#1 Cigar of the Year 2024 — Cigar Aficionado (98 points). One of the highest ratings ever awarded by the publication. The Grand Robusto is the widest vitola in The Judge line and the one that has attracted the most critical attention — a short, powerful box-pressed robusto that rewards patience and concentration.
The 5 × 60 format is deceptive. Its compact length belies the depth of the experience: the large ring gauge slows combustion significantly, allowing the Sumatra Oscuro wrapper’s earthy, bittersweet character to integrate fully with the Corojo-Criollo binder before the filler tobaccos begin to assert themselves. The result is a dense, meditative smoke — rich earthiness and roasted leather in the first third, transitioning to dark espresso and stone fruit through the middle, with a long, warmly peppery finish that lingers well after the last draw.
Cigar Aficionado described it as: “Big. Bold. Box-pressed… a powerful premium smoke, but it isn’t just strong for the sake of being strong. There’s purpose to its strength, with plenty of interesting flavour to justify the high octane tobaccos inside.”
- Size: 5 × 60 — Grand Robusto
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra Oscuro
- Binder: Nicaraguan Corojo + Criollo
- Filler: Triple Nicaraguan (Garcia Farms)
- Strength: Medium-Full
- Press: Box-pressed
- Origin: Nicaragua
- Rating: 98 — #1 Cigar of the Year 2024, Cigar Aficionado