Top 10 Best Cigars To Enjoy In The Afternoon: Quality Daytime Sticks

1. Davidoff Escurio

Davidoff’s Escurio is refreshing combination of Dominican, Brazilian, and Ecuadorian tobaccos. Its filler consists of Visus primings of Cubra and Mata Fina as well as San Vicente, Piloto and Olor Dominicano Seco. Meanwhile, the binder is also Brazilian Cubra and the wrapper is an Ecudorian Habano leaf.

As Davidoff’s least intense Discovery Pillar offering, it’s an intricate option to enjoy as either a post-lunch digestif or even a pre-dinner apéritif. Beginning with a creamy first third, its intensity slowly mellows to develop a rich albeit balanced pepper and coffee finish.

A number of vitolas are available for this blends including a large Corona Gorda or an unusual Gran Perfecto. However, we’re quite fond of the Robusto that just hits the right spot during the mid-afternoon.

2. Ramon Allones Superiores LCDH

We dare say that the Ramon Allones Superiores is one of our current favourite Cuban cigars. Out of the growing number that we have smoked, we have yet to discover any construction or flavour inconsistencies, which we can all admit is something of a rarity.

As a La Casa del Habano exclusive, the Superiores may be somewhat hard to come by. Yet this often overlooked blend deserves seeking out for its quintessentially Cuban musty terracotta characteristics. With complementary notes of pecan, grapefruit, bay leaf, and nutmeg, it’s an excellent choice following lunchtime.

3. Montecristo Línea Edmundo

First launched in 2004, Montecristo’s Edmunda line was a break from the usual Cuban tradition and lean cigars. Instead, they offered a mealy 50 ring gauge, which proved such a hit that the Double Edmundo was released in 2013.

Another gourmand yet harmonious blend, its warming aromas of oak, leather, and chocolate are ideal for the afternoon all the way until dinnertime. Although Habanos S.A. officially state that the Double Edmundo will only offer an hour of smoke time, we found it to be much more forgiving.

4. E.P. Carrillo Encore

Ernesto Perez-Carrillo’s critically-acclaimed blend witnessed considerable media attention in 2018 when it was awarded Cigar Of The Year by Cigar Aficionado. A Dominican-assembled Nicaragua puro, it’s an aptly-named return following Perez-Carrillo’s 2014 La Historia.

Despite the presence of Nicaragua most mineral-rich tobaccos, the Encore is never overbearing. Instead, it retains a delicate harmony while offering notes of candied citrus fruits and salted caramel. We’re particularly fond of the Majestic vitola, which is the perfect shape and size for a pre-dinner apéritif.

5. Nub Habano

Following the success of the Connecticut, a staple of Bespoke Unit’s daily rotation, the Habano promised further complexity than its first release. Indeed, its flavour profile includes aromas of salted caramel, cinnamon, fig tree as well as a mineral clay finish.

Similarly, the Habanos can be picked up cheap when purchasing strategically online. A number of retailers will often heavily discount samplers and boxes so you can pick them up for well under $5 a stick!

6. Romeo y Julieta Añejados

While the practice is nothing new in itself, the Habanos SA Añejados project is an interesting concept to say the least. First launched for Padrón, there have since been Montecristo and Romeo y Julieta versions where the cigars are aged in their cigar boxes for between 5 to 8 years before being released.

The flavour profile is much mellower as a result, which curbs any full or heavy aromas by offering a smooth complexity. Consequently, they’re very easy to smoke and provide notable flavours of liquorice, star anise, beech, and oak.

7. Avo Syncro Nicaragua

Featuring no less than seven different varieties of tobacco, the Avo Nicaragua is a wonderfully smooth medium-bodied cigar. With the added Nicaraguan Ometepe and Peruvian Olancho, its complexity is somewhat reminiscent of the Escurio listed above.

We’re especially fond of the box-pressed edition, which can be difficult to find at times. However, it’s well-worth persevering as it creates a much cooler smoke, which is ideal for a contemplative moment during the mid-afternoon.

8. Nat Sherman Timeless

Made in partnership with the Quesada Family, the Timeless is one of Nat Sherman’s most iconic blends since Michael Herklots took the helm. As a rich experience, it may be a little too full-bodied for some palates in the afternoon. Nevertheless, it is perfectly balanced for the more adventurous.

As a compromise, would recommend the Hermoso vitola for the afternoon. Thanks to its wider ring gauge, its gourmand notes are much mellower and take time to fully develop.

9. Montecristo Artisan Series Batch II

Featuring Dominican Piloto Cubano Ligero and Olor Seco, its filler also contains some Colombian Tairona, which is an original choice. Meanwhile, the binder is an Indonesian Java with Ecuadorian Habano used for the for the binder.

Consequently, this is a somewhat spicy yet particularly creamy smoking experience, which carefully walks the line between medium and full-bodied. Finally, don’t let the steep MSRP scare you away. Careful buyers can pick these up for a third of the price from the right online retailers.

10. Partagas Serie D N°4

A celebrated Cuban blend affectionately referred to as the “D4”, this iconic blend is considered to be the quintessential Robusto by many enthusiasts. The D4 is an exceedingly balanced blend that’s easy to smoke for both beginners and veterans alike.

Indeed, we expect that the Partagás Serie D N°4 has a dedicated spot in every Cuban cigar lover’s humidor – and for good reason. Furthermore, they’re great to smoke immediately but age wonderfully and are worth reserving for months in advance.