The Top Five Most Expensive Cigars: Luxury In Smoke

This piece covers the world's most expensive cigars, featuring five exclusive options:

1. Cohiba Behike
2. Gurkha Black Dragon
3. Davidoff Oro Blanco
4. Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series
5. Arturo Fuente OpusX

These cigars are crafted by premier cigar makers using the finest hand-rolled puro, rarest tobacco leaf, award-winning quality, and innovative techniques such as ancient Mayan tobacco cultivation methods. They represent the pinnacle of luxury cigars, showcasing the artistry and skill of the world's top cigar craftsmen.

Offering the ultimate smoking experience, these cigars not only deliver exquisite taste but also come with compelling stories that enhance the overall enjoyment, similar to fine wines and luxury whiskies. To delve deeper into these luxury cigars and other important considerations, continue reading the remainder of this article.

What Makes a Cigar Expensive?

The price of a cigar reflects numerous characteristics of luxury that enhance its appeal. From the quality of the tobacco to the craftsmanship involved in its production, various factors combine to signify that the price of a cigar denotes luxury and exclusivity.

One distinguishing feature of luxury cigars is the premium quality of the tobacco used. These high-quality cigars are created using the finest tobacco leaves, which are meticulously chosen, aged to perfection, and expertly blended with other leaves to produce rich, intricate flavors that captivate the smoker's senses.

Additionally, the craftsmanship exhibited in the creation of these exclusive products is a crucial element. Skilled artisans often hand-roll luxury cigars to ensure flawless construction and a smooth draw. Thus, smoking a luxury cigar transcends merely enjoying a smoke; it embodies indulging in a luxurious lifestyle where pleasure, refinement, and exclusivity are all savored with each puff.

The Top 5 Most Expensive Cigars

Luxury cigars are the epitome of exclusivity and opulence in the high-end cigar market, typically only accessible through special orders. Representing the pinnacle of sophistication, these cigars embody the finest aspects of luxury within the cigar industry, often serving as significant status symbols. Below, we present five luxury cigars that showcase various facets of the upscale segment of the market:

1. Cohiba Behike - Regarded as the most renowned and luxurious cigar globally, the Cohiba Behike stands as the flagship of the prestigious Cohiba lineup, synonymous with Cuban cigar excellence. Unique to the Cohiba Behike is the employment of medio tiempo tobacco leaves, extracted from the top two leaves of the sun-grown tobacco plant. These leaves, exceptionally rare and harvested only once a year from 1 in 10 plants, are exclusively reserved for the production of the Behike. Notably, the Cohiba Behike 52 was the first cigar to adopt a 52-ring gauge vitola, followed by the releases of the Behike 54 and Behike 56. However, these cigars are also among the most counterfeited in the world.
2. Gurkha Black Dragon - Known as His Majesty's Reserve, the Gurkha Black Dragon is among the priciest cigars ever sold. Crafted from a blend of 15-year-old aged Dominican tobacco and infused with the world's most expensive cognac, the 100-year-old Louis XIII Remy Martin, this exquisite cigar is encased in a handcrafted wooden box made from rare Afzelli wood sourced from Sri Lanka. Adorned with 24 karat gold, the limited edition box contains 100 cigars and is exclusively available in the world's most elite luxury establishments.
3. Davidoff Oro Blanco - The Davidoff Oro Blanco promises a luxurious experience with each draw, embodying rarity and exclusivity. Comprising aged Dominican filler tobaccos, a Peruvian Seco binder, and an Ecuadorian wrapper, this cigar is enveloped in a unique Davidoff Ecuadorian harvest wrapper and presented in premium white lacquer boxes. The Oro Blanco is a highly sought-after high-end cigar in the Dominican Republic.
4. Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series - Considered one of the most luxurious cigars ever crafted, the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series is a top-tier Nicaraguan puro. Aged for a minimum of 3.5 years, all Padrón cigars undergo stringent quality control measures, with the 1964 Anniversary Series commemorating the company's 30th anniversary. Renowned for its rich flavors, this series is available in natural and maduro varieties across various sizes, garnering favor among cigar aficionados.
5. Arturo Fuente OpusX - Hailing as one of the most luxurious non-Cuban cigars worldwide, the Arturo Fuente OpusX is meticulously crafted from rare Dominican tobaccos cultivated on the Fuente family's Chateau de la Fuente farm and aged in Dominican rum barrels. Recognized for its complex flavors and rare reddish rosado wrapper, the OpusX is highly coveted for its exceptional construction and sought-after profile.

1. Gurkha Royal Courtesan Cigar

The Gurkha Royal Courtesan Cigar is a luxury and ultra-premium cigar crafted from some of the finest tobacco worldwide, renowned for its opulence, sophistication, and exclusivity. Among the top and most costly cigars globally, they are distinguished for their rarity and unique luxury features that set them apart from the rest, along with their exceptional aging and tobacco blend qualities.

The Gurkha Royal Courtesan Cigar is admired by cigar connoisseurs who appreciate luxury on a different level compared to other cigars. It is considered an art collectible that is bought, sold, and traded in the luxury cigar market, as well as enjoyed by smoking enthusiasts.

2. Cohiba Behike Cigar

The Cohiba Behike Cigar is renowned as a highly sophisticated and luxurious cigar, known for its distinct flavor profile and exceptional quality. Esteemed by cigar enthusiasts globally, this exclusive cigar is considered one of the finest premium offerings available.

Crafted individually, Cohiba Behike Cigars aim to deliver a sensory experience that matches the brand's prestigious reputation. Through a meticulous blend of top-quality tobacco leaves sourced from premier plantations, these cigars offer a flavor and aroma profile that strikes the perfect balance between boldness and subtlety, setting them apart from all others.

With a flawless draw and burn, smoking a Cohiba Behike is a delightful and effortless experience, complemented by its elegant packaging and the iconic Cohiba band that exudes luxury.

The limited production of Cohiba Behike Cigars is further restricted by the exclusive use of select top-tier tobacco leaves, adding to its allure and high demand among connoisseurs who appreciate life's finer indulgences.

3. Arturo Fuente Opus X BBMF Cigar

The Arturo Fuente Opus X BBMF Cigar is renowned as one of the most luxurious and expensive cigars, esteemed for its exceptional quality and exclusivity. It offers a sensory journey of opulence and flavor, showcasing exquisite taste and exceptional craftsmanship. Its prestigious reputation is upheld through every stage of production, starting from the meticulous selection of top-tier tobacco leaves to the intricate blending process.

With a diverse range of flavors, spanning from cedar and spice to cocoa and leather, this cigar provides a delectable experience for cigar enthusiasts. The distinctive size and shape of the BBMF (Big Bad Mother F*****g) vitola solidify its position as one of the most exclusive and luxurious cigars globally.

4. Padron Serie 1926 80 Years Maduro Cigar

The Padron Serie 1926 80 Years Maduro Cigar stands as one of the world's most expensive luxury cigars, esteemed for its limited edition status and premium quality. This exclusive cigar boasts a rich history and flavor profile, commanding a high price for aficionados seeking the ultimate smoking experience.

Crafted to commemorate the 80th birthday of the company's patriarch, José Orlando Padrón, this rare gem exemplifies the brand's dedication to quality and tradition. Achieving unparalleled smoothness and complexity, this luxury cigar undergoes an extensive aging process for the tobacco leaves and meticulous craftsmanship during production.

With its limited edition availability, it garners admiration from collectors and enthusiasts, solidifying its status as one of the most coveted luxury cigars worldwide. The scarcity of the Padron Serie 1926 80 Years Maduro Cigar elevates it as a symbol of prestige for connoisseurs who value taste and heritage above all.

5. Davidoff Oro Blanco Cigar

The Davidoff Oro Blanco Cigar is renowned as the ultimate luxury cigar, celebrated for its exquisite blend and prestigious heritage. Recognized for its exclusivity and elegance, it offers a sophisticated smoking experience tailored for the most discerning of aficionados.

Meticulously blended and crafted, the Oro Blanco stands as a true masterpiece in the world of cigars. Its premium selection of tobaccos delivers a rich, complex, and velvety flavor profile. Reflecting the esteemed Davidoff legacy, this cigar exemplifies the brand's unwavering dedication to quality and excellence in every intricately fashioned smoke.

Symbolizing luxury and sophistication, the Oro Blanco appeals to connoisseurs who seek the epitome of pleasure and refinement in a cigar, embodying a lifestyle of distinction.

What Is The Most Expensive Cigar In The World?

The most expensive cigar in the world is the Gurkha Royal Courtesan Cigar, priced at a staggering $1.36 million per cigar.

Key Details About the Gurkha Royal Courtesan Cigar:

• Crafted in the Dominican Republic and Honduras
• Filled with rare Himalayan tobacco cultivated with Fiji water
• Wrapped in a gold leaf
• Secured with a diamond-studded band totaling 5 carats
• Infused with the prestigious Remy Martin's Black Pearl Louis XIII cognac, valued at $224,000 per bottle
• Hand-rolled by artisans working blindfolded to ensure complete focus
• Only a select few rollers are granted the privilege of crafting these cigars

The exorbitant price tag of $1.36 million makes the Gurkha Royal Courtesan Cigar the most expensive cigar available for purchase on the internet or anywhere else in the world. Its rarity, premium ingredients, and meticulous production process involving rare tobaccos, precious metals, and ultra-luxury liquor justify its astronomical cost.

What Sets These Cigars Apart?

The high prices of the world's most expensive cigars are a reflection of the meticulous refinement present in every aspect of their creation. From the sourcing of rare and high-quality tobacco to the intricate, entirely handmade production process, these cigars exude exclusivity and luxury in every detail.

The artisanal skill involved in rolling and aging these cigars imbues them with a sophistication that mass-produced cigars cannot match. The limited availability of these premium cigars adds to their allure, creating an air of exclusivity that appeals to discerning cigar enthusiasts seeking the ultimate smoking experience.

With rare tobaccos, expert craftsmanship, and restricted market access, these cigars transcend being mere smoking indulgences to become status symbols coveted by their owners.

1. Rare and High-Quality Tobacco

Luxury cigars are crafted from a meticulously selected blend of rare and high-quality tobacco sourced from the most exclusive and renowned tobacco-growing regions. This premium tobacco is the cornerstone of luxury cigars, offering rich and complex flavor profiles and a smooth smoking experience.

The world's finest tobacco chosen for luxury cigars is cultivated and harvested with precision to ensure only the highest quality leaves are included in the final blend. Growing conditions and harvesting techniques may vary, but generally, tobacco thrives in sunnier climates with adequate rainfall and soil that possesses the appropriate PH balance.

From the sun-drenched fields of Cuba to the fertile soils of the Dominican Republic, each region contributes distinct characteristics to the tobacco destined for the ultimate blend. Following harvest and aging, master blenders skillfully combine various tobacco varieties to craft a unique blend exclusive to luxury cigars.

2. Handmade Production Process

The handmade production process of luxury cigars involves skilled artisans meticulously crafting each cigar to create smoking products that epitomize exclusive cigar culture, delivering sensory pleasure with every puff.

Artisans carefully select the finest tobacco leaves from diverse regions known for their distinct flavor and burning characteristics. These leaves undergo aging and fermentation to enhance their unique flavors and burning properties before being expertly blended to craft their distinctive flavor profiles.

Each production stage demands meticulous attention to detail and years of expertise to ensure the final product meets the lofty standards of luxury cigars. The outcome is a diverse range of blends that elevate the enjoyment of smoking a cigar.

3. Exclusivity and Limited Availability

These luxury cigars are exclusive mainly because they are produced in small quantities, making them scarce and highly valued by collectors. They enhance the aura of exclusivity within certain cigar collections and contribute to the culture of luxury and status that aficionados of these cigars aim to cultivate and appreciate.

Exclusive cigars serve as luxury items that reflect their owner's refined and sophisticated tastes. The craftsmanship and attention to detail involved in crafting each cigar enhance their allure as luxury products. Their exclusivity, limited production in specific shapes and numbers, and meticulous quality control contribute to high demand.

Owning such a finely crafted piece of art is considered a luxury, enhancing the overall cigar-smoking experience for individuals who appreciate luxury, quality, and uniqueness.

Are These Cigars Worth the Price?

High-priced cigars are sought after by discerning customers looking for the finest and most luxurious smoking experiences. These products are targeted towards affluent consumers and premium smoking connoisseurs, serving as symbols of luxury and exclusivity.

Along with offering a superior smoking experience, high-priced cigars are also viewed as representations of wealth, sophistication, and exclusivity. Regarded as valuable gifts, they are considered exclusive and prestigious items, appealing to individuals who value quality and distinction.

Distinguished by their craftsmanship and use of premium ingredients, high-priced cigars provide a luxurious smoking experience that transcends ordinary indulgences.

How to Properly Enjoy an Expensive Cigar

The experience of enjoying an expensive cigar goes beyond just the smoke itself. From the ritual of selecting the right cigar to pairing it with fine beverages and using luxury accessories, the consumption of a premium cigar is a cherished ritual appreciated by sophisticated cigar enthusiasts.

The etiquette involved in savoring a top-tier cigar highlights the luxurious experience. The careful cut, precise lighting, and slow, deliberate draws all play a part in fully enjoying the nuanced flavors of the cigar. Pairing a cigar with a premium single malt or fine cognac enhances the sensory experience.

Luxury cigar accessories like beautiful ashtrays, sleek cutters, and elegant humidors are essential to complete the ritual, meeting both aesthetic and practical needs for those seeking the ultimate high-end cigar smoking experience.

1. Store Them Correctly

Quality cigar boxes and luxury cigar accessories play a pivotal role in preserving the quality and authentic flavor of premium cigars while complementing the upscale lifestyles of cigar enthusiasts. These high-end cigar storage solutions enable aficionados to effectively regulate the temperature and humidity levels essential for preserving delicate cigar blends.

The meticulous craftsmanship and fine detailing incorporated into these storage products add a touch of sophistication and elegance, elevating the luxurious experience of indulging in a fine cigar. By ensuring proper storage, these accessories safeguard the investment made in premium cigars, allowing passionate smokers to savor the intricate flavor profiles characteristic of high-quality blends and enhancing the overall pleasure derived from a fulfilling smoking session.

2. Cut and Light Properly

Properly cutting and lighting an expensive cigar is crucial for unlocking its taste and enjoying the luxury smoking experience. These procedures are intricate when dealing with luxury items, as precision and care contribute to the high-quality taste and make them great high-end gifts.

Taking the time to cut a cigar precisely ensures a clean draw that gradually reveals its flavors. Lighting the cigar slowly and gently allows for an even burn, enhancing the overall smoking experience. These minor steps are essential for maintaining the integrity of the expensive tobacco and craftsmanship.

Whether enjoying it alone or gifting it to a connoisseur, the shared appreciation for the art of cutting and lighting expensive cigars enhances the luxury experience.

3. Take Your Time and Savor the Experience

The pleasure of smoking an expensive cigar lies in its ability to encourage the smoker to slow down, relax, and relish the luxurious smoking experience. Whether at exclusive cigar events or in private settings, these moments epitomize the luxurious cigar culture cherished by cigar enthusiasts.

Taking the time to admire the craftsmanship of premium cigars and explore their flavor profiles can elevate the entire smoking experience to an art form. The richness of the tobacco, the complexity of the flavors, and the luxurious sensation of each draw all contribute to a unique sensory journey.

Exclusive cigar events serve as a platform for aficionados to gather and celebrate their mutual passion for premium smoking products, forging a connection through their shared appreciation for luxury and excellence.

Other Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cigar

When selecting the right cigar, factors beyond price and prestige, such as flavor profile, strength, body, size, and shape, play a crucial role in enhancing the overall smoking experience and catering to the preferences of discerning smokers.

The flavor profile of a cigar is paramount in determining the user's experience, influencing the flavors and notes detected while puffing. From creamy and smooth to spicy or earthy, the flavor profile sets the foundation for the entire smoking experience.

The strength of a cigar, ranging from mild to full-bodied, directly impacts the smoking sensation, influencing whether the smoker enjoys a milder or stronger experience.

The body of a cigar, reflecting the depth and richness of flavors, offers a more nuanced palette for the smoker to savor.

Size and shape significantly influence how a cigar burns, affecting the draw of smoke and the overall aesthetic and feel during smoking.

By considering these factors, cigar aficionados can personalize their smoking journey and fully appreciate the pleasure of cigar smoking.

1. Flavor Profile

The flavor profile of a cigar is a distinctive feature that elevates it to a coveted luxury item, renowned for its rich and lavish taste. The notes and finishes present in a cigar's flavor profile significantly enhance the enjoyment and indulgence of the overall smoking experience.

Each puff of a cigar unveils a symphony of flavors that captivate the palate with a complexity and depth that engage the senses. Whether it be the flavors of well-aged tobacco or the balanced notes of spice, wood, or sweetness in a carefully blended cigar, each cigar offers a unique and immersive flavor profile.

Cigars are highly prized luxury items not just for their taste, but for the sensory experience they provide, transcending mere consumption to become a tribute to craftsmanship and artistry.

2. Strength and Body

Understanding the strength and body of a cigar is essential in selecting a cigar that aligns with an individual's smoking preferences. The strength and body of a cigar, whether it is light or full-bodied, play crucial roles in shaping the smoking experience. Strength refers to the intensity of the tobacco's flavors and the sensation it imparts on the palate, categorized as mild, medium, medium to full, or full. The strength of a cigar is often intertwined with its body, which represents the overall depth and richness of the smoking experience. A cigar can have a light flavor but a strong body, or it may have a full flavor with a mild body. Generally, stronger body cigars are associated with more robust flavors.

By considering the strength and body of a cigar, smokers can choose a cigar that suits their flavor and effect preferences. With a wide variety of flavors, wrappers, and tobacco types available, ranging from light Connecticut wrappers to dark Maduro wrappers, there is a cigar to cater to diverse palates and ensure a pleasurable tobacco experience tailored to individual preferences.

3. Size and Shape

The size and shape of a cigar significantly impact both its aesthetic appeal and the smoking experience. This is evident in how the various sizes and shapes of cigars contribute to the luxury of cigar culture, enhancing the overall indulgence that cigar aficionados savor with their preferred smokes.

Different sizes and shapes of cigars offer enthusiasts the opportunity to select a cigar that aligns with their individual preferences and smoking techniques. From larger ring gauge cigars to slimmer diameters, and shorter lengths to extra-long cigars, the diverse range of sizes and shapes allows consumers to find a cigar that best suits their enjoyment of unwinding with a sophisticated smoke and a glass of their favorite beverage.

For instance, those who prefer a longer smoking session may opt for the thinner and longer Lonsdale shape, while those seeking a robust and quick smoking experience might choose a thicker and shorter cigar. The array of cigar sizes and shapes caters to connoisseurs' preferences and enhances the overall aesthetic of giving and relishing premium cigars.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top 5 most expensive cigars in the world?

The top 5 most expensive cigars in the world are: Gurkha His Majesty's Reserve, Cohiba Behike, Arturo Fuente Opus X BBMF, Padron 1926 Serie, and King of Denmark Limited Edition. These cigars range in price from $400 to $20,000.

What makes these cigars so expensive?

These cigars are considered luxury items and are made with rare and high-quality ingredients. They are also handcrafted by skilled artisans, have limited production runs, and are often aged for a significant amount of time. The packaging and presentation of these cigars also add to their overall cost.

Are these cigars worth the high price?

This is subjective and ultimately depends on the individual's personal preferences and budget. For cigar enthusiasts and collectors, these expensive cigars may be worth the price for the unique and luxurious experience they offer. However, for the average person, these cigars may not be a justifiable expense.

Can you smoke these cigars or are they just for display?

While some people may choose to keep these expensive cigars for display or as collector's items, they are intended to be smoked. Smoking these cigars allows the individual to fully appreciate the quality and flavor of the cigar and the experience it offers.

Where can these cigars be purchased?

These cigars can be purchased at specialty cigar shops, luxury retailers, and online from authorized dealers. However, due to their limited production and high demand, they may be difficult to obtain and may require being put on a waiting list.

Is it necessary to be an experienced cigar smoker to enjoy these expensive cigars?

No, it is not necessary to be an experienced cigar smoker to enjoy these expensive cigars. However, it is recommended to have some knowledge of cigar smoking and to take the time to properly appreciate and savor these luxury cigars. It is also important to properly store and care for these expensive cigars to maintain their quality and flavor.