The Best Boutique Cigars of 2025 (So Far)

Let's dive into the best cigars we've smoked in 2025:

The boutique cigar world has been on fire in 2025. Between new releases, limited editions, and brands pushing creativity, there’s been no shortage of blends worth hunting down. Below is our running list of the best boutique cigars we’ve smoked so far this year, based on balance, construction, flavor, and overall experience. Full disclosure, these are cigars we've smoked this year, not necessarily cigars that are new to the market.

Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or newer to the boutique side of things, we think these are worth your time (and your humidor space). Some of these cigars were sourced at Creekside Cigar Co. via their Monthly Subscription Box.

1. Awakening – Avowed Cigars (Rating: 9.5/10)

Delicate yet detailed. Avowed Cigars came out swinging this year with Awakening, a rich and complex blend that hits all the right notes. Mariah Carey who? Cinnamon apple, lemongrass, creamy espresso, roasted nuts, and a touch of pepper make this one of the most complex and intriguing boutique smokes of 2025 so far. Balanced strength and excellent construction push this release to the top of our list. Well done!

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2. Blue Bonnets - Rojas Cigars (Rating 9.25/10)

Blue Bonnets from Rojas has been one of the biggest surprises of the year. Everything we thought we knew about Corojo has been flipped upside down. Medium-bodied with bright bursts of orange zest, pepper spice, toasted bread, and a subtle cinnamon sweetness. It’s a perfect example of how boutique blends can still feel fresh and unique.

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3. Higher Calling – Avowed Cigars (Rating: 9.25/10)

Another standout from Avowed, The Vow – Higher Calling shows just how much range this brand has. More subtle and nuanced than Awakening, smooth, sweet, and calm. Notes of orange zest, honeysuckle, and sun dried hay blend with a gentle spice on the retrohale. There’s a soft breadiness underneath, like a warm bakery breeze. A masterclass in refined restraint.

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4. La Colmena – Warped Cigars (Rating: 9.0/10)

Warped has always had a cult following, and La Colmena proves why. Elegant and elevaged, this cigar leans into honey, floral sweetness, and light cedar with a creamy core. It’s a perfect “thinking cigar,” one you want to slow down with and savor. Familiar and friendly, a reminder why Warped is on this list.

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5. Blood Medicine – Crowned Heads (Rating: 8.75/10)

Crowned Heads is no stranger to limited editions, but Blood Medicine carries extra weight in its name and its profile. Sweet bread and cinnamon, with creamy smoke. It’s smooth the whole way through, with a little bit of spice and wood to keep things interesting. It feels like a campfire in cigar form. Not overly heavy, but deeply satisfying.

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6. Corto Maduro – Warped Cigars (Rating: 8.75/10)

Bold, compact, and rich, the Corto Maduro delivers a concentrated blast of cocoa, espresso, and earthy spice. This is the kind of cigar that punches above its size, perfect for short winter smokes or when you want some intensity in a smaller format.

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7. Juarez Bulldozer LE 2025 – Crowned Heads (Rating: 8.75/10)

The Juarez Bulldozer is back in a limited edition for 2025, and it might be the best version yet. Peppery retrohales, thick smoke output, and hot fudge make this a powerhouse. It’s a cigar that doesn’t apologize for its strength, yet still manages to stay refined.

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8. Pork Tenderloin (2025) – Tatuaje Cigars (Rating: 8.75/10)

One of Tatuaje’s cult classics returned this year with the Pork Tenderloin 2025. Rustic in appearance but bursting with flavor, it brings woodsmoke, spice, salty, umami and a bit of sweetness that keeps it from being overwhelming. Fans of the original release won’t be disappointed.

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9. Sarto – Warped Cigars (Rating: 8.75/10)

Another strong showing from Warped, Sarto is smooth and steady with a profile of leather, baking spice, and cedar. It’s the kind of cigar that doesn’t scream for attention but rewards you the longer you smoke it.

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10. Vanguard – Griff & Dave (Rating: 8.5/10)

Vanguard from Griff & Dave closes out our list as one of the most promising boutiques of the year. Medium-bodied with creamy texture, charred milk duds, light pepper, and a nutty finish, it’s a cigar that feels approachable but still refined. Definitely one to stock up on at a solid price!

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The Wrap Up

2025 has already given us an incredible lineup of boutique cigars, with Avowed, Warped, Crowned Heads, and others pushing creativity forward. This list will evolve as the year goes on, but right now, these are the smokes we think are worth your time. If you’re new here, check out our full cigar reviews