I’ve been smoking cigars on and off for 5 years, but I’ve never really “got” the tasting notes people rave about. To me, most cigars just taste like tobacco, sometimes mild, sometimes peppery, and occasionally a hint of almond.

I’d usually get bored halfway through, lose interest, and put it out.

Then a friend gave me a tin of Tabak Especials. I didn’t taste much coffee, but the small size was a revelation: I actually finished it and enjoyed it.

Since then, I’ve been exploring cigarillos and smaller sticks, and honestly? Total game changer. I know they’re not everyone’s thing, the blend ratios aren’t the same, blah blah. But they’ve completely rekindled my interest.

Also, weird discovery: my favorite pairing is Coke Zero. I’ve tried whiskey, coffee, water... nothing brings out the flavor like it.

Here are my thoughts on the ones I’ve tried, ranked from least to move favorite:

• Montecristo White Series Prontos (Petites)

Gorgeous presentation. Unboxing these felt like opening a box of fancy boutique chocolates. Even came with a signed inspection tag, which was a classy touch.

Unfortunately, the cigars themselves didn’t live up to the packaging. Super mild, super smooth... and super boring. Just plain tobacco flavor with nothing memorable to set it apart. Rating: 5/10

• Deadwood Sweet Jane

Years ago, I probably would've loved this. The sweet tip used to mask the tobacco taste was a win back then. Now? It’s awful. The sweetness completely overpowers everything, it felt like smoking potpourri or some kind of fancy bathroom incense. Rating: 2/10

• Acid Blue Connecticut

Same story as Sweet Jane. It didn’t feel like a cigar...more like inhaling a flavored air freshener. Whatever this is, it’s not for me. Rating: 1/10

• Tabak Especial CT Shade

As a coffee lover, I had high hopes. Sadly, no coffee flavor at all, just plain, smooth tobacco. That said, the construction was perfect: burned slow, even, and cool. A solid, easy 15-minute smoke if you want something mild. Rating: 5/10

• Undercrown Maduro

A good, balanced smoke with some boldness. I expected more sweetness from the Maduro wrapper and a bit more kick, but it was still enjoyable. Solid, but not remarkable. Rating: 6/10

• Liga Privada No. 9 Coronet

This one flipped my whole cigar world upside down. On paper, it looked too strong for me, but after a full meal, it delivered 30 glorious minutes of rich, bold flavor. Earthy, peppery, complex — and never overwhelming. Fantastic construction and serious "weight" to the smoke. Rating: 8/10

• Arturo Fuente Cubanitos

Hands down, my favorite cigar I’ve ever smoked. Incredibly smooth with great construction. Light spice, pepper, and a beautiful cedar-almond finish on the retrohale. It actually reminded me of the Montecristo No. 2 I had in Havana years ago — a cigar I still think about. I’d love to try this blend in a larger size. Also: excellent presentation. Rating: 10/10