Caesar

Villa Zamorano Danlí Toro is the CÆSAR Cigar of The Year 2026

“Best Palate Cigar” won by Chateau Diadem Conviction Toro

“Best Look & Feel / Pre-Light” winner is El Baton Double Toro

“Best Burn Cigar” is Drew Estate Liga Privada T52 Robusto

Continuing a tradition of ten years, the CÆSAR Cigar of the Year Jury reunited once again for a fresh edition of the European competition.

The event brought together a record number of 11 independent cigar aficionados, all professionals from fields unrelated to cigar distribution or import businesses. In keeping with the well-established principles of the contest, the process remained entirely independent: jury members fully supported the tasting sessions, while importers contributed only with the cigars entered competition.

This year, just 11 cigars reached the final stage, where they were rigorously evaluated by the jury using an internationally recognized 100-point scoring grid. After individual scoring, the highest and lowest marks were removed, and the average of the remaining scores determined the final ranking. Based on this system, the cigar that secured the highest distinction — CÆSAR Cigar of the Year 2026 — was revealed.

All tastings were performed under “blind” conditions: cigars were stripped of all identifying features and banded only with plain white rings numbered 1 to 11. These numbers were assigned randomly in advance, during a meeting attended by organizers and importer representatives, but not by members of the jury.

The prestigious title of CÆSAR Cigar of the Year 2026 was awarded to Villa Zamorano Danlí Toro, a cigar that impressed with its refined complexity and balanced flavour profile, offering an exceptional smoking experience.

With this occasion Maya Selva, the Founder of Villa Zamorano said:

“We are deeply honored that the VZ Danlí Toro has been named Cigar of the Year by the Caesar Cigar Club!This award belongs to the passionate aficionados and celebrates the dedicated artisans in Honduras who handcraft each cigar, combining the signature Carmelita wrapper with the best Honduran tobaccos to showcase the true spirit of Danlí.

Muchas gracias for making Maya Selva Cigars a part of your finest moments.”

For the third consecutive year, three special awards of global uniqueness were also presented:

“Best Palate Cigar” went to Chateau Diadem Conviction Toro, celebrated for its distinguished and flavourful taste, delivering an explosion of sensations.
“Best Look & Feel / Pre-Light” was earned by El Baton Double Toro, praised for its impeccable appearance, wrapper quality, and flawless craftsmanship.
“Best Burn Cigar” was awarded to Drew Estate Liga Privada T52 Robusto, which stood out for its consistently even burn and superb smoking experience.

The event once again showcased the artistry of master blenders and the ever-growing quality of premium cigars, edition after edition.

The 2026 Jury was honoured by the presence of His Excellency Hassan Abouyoub, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Romania and Honorary President of the Jury, alongside His Excellency Tigran H. Galstyan, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to Romania, Mr. Mihai Năsui, Mr. Alin Mărginean, Mr. Flavius Teodosiu Jr., Mr. Victor Martin, Mr. Eduard Uzunov, Mr. Tudor Furir, and Mr. Dan Vardie, Founder of CAESAR and President of the Jury.

The Jury also welcomed Mr Alex Mihalcea, a well-known cigars curator with academic credentials in the cigar world. Our distinguished CAESAR Club member, Mr Marius Ghenea is re-joining the CAESAR Cigar Jury after a one-year absence.

CCTY 2026 is a European regional competition open exclusively to adult cigar enthusiasts (18+), who share a passion for the refined ritual of cigar smoking.

CÆSAR continues to champion the philosophy that enjoying a cigar is the hallmark of spirited individuals, bon viveurs, and those who appreciate a unique and memorable experience. Sharing a cigar in a lounge becomes a true celebration of community and pleasure.

As with previous editions, CÆSAR warmly invites cigar lovers to explore all 11 finalists, regarded as among the finest of hundreds of new brands and vitolas launched on the market.

CÆSAR firmly distinguishes itself from cigarette smoking, which, despite overly permissive regulations, carries significant risks for smokers regardless of the technology involved. By contrast, cigars are crafted entirely from 100% natural, carefully selected tobacco — recognized worldwide for their quality. The cigar experience is defined by its flavour and ritual, without inhaling the smoke into the lungs.

CÆSAR remains devoted to premium, handmade cigars, the only category accepted in the CCTY international competition.