Jon’s Cigars and Libations of 2020

2020 is nearly over; I don’t think anyone will miss it for reasons that do not need to be mentioned here. And like in years past, I have compiled my list of my favorites cigars and libations of 2020. No Perfect 10s were awarded in 2020.

I used the following criteria to be mentioned in this selection:

• The cigar and/or liquid libations have had to have been reviewed by me during the 2020 calendar year.
• Cigars must be rated at least a 9/10 to be considered for the list.
• No requirements for liquid libations other than they were reviewed during the 2020 calendar year.
• Past scores do not guarantee overall end of year rating.

Favorite Cigars of 2020
In no particular order

Mi Querida Triqui Traca No. 552
A cigar found early in 2020. I loved the overall build in strength with this cigar and am glad that it can kick off my favorites list of 2020.

Villiger TAA Exclusive 2020
The first of two Villiger cigars on the list this year. This cigar presented itself as a complex yet tasty medium-ish cigar being able to adorn itself to varying levels of cigar smokers. While my palette definitely prefers the stronger fare, the TAA Exclusive 2020 is one that I am happy to include.

Cuevas Reserva Maduro
Lots of strength and flavor from this Dominican made Maduro from Casa Cuevas Cigars. And it was a strong enough contender to make my list this year.

Villiger DO Brasil Maduro
The second from Villiger this year. This cigar stuck in my memory from the year, not only for being the only representative of Brazil, but for the fact that it had a very quick build up in strength. Definitely give it a look for those of you looking for something different in the full-bodied category.

Alec Bradley Magic Toast
The final cigar on this list and one of the two prize options for this year’s Pick’em League. Among the five of these cigars, the Magic Toast was likely the one I could choose first if I had to. It had the perfect balance of strength and flavors with a comfortable buildup to end its smoking.

Favorite Liquid Libation of 2020

Two libations stand out from those that I have enjoyed this year and they are polar opposites of each other. My choice for whiskey this year is the Ardbeg Wee Beastie, a new contender to the market who prefer scotch to taste like peat and smoke with a fantastic price point. On the other end of the spectrum was the recently reviewed Seven Fathoms rum from the Cayman Islands which I felt was one of the most enjoyable rums I have had in years (and a huge hit at parties over the last few months).

A person’s time is the most important commodity they can give and it means a lot to me that you all take time to read what I write. Thank you so much for taking a few minutes of your day to do that. Please enjoy a safe and Happy New Years.