Cigar news you can use: C.A’s best cigar buys of 2018

The average retail price of a 2018 Top 25 cigar is more than $16, but you don’t have to reach for Andrew Jackson to get a satisfying smoke. We analyzed the hundreds of hand rolled cigars from this year’s tasting database and discovered two dozen that impressed our panel and also delivered wallet-friendly prices—and that makes us happy.

Below you’ll find 24 smokes that scored 87 points or higher, each with a suggested retail price of $6 or less (before taxes). There are some big names here, with cigars from Arturo Fuente, La Aurora, Oliva and Padrón, in a variety of shapes and sizes (robustos, coronas, and even three Churchill-sized cigars). And price-conscious connoisseurs take note: two of these Best Buys made it onto our Top 25. So, grab your lighters—it’s a good time for top-shelf smokes that won’t break the bank. —David Clough