We are proud to announce we now have Perdomo’s legendary 10th Anniversary Champagne Maduro in stock. This iconic combination of Nicaraguan tobacco has turned heads for years, and it’s finally here at Mike’s Cigars.
Don’t take our word for it. The definitive word has been handed down by the critics at Cigar Aficionado. Breaking a 90+ rating is no easy feat. I’ve seen plenty of my personal favorites fail to crack an 89 point score. The taster was clearly wowed by its harmonious profile, calling it “bold, strong, and layered.”
We wouldn’t expect anything less from a blend that uses nothing but Cuban seed tobacco. Finely harvested and aged for a full six years. All the while gathering more and more natural flavor as it ferments. That’s not the end of its aging process though. The slick, rapturous Maduro wrapper is aged for an additional sixteen months in bourbon barrels.
The result is an absolutely decadent profile. Bursting at the seams with the taste of dark chocolate, black pepper, hickory, espresso, caramel, earth, and spice. Try one for yourself and see if it lives up to the hype.
One of the things I love about cigars is the sheer variety available. Every year we see new blends that crest new horizons, explore new flavors, and manage to transcend genre. Even in the sliding scale of strength, there’s always room for nuance. The phrase “mild cigars” encompasses nearly infinite options with their own strengths.
In celebration of the genre, we picked out our selection for the Best Mild Cigars!
Ashton has always sold itself on sophistication. Every cigar offers a sense of being a cut above the rest. Maybe it’s just the wrapper, but this Corona brings to mind a glass of the finest champagne. The profile matches that image in more ways than one, offering pleasing notes of lemon, minerals, and a rich creaminess holding it together.
The gold label for many aficionados might as well be called the gold standard. It has a reserved spot in countless humidors, and it’s easy to see why. The Snickers bar of the cigar world thanks to its naturally sweet notes of caramel and almonds, joined by luscious bites of vanilla and cedar. All encased in a silky smooth Connecticut shade wrapper.
A lot of cigar lovers view this as the ultimate mild cigar. Ideal for when you want to unwind after a long day with a cold beer. A Honduran puro, its synergistic profile offers the soothing tastes of Cocoa and Nutmeg followed by a sweet toasted wheat finish. What defines it though is how balanced its flavors are with its always mild strength level.
Your father raised you, taught you the important things about life, and was always there for you. It’s time to be there for him. This Father’s Day, get him something special. Something that you can enjoy together. The gift of a great smoke!
Your dad deserves the absolute best. It doesn’t get better than #1 on Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 list. You’ll find a trio of champion smoke in the box. Rated highly for their unique, exceptionally rewarding flavor profiles. You’ll find some of the most eclectic tastes ever offered by premium tobacco right here. Perfect for any father who appreciates distinguished cigars!
ACID has been one of the top-selling brands since it debuted back during the cigar boom. It’s easy to see why. ACID’s specialized flavor infusion process makes it wholly unique. This sampler lets your dad try out the whole spectrum of flavors ACID has available. Smoke together and decide which is your favorite!
What better cigars for your father than My Father. Practically tailor-made for Father’s Day, these classically made stogies are sure to please the refined palate. Each My Father cigar speaks to a simpler time. An era when men were men, and cigars were smoked proudly. We can’t go back to that era, but these cigars allow us to get a taste of it from time to time.
The Ashton VSG Sampler is an absolutely exclusive array of powerful tastes. If your dad appreciates the nuances of full-bodied tobacco, this is the ideal gift for him. Dominican tobacco can be some of the strongest on the planet, thanks to its special combination of soil and climate. They take that already powerful formula and kick it up a notch by sun-growing it and curing it for a full five years!
If you’re curious why there are so many dragon-themed cigars this year, it’s because of the Chinese Zodiac. This year just so happens to be the Year of the Wood Dragon, symbolizing growth, power, strength, and good fortune. Qualities that are embodied by the Rocky Patel Year of the Dragon.
Rocky Patel has been preparing for this release for a long time, as the Nicaraguan long filler was aged for a full decade before blending. Ten whole years to make sure every leaf was completely ripened. Ten whole years for the flavors to reach full maturity. The results more than speak for themselves.
It’s stiff competition for this year with all the Dragon-themed releases, but Rocky Patel, as always, has an edge. The considerable blending talent was put behind this cigar. This is why a single draw from each cigar provides the sweet taste of cinnamon, coffee, dark chocolate, and creamy espresso.
Check out some of the other Dragon-themed limited releases right here!
We’re proud to announce that we are restocked and rolling out a host of La Flor Dominicana cigars! Some of the best boutique smokes to ever grace the market are back and better than ever. The bands may look different, but the blends are as delectable as ever!
Anyone who has smoked one of La Flor Dominicana’s joyous sticks knows that they sport some of the most powerful tobacco ever grown. We’re not just talking full-bodied, this is fuller than full-bodied. This is herculean-bodied tobacco that invigorates the senses as it pleases the palate.
Part of the reason La Flor Dominicana was founded was to showcase the incredible properties of Dominican tobacco. The founders were tired of the discourse surrounding Nicaraguan tobacco’s supposed superiority. They decided to champion the cause of Dominican-grown tobacco to stellar results.
Since they launched, multiple blends from La Flor Dominicana have reached the yearly Top 25. The La Flor Dominicana Andalusian Bull even managed to get a 96-point rating, one of the highest scores ever awarded. It’s no surprise that it won Cigar of the Year for 2016!
If you’re curious about the brand, we recommend the Double Ligero blend. Practically a thesis statement for the brand powerhouse, the blend received a 94-point rating. Or try any of the many samplers to get a feel for their flavors
There are a lot of reasons to smoke cigars. To savor the unique tastes, to clear your head, to soothe the spirit. But what if you could help others by smoking cigars? Well, you’re in luck! League of Fat Bastards Serie L is on a mission to make the world a better place.
This mission comes from the experience of brand founder Adam Levine. No, not that Adam Levine. It’s not the singer. This Adam Levine has spoken candidly about his struggles with depression and mental health in general. A topic that is unfortunately taboo among many adults.
This is a true shame because mental health issues are like any medical problem. They have tangible effects, require treatment, and one of the best things for it is the support of those around you. Yet so many people suffer in silence, convinced that voicing their pain would be a weakness.
An all too familiar and flawed way of thinking. Levine has firsthand experience in how asking for help makes us stronger. This is why he created League of Fat Bastards Serie L. Well aware of how tobacco can bring people together and foster conversation, Levine hopes that by discussing these issues he can break the taboo around mental health.
Not only is he trying to raise awareness, but 40% of all profits for the blend go directly to charities that address mental illness. It’s rare for any company to put the greater good above its bottom line, but League of Fat Bastards is the true exception.
Speaking from personal experience, I’m glad someone is trying to address this issue. Struggles with depression and anxiety can force people to the fringes, convinced that they are somehow weaker than others. It’s only by externalizing these problems that you can begin to treat them. Keeping it inside only turns the pain inward. If you struggle with feelings of hopelessness, obsession, anxiety, or pain, please seek help from a mental health professional.
Oh, faith and begorrah! It’s almost St. Patrick’s Day! One of the most festive days of the year. Grab your favorite brew and some drinking buddies, but don’t forget your cigars. Anyone can tell you that cigars are a natural complement to whiskey, but there are boundless blends that pair well with all types of drinks!
If you’re looking for some top-notch smokes for yourself or your loved ones, we’ve got a massive selection that is sure to please!
A cigar designed specifically for St. Patrick’s Day revelry. The unique, combination design makes it a jack of all trades smoke. Ideal for any draft you decide to pour throughout the night. Features a blend of Honduran and Panamanian long-fillers, a Sumatran binder, and a Candela and Nicaraguan Jalapa barber pole wrapper. The unique pairing of the Candela wrapper with a sweet Jalapa leaf offers a treat both in appearance and in flavor; with distinct tastes of spice, pepper & coffee throughout.
A somewhat lighter version of the original. The Shamrock sports a whole new premium mix with a smoother profile. Its specialized blend of Honduran and Panamanian tobacco immediately kicks off the smoke with the scent of fresh-cut grass, and the taste of vanilla, earth, wood, and just a hint of black pepper. At six inches and a fifty-ring gauge, you’ll have a festive and lively forty-five minutes smoke with the shamrock.
Don’t like having your hands full when you’re smoking and drinking? Why not combine the two? That idea helped launch The Glen, a fusion of single-malt scotch and premium tobacco. Inspired by a time-honored quote from the great Winston Churchill, “My rule of life prescribed as an absolutely sacred rite smoking cigars and also the drinking of alcohol.” Who are we to argue with such an esteemed figure? Truly a wise man.
It wouldn’t be St. Paddy’s Day without a lot of green in honor of the Emerald Isle! No need to dye these cigars though, they’re naturally green and wonderful. Built from a secret recipe of hyper premium, expertly aged, and fermented long-fillers. A cigar that’s as aromatic as it is delectable. Full-bodied and loaded with the taste of florals, spice, and sweet cream. Perfect for a night out this March 17th!
So you want to smoke cigars! Congratulations! You’re about to enter a world of incredible tastes! But getting into something as varied and complex as cigars can be intimidating. We decided to put together a little guide to help newcomers!
Cigars vs Cigarillos
A common question. It’s usually easy to identify a cigar or a cigarillo just by size. Cigarillos are considered small cigars, but the difference is deeper than size. Most of what we call premium cigars use whole tobacco leaves in their blending and are rolled by hand. Cigarillos use cut tobacco, sometimes from the blending process of regular cigars, as filler and are usually machine-made.
Cigars vs Cigarettes
While both use tobacco, they are worlds apart. Cigarettes, like cigarillos, are made using finely cut tobacco and tightly rolled. The largest difference is in what’s added. Cigarettes are often chemically treated and filtered to add flavor and aroma, using additives to change the tobacco. Cigars are created using whole tobacco leaves, which are fermented to bring out a host of natural flavors. The lack of a filter allows the smoker to experience the more full-bodied aspects.
Cigar strength
Speaking of full-bodied, new smokers often wonder about the power of a cigar’s profile. The technical definition comes from the actual amount of nicotine within the blend. What’s considered mild often has very little nicotine. Medium-bodied ones usually contain an average amount of nicotine. While full-bodied tobacco has large quantities of it. As someone who was once a beginner with cigars, believe me when I say you should start with mild. Full-bodied cigars can be very overwhelming if you’re not used to the strength, and can make one a little nauseous. Those who become accustomed to it enjoy the way the nicotine mingles with the distinct taste of each cigar.
Cigar Flavors
This one can be tricky, as most cigars do have flavors, but not all of them are “flavored” cigars. We’ll make it simple, flavored or infused cigars have an extra step in the process where unique flavors and aromas are specifically added to the tobacco through a variety of methods. Regular cigars acquire natural flavors through the soil it was grown, the conditions of the growth process, the harvest, the blending, the aging, and fermentation.
Cigar Wrappers
One of the biggest factors that can influence a cigar’s flavor profile is its wrapper. It’s a common misconception that the darker a cigar wrapper, the more powerful the tobacco. While there are plenty of dark shade cigars will full-bodied profiles, the two are not directly related. For simplicity, let’s split wrappers into four main types. Habano, Connecticut shade, Corojo, and Maduro. Habano might be considered the in-between wrapper that’s used for a large amount of complex blends. Connecticut shade is golden in color and associated with milder blends. Be careful though, a Connecticut shade does not mean it’s going to be mild. A Corojo wrapper is slightly darker than a Connecticut, with a reddish brown hue, and can have a certain peppery spice to it. The Maduro wrapper is a darker brown or blackened hue and comes from fermenting the leaf for a longer period. The extra aging often adds even more intricate tastes
What Cigar is Right for me?
Maybe the toughest question of all, because there isn’t a right or wrong answer! If you enjoy a cigar, then it’s the right one for you! Experiment, try different blends to see what catches your eye. A lot of new smokers often try infused cigars first to sample more familiar tastes. It’s pretty common to search for a chocolate or coffee-flavored cigar. There are quite a few brands that meet that description, enjoy!
Go to some of the finest establishments in the world, and you’ll find Gurkha cigars. Gurkha has become synonymous with luxury and with good reason. They manage to imbue every cigar with a sense of opulence not seen anywhere else in the tobacco world.
Gurkha, for those who aren’t familiar, is named after the famous Gurkha soldiers of the Indian subcontinent. Known as fierce fighters with an indomitable will, the cigars strive to maintain the same level of dedication when it comes to their tobacco’s quality.
Their latest creation only solidifies their already sterling reputation. Gurkha Year of the Dragon is the first blend made to commemorate the Chinese Zodiac. This is more than just a limited release, although only 1000 are being produced. This is an event of momentous proportions!
Don’t believe us? This blend isn’t just limited, it’s top secret! Gurkha is keeping the exact tobacco used in Year of the Dragon under wraps but has disclosed that it uses a savory Maduro wrapper. If you’re curious about the tasting notes, you’ll have to take a draw and find out for yourself. Gurkha wanted to keep every aspect of the blend a wonderful surprise!
Produced in the Dominican Republic at the Tabacalera El Artista S.R.L., Gurkha Year of the Dragon is the first event cigar for 2024. Other brands are going to have a difficult time topping this one!
If you need a reminder, February 14th is right around the corner. The day we show the ones closest to us how much we care. You don’t want to be caught without a present for your loved one on the most romantic day of the year. We’ve all heard stories of someone forgetting the holiday and facing the wrath of their spouse upon arriving home. Here’s a chance to avert that doomsday scenario, we’ve picked out some incredible presents that are sure to please your special someone.
Give the gift of luscious premium tobacco this season with Mike’s Valentine’s Gift Box! The perfect expression of affection for the smoker in your life. Arriving right on cue for the most romantic time of the year, it’s an assortment of our finest house brands with accessories to match. Whether you’re shopping for that special aficionado in your life, or simply giving yourself the gift of top shelf taste, we’ve got you covered. Our special Miami Deco blend is designed to offer the same kind of Cuban inspired flavors that once enthralled our founder Mike Mersel. You won’t even need to wait a moment to spark up, as the box includes a cutter and lighter! Happy Valentine’s Day from Mike’s Cigars.
If you have a passionate love for Romeo y Julieta Cigars, then you’ll fall head over heels for our Bed of Roses Cigar Combo! We stacked this combo with some of the best sticks Romeo has ever rolled. Including the exclusive Romeo y Julieta Bed of Roses Chruchill, a limited release blend previously only available as part of promotional items. Now you can enjoy the full flavor of this mysterious blend, along with some of the classic staples of the brand. Makes for an exquisite present for any longtime aficionado this holiday season. Taste one of the quintessential brands of premium tobacco with our Bed of Roses Cigar Combo!
EP Carillo Triumph Trilogy brings together three of the finest cigars ever released into one package, offering a buffet of rich sumptuous savory flavors. There’s a reason this sampler bears the name triumph, as every single cigar in this collection was named one of the top two cigars of the year upon its release. Starting with the incomparable EP La Historia E-III, named the #2 cigar of 2014 for its oily, dark chocolatey tastes. Up next is the EP Carrillo Encore Majestic, voted cigar of the year 2018; the Majestic is a puro that lives up to its name with perfectly balanced spices and sweetness. The grand finale for this sampler is none other than the one and only EP Carrillo Pledge Prequel. The Prequel Pledge has earned untold critical acclaim since its release, easily taking cigar of the year 2020 as it practically redefined the luxury smoke with its symphony of flavors in every draw. The EP Carrillo Triumph Trilogy is the sampler for those aficionados who settle for nothing less than the best.
A gift designed for the cultured aficionado, the Montecristo White Toro Cigars & Whiskey Gift Set is guaranteed to put a wide smile on any smoker’s face. Besides four magnificent Montecristo White Toros, an already critically acclaimed cigar known for its smooth, creamy taste, this gift includes two whiskey glasses proudly emblazoned with the Montecristo logo and four whiskey stones for those who take it neat. An excellent gift for any long-time and brand new aficionados alike!
The My Father Limited Edition Humidor is every dedicated aficionado’s dream come true. Featuring a fully furnished interior to preserve your cigars. Sporting a polished wood finish with the artful My Father logo emblazoned on the top. Inside you’ll find a full cedar interior along with a built in hydrometer and humidifier to keep your stick in perfect smoking condition. If you’re worried about security, this humidor comes with its own lock and key!
