
Boutique cigars are manufactured and distributed by the underdogs, aka up-and-coming and small cigar companies. Some have superior products that can match the quality of their premium branded counterparts. These offer a welcome change to the line-ups you know and love. However, they can be hard to come by.
Boutique cigar brands only use a limited quantity of cigar company tobacco to make a stick with more attention to detail than popular cigars. Since their success depends on the quality and character of the tobacco leaf, there often isn’t enough available to facilitate mass production and distribution. However, because you get more choice and quality from boutique brands than legacy brands, it’s easy to find a new stick you’ll love.
Here are our top favorites:
Illusione cigars, the brainchild of creator Dion Giolito, are uniquely designed cigars with impressive ratings.
Their cigars are based on the idea of doing “the opposite from everyone else in the industry.” The brand’s standout approach is reflected in its introduction of “full flavor, medium-bodied” cigars that have given the company consistent above 90 ratings.
Manufactured by Glen Case, Kristoff cigars are some of the finest boutique cigars in the world. Aside from their aesthetic appeal, they’re known for pigtailed cigars with uncut feet that employ an old bunching technique that’s referred to as “entubar.”
With its impressive portfolio of cigars that are crafted with premium tobacco, the brand delivers top-tier quality with consistency. To top it off, they also draw-test every cigar to ensure a well-constructed body — one that delivers the perfect draw puff after puff for a powerful smoking experience.
Created by Pete Johnson, Tatuaje cigars are known for their Cubanesque flavor.
The brand churns out one small-batch cigar line after another to give connoisseurs a taste to remember. Their boutique cigars have consistent construction, are crafted in several formats and finishes, and have deep flavors across a variety of wrappers.
The cigar brands expert does not shy away from experimentation with the La Verite line. La Verite cigars feature exclusively Nicaraguan tobacco from a single farm for a specific year.
Legacy cigars are manufactured by mainstream brands. They are distinctive creations from well-known names in the cigar industry. These manufacturers have a track record for making reliable, high-quality cigars that consistently receive 90+ ratings even when faced with unforeseen changes in the type of material, distribution, and techniques used to create the perfect stick.
They’re popular with anyone who has some experience in the world of cigars and are so good that they’ll convert even seasonal smokers into cigar enthusiasts. They are also widely available so you can easily find them in any reputable cigar shop.
Below, you’ll find some of our top-quality picks from R&R.
Arturo Fuente is the gold standard in the legacy cigar world. They have a century of experience that they use to deliver a top-tier sensation with every puff.
Their legendary blend is used to produce an award-winning portfolio of premium cigars. They’re revered in the industry and have a reputation for manufacturing cigars with unsurpassed quality, flavor, and construction. This simply goes to show why many of their cigars are constantly highly rated by cigar connoisseurs around the world.
Padron cigars have an elegant portfolio of highly-rated and sought-after blends. Their legendary status among legacy cigar connoisseurs is well-earned.
The brand produces unique full-flavored blends. Their cigars’ delightful balance of creamy smoothness and complexity appeal to knowledgeable smokers who embrace a luxurious lifestyle. They also offer a range of samplers to delight your palate.
Founded by Nick Perdomo, Perdomo cigars offer a distinct blend for every palate and preference.
They have an extensive portfolio of well-made blends available in several wrapper varieties that are exceptionally popular among their clients. The brand has exceedingly high-quality control standards, ensuring you get consistent flavors and strengths regardless of the price.
Whether it’s boutique cigars or legacy cigars, there are hundreds if not thousands of different cigars available on the market. This can make finding the right stick for the right moment an overwhelming task.
Wondering how to choose the right cigar for you?
Well, all cigar types feature a different quality, strength, body, and rating among other criteria. That said, here are some factors you should consider before purchasing one.
For some, the cost is also a factor. However, the price should not majorly influence your selection. A high price doesn’t mean that a cigar has good quality and a lower-than-normal price does not mean that the quality is subpar. Trust your palate, be open to trying out new flavors, and go from there.
The world of boutique cigars and legacy cigars is huge but if you want to try something you’ll love off the bat, head to the R&R Cigars. At R&R, you’ll find an impressive collection of high-quality cigars from award-winning manufacturers. They’re available in a range of blends, allowing you to enjoy complex flavors as you develop your palate and enjoy life’s finer pleasures.You can also purchase blind samplers at R&R to explore different types of cigars. If you’re local, come see us at 2703 Fitts Street in Tuscaloosa.
