2015 Cigar of the Year – jonsiddle Edition

Like Dave and Keith, I’m not sure where the year went. I certainly had my fair share of excitement this year, including the addition of a new family member. No matter what has transpired for me this year, one of the constants in my life have been fine cigars and the ability to enjoy them. After looking at everything that I have reviewed here this year, this list covers my five favorite cigars for the year.

#5: Crux Bull and Bear

The Bull and Bear was new for me this year and I wish that I had found it earlier than I did. I know not everyone wants to smoke a 60 ring gauge, but this is the one you’ll want to start with if you do. I loved the balance of strength and flavors coupled with the long smoking time.

#4: LEAF by Oscar Sumatra

I know I spent a bunch of money at Rodrigo Cigars trying everything I could and never being disappointed. The one cigar I had of theirs that stuck out in my mind among the several I tried was the LEAF by Oscar Sumatra. To me, it defines the perfect ‘anytime cigar’.

#3: The Caleanoch 25

A cigar that was cured with peat moss and meant to be enjoyed with single-malt scotch is certainly going to be on my list of favorites this year. I know this year isn’t going to appeal to everyone, but for those who enjoy single-malt scotch (especially those from Islay), this is the perfect pairing for it. And you can guarantee that I’ll be covering their other blends when they release in 2016.

#2: Sobremesa

I think our good friend @czerbe said it best in regards to the Sobremesa: “Steve [Saka] is what this cigar world needs more of.” This is an exceptional cigar and we need a lot more of it. I smoked one last night and loved every minute of it. I’m going to buy more when my bank account recovers from Christmas.

#1: Tatuaje Verocú

If this list were a horse race, you would see the Sobremesa and Tatuaje Verocú neck and neck at the finish line, with the Tatuaje crossing the finish line first by the tip of its nose. Between the incredible depth of strength and flavors as well as the cost (right at $10), this was my favorite cigar of the year. I bought three of these a few weeks ago and after smoking the first one, my first thought was “Sh*t – I only have two left! I should have bought more.” Like the Sobremesa, there will be many more bought once the bank account recovers from the holidays.

Thank you to all of you who take the time to read our reviews here at Leaf Enthusiast. I would love to see all your thoughts on my list, whether you agree with my choices or not. Please have a safe New Years Eve, no matter what your plans tonight and I look forward to what 2016 brings.

Jon Siddle

Jon enjoyed his first premium cigar in 2004. Before becoming a founding member of Leaf Enthusiast, he contributed to Cigar Spy before becoming a regular on Tiki Bar Online. When not enjoying a fine cigar, he is working around the midwest and beyond as a freelance musician.

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4 Responses

  1. czerbe says:

    Well clearly your top 5 list is the best out of the 3 of you guys since I’m mentioned in it. You have a solid list there, and I hope you have a safe and happy new year.

  2. Sam C. says:

    Great list. I love seeing cigars I haven’t tried on there that I know I can find, like the Crux Bull and Bear and the Sumatra by Oscar. Glad to see Sobremesa lives up to the reputation, and I’m curious what size Verocu you smoked.

  3. Craig says:

    Great list and happy new year to you and the family.

  1. January 8, 2016

    […] I will have to work in a few of these into my humidor, at least after I get a handful of each of my favorite cigars from last year. […]