Each month throughout 2025, we’ve shone a spotlight on a standout cigar; a blend that rose above the rest in craftsmanship, flavour, and all-round smoking experience. Now, as the year draws to a close, we’re looking back at the full dozen.
From bold new discoveries to timeless classics that reaffirmed their brilliance, our twelve ‘Cigars of the Month’ come together to form our official Cigars of the Year list.
Whether you’re hunting for your next humidor addition or simply want to revisit the year’s finest smokes, here’s your chance to explore the blends that we’ve been loving in 2025.
- January – Plasencia Reserva Original Perfectico
- February – Partagas Shorts
- March – La Galera Habano Chaveta Robusto
- April – West Tampa Tobacco Co. Red Robusto
- May – Rocky Patel White Label Robusto
- June – Zino Nicaragua Robusto
- July – Las Villas Robusto
- August – Foundation Charter Oak Original Rothschild
- September- Freud SuperEgo Toro
- October – Tatuaje RC Series No. 2
- November – Arturo Fuente Gran Reserva Flor Fina 8‑5‑8
- December – Chateau Diadem Splendor Robusto Extra
January – Plasencia Reserva Original Perfectico
We kicked off the year with the Plasencia Reserva Original Perfectico, which is crafted entirely from OCIA-certified organic Nicaraguan tobacco, aged for five years and sourced from the Estelí and Jalapa regions.
Designed as a short Figurado ideal for winter smoking, it delivers a flavour journey that begins with earthy Nicaraguan character and lively spice notes such as cinnamon, red pepper, cedar, and semi-sweet chocolate. As it develops, the profile introduces cocoa, espresso, and a gradually increasing sweetness, creating a well-balanced and evolving smoke.
Through the middle and final thirds, flavours of caramel, roasted nuts, and creamy sweetness take centre stage while peppery elements return to sharpen the finish. With an excellent draw, clean burn, and firm ash, the Reserva Original stands out as a well-constructed and surprisingly complex cigar for its price point.
Read the full review of the Plasencia Reserva Original Perfectico.
| Owner | Plasencia |
| Factory | Plasencia Cigars S.A. |
| Origin | Nicaraguan |
| Wrapper | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan |
| Strength | Mild to Medium |
| Size | Perfectico (3 7/8″ x 52) |
February – Partagas Shorts
The Partagas Shorts is rooted in the legacy of Don Jaime Partagas y Ravelo, who transformed Cuban cigar craftsmanship after founding the Partagás factory in 1845 and pioneering techniques in fermentation, ageing, and factory culture. This historic lineage carries through to the enduring Minutos-sized Partagas Shorts, a compact format that delivers the full, characteristically bold Partagas profile in a shorter smoke.
We experienced a flavour journey that opens with lively spice, cream, and rich tobacco, developing into darker notes of chocolate, vanilla, and layered spice as the cigar smooths out through the middle.
In the final third, the cigar gains a bolder edge with earthy depth while maintaining balance, showing flavours that continue to evolve rather than turn harsh. Despite a firm, slightly tight draw, the burn is slow, steady, and self-correcting, adding to the overall quality.
The Partagas Shorts is an outstanding example of the half-Corona style; a small cigar offering the complexity of larger formats. It may even be one of the very best short Cuban cigars available, with even more potential to shine as it ages.
Read the full review of the Partagas Shorts.
| Owner | Habanos S.A. |
| Factory | Habanos S.A. |
| Origin | Cuba |
| Wrapper | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Size | Minutos (4 3/8″ x 42) |
March – La Galera Habano Chaveta Robusto
The La Galera Habano Chaveta Robusto is hand-rolled with flawless construction, showcasing a blend of Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and Dominican fillers. Delivering an aromatic and expressive start, you’ll get early notes of white pepper, leather, mineral, and cream, with the initial pepper spice gradually softening as the cigar settles into a smooth, balanced profile.
As the cigar progresses, subtle floral touches, white oak-like woodiness, and a gentle return of white pepper enrich the middle third. In the final stretch, cream and vanilla take over, supported by soft leather and light mineral notes, creating a mellow and satisfying finish.
With an even burn and perfect draw, this is a cigar that becomes smoother with every puff. It’s a beautifully crafted smoke you’ll want to return to again!
Read the full review of the La Galera Habano Chaveta Robusto.
| Owner | Jochy Blanco |
| Factory | Tabacalera Palma |
| Origin | Dominican |
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Habano |
| Filler | Dominican Repulic (Piloto Cubano, Criollo 98, Pelo de Oro) |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Size | Chaveta (5″ x 50) |
April – West Tampa Tobacco Red Robusto
The West Tampa Tobacco Co. Red Robusto delivers a bold, flavour-forward experience built around a Mexican San Andrés wrapper and Nicaraguan binder and fillers. From the first draw, it opens with a lively mix of spice, chocolate, and a cherry-like sweetness, rounded out by a peppery tingle on the lips and retrohale.
As it moves into the middle third, the profile introduces touches of dry oak while the pepper gradually softens, allowing the balance between its richer notes to shine. The final third continues the cigar’s consistent flavour theme, adding more cream, sweetness, and a subtle emerging coffee note.
With flawless construction, an even burn, and a clean draw, the West Tampa Red Robusto stands out as a distinctive and well-made, confidently blended smoke.
Read the full review of The West Tampa Tobacco Co. Red Robusto.
| Owner | Rick Rodriguez |
| Factory | Garmendia Cigars Co. |
| Origin | Nicaraguan |
| Wrapper | Mexican San Andrés |
| Filler | Nicaraguan |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Size | Robusto (5″ x 50) |
May – Rocky Patel White Label
The Rocky Patel White Label Robusto showcases a classic Connecticut Shade profile built around tobaccos aged for a decade, offering a mild-to-medium smoke with clean, well-defined flavours.
It opens with a smooth blend of cream, wood, cedar, and a touch of citrus, with a hint of black pepper appearing on the retrohale. As it moves into the middle third, cedar becomes the dominant note while cream, wood, and citrus settle into softer supporting roles, accompanied by a gentle rise in pepper. In the final third, cedar stays at the forefront with pepper adding subtle depth, while traces of wood, citrus, and cream round out the finish.
Construction is excellent throughout, with a straight burn, firm light-grey ash, and a near-perfect draw offering just the right resistance. Overall, the White Label Robusto delivers an easy-going, well-balanced experience that highlights the signature smoothness and simplicity of a refined Connecticut-wrapped cigar.
Read the full review of the Rocky Patel White Label Robusto.
| Owner | Rocky Patel |
| Factory | Tabacalera Villa Cuba S.A. (TAVICUSA) |
| Origin | Nicaraguan |
| Wrapper | Connecticut Shade |
| Filler | Honduran Jamastran Valley, Nicaraguan |
| Strength | Mild to Medium |
| Size | Robusto (5″ x 50) |
Rocky Patel White Label Robusto Cigar – Single
In Stock
June – Zino Nicaragua Robusto
The Zino Nicaragua Robusto is an approachable, medium-bodied smoke that eases in with dry, toasty flavours and a creamy undertone, making it a great choice for newer smokers or anyone wanting something smooth but still interesting.
Early notes of hay, subtle smokiness on the retrohale, and that gentle creaminess set the tone before the cigar starts to open up in complexity. By the time the first ash drops, the profile has shifted into something earthier and deeper, with the initial dryness gradually fading as richer, woodier flavours take over.
In the final stretch, the cigar settles beautifully, carrying forward the earthy middle-third notes while allowing each flavour to breathe and balance without becoming heavy or overwhelming.
Construction is consistently reliable; even burn, no relights, and a draw that stays cool unless pushed too hard. It’s the kind of cigar you can confidently hand to a guest or enjoy solo when you just want a dependable, flavourful smoke. Smooth, steady, and quietly satisfying, the Zino Nicaragua Robusto earns its place in the humidor.
Read the full review of the Zino Nicaragua Robusto.
| Owner | Davidoff |
| Factory | Diadema Cigars de Honduras S.A. |
| Origin | Honduras |
| Wrapper | Ecuador (Connecticut) |
| Filler | Nicaragua (Semilla 56 Seco) |
| Strength | Medium |
| Size | Robusto (5″ x 54) |
July – Las Villas Robusto
The Las Villas Robusto is a dynamic, evolving smoke that delivers depth, strength, and satisfying flavour from start to finish, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a rich, refined experience in a medium-to-full-bodied format.
It makes a bold first impression with sharp cedar and rich, roasted coffee notes that set a full-bodied tone from the very first puff. Early on, the coffee takes centre stage while the cedar provides a dry, aromatic backdrop, and a whisper of black pepper on the retrohale adds a subtle kick.
As the smoke moves into the middle third, the profile shifts smoothly into bittersweet cocoa, bringing a creamy richness that balances the lingering cedar and gradually more pronounced pepper.
In the final third, the cigar deepens into earthy tones with warming baking spices, while hints of clove and nutmeg add complexity to the finish. Throughout, construction remains flawless with an even burn, firm grey ash, and a perfectly calibrated draw.
Read the full review of the Las Villas Robusto.
| Owner | Guillermo Pena |
| Factory | Esteli, Nicaragua |
| Origin | Nicaragua |
| Wrapper | Mexican San Andreas |
| Filler | Nicaraguan |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Size | Robusto (5″ x 52) |
August – Foundation Charter Oak Original Rothschild
The Foundation Charter Oak Original Rothschild opens with a punchy yet refined profile, combining black pepper, wood, and distinct peanut butter notes. The pepper is lively on the retrohale, while the smoke remains smooth and medium-bodied, delivering a satisfying balance between flavour and strength. Construction is flawless from the first draw, allowing each note to shine without distraction.
As the cigar progresses, subtle creaminess and floral hints emerge, complementing the peanut and light wood, while white pepper continues to add brightness on the retrohale. In the final third, drier wood and focused pepper take the lead, with cream returning to maintain balance. With a consistent burn, firm ash, and perfectly calibrated draw, the Charter Oak Original offers a smooth, evolving smoke that delivers medium-bodied complexity and flavour from start to finish.
Read the full review of the Foundation Charter Oak Original Rothschild.
| Owner | Nicholas Melillo |
| Factory | Tabacalera Fernandez |
| Origin | Nicaragua |
| Wrapper | Ecuador |
| Filler | Nicaraguan |
| Strength | Medium |
| Size | Rothschild (4 1/2″ x 50) |
September – Freud Cigar Co. SuperEgo Toro
The Freud SuperEgo Toro opens with a refined mix of toasted cedar, dry earth, and gentle black pepper, with a subtle creaminess emerging as the first third progresses.
The retrohale highlights cedar and earth, adding depth and balance, while the medium-bodied strength keeps the smoke approachable yet engaging. Construction is impeccable, with a straight, even burn and a draw that delivers just the right resistance.
In the middle and final thirds, the cigar maintains its elegant balance, with toasted cedar and dry earth holding steady, pepper softening, and hints of vegetal bitterness appearing towards the end. Creaminess fades, letting the deeper earthy and woody tones shine through.
The SuperEgo Toro offers a thoughtful, nuanced experience, rewarding those who take their time to explore its subtle layers, making it a sophisticated choice for medium-bodied aficionados.
Read the full review of the Freud Cigar Co. SuperEgo Toro.
| Owner | Eladio Diaz |
| Factory | Tabacalera William Ventura |
| Origin | Dominican |
| Wrapper | Ecuador |
| Filler | Dominican, Indonesian |
| Strength | Medium |
| Size | Toro (6″ x 52) |
October – Tatuaje RC Series No. 2 Cigar
The Tatuaje RC Series No. 2 opens with a smooth, elegant mix of wood, toasted almonds, and gentle caramel sweetness, with hints of cedar and nuttiness on the retrohale.
Early fruit-like notes add subtle intrigue, while the medium-bodied strength keeps the smoke approachable and balanced. Construction is flawless, allowing each flavour to shine with a clean burn and perfectly calibrated draw.
In the middle and final thirds, the cigar evolves beautifully: almond mellows, woody notes take centre stage, and the caramel deepens into a richer, molasses-like tone. Soft fruit lingers, joined by roasted nuts and a touch of earthiness, all finishing with a long, warm, and balanced conclusion.
The RC Series No. 2 delivers a refined, aromatic experience that combines classic Retro Cuba charm with modern blending finesse, making it satisfying for both new and experienced smokers alike.
Read the full review of the Tatuaje RC Series No. 2.
| Owner | Don Pepin Garcia & Pete Johnson |
| Factory | My Father Cigars, Estelí |
| Origin | Nicaragua |
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Habano |
| Filler | Nicaraguan |
| Strength | Medium to Medium-Full |
| Size | 5 ⅝” x 54 (No. 2) |
November – Arturo Fuente Gran Reserva Flor Fina 8‑5‑8
The Arturo Fuente Gran Reserva Flor Fina 8‑5‑8 opens with a creamy, aromatic smoke featuring light wood, hay, and nutty notes, complemented by a gentle touch of citrus sweetness. Right from the first draw, it delivers an approachable, medium-bodied profile with smooth, cool flavours and excellent smoke output. The loose roll encourages a leisurely pace, letting the nuances of the African Cameroon wrapper and Dominican filler shine through.
As the cigar progresses, mellow dark cedar, roasted cashew, and subtle cocoa emerge, layered with faint cherry sweetness in the middle third. In the final third, soft leather and earthy tones develop while a gentle spice reminiscent of nutmeg rounds out the finish. With flawless construction, an even burn, and a perfect draw, the Flor Fina 8‑5‑8 offers a classic, refined experience that balances smoothness and depth, making it an ideal choice for both newcomers and seasoned smokers.
Read the full review of the Arturo Fuente Gran Reserva Flor Fina 8‑5‑8.
| Owner | Arturo Fuente |
| Factory | Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia |
| Origin | Dominican Republic |
| Wrapper | African Cameroon |
| Filler | Dominican |
| Strength | Medium |
| Size | Corona Grande (6 ¼” x 47) |
December – Chateau Diadem Splendor Robusto Extra
The Chateau Diadem Splendor Robusto Extra opens with a smooth, elegant mix of cedar, gentle spice, and light natural sweetness, with toasted nuts and soft earth coming through on the retrohale.
Subtle creaminess adds a silky texture as the first third progresses, while cedar remains dominant, supported by hints of vanilla and mild spice. The medium-bodied strength makes it approachable yet satisfying from the very first draw.
In the middle and final thirds, the profile deepens beautifully, introducing roasted nuts, soft cocoa, coffee, leather, and espresso, with pepper and roasted bitterness adding just the right contrast. The retrohale develops alongside the smoke, offering wood, earth, and toasted notes that carry through to the finish.
With flawless construction, even burn, firm ash, and a perfectly balanced draw, the Splendor Robusto Extra delivers a refined, evolving experience that rewards slow smoking and attention to detail.
Read the full review of the Chateau Diadem Splendor Robusto Extra.
| Owner | Eladio Díaz |
| Factory | Chateau Diadem |
| Origin | Dominican Republic |
| Wrapper | Dominican Corojo |
| Filler | Dominican (five-leaf blend) |
| Strength | Medium |
| Size | Robusto Extra (5 1/2″ x 52) |
![Chateau Diadem Splendor Robusto Extra Cigar - Single [December’s Cigar of the Month]](https://cdn.havanahouse.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/DECCOTMPRODUCT.webp "DECCOTMPRODUCT")
Which of these cigars have you tried this year? You can explore even more premium cigars in the UK here at Havana House, where we have an extensive collection of smokes from legendary producers across Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and other New World cigars.
