Top 10 Most Expensive Cigars In The World

Introduction

Top 10 Most Expensive Cigars: Cigars are often seen as a symbol of luxury and status. Some cigars are so rare and high-quality that they cost thousands of dollars each. The most expensive cigars are always made up of the finest tobacco, carefully aged, and hand-rolled by experts. Many expensive cigars come in limited editions, making them even more valuable to collectors and enthusiasts.

Starting from unique blends to fancy packaging, such expensive cigars offer an exclusive smoking experience. This article elaborates on the top 10 most expensive cigars in the world in recent years, their special features, and what makes them so costly. Whether you are a cigar lover or just curious, this list will give you a glimpse into the world of luxury cigars.

(Source: britannica.com)

History About Cigars

• Around the 10th century, the Mayans in Central America smoked tobacco leaves rolled in plant leaves.
• In 1492, Christopher Columbus’s crew observed indigenous people in Cuba smoking tobacco.
• Cigarettes were introduced in Spain in the early 1600s and became a symbol of wealth for two centuries before spreading to other European countries.
• In the 18th century, Cuba began producing high-quality cigars, becoming renowned for its premium tobacco.
• The number of cigars produced by cigar factories increased most dramatically in the 19th century, making them more affordable and widely available.
• In the 1990s, cigars experienced a surge in popularity, with U.S. imports of premium cigars increasing from about 100 million per year in the 1980s to 293 million by 1996.
• In recent decades, awareness of health risks associated with smoking has led to a decline in cigar consumption.
• Today, cigars are produced in various countries, including the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Honduras.
• Despite health concerns, cigars remain a symbol of luxury and celebration in many cultures.
• The global cigar market continues to be significant, contributing to the economies of several tobacco-producing countries.

Types of Cigars

Top 10 Most Expensive Cigars In The World

1. Gurkha Royal Courtesan: USD 1.36 million
2. Mayan Sicars: USD 507,000
3. Gran Habano No. 5 “El Gigante”: USD 185,000
4. Regius Double Corona: USD 51,634.20
5. King of Denmark: USD 4,500
6. Gurkha Black Dragon: USD 1,150
7. Gurkha “His Majesty’s Reserve”: USD 750
8. Cohiba Behike: USD 450
9. Fuente Don Arturo AnniverXario: USD 163
10. Cohiba Majestuosos 1966: USD 120

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#1. Gurkha Royal Courtesan

(Source: robbreport.com)

• Tobacco Origin: Rare Himalayan tobacco
• Water Source for Tobacco: Fiji water
• Infusion: Remy Martin’s Black Pearl Louis XIII cognac
• Cigar Band: Adorned with 5-carat diamonds
• Manufacturing Process: Hand-rolled by select artisans, blindfolded to enhance focus.
• Production Location: Dominican Republic and Honduras
• Delivery Method: Personally delivered by a white-gloved messenger.
• Annual Production: Extremely limited, with only a few cigars produced.

#2. Mayan Sicars

(Source: financesonline.com)

• Discovery Year: 2012
• Location Found: Guatemalan village along the coast, buried beneath a cave.
• Age: Approximately 600 years old
• Quantity Found: Around 800 cigars
• Preservation: Well-preserved, buried in sealed clay pots, maintaining smokable condition.
• Historical Significance: Predate European introduction of tobacco; evidence of Mayan cigar production in the 12th century.
• Current Condition: Still in smokable condition due to excellent preservation.
• Cultural Impact: Advanced practices of the Mayan civilization in tobacco cultivation and cigar production.
• Collector Interest: Highly sought after by collectors and historians due to their rarity and historical value.

#3. Gran Habano No. 5 “El Gigante”

(Source: cigarfan.net)

• Length: Approximately 19 feet (5.8 meters)
• Diameter: Over 3 feet (0.91 meters)
• Ring Gauge: 1,920
• Weight: 1,600 pounds (725.7 kilograms)
• Wrapper Leaves: Utilized 16,000 wrapper leaves in its construction.
• Tobacco Blend: Features the Gran Habano Corojo No. 5 blend, known for its full-bodied flavour profile.
• Construction: Hand-rolled by skilled artisans, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship.
• Packaging: Presented in a custom-built, 900-pound (408.2 kilograms) wooden crate resembling a vintage steam locomotive.
• Purpose: Created as a promotional piece to showcase the brand’s expertise and the capabilities of its factory.

#4. Regius Double Corona

(Source: arbuturian.com)

• Length: Around 7.5 inches (190.5 mm)
• Ring Gauge: 49
• Wrapper, Binder and Filler: Nicaraguan
• Strength: Medium to Full
• Unique Offering: Purchase includes a first-class flight to Nicaragua, a guided tour of the Regius factory by CEO Akhil Kapacee, and the creation of 1,000 custom cigars tailored to the buyer’s preferences.
• Production Location: Manufactured in Nicaragua at the Plasencia factory.
• Availability: Extremely limited: typically requires direct arrangement with Regius Cigars due to its bespoke nature.

#5. King of Denmark

(Source: royaldanishcigars.com)

• Length: 5 inches (127 mm)
• Ring Gauge: 54
• Format: Belicoso-Torpedo
• Body: Mild to Medium
• Wrapper: 24K Gold Leaf
• Decoration: Adorned with Swarovski crystals, each cigar is unique due to personalised artwork.
• Production Limit: Only 10 cigars are produced per day.
• Customisation: Options include personalised engravings and additional embellishments.
• Availability: Available at select luxury cigar retailers and through special orders.

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#6. Gurkha Black Dragon

(Source: gurkhacigars.com)

• Wrapper: Ecuadorian Maduro
• Binder: Cameroon
• Filler: Dominican
• Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
• Size:5 inches in length with a 52-ring gauge
• Strength: Medium to Full
• Packaging: Presented in frosted glass tubes and packaged in a velvet-covered box.
• Flavor Notes: Offers hearty notes of cocoa and coffee, providing a rich and satisfying smoking experience.
• Ageing: Features a 5-year-aged Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper.

#7. Gurkha “His Majesty’s Reserve”

(Source: gurkhacigars.com)

• Wrapper: 15-year-old Connecticut Maduro, infused with Louis XIII cognac.
• Binder and Filler: 12-year-old Dominican Republic tobacco.
• Size: Churchill format, measuring 7.5 inches in length with a 52-ring gauge.
• Production: Limited to 75 boxes annually, each containing 20 cigars.
• Infusion Process: One bottle of Louis XIII cognac is infused into each box, enhancing the cigar’s aroma and flavor.
• Country of Origin: Dominican Republic

#8. Cohiba Behike

(Source: cigarsindia.in)

• Each Behike cigar incorporates the rare Medio Tiempo leaf, which adds exceptional character and flavour.
• The filler comprises the finest leaves from Volado, Seco, and Ligero, sourced from the best plantations in San Juan y Martínez and San Luis.
• Each Behike is adorned with a band featuring two holograms for security and authenticity verification.
• The Behike line is known for its rich, complex flavours, including notes of cream, cedar, and subtle spiciness. It provides a medium—to full-bodied smoking experience.
• These cigars are presented in elegant lacquered boxes, each containing 10 cigars,
• The construction of these cigars ensures an excellent draw and even burn, contributing to a superior smoking experience.

#9. Fuente Don Arturo AnniverXario

(Source: halfwheel.com)

• Release Year: 2008
• Length:375 inches (162 mm)
• Ring Gauge: 48
• Vitola: Grand Corona
• Wrapper: Dominican Chateau de la Fuente Sun Grown Rosado.
• Binder: Dominican Republic
• Filler: AF 13 blend (a mix of OpusX, Don Carlos, Hemingway, and 858 tobaccos)
• Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
• Production: This is a limited edition. Initially released in collaboration with Prometheus, only 96 humidors were produced, each containing 48 natural and 48 sun-grown cigars.

#10. Cohiba Majestuosos 1966

(Source: halfwheel.com)

• Brand: Cohiba
• Vitola (Factory Name): Majestuosos 1966
• Dimensions: Length: 150 mm (5.9 inches); Ring Gauge: 58 (23 mm diameter)
• Origin: Cuba
• Manufacture: Hand-made (Totalmente a Mano) with Long Filler (Tripa Larga).
• Tobacco Source: Selected from the finest fields in the Vuelta Abajo region, Pinar del Río Province, Cuba.
• Strength: Full
• Presentation: Presented in an exclusive humidor containing 20 cigars; only 1,966 humidors were produced.
• Unique Features: This product has special dimensions that are not found in other Cohiba products. It also features a commemorative black-and-gold 50th-anniversary band.
• Release Year: 2016

Expensive Cigar Market Size

(Source: thebusinessresearchcompany.com)

• The expensive cigar market was valued at approximately USD 17.48 billion in 2024.
• The market is expected to grow to around USD 18.86 billion in 2025 and USD 28.29 billion by the end of 2029, indicating a growth rate of about 10.7% CAGR from 2025 to 2029.
• The U.S. luxury cigar market generated around USD 3.65 billion in 2023 and is estimated to grow up to USD 6.12 billion by 2030, holding a CAGR of 7.7% from 2024 to 2030.
• The growth of international tourism is anticipated to boost the expensive cigar market, as travelers often seek indulgent and exclusive experiences.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Conclusion

Expensive are more than just luxury cigars, as they are enriched with rich flavors, high-quality tobacco, and expert craftsmanship. Globally, many people enjoy them for special occasions or for maintaining social standards. The price of such cigars reflects the effort, ageing process, and rare ingredients used. However, not everyone finds them worth the cost, as personal taste matters.

Some affordable cigars can also provide a satisfying experience; those are elaborated above. In the end, whether an expensive cigar is worth it depends on the smoker’s preference, budget, and appreciation for fine details. A great cigar is not just about the price; and it’s about the experience it delivers.