It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of Crowned Heads.  The brands blends are on point, their packaging is always unique and interesting and Jon Huber is among my favorite people in the industry.  The company has had some big releases, high ratings and limited editions that could all be considered a favorite.

However, the first time I was able to enjoy a Tennessee Waltz, I knew I found something special.  This limited release, usually only available in Jon’s home state of Tennessee, is as close to my perfect cigar as you can get.

It uses finely aged tobacco, a Broadleaf wrapper, and is that perfect mixture of bold, rich and smooth.  Its perfect construction and wonderfully complex profile makes this cigar an ideal contender to celebrate my big day.

Here is another cigar I can’t stop talking about.  I considered Nick Melillo another dear friend and someone who has represents the future of the cigar industry.  I have yet to smoke one of his cigars that isn’t anything less than amazing.

While the Gueguense and Wise Man Maduro will always have a special place in my heart, the Tabernacle is the cigar that really hit home for me.  Its combination of rich, flavorful tobaccos along with stunning presentation make this a very special cigar.

It has a history element to it and uses my favorite wrapper, so of course, this would be a spot on choice for me.

There are several choices from La Flor Dominican that would make perfect cigars to celebrate with.  However, I always find myself going back to the Coronado.  Yes, I love the Double Ligero Chisel, and who doesn’t get excited for the Andalusian Bull, but in terms of complexity and consistency, the Coronado reigns supreme.

Its aged Dominican filler and binder tobaccos give it a nutty and smooth center, while the Nicaraguan Habano wrapper adds in a touch of spice, leather, and wood with a slightly creamy finish.

The Coronado has been a mainstay of the La Flor portfolio for 15 years and I still get giddy every time I light one up.  This is an extraordinary cigar from one of the world’s best manufacturers.

Liga Privada No. 9 was a game-changing cigar for me.  It was the cigar that made me fall in love with not just Drew Estate, but with that chocolate, dark wrapper known as Connecticut Broadleaf.  Since my first time smoking it, it has had a very special place in my heart.

Out of the several sizes the Liga 9 is offered in, I believe that none smoke better than the corona viva.  Its thinner ring gauge makes for optimal flavor, while also smoothing out the blend just a tad to give you the perfect combination of smoothness and complexity.

The Liga Privada No. 9 is an iconic smoke and with this special size, I’d say my birthday is going to be quite the occasion.

Each year on my birthday, I make sure to save one exceptional cigar.  With the amount of top-notch smokes available today, the decision can be quite difficult, but I will say more often than not, I land with some version of the legendary Fuente OpusX.  Whether it’s the original, or the Angels Share or the Destino, there is some aura surrounding the OpusX that just makes it extra special.

This year, I went with the God’s Whisper size of the newer OpusX 20 Years.  An unusual shape for me, but I have to say it was everything I wanted and more.  It offers a combination of slightly spicy and slightly sweet flavors, it burns even all the way through, and has an amazing draw. All of these aspects came together to give me the ultimate birthday present.

If you are looking for a truly special cigar to celebrate any special occasion, it’s a safe bet that an OpusX will deliver each and every time.