From time-honoured Cuban icons to innovative New World maestros, this guide highlights ten essential brands every UK aficionado should know in 2025. Use the quick links below to jump to each brand, and explore our full ranges via the in-article links.
Cuban cigars remain the benchmark for tradition, terroir and craftsmanship, while New World producers in Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic and Honduras continue to raise the bar with bold blending and meticulous quality control. Whether you prefer classic elegance or modern intensity, the brands below represent outstanding flavour, consistency and character. Each section includes a concise brand overview and a direct link to shop the range at 1865 Cigars.
Want to browse by origin first? Explore our Cuban cigars and our New World cigars.
Cuban Cigar Brands
Cuba’s best cigars are famed for their balance of aroma, texture and slow-evolving complexity. The following marques span the full spectrum — from wallet-friendly daily smokes to diplomatic-grade icons.
Cohiba
Created in 1966 and once reserved for diplomats, Cohiba is the flagship of Habanos. Expect immaculate construction and layered flavours that develop from cedar and cream to cocoa, spice and toasted hazelnut. From the elegant Siglo series to the ultra-prestigious Behike, Cohiba represents the pinnacle of Cuban refinement.
Montecristo
Perhaps the world’s most recognised Cuban marque, Montecristo blends accessibility with depth. The iconic No. 2 torpedo remains a benchmark for rich, medium-to-full flavour, while modern lines such as Línea 1935 offer darker, more powerful profiles. Impeccable balance, reliable draw and classic Cuban aroma define the experience.
Romeo y Julieta
Established in 1875, Romeo y Julieta champions medium-bodied harmony with broad appeal. Expect cedar, roasted nuts and gentle spice wrapped in a creamy texture. The Churchill family (Wide, Short and classic) delivers famed elegance across a range of formats suited to every occasion.
Bolívar
Named for Simón Bolívar, this brand is renowned for unapologetically bold, full-bodied cigars. Bolívar brings dense earth, pepper, dark chocolate and molasses, with a slow burn that rewards a patient pace. Belicosos Finos and Royal Coronas are cult favourites among seasoned smokers.
José L. Piedra
Handmade in the Remedios region, José L. Piedra offers authentic Cuban character at a friendly price. Rustic on the outside but generous in flavour, expect medium strength with notes of wood, leather and café crema — ideal for everyday enjoyment without sacrificing heritage.
Quintero
Value-driven and straightforward, Quintero balances medium body with approachable flavours of toasted grain, nut and light spice. A dependable choice for casual sessions or as a humidor staple when you want genuine Cuban taste at an accessible price point.
Vegas Robaina
Launched in honour of legendary grower Alejandro Robaina, Vegas Robaina showcases pristine wrapper tobaccos and refined, medium-to-full profiles. Look for polished notes of oak, cacao and honeyed spice with superb construction throughout.
Prefer to browse all Cubans first? See our full Cuban cigar collection.
New World Cigar Brands
Outside Cuba, producers have embraced diverse terroirs and innovative ageing to deliver remarkable consistency and bold, modern flavour. These three houses offer superb quality across styles and price points.
La Aurora
Founded in 1903, the Dominican Republic’s oldest cigar factory pairs heritage with innovation. La Aurora ranges from the creamy, approachable 1903 editions to the celebrated 107 and Preferidos lines, delivering silky texture, aromatic woods and balancing spice.
Buenaventura
Boutique in spirit and brilliant on value, Buenaventura by Curivari offers Cuban-inspired profiles at everyday prices. Expect medium body with notes of cocoa, toasted nut and fresh-cut cedar; BV vitolas are renowned for their easy draw and balance.
Villiger
With Swiss roots dating to 1888, Villiger marries Continental precision with modern New World craftsmanship. Recent premium hand-rolled releases showcase clean fermentation, tidy construction and flavour sets that travel from creamy almond and hay to espresso, leather and dark honey.
Explore more non-Cuban excellence in our New World cigars collection.
How to Choose the Right Brand for Your Palate
- For classic Cuban finesse: Start with Romeo y Julieta or Montecristo for a balanced medium body.
- For depth and power: Try Bolívar or the richer Montecristo Línea 1935.
- For value without compromise: Consider José L. Piedra, Quintero or New World Buenaventura.
- For premium prestige: Cohiba remains the gold standard for special occasions.
- For modern New World character: Explore La Aurora and Villiger for consistency and contemporary blending.
Shop Authentic Premium Cigars in the UK
Every cigar we stock is sourced with care and stored in ideal conditions for peak enjoyment. Ready to explore? Browse our complete selections of
Cuban cigars and New World cigars, or jump straight to the brand that caught your eye:
Cohiba ·
Montecristo ·
Romeo y Julieta ·
Bolívar ·
José L. Piedra ·
Quintero ·
Vegas Robaina ·
La Aurora ·
Buenaventura ·
Villiger
