Since 2019, when Not Just Blowing Smoke began, I have shared my thoughts on the best new cigars and tobaccos of the year. On the one hand, the last thing the cigar/pipe world needs is another list of the best of 2024. But I am not just blowing smoke when I confess that some of these lists seem to have the distinct room note of backroom politics when I read them.
Here is what you need to know about my list of the best cigars and tobaccos of 2024:
My “top 5” list is just that, my top five list. I purchased each of these cigars and tobaccos personally. I am not financially or contractually beholden to any company; my choices are made without outside influence. They are the cigars and tobaccos that left the most positive impression on me.
If you need credentials, I have been smoking cigars and pipes for 25 years and have been full-time in the business for over 10 years. I am a Certified Retail Tobacconist and Certified Cigar Sommelier Tobacconist through Tobacconist University and was trained personally by TU’s president and founder, Jorge Armenteros. I am also the Retail Operations Manager for Twins Smoke Shop, one of the premier tobacconist shops in the country.
As I have said elsewhere, I am not into brand bashing. Anything that comes to market is the result of someone’s dream, passion, hard work, and perseverance. Trash talk has no place in reviews! For that reason, you will never see a “worst of” list on NJBS.
Top 5 New Cigars of 2024:
- Aladino Fuma Noche
- Julius Ceaser Troublemaker
- Kristoff Viente Perfecto
- Fuente Signature Oscuro Sungrown
- LADC Noblesse Regency
Top 5 New Tobacco of 2024:
- Fathers, Friends, & Fire Batch 0002 Virginia Perique
- Cringle Flake 2024
- Carolina Red Flake 2024
- GL Pease Horizons
- Kopp Flame 1919
Top 5 Other Favorites of 2024: This list is in alphabetical order and consists of cigars and pipe tobaccos that rated particularly high with me and were released before 2024.
Top 5 Reps/VIPS of 2024: This is a new list and recognizes the people I worked with at Twins Smoke Shop who impressed me with exceptional professional service and support for Twins in 2024.
Laudisi Distribution Group: Kaz Walters. Kaz has been a key part in the growing success of our pipe and tobacco sales at Twins. One of the things that makes him my pick for the best rep of 2024 is his eagerness to make some of my crazy ideas materialize, and more importantly–actually work! My pie-in-the-sky idea for 2024 was to have Peterson of Dublin, one of the most storied pipe brands in the world, make a pipe for Twins. Kaz made that happen. Kaz also worked with me so that the Twins Pipe Club had a significant part in designing the pipe. That not only made the pipe a success, but radically increased the excitement and loyalty of our pipe customers. Thank you, Kaz for all you did for us in 2024!
Noble: Liz Santos and Jon Gjbrea. Twins is the premiere cigar lounge in New England, and that means we are always being approached by brands who want to be included in our humidor. Liz and Jon, both co-owners of Noble Cigars, worked hard to get the opportunity to bring their brand in, but did not stop there. They both worked me to set up a brand launch in our 7-20-4 Lounge in November. It ended up being the most successful event held in the bar for the year, and they are set to do another event for us to continue building support for their brand in February. They have been very supportive, professional, and a pleasure to work with! Thank you for all the work and support you are giving to make sure your brand has the best chance of success with us!
Ashton: Joe Gonzales. Joe was one the best reps I worked with in 2024. He helped work with us to change up and streamline our selection of Ashton products to maximize the brand’s impact in our humidors. Unfortunately, Joe has moved on from Ashton. While I am happy for him in his new venture, I will miss working with him terribly. Thank you, Joe, for all the hard work you put in and I wish you success in 2025!
Perdomo: Roy Kirby. Perdomo just seems to get bigger and bigger with customers every year! Certainly a big part of that is Nick Perdomo’s success at producing quality cigars that remain consistent in profile and performance at an attractive price, but Roy’s constant presence and assistance in making sure we have what we need at Twins has been essential. Roy is always professional, responsive, and willing to help us make things work. Thank You, Roy for all you do!
Kristoff: Lee Graves. Lee worked hard with us over the last year to rework our selection of Kristoff cigars and set us up with a great event and cigar dinner with Kristoff’s founder and president, Glen Case. Lee’s support and work is all the more impressive as he did not live close by. His willingness to travel to make things happen earns him a place on this list of the best rep reps of 2024. Thank you, Lee! Looking forward to working with you in 2025!
Not Just Blowing Smoke with Pastor Padron 
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