The Blackened "Shade to Black S84" is a follow-up collaboration with James Hetfield as an homage to Metallica’s song “Fade to Black," and a follow-up hit to the original Blackened M81 Maduro.

This lighter version produces a smooth, creamy smoking session that is well-balanced, with hints of leather and spice, along with a touch of sweetness. Its intriguing internal blend consists of a USA-bred Connecticut Broadleaf binder and a filler mixture made of Nicaraguan and Pennsylvania Broadleaf maduro leaves, all covered by a warm Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper. This medium-strength smoke is renowned for producing both nuanced and not-so-subtle flavors that are sure to get any metalhead banging!

Tasting Notes:

This 91 rated cigar was described as bright and creamy... zesty with touches of lemon peel and dried orange. It's also sweet, with a very prominent note of honey on the palate. From Drew State it's wonderfully crafted with Dominican fillers and finished with a lighter Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper. 

Lauded for being the first mass-produced, hand-rolled bourbon barrel-aged premium cigar blend on the planet, the Perdomo Reserve 10th Anniversary Champagne is an OG smoke that keeps on delivering the goods. Blended with 6-year-aged Cuban-seed Nicaraguan tobaccos inside, and cloaked in a Connecticut Shade wrapper that has been aged in bourbon barrels for eight months, this mild-medium cigar delivers creamy smoking every time.

Biscuits baking in the oven, and a pot of warm honey sitting on the stove, a flurry of kitchen activities begin to take place, with buttered popcorn, and a saltier and chewier finish that features sappy cedar notes and loads of sweet cream. All together, this makes for a modern smoking marvel that dishes out a ton of flavor.

Tasting Notes:

With the story behind this brand being that some of the tobacco for each cigar was grown on a 20 acre farm in central Florida, uniqueness is sure to follow. This cigar is a delight to the senses. Aromas of cedar and honey bring out flavors of citrus and cinnamon, followed by a fat scoop of creamy meringue. Deficiently not your average shade-grown cigar!

Originally reserved exclusively for dignitaries visiting Nicaragua, the Joya de Nicaragua Número Uno L'Attaché is an elegant, luxurious cigar from the company's "Obras Maestras" (masterpieces) collection. Wrapped in a flawless Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, it delivers a refined profile of cream, cedar, toasted almonds, and subtle baking spices, accented by delicate floral notes and a hint of sweetness throughout the smoke.

Blended with vintage Nicaraguan tobaccos, the Número Uno L'Attaché offers exceptional balance, impeccable construction, and a silky-smooth finish via a petit corona vitola. Its medium-bodied character and sophisticated complexity make it a standout choice for special occasions or anyone seeking a premium Connecticut Shade smoking experience.

The Ferio Tego Elegancia 2024 is a refined, sophisticated cigar crafted to showcase the elegant side of shade-grown tobacco. Its smooth Ecuadorian wrapper delivers a balanced profile of creamy cedar, toasted nuts, gentle spice, and subtle sweetness, creating a nuanced smoke with plenty of depth and complexity.

Designed for an approachable yet luxurious smoking experience, the Elegancia 2024 develops beautifully as it progresses, revealing layers of earth, baking spice, and rich tobacco before finishing clean and satisfying. It's an excellent choice for smokers looking for a polished, medium-bodied cigar with exceptional balance and construction.

Jake Wyatt’s Appendix II was created to form a smooth and creamy masterpiece. This stick is rolled with a special Connecticut Shade wrapper from Ecuador and Jake Wyatt’s proprietary blend of aged Dominican filler, creating this ultra-smooth, mild-medium cigar that is right for any occasion. And would you just look at that two-tone wrapper!

Tasting notes: Vanilla, Honey, Oak, Hints of Orange and Spices, and Cream.

While Blackbird's official 10th Anniversary blend has yet to hit the humidor, a prelude celebration smoke has arrived, and it has quite the mouthful of a name: Pura Raza de Quisqueya Prensado.

Translated directly to English, pura raza means "purebred," while Quisqueya is the name of a town in the San Pedro de Macorís province that is shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Further translation of the old dialect spoken by the indigenous people of that area reveals that the word Quisqueya means "mother of the earth," or "large land." Nowadays, the term is commonly used as a patriotic word for the Dominican Republic and its cultural heritage, despite also sharing Haitian heritage.

The cigar is a 6″ x 52 box-pressed toro featuring, you guessed it, a purebred stallion on the band. While it may be strange to see a Blackbird blend without some sort of avian species' name scrawled across its brightly colored cigar band, this classy, old-world approach looks right at home on this smoke. The reason why that band (and its stunner of a dressing box) looks so at home is because this cigar features a top-grade Ecuadorian Connecticut-shade wrapper that is of the finest quality.

Artfully crafted at the company's Dominican factory with an undisclosed binder and filler mixture, this rarity is only being rolled to the tune of 500 boxes, with just 10 cigars being encased in each box. Furthermore, this cigar is intended to serve as tribute to Blackbird’s master blender, Papo “El Caballo.” That being said, it has been announced that going forward, this smoke will become a limited annual run, with our Klaro Members receiving the very first round ever released to the U.S. market. 

The Connecticut Reserve is a cigar of remarkable quality and flavor that combines the cedar and cream aromas you crave, with the build quality that you have come to expect from Oliva. That powdery, butterscotch-colored Connecticut shade wrapper creates a buttery, mild-medium cigar flavor profile that is equal parts citrus-forward and sugar-laden, with nary a sign of strength along the way,

With its impressive construction, near-perfect combustion, and free-flowing draw, this blend's reliance upon darker, heavily aged Cuban-seed Nicaraguan long-filler leaves makes this stick one of our top options for mild-to-medium cigar smokers. This is another one of those staples in the cigar world that only seems to have gotten better over the years.

Artista Midnight is the first premium full-bodied cigar of the Artista Series. It features a dark Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and a Connecticut shade binder that offers sweetness. The filler tobaccos are from three countries which provides them an incredible flavor profile. 

Tasting notes: earthy notes of coffee, spice, and chest- nut with a citrus finish

This medium-bodied cigar features a well-balanced combination of floral, citrus, spice, sweetness, and cedar notes. Its rich Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper conceals an all Nicaraguan filler mixture and a Mexican binder. This three nation blend has incredible complexity and provides a tasty smoking experience that only AJ Fernandez can skillfully craft.

These cigars have a medium body and mild flavors that gradually grow in intensity. Expect silky notes of toasted almonds and sweet coconut milk, an earthy, floral scent punctuated by  vanilla and coffee beans, and a finish that is smooth and lively.

The Montecristo White Series features filler leaves that have been aged for at least 3 years, and with a hefty amount of those innards being of Nicaraguan stock, complexity grows as you go. A touch of tangy tangerine peel here, some almond milk there, hints of white pepper on the finish, and a super-creamy mouthfeel make this one of those mild summertime smokes that is sure to satisfy and surprise.

The strong blend of Esteban Carreras Cashmere Cigars has an Ecuadorian Connecticut shade wrapper and produces a medium-to-full-bodied smoke. Don't let the cigar's wrapper fool you; the blend's all-Nicaraguan core offers an adequate amount of power along with rich notes of cedar, leather, and spice that end in a smooth, fragrant finish not commonly found on Connecticut seed wrappers. Therefore, this is guaranteed to be exactly up your alley if you enjoy the flavor profile of Connecticut Shade but want a cigar with a fair bit of body. 

Blended to celebrate 5 years in the industry, the 2012 line by Oscar Vallarades combines elegance with box-pressed burning perfection. By utilizing a home-grown Honduran wrapper that is of the Connecticut Shade seed variety, and then loading the insides with Honduran and Nicaraguan leaf, Oscar has constructed a mild smoke that is anything but ordinary.

Herbal and earthy, with plenty of creaminess and cleanliness in play, this is a fantastic light cigar option for those who are in search of a different sort of shade-grown smoking experience. 

The Montecristo Original No. 2 Torpedo is one of the most iconic sizes in the Montecristo portfolio, combining timeless presentation with the smooth, approachable character that has made the brand a staple among cigar enthusiasts. Measuring 6 x 50, this classic Torpedo is handcrafted in the Dominican Republic with a silky Connecticut Shade wrapper surrounding carefully selected Dominican binder and filler tobaccos. Its elegant tapered head not only gives the cigar its unmistakable appearance but also allows smokers to customize the draw, making the No. 2 a true classic for any humidor.

Mild to medium in strength, the Montecristo Original No. 2 delivers a smooth and satisfying smoking experience with a naturally sweet and nutty character. Expect creamy tobacco, cedar, roasted almond, and subtle coconut notes to develop throughout the smoke, complemented by a gentle sweetness and rich aroma. Balanced, refined, and exceptionally approachable, the No. 2 Torpedo is an excellent choice for both longtime Montecristo fans and smokers looking for a sophisticated Dominican cigar with classic Connecticut Shade character.

The Cavalier Genève Project Broadleaf Skywalker is a rich and flavorful cigar featuring a dark, toothy Broadleaf wrapper that delivers deep notes of dark chocolate, espresso, roasted nuts, and earthy spice. The blend combines bold richness with subtle sweetness, creating a complex and satisfying profile from the first draw to the finish.

At 6" × 48, the Skywalker offers a long, enjoyable smoking experience with excellent construction and a balanced progression of flavors. It is an ideal choice for smokers who appreciate fuller-bodied cigars with pronounced dark tobacco character, layered sweetness, and a lingering spicy finish.

Piece Unique from Gellis Family Cigars takes its name from the world of Horological references. When famed watch making houses produce a special 1 of 1 piece, it is often referred to as a “Piece Unique”.

Each release of Piece Unique from Gellis Family Cigars will utilize the same methodology, only crafting the interior blend one time. Each bale of tobacco utilized within Piece Unique was hand sourced by Kyle Gellis. From the Grade 1 Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade Wrapper from ASP and marked as Bale #3BW, to each bale of fillers from Nicaragua and Dominican Republic.

The process to complete Piece Unique has been a long one, from start of the process to final ending was a 2 year period to source these tobaccos and get the blend to define the vision that was set for it.

Packaged in piano finished boxes of lined with Spanish Cedar of 15 cigars, only 500 boxes of this blend were crafted, all of which were aged for a full year in Spanish Cedar after rolling.

This is definitely a unique piece to try!

The Black Works Studio Killer Bee Connecticut puts a lighter, smoother spin on the brand's popular Killer Bee profile. Featuring a golden Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, this cigar delivers creamy notes of cedar, toasted nuts, vanilla, and gentle spice, with just enough pepper to add character without overpowering the blend.

Measuring 4½" × 46, the Killer Bee Connecticut offers a flavorful and approachable smoking experience in a compact format. Its balanced medium-bodied profile and excellent construction make it a great choice for smokers who enjoy Connecticut-wrapped cigars with an extra layer of spice and complexity.

Hand-rolled by the same makers as Hoyo De Monterrey, Hoyo De Monterrey Excalibur cigars are made using the top 10% of the factory’s tobacco from Honduras and Nicaragua.

Tasting Notes:

AVO Classic No. 2 is one of the most sought-after AVO cigars. Named after famed jazz pianist, Avo Uvezian, and crafted by former Davidoff master blender, Hendrik Kelner, this smoke reportedly utilizes 25 year-aged Dominican tobacco as part of the filler. 

If that's not impressive enough, this mild-medium bodied cigar is finished with something rarely seen in the cigar world: A sun-grown Connecticut wrapper. By allowing the leaf to be exposed to direct sun, the blend transcends traditional shade wrapper flavor profiles without going too brawny on you, thus bringing the best of both worlds together in a creamy, nutty smoking experience loaded with sweet cream, vanilla, and burnt caramel.

The "Macanudo Estate Reserve Flint Knoll No. 2" is the second partnership between Macanudo and the Napa Valley vineyard Flint Knoll.

The cigar is made up of filler leaves from Brazil, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic, as well as a honey-colored Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper that is covered in a Connecticut Broadleaf binder. True to its name, the binder's tobacco was matured in French oak barrels that once housed Flint Knoll's 2019 Royal Appointment Cabernet Sauvignon.

This unique maturing method adds a new dimension to the cigar's already complex smoking characteristics, fortifying the cigar flavor profile with a ripe berry sweetness and strong oak tannin tastes.

The La Palina White Label may be one of the most mouthwatering Connecticut shade wrapped cigars you will ever smoke. And while that wrapper may no longer be grown down in Honduras, the harvest from Ecuador seen on the outside of this stick is equally on point. Beneath this outer leaf is a Nicaraguan binder, and then some potent Piloto Cubano leaf from the same country serving as the filler.

As things start to amp up, tastes of buttered toast, mild baking spices, and a bit of brown sugar start to surface. There's a tingle of white pepper and sweetgrass mixed in there too, along with the floral aromatic of crape myrtle mixed with wildflowers. In the center of the cigar you will encounter a honeycomb flavor and sweetness, which sits perfectly atop some buttered toast notes. Pushing the boundary between food and fermented tobacco leaf, this blend transcends into a rounder, lasting flavor profile as the cigar hits the second third. At which point it becomes more cedar-forward, and favors darker tobacco aftertastes while remaining devoid of any intensity outside of some nicotine. 

The El Septimo Yao Connecticut is a grand 6½″ × 60 torpedo gordo from the prestigious Yao Collection — one of El Septimo's most acclaimed lines. Wrapped in a silky Connecticut shade leaf, this cigar delivers a smooth, creamy profile with notes of white pepper, toasted almond, vanilla, and aged cedar. The Yao Collection represents El Septimo's highest expression of luxury and refinement.

The El Septimo Napoleon Connecticut from the Emperor Collection is a grand 9″ × 55 royal salomon — one of the longest cigars in El Septimo's lineup. Wrapped in a smooth Connecticut shade leaf, this cigar offers a milder counterpart to the Napoleon Maduro with elegant notes of cream, cedar, vanilla, and white pepper. An extended smoking experience of 90+ minutes for those who command the time.

Tasting Notes:

This is Crux's Connecticut Shade crown gem in the Epicure line. A blend tailored for those who realize that indulgence doesn't have to be a bad thing, evoking creamy smoke textures and a smooth, caramel finish.

The Excepcion Esmeralda is the gem of El Septimo’s ultra-premium Zaya Collection, built with five filler tobaccos aged up to 15 years and wrapped in a satiny, dark leaf the shade of coffee beans. It delivers a rich, creamy medium-to-full-bodied smoke with dominant notes of cedarwood, walnut, and molasses, complemented by milk chocolate, orange zest, and a hint of pink peppercorn. Firm construction ensures a steady, voluminous burn from start to finish.

Originally produced by AJ Fernandez, The Nicaragua Connecticut is now being blended and rolled by Joya de Nicaragua, and the result is fantastic. Essentially, the award-winning cigar manufacturer has taken La Palina founder, Bill Paley's dream of a having a shade-grown Nicaraguan puro in his portfolio to whole new heights. Yes, that's right. Everything from that Connecticut-seed wrapper southward is grown in Nicaragua, resulting in a premium cigar blend that is equal parts unique and familiar.

Although the blend may be all about creamy vanilla and cupcake batter at first, with popcorn and roasty cereal grains sitting on the side, stronger notes of earth, pepper, and roasted nuts eventually emerge in this light-colored, medium-bodied cigar. It may not be for everyone, but those who appreciate unique smokes are surely going to dig this tasty little oddball blend.

The Joya de Nicaragua Clásico Original Green Room Selection Diadema pays tribute to one of the most historic chapters in Joya de Nicaragua's story. Inspired by the Clásico's connection to the White House during the 1970s, when Joya de Nicaragua cigars were offered to guests in the White House Green Room, this limited-edition release brings the brand's classic profile to an elegant 6" × 54 Diadema format. Its Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper and Nicaraguan core deliver a smooth, approachable smoke with notes of cream, cedar, light wood, gentle sweetness, and subtle pepper.

With only 1,200 boxes of 20 produced worldwide—and just 700 boxes allocated to the U.S. market—the Green Room Selection is both a flavorful everyday-style cigar and a collectible limited release. The Diadema is one of the oldest formats still hand-rolled at Joya de Nicaragua's Estelí factory, offering a refined smoking experience that develops gradually while maintaining its mild, creamy character.

In order to create a new Macanudo line that featured tobacco aged in French oak barrels that previously held a single vineyard cabernet sauvignon, General Cigar Co. collaborated with Flint Knoll, a small winery in Napa, California.

While the wrapper is an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade varietal with a honey-hued color, this isn't a mild smoke by any means, for the filler tobaccos are dark and potent. Mata Fina from Brazil, Piloto Cubano and Olor from the Dominican Republic, as well as some Nicaraguan Jalapa leaf are all bound inside by a Connecticut Broadleaf binder. It is this leaf that rested inside those French oak barrels from Flint Knoll, resulting in a toasted tannin crispness, and a unique olfactory experience you have to smoke to believe.