Best Cuban Cigars 2006

Cuba is an abode of great cigars and has a long reputation of producing the world's finest handmade cigars. For many years, the Cuban cigar industry was plagued by sloppy production, a lack of strong flavors in many of the tobacco blends, and little differences between the brands.

However, those days appear to be in the past. Havana cigars are gradually regaining the reputation they held long ago, and today’s generation of Cuban cigars are made with extremely high quality.

Here are the top 5, best Cuban cigars for 2006, according to Cigar Aficionado magazine.

Boliver Royal Coronas

Cuban Bolivar cigars have always been a very popular brand with cigar lovers everywhere. Throughout the range, this Havana brand delivers rich, powerful cigars that often require years of aging before they can be fully appreciated.

Bolivar Royal Corona cigars are deep in character, delivering flavors that become extremely complex and satisfying. A sophisticated flavor bomb, nuances of chocolate, coffee and leather dominate the flavor profile. Their long finish can only get better with age.

Produced at the H. Upmann factory, greater care was taken in the production of the Royal Corona, particularly in the new cigar factories in Havana. This improved quality is quite evident in this Bolivar, and for this reason the Bolivar Royal Corona was crowned Cigar of the Year for 2006.

Romeo y Julieta Short Churchills

Habanos’ latest robusto - a smooth and rich smoke that’s definitely worth seeking out. Measuring 4 7/8 inches long by 50 ring gauge, Romeo y Julieta Short Churchill cigars are medium-to-full bodied smokes packed with leather and coffee tones, as well as hints of sweet wood.

If the popularity of its bigger brother, the Romeo y Julieta Churchill, is any indication, the Short Churchills are destined to be another classic Romeo y Julieta that every cigar lover will enjoy smoking.

Montecristo Robusto 2006 Edicion Limitadas

As one of three Limited Edition cigars from Habanos, the Montecristo Robusto 2006 Edicion Limitada cigars were extremely popular with cigar lovers all over the world. The 2006 version was a re-release of the original Montecristo Robusto EL from 2001 and is generally considered to be much better.

These cigars deliver the usual earthy and cedar Montecristo flavors. However, the dark two-year-old wrapper on each Edicion Limitada cigar gives the rich tobacco taste an extra kick.

Punch Super Selection No. 1s

Packaged in cedar cabinet boxes of 25 or 50, Punch Super Selection No. 1 cigars deliver the kind of refined flavors that makes them a pleasure to smoke. Generous amounts of cedar and medium-strong tobacco taste are perfectly combined and balanced with spicy and light coffee notes. It's a beautiful morning smoke, but ideal for any time of day.

These Punch cigars were produced primarily in the new La Corona factory on the outskirts of Havana. They should be aged for at least 3 years, tasting even better when they mature.

Diplomaticos No. 2s

It’s possible that this year’s release of Diplomaticos No. 2 cigars is the best ever. Made with a slightly lighter blend than the very popular Montecristo No. 2, these Diplomaticos torpedos are medium-to-full bodied cigars that deliver a delicate aroma with generous amounts of wood and spice flavors.

Produced exclusively at the H. Upmann factory, they’re a great example of what a torpedo cigar should be.