Saint Luis Rey (SLR) cigars are made by Altadis in Honduras, with Honduran, Peruvian, and Nicaraguan filler tobaccos, and a Nicaraguan binder and wrapper. I do not think of these cigars as being cheap stogies, and actually enjoyed my first SLR more than a high-priced Opus X. In fact, I liked my first one so much that I went back and purchased three boxes. These cigars are medium-to-full bodied, and are recommended for more experienced smokers.
2. Sancho Panza Double Maduro Quixote ($1.80 - $2.15)
The Sancho Panza Double Maduro Quixote cigar is made by General Cigar in Honduras with Honduran, Nicaraguan and Dominican filler tobaccos, and a Connecticut broadleaf wrapper. This cigar has a very rich and full flavor without being overpowering. Although full flavored, I would consider this cigar to be medium-to-full in strength. The smoke was very smooth and somewhat sweet with a nice nutty taste. A great choice for more experienced cigar smokers.
3. Te-Amo World Selection Series ($2.17)
Te-Amo cigars are made in Mexico, but the only Mexican tobacco used in their three distinctive blends is the binder. The Dominican blend is mild and smooth and great for beginners, the Nicaraguan blend is medium and a little bit spicy – a great choice for any cigar smoker, while the Honduran blend is robust and recommended only for experienced smokers. Do not think of these as cheap Mexican stogies, the World Selection Series are world-class cigars.
4. Slow-Aged Lot 826 Toro ($2.08)
The Slow-Aged Lot 826 Toro cigar is made in Nicaragua by Tabacalera Perdomo. This cigar is made with a blend of Nicaraguan filler tobaccos and a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper. The Lot 826 Maduro cigar is rich tasting and full of flavor, most appropriate for more seasoned cigar smokers.
5. Private Stock #2 ($2.20 - $2.72)
The PS cigar is made in the same Davidoff factory down in the Dominican Republic that produces some higher end cigars like Avo and Griffin. The wrapper is a natural Connecticut Shade, the binder is from Ecuador, and the filler is Dominican. This a mild-to-medium cigar and a good choice for beginners.
6. Gispert Corona ($1.85)
The Gispert Corona is a mild-to-medium bodied cigar made in Honduras. The wrapper is an Ecuadorian Connecticut Natural, the binder is Honduran and filler is a mix of Honduran and Nicaraguan tobacco. It has an earthy and woodsy flavor with hints of leather. An easy smoking cigar that is a great choice for beginners.
7. Helix Blue Tubular ($2.15 - $2.45)
Helix Blue Tubular cigars are made in Honduras by the General Cigar Company. This cigar contains Honduran, Brazilian, and Dominican filler tobaccos, and is made with a Mexican binder and a Connecticut shade wrapper. A mild cigar that is appropriate for beginners, and is comparable to more expensive smokes. I like to think of this cigar as the poor man's Macanudo.
8. Flor de Oliva Gold Toro ($1.44 - $2.10)
Flor de Oliva Gold cigars are made in Nicaragua with Nicaraguan filler tobaccos and Connecticut shade wrappers. These cigars are mild-to-medium and compare favorably to more expensive cigars made with similar tobaccos. However, I would recommend aging these cigars for a couple of months in a humidor before smoking. I have smoked quite a few of these cigars, and they would make an excellent choice for newer cigar smokers.
9. La Vieja Habana Cuban Corojo Chateau Corona ($1.70 - $2.30)
La Vieja Habana cigars are made by Drew Estate in Nicaragua. Their Cuban Corojo wrappers make them a bit spicy, but not over the top. The corojo wrapper also offers a touch of sweetness which balances well with the spice. A nice medium bodied cigar and a decent value.
10. Mr. B Lonsdale Maduro ($.80 - $1.05)
Mr. B Lonsdale Maduro cigars are handmade in Nicaragua with 100% tobacco, and are mild-to-medium in flavor. These cigars are the least expensive on this list, and are probably the best value for an everyday cigar smoker. They really mellow-out after aging in a humidor for a few months. A bit rustic in appearance with an uneven burn, but their taste and draw make them an excellent value for the frugal connoisseur.