We’ve been getting a lot of requests lately for recommendations on value cigars, so I wanted to share my favorite affordable stogies in the ~$7 and below range. I still believe that $8-$12 is the sweet spot for many cigars, but most of these listed below could easily sell at a much higher MSRP. These are diamonds in the rough, so to speak, and punch above their weight class. If these speak to you, check out our sampler below to find all of them in one easy 10-pack.
10.) My Father Fonseca Cosacos
When My Father announced that they were taking on the Fonseca brand, I couldn’t have been more excited for a Nicaraguan puro at the time. I didn’t have expectations, per se, but I knew it would be a solid release like My Father is known for. I was personally blown away, and the tasting notes below will tell you exactly why. For under $8, this Fonseca is a steal.
Price: $7.75
Size: 5 3/8 x 42
Tasting Notes: Pepper, Peanut Butter, Leather, Wood, Molasses, Baking Spices
Intensity: Medium+
9.) A.J. Fernandez New World Robusto
When you think of value cigars, A.J.’s New World is probably one of the first cigars to come to your mind. And that’s for good reason – this blend has a lot to offer if you’re into slightly heavier, darker profiles. In fact, you could probably use New World to introduce newer cigar enthusiasts to a certain type of cigar and see if they should explore that range further. It’s iconic, it’s well built, it’s damn good, it’s New World.
Price: $7.40
Size: 5 ½ x 55
Tasting Notes: Pepper, Earth, Espresso, Wood, Dark Chocolate
Intensity: Medium-Full
8.) HVC Pan Caliente Doble Corona
I’ve been smoking these since Andrew first shared it with me, and I’m still as big of a fan today as I was the first time I fired one up. I always keep a box of these in the humidor for myself and can easily hand them to new smokers as well as veteran smokers in a pinch. It’s a versatile blend without being too aggressive, and the hot cakes label is about as appropriate as it gets.
Price: $7.00
Size: 5 5/8 x 46
Tasting Notes: Nuts, Hay, Leather, Maple, Baking Spices
Intensity: Medium
7.) RoMa Craft Intemperance EC XVIII Charity
When it comes to ballin’ on a budget, RoMa Craft is one of the more wallet friendly brands out there. Each Intemperance EC is expertly crafted, and this unassuming cigar band delivers rich flavors without being too forward. I fancy this cigar equally in the morning with coffee or in the evening with whiskey.
Price: $6.25
Size: 4 x 46
Tasting Notes: Cream, Cedar, Granola, Honey, Nuts
Intensity: Medium
6.) Padron Classic 2000 Natural
Padron Classic is – for lack of a better word – a classic for cigar enthusiasts! It’s known as one of the best cigars to age, as well as one of the better values that you can find at almost any Tobacconist. It doesn’t get more consistent than this, so if you fall in love rest assured that you can easily replicate this experience whenever you get the itch.
Price: $7.60
Size: 5 x 50
Tasting Notes: Pepper, Leather, Sweetness, Wood, Nuts
Intensity: Medium
5.) Quesada 40th Petite Belicoso (SBC Exclusive)
I’ve talked a lot about this cigar in the past, and it’s still a go-to of mine for when I want a quick smoke. Or, when I want many quick smokes in succession. It’s just that good! And as they age, that peppery expression melds into a wonderful contrast with the rest of the tasting notes, becoming more like the taste of peppercorn than feeling the heat.
Price: $6.90
Size: 4 ½ x 40
Tasting Notes: Pepper, Cream, Leather, Cedar, Nuts, Espresso, Bread
Intensity: Mild-Medium
4.) Foundation Charter Oak Habano Rothschild
If we’re being honest, the entire Charter Oak series should be on this list – but for variety I’ve only included the Habano. Nicholas Melillo knows how to party, and party on all different budgets. This is a fiery blend that’s quickly tempered by sweeter tasting notes, and perfectly showcases that Habano changeup.
Price: $5.70
Size: 4 ½ x 50
Tasting Notes: Pepper, Cream, Leather, Brown Sugar, Wood, Umami
Intensity: Medium+
3.) Jas Sum Kral Toothpick 2.0 Habano
In order to obtain the fabulous price of $6.00 for this gem, Riste even doubled down on the bands so that they could produce more and just rotate the band for his Maduro and Habano expressions. He also created an incredibly solid Habano blend (Indonesian binder, anyone?) that punches way above the value category.
Price: $6.00
Size: 5 x 50
Tasting Notes: Pepper, Creamy Cedar, Baking Spices, Toasted Graham Cracker
Intensity: Medium
2.) Xhaxhi Bobi Mi Hermano
The Kelner Boutique Factory (KBF) is one of a handful that I trust to always give me an amazing cigar experience regardless of the price – and that works both ways, up and down. I first picked up Xhaxhi Bobi because of the interesting story behind Uncle Bob the cigar box maker, but I continue picking it up because it has never let me down. And when I’m traveling, this cigar is the most requested from my friends because they’ve also come to know and love it.
Price: $5.49
Size: 4 x 43
Tasting Notes: Wood, Subtle Leather, Earth, Mocha, Cream, Caramel, Hay
Intensity: Medium
1.) Crowned Heads Juarez OBS
My absolute favorite value cigar in recent years has been the Juarez OBS by Crowned Heads! This blend goes hard in the paint whether it’s your first or fourth cigar of the day, and I really can’t say enough good things about it. If you haven’t experienced Juarez yet, please add it to your short list and let it compete for much-better-than-MSRP shelf space in your humidor.
Price: $5.96
Size: 4 ¾ x 52
Tasting Notes: Earth, Cocoa, Pepper, Nuts, Wood, Fruit
Intensity: Medium-Full
Comments
If I may, I'd like to recommend the Illusione Rothchildes. I've only had the original, but they have saved the day many times. Whether brought along as an emergency backup for a dud, or handouts to a friends, or chillin in the yard, they are excellent cigars at a more than fair price.
Cheers!
And, the Illusione La Grande Classe is another phenomenal cigar in the under $7 category. Wish they were more common so we could have included them in this sampler too