So far we’ve reviewed the following categories from 2018: 

• 2018’s Top Blind Reviewed Cigars from our amazing Panel
• Best Value Cigars of 2018
• Editor’s Choice Awards for the Top 11 Cigars of 2018

Another interesting metric that I thought would be fun to discuss is the Most Popular award, recognizing some of the samplers, brands, and factories that were purchased most often last year. 

I’d love to hear your takeaways in the comments!

Most Popular Sampler: r/Cigars Pack

Four years ago, the mods at r/cigars worked with Andrew to create a sampler that would be affordable whilst spanning a wide variety of flavors and experiences:  

• Tatuaje Tattoo
• Camacho Ecuador
• Illusione Rothschilde
• My Father Flor de las Antillas
• Crowned Heads Jericho Hill

That pack still exists today, although a cigar is substituted every now and then based on availability.  This was the most popular sampler purchased in 2018 by a wide margin, followed by our Best Beginner Cigars pack. 

Editor’s Takeaway: I interpret this as very exciting news, meaning more and more cigar enthusiasts are joining the hobby in the best way possible: with small batch cigars!  

Most Popular Exclusive:  Herrera Esteli Inktome Exception 

The Inktome Exception is an exceptional value, and I was very happy to see that others felt the same throughout 2018.  In addition to being featured in our 2018 Best Value Awards, the Inktome Exception also ranked number one for box purchases last year as well.  

Editor’s Takeaway:  If the Exception wasn’t already a great pickup, it also comes available in a 10-count box!  It’s hard to pass up the feeling of opening a box, and I love it when a brand recognizes this value instead of going for the 25-count (or higher) packaging. 

Most Popular Factory: TABSA

Learn about AGANORSA Leaf and TABSA in our Interview with Terence Reilly

Ahhhh TABSA!  What a wonderful factory, producing some of my favorite cigars in recent years.  Cigars made from TABSA were purchased almost twice as often than other factories in 2018. And, while I don’t know what to call them anymore between Casa Fernandez, Aganorsa, and TABSA, I always know that anything hailing from their manufacturer needs to be given a chance in my humidor.  They also produced the majority of our Top 11 Editor's Choice Awards.  

Editor’s Takeaway: I don’t think this comes as a surprise to anyone since TABSA produces cigars for so many awesome brands, including our Most Popular Brand of 2018 below.  Still, it’s always satisfying seeing great folks reap great rewards. 

Most Popular Cigar Brand: Warped Cigars

Once upon a time, Warped was but a whisper like the idea of Rome.  In 2018, they were a force of nature!  Both Serie Gran Reserva 1988 and La Relatos were the first and second most purchased five packs last year.  And it didn’t stop there: Lirio Rojo, Corto, La Colmena Reina, and Maestro del Tiempo numbers were off the charts as well – not including Casa Fernandez collabs.  

Editor’s Takeaway: Kyle Gellis has an amazing talent of combining flavor and performance with unforgettable packaging and design.  Although it was a narrow victory over Drew Estate’s sizeable portfolio, it speaks volumes to Kyle’s ability to blend the entire cigar experience in every Warped cigar.