Luxury cigars have long been synonymous with wealth, status, and refined taste. For the true cigar aficionado, indulging in one of the most expensive cigars in the world isn’t just a simple pleasure—it’s an art form. These cigars are handcrafted with the finest and rarest tobacco, often aged for years to create a unique and rich flavor profile.
And let's be honest, lighting one of these up makes you feel like you're two steps away from running an empire, even if you're just lounging in your backyard. This article dives deep into the top 10 most expensive cigars and reveals what makes each one worthy of its impressive price tag. Whether you're exploring the world of luxury cigars for the first time or are an experienced smoker, these prized cigars are sure to captivate your interest.
Factors That Make Cigars So Expensive
The world of expensive cigars is driven by a combination of rare tobacco, expert craftsmanship, aging processes, and brand prestige. The most expensive cigar brands are known for their meticulous attention to detail, with each cigar often being rolled by hand by master rollers who have years of experience.
The aging process is crucial—many premium cigars are aged for several years, allowing the tobacco to mature and develop complex flavors. Additionally, limited editions and small production runs make some cigars incredibly rare and, thus, highly sought after by collectors. The following are the cigars that truly stand out as the most expensive cigars in the world.
Gurkha Royal Courtesan Cigar
Topping the list as the most expensive cigar in the world, the Gurkha Royal Courtesan Cigar is a testament to luxury and exclusivity. Infused with Remy Martin’s Black Pearl Louis XIII cognac, each cigar is carefully hand-rolled using rare Himalayan tobacco. The tobacco is watered with Fiji water, enhancing its purity and flavor.
Rolled only by master blenders who are blindfolded during the process to enhance their sense of touch, this cigar is also wrapped in gold leaf and housed in a special case. Its status as the priciest cigar reflects not just the materials used but the precision and artistry involved in its creation. “For those who can afford it, smoking the Royal Courtesan is more than just enjoying a fine cigar—it’s a statement,” notes one luxury cigar connoisseur.
Mayan Sicars (Pre-Embargo)
A cigar that represents history itself, the Mayan Sicars were discovered in Guatemala in 2012 and date back over 600 years. These cigars were remarkably well-preserved and became a rare find in the world of cigars. When auctioned, a box of these cigars fetched over $500,000, making it one of the most expensive cigars ever sold.
The appeal of these cigars lies in their historical significance and the incredible journey they represent—from ancient Mayan culture to modern-day luxury collections. Owning and smoking a Mayan Sicar is akin to smoking a piece of history, providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience for true cigar enthusiasts.
Gran Habano No. 5 El Gigante
As the largest cigar ever created, the Gran Habano No. 5 El Gigante isn’t meant for smoking but is instead a collector’s item. Weighing over 1,600 pounds, this cigar is crafted using more than 1,000 pounds of tobacco.
While it may not be practical to light up this massive cigar, it is a true novelty, designed to showcase the craftsmanship and grandeur that the Gran Habano brand is capable of. The size and construction alone make it one of the most expensive cigars, and it’s often displayed at special events or used as a unique conversation piece.
Regius Double Corona Cigar
The Regius Double Corona Cigar offers buyers a rare opportunity to create their own customized luxury cigar. Customers work directly with the master blender to design a cigar that fits their exact preferences, from the blend to the size.
Along with the cigar itself, buyers are treated to a first-class trip to Nicaragua to tour the Regius factory and meet the artisans who will craft their cigar. This personalized approach, combined with the luxurious experience of designing a custom cigar, makes the Regius Double Corona one of the most expensive cigars on the market.
King of Denmark Cigar
The King of Denmark cigar is designed for those who want more than just a smoking experience—they want a personal piece of art. Each cigar is customizable, allowing buyers to wrap it in gold foil, adorn it with diamonds, and even have their name engraved on it.
The exclusivity of this cigar is further emphasized by its limited production—only 30 cigars are made each day. The combination of personal customization, rare tobacco, and luxurious presentation makes the King of Denmark one of the top expensive cigars globally.
Cohiba Behike
The Cohiba Behike is considered the crown jewel of Cuban cigars. Using rare medio tiempo tobacco leaves, which grow at the top of the plant and receive the most sunlight, the Behike offers a rich and complex flavor. Each year, only a limited number of these cigars are produced, making them highly coveted by cigar lovers around the world. For many, smoking a Cohiba Behike is a once-in-a-lifetime experience due to its rarity and impeccable quality. This makes it one of the most sought-after expensive cigars in the world.
Arturo Fuente Opus X
The Arturo Fuente Opus X is a Dominican cigar that has achieved legendary status among cigar aficionados. Known for its full-bodied flavor and smooth draw, the Opus X is crafted using rare Dominican tobacco grown in the volcanic soils of Chateau de la Fuente.
The tobacco is aged for over a decade, giving the cigar its unique and complex flavor profile. This cigar is often ranked among the best in the world, and its rarity and quality make it one of the most expensive cigars on the market. "The Opus X isn’t just a cigar—it’s an experience, one that seasoned smokers cherish," says a Fuente cigar enthusiast.
Gurkha Black Dragon
The Gurkha Black Dragon is another example of Gurkha’s commitment to creating luxury cigars. Each Black Dragon cigar is housed in a hand-carved camel bone box, making it not only a rare smoking experience but also a collectible item.
The cigar itself is made from high-quality Honduran tobacco, and its bold, rich flavor appeals to those who appreciate full-bodied cigars. Only a limited number of these cigars were ever produced, which has helped elevate its status as one of the most exclusive and expensive cigars available.
Davidoff Royal Release
The Davidoff Royal Release is the epitome of luxury in the world of cigars. Made from the finest Ecuadorian and Dominican tobaccos, each cigar is hand-rolled by Davidoff’s most skilled artisans.
Known for its smooth, luxurious smoke, the Royal Release offers a unique experience that is reserved for those who seek the very best. This cigar’s exclusivity and superior quality place it among the top expensive cigars in the world. Davidoff has long been known for producing prized cigars, and the Royal Release continues this tradition of excellence.
Padron 1964 Anniversary Series
The Padron 1964 Anniversary Series may be one of the more affordable cigars on this list, but it is still considered a luxury item due to its exceptional craftsmanship. Made from aged Nicaraguan tobacco, this cigar consistently ranks among the best cigars in the world for its smooth, rich flavors.
It’s a favorite among collectors and casual smokers alike, offering a balance of quality and value. For those looking to experience a luxury cigar without breaking the bank, the Padron 1964 Anniversary Series is an ideal choice.
Why These Cigars Are So Expensive
The high price of these most expensive cigars can be attributed to several key factors. Rare tobacco, such as the medio tiempo leaves used in the Cohiba Behike, is harder to find and often grown in limited quantities. Additionally, many of these cigars are aged for years, allowing the flavors to develop in complexity.
The skill and precision involved in hand-rolling these cigars also add to their value, as do the luxurious materials—such as gold and diamonds—used in cigars like the King of Denmark. Finally, expensive cigar brands often release limited editions, making these cigars rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Is It Worth Buying Expensive Cigars?
For some, the experience of smoking one of the most expensive cigars in the world is worth every penny. These cigars offer a flavor and quality that is unmatched by more affordable options. The prestige that comes with owning a rare or limited-edition cigar can also be appealing, especially for collectors.
However, for those who are simply looking to enjoy a good cigar, there are many options that provide an excellent smoking experience without the hefty price tag. Ultimately, the value of a luxury cigar depends on the individual smoker and what they are looking to get out of the experience.
