Toasted Foot Top 10 of 2012 – Full List & Contest!
Posted by WillyStyl on Dec 31, 2012 in Reviews | 47 comments
Congratulations to Tx_Tuff who is the winner of our top 10 of 12 Sampler. Thanks for your support, the sampler is on its way!
CONTEST HAS ENDED – WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON!
Well it’s that time of the year when we reflect back on the year that was and in this case, the cigars we smoked. 2012 was a remarkable year for ToastedFoot.com and a year of tremendous transitions, both for ToastedFoot.com, and even in my own professional life.
ToastedFoot went through the challenge of resurrecting this tremendous site, establishing relationships with different elements of the cigar industry, attending IPCPR, and most importantly reengaging with all of you, our readers. Thank you for being a part of the journey.
And with that I bring you The ToastedFoot top 10 of 2012. Choosing a top 10 list is no easy feat. There are cigars I smoke regularly, or love tremendously that will not appear on the list as they were not smoked for review. Obviously, it would be easy enough to just list my highest scoring cigars, but that wouldn’t truly reflect my top 10 either, so here are the factors that went into the list:
1) Original Score
2) Impressions beyond the review.
3) How often I either wanted to, or smoked, the cigar outside of the review.
4) The list is completely subjective and entirely driven by my own palate
And with no further delay…………
10.) EPC Cardinal Maduro. I make no bones about it, I’m a huge fan of Ernesto’s blending and the Elencos and New Wave Connecticut are a few of my go to cigars. I was very intrigued with the release of the Cardinal as it featured all Nicaraguan filler and aimed to be a full bodied addition to the EPC portfolio. The Cardinal Maduro is a full flavored treat wrapped in a very tasty Broadleaf wrapper. The Cardinal Maduro offers excellent classical Nicaraguan and Broadleaf flavors with a nice complexity to it and very good balance.
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9.) Reinado Cigars Grand Empire Reserve. This Nicaraguan puro with a Maduro wrapper was first introduced to me by it’s brand owner at IPCPR. It was one of the most noteworthy cigars I smoked at IPCPR and it truly left me wanting more. Flavors of pepper, cocoa, and coffee and sweet tobacco are incredibly rich. The only complaint I have about them is I can’t grab them at any of my local shops, but have no fear, they are easily ordered, which is what I’ve done to make sure I always have a few available to smoke.
8.) La Flor Dominicana Litto Gomez Diez 2012 Chisel. The LG Diez line is one of the signature lines from La Flor Dominicana and frankly, it’s probably my favorite regularly released Dominican cigar. The flavors of cinnamon spice, white pepper, and sweet cedar has made the Vintage line by Litto one of my favorites for years.
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7.) Tatuaje Apocalypse. A rich broadleaf wrapper over a modified Tatuaje Anarchy filler recipe and in a short Salomon Vitola! Great cigar with tons of Broadleaf flavor; dry cocoa, black pepper, spice, and a red wine note to wrap it all up! I really enjoyed the Apocalypse’s predecessor, the Anarchy, but the Apocalypse is right in the middle of my sweet spot and I’ve been smoking the heck out of them since they were released a few weeks ago.
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6.) Drew Estate Liga Privada Unico Serie Papa Fritas. Yes, I know it’s a mixed filler cigar, but like I said in my review, if you are stuck on that you’re missing the point! All Liga flavor at half the price and in a cigar that takes up half the time. Big shout out to JD, Steve Saka, and Nicholas Melillo of DE for coming up with this stroke of genius and getting it out for all of us to enjoy. My favorite Drew Estate release since the Dirty Rat!
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5.) Ortega Serie “D” Natural No.8. Eddie Ortega, formerly one half of “E&O” launched his new brand, Ortega Cigars, this year. His initial launch of a San Andres Maduro wrapped, Nicaraguan cigar manufactured by The Garcia Family, took the cigar community my storm. Shortly there after Eddie launched the Natural extension to the line.. The Serie D Natural is wrapped in an Ecuadorian Habano Rosado wrapper that brings a a delicious, almost candy like, sweetness to the smoke. The sweet Rosado wrapper combined with the spice inherent in the Nicaraguan filler blend brings a terrific contrast. When I first reviewed the Serie D Natural it scored just a touch higher than the Maduro, and it has been in my top 3 of go to cigars since it’s release this past summer.
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4. Joya de Nicaragua CyB Lonsdale Club. The Cuenca y Blanco, later rebranded the CyB, was one of the show stealers at IPCPR, and with good reason. “Flavor, Flavor, Flavor” as Jose Blanco explained to me while chatting about his cigar at IPCR. The CyB’s use of a diverse blend of tobaccos works and brings about a cigar that delivers an abundance of diverse, and distinct, flavor notes. The CyB is best enjoyed on a clean palate as you really don’t want to miss any of the unique flavors it offers. While I reviewed, and prefer, the Lonsdale, I also would recommend the Corona with almost equal enthusiasm.
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3. Quesada Jalapa Belicoso. The Jalapa, by Quesada Cigars was developed to meet a demand in the US for the accidentally introduced “Espana”, a Spanish market exclusive. In their attempt to fill this niche in the market, the Quesada family developed an absolute masterpiece of a cigar. Using a well aged wrapper leaf from the Jalapa region of Nicaragua, and a blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican filler, the Jalapa delivers an incredibly rich, yet smooth smoking with delicate and nuanced flavors.
The biggest question when the Jalapa was released was how does it compare to the España? I have smoked more than a box of both, and I still don’t have a favorite. They are both that good. I’ll say this, the Jalapa is certainly creamier, and may have just a hair more “pop” to it. While I reviewed the Belicoso, I’ve probably smoked a few more of the Robusto and that has become my preferred Vitola since the review.
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2. Ortega Serie “D” Maduro No. 8. Figuring out numbers 2-5 on this list has been a challenge. Frankly, I’ve been messing with this list right up until publishing. While the top 5, in it’s own right, has been a challenge, determining where Eddie Ortega’s Serie “D” was going to fit has been the biggest challenge.
Make no mistake about it I love both the Natural and the Maduro. The filler blend just works for either of the wrappers and really allows the characteristics of either wrapper to stand out. Rich notes of chocolate, cocoa, espresso, pepper, and spice, but balanced with a wonderful rich, smooth, full bodied smoke.
I have smoked each Vitola in both lines, repeatedly, (except the 60 rg), and without a doubt no cigar has been on the receiving end of my attention more frequently, and delivered more satisfaction, flavor, and value than the Serie D Maduro. An absolutely fantastic cigar smoking experience and consistently a cigar for any occasion.
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and now ToastedFoot proudly announces our Cigar of the Year!!!
1. La Palina Cigars “Goldie” Laguito No.2. Rolled at the famed El Titan De Bronze factory on Calle Ocho in Miami for Bill Paley’s La Palina Cigars, the Goldie is an absolute joy to smoke. The unique flavor profile, complexity, balance, and quality of craftsmanship set the “Goldie” apart. Here’s what I had to say in summarizing my review:
The La Palina “Goldie” is an absolutely fantastic cigar with very rich and unique flavor and terrific construction. I can’t recall the last time I picked up such a strong and defined banana note in a Cigar but it was there in spades in the first third. The “Goldie” is incredibly smooth and complex in flavor.
The biggest issue with the “Goldie” is the price tag. It is such a good cigar I’d smoke the hell out of it, but at $15 per stick (especially a Petit Lancero), that’s a bit prohibitive for me. The other side of that statement is that it is absolutely worth it when you consider the limited release, medio tiempe leaf, and expert skill of the roller.
The “Goldie” is a must-try for the experienced cigar smoker, and considering the limited nature of the blend and talent of the people behind this cigar, the Goldie” will likely be a collectors item for many aficionados.
After I smoked my first few “Goldie’s” I got over my issue with the price, they are that good, and well worth the money. I was fortunate enough to hunt down a few boxes after they were released and am glad I’ll be able to enjoy a “Goldie” on special occasions for the foreseeable future. An investment in pleasure and satisfaction that is without a need to quantify!
Kudos to Bill Paley for stepping outside the industry trend of going big and or using the most well known factories and doing something different and daring to deliver this amazing cigar. Your devotion to your craft and execution on delivering the most memorable smoke of 2012 earns you our top honor!
And now for the contest!
We are giving away a sampler pack featuring our top 10, here are the rules:
1. One entry per person, multiple entries will be excluded.
2. You have to be 18+, and a resident of the US.
3. We will notify the winner just prior to announcing the winner to confirm their information, if we can’t reach you, we reserve the right to draw a new winner.
4. The contest runs for one week from the time this is posted.
5. There are three steps, you must complete all three:
a. Follow us and like our top 10 list post on Facebook
b. Follow us and re-tweet our top 10 list tweet on Twitter
c. Log into the site and post your top cigar of 2012 on this thread
6. At the end of the contest period we will select a winner using Random.org
@WillyStyl
47 comments
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My top cigar of 2012 would have to be Four Kicks by Crowned Heads. An amazingly complex cigar that I never want to end when I’m enjoying one.
I would have to say my top cigar of 2012 would be the Crowned Heads Mule Kick.
I had soooo many good cigars, but that one just had such a unique flavor and was a pure joy to smoke.
My top cigar of 2012 would be the Tatuaje TAA 2012. I just loved how much it reminded me of classic Tatuaje and how nice the spice was. It was present but balanced.
top cigar of the year? since I just started smoking in 2012, kind of hard to pinpoint. Had a Liga Privada T-52 that was stellar..
top cigar of 2012 would be the Little Boris
Favorite smoke of 2012 was new to me this year. It’s a Cuba Libre “The Brute”. Great budget cigar that seems to last forever.
Thanks for the contest and Happy New Year!
I meant to say, “Cuba Libre ONE,” instead of a regular “Cuba Libre.”
My top cigar for 2012 is the Cuenca y Blanco Lonsdale Club. Best first cigar of the day!!
I think my favorite new release this year is the Ortega Serie D maduro #7. Love that cigar! Honorable mentions are the LP Papas Fritas and Tatuaje Little Monsters Wolfie.
Oops, meant to type the Babyface as one of my honorable mentions!
I have co-cigars of 2012, the EP Carillo Cardinal Maduro and the L’Atelier 54. Both outstanding, bought a box of each.
Not entering because I won’t sell my soul to Facebook for you.
Did all the required steps and now telling you that my new cigar of the year is probably the Emilio Draig K Corona – love that cigar!
I have fallen in love with two cigars this year, neither on your list and not sure I can pick one over the other. Casa Fernandez Aganorsa Leaf Maduro and Headly Grange. Both great cigars. And of course right behind them the Ortega Serie D Maduro.
A plethora of great sticks were released in 2012, making this a tough choice. I have to go with my friend Eddie’s Ortega Serie D Maduro, which has become my “go to” smoke!
Tough to choose the best as so many good smokes came about this year .Tatuaje black label lancero would do it for me!!
Have to say my favorite stick of 2012 was the Olivia V Melanie robusta, delicious! Thank you for a great blog!
My favorite cigar of the year is CyB Lonsdale.
Ortega D Natural is a great smoke!
Hard choice. Tatuaje Fatso
I would have to say it is the “Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial”
Very east. The Paul Stulac White Blinding Light w/ Red Screaming Sun right behind it.
Clearly, it should have read, “very easy” not “very east”
My meds have not kicked in yet.
My top cigar of 2012 is the Punch Rare Corojo 10th Anniversary cigar.
Without a doubt my favorite release of 2012 would have to be the Asylum 13 followed closely by the CLE Cuarenta, but most definetly the Asylum 13 was best
@dogs certainly the cuarenta is awesome! I would put the card Maddy much higher. Emilio my brand of year and cigar might be flor de las antillas. Avion 2012 fab too!
My number one is the Four Kicks Mule Kick. Love that cigar!
Mine would be the Gurkhu Royal Challenge for 2012
Absolutely loved the Rodrigo Classico Belicoso. It was new to me in 2012. Looking forward to trying the ones on your list soon.
Not sure if this is new in 2012 (or even if that’s a requirement), but I swooned over the Asylum 13–a terrific cigar and a great value. However, if price is no object, I might tip in the direction of Liga Privada No. 9 (pretty sure that one didn’t release in 2012).
Dude, I’m curious, how will you ascertain that we complied with your three requirements? I did, but unless you examine IP addresses you won’t know (I use different names on here, on twitter, and on facebook).
Or are we on the honor system?
We have our ways
Love the La Flor Dominicana Litto Gomez Diez Chisel!
I’ll follow you on FB but I can’t win cause I don’t Twit…Thanks anyway!
Happy New Year!
Drew Estate Liga Privada
Which one?
I really enjoy smoking the LP Undercrown, so I want to give the Papas Fritas a try. Also high on my must-try list would be the Ortega Serie D Maduro.
I’d have to say my top cigar of 2012 was the Oliva Serie V Melanio. My favorite has always been the Montecristo No. 2, but for 2012 Oliva stepped up with this smooth, intoxicating stogie. Although not pungent, it is a phenomenal, light smoke that changes flavors throughout superbly.
I liked you guys on facebook and followed and retweeted on twitter! Hope I win! Thanks!
I recently enjoyed a Melanio my smoking buddy/nephew gave me for my birthday. Prior to that I had a very memorable afternoon surveying the damage to my yard ( after hurricaine Sandy ) smoking an awesome Tatuaje Mummy #5. In that vane of never meeting a Tatuaje I never liked, I extravagantly purchased a box Tatuaje Apocalypse. They’re currently aging a wee little bit in my humidor. Once a week I give an anticipatory whiff to. But, drum roll please……………… I also agree with WillyStyl.
The Palina ” Goldie ” blew me a away.The prelight smell, the draw, the aroma of the smoke,the smooth distinct flavors. Alas, aside from ” depending upon the generosity of friends” e.g. strangers. I can only dream of purchasing a box which is way beyond a teachers price point. So as I must take your leave,” to sleep,perchance to dream (of a box of Goldies) – ay there’s the nub”.e.g rub.
Chaveta64
Chaveta 64
I thought the Goldie was the best cigar of the year hands down.
It is a tough year to choose a number 1 cigar. I think my top would be a La Duena Petite Lancero.
Not an expert ‘per se’, but I will go with Montecristo New York for now…
Great list Willy.. I’ve been lucky enough to have enjoyed seven of your list!!
have the winners been announced?
Winner will be announced soon
Did anyone win?! I’m craving all of these! Wondering if maybe I won’t have to buy
Tx_tuff won, its posted at the top
Thank you very much, great contest!!! Can’t wait to smoke the ones I haven’t tried yet.