November/December 2025
In this issue

José Andrés • November/December 2025

José Andrés is a world-renowned chef with an expansive restaurant collection in his portfolio. But the Spanish native has been making a name for himself for his humanitarian work. His World Central Kitchen provides sustenance in combat zones, natural disasters and pandemics, providing meals to those in peril. Cigar Aficionado sat down with Andrés to discuss his career, his mission to help others, and, of course, his love for cigars. This issue also takes a look at golf's hidden gems, a history of Punch and how it can spice up your holiday celebrations and the latest offerings in luxury air travel. Plus, we dive deep into the remarkable and complex history of Montecristo, learn about Michael Jordan's favorite cigar and review a pre-Castro Cuban for the latest edition of Connoisseur’s Corner. In this issue, you'll also find 72 expert cigar reviews.

Features

Feeding The World

Feeding The World

José Andrés is digging through one of his cabinet humidors in his home in Bethesda, Maryland, stacking box after box of cigars atop a wobbly base as if he were playing a version …

Hidden Gems

Hidden Gems

There’s probably not a golfer alive who hasn’t heard of Pebble Beach. With a century-long history of professional tournaments, seven major championships and a course that is …

Packing A Punch

Packing A Punch

You’re hosting a holiday party or having your boys over to watch the big game. Festivities begin and you’re stuck tending bar as orders come in for Negronis, Mojitos, Old …

Sky High Luxury

Sky High Luxury

Caviar and Krug. Suites rather than seats. Cuisine created by Michelin-starred chefs, bespoke whiskies, butler service and lounges with free-flowing Cuban cigars. These are but a …

Cigars

The Making Of Montecristo

The Making Of Montecristo

Now in its 90th year, this legendary cigar has become a benchmark Cuban brand. 

My Favorite Cigar

My Favorite Cigar

The GOAT names his favorite smoke.

Connoisseur’s Corner: Montecristo No. 4 (1959)

Connoisseur’s Corner: Montecristo No. 4 (1959)

This pre-Castro Montecristo still has plenty of life to it, see how it performed. 

Ratings from this Issue

94
points

OneOff Black & Tan Toro

Issue Date: December 1, 2025
OneOff Black & Tan Toro
94
points

Vegas Robaina Unico

Issue Date: December 1, 2025
Vegas Robaina Unico
94
points

Davidoff Millennium Blend Series Piramides

Issue Date: December 1, 2025
Davidoff Millennium Blend Series Piramides
94
points

Rocky Patel Gold Label Robusto

Issue Date: December 1, 2025
Rocky Patel Gold Label Robusto

Up Front

California v. The Cigar Industry

California v. The Cigar Industry

California has thrown a massive roadblock in the face of the cigar industry, making it considerably harder to sell cigars in the state, one of the biggest cigar markets in the …

The Good Life

IM Corona Double Corona Lighters

IM Corona Double Corona Lighters

What do George Foreman, John Travolta and IM Corona lighters have in common? All three have had spectacular career comebacks. IM Corona lighters, specifically the Double …

Azura, Bermuda

Azura, Bermuda

The fishhook-shaped archipelago of Bermuda, about 650 miles east of the Carolinas, recently added another reason to make the short hop east (less than two hours from New York): …

McLaren Artura Spider

McLaren Artura Spider

Take the Artura Spider up to speed and the air wraps around the body like a leaded blanket and presses it deep into the pavement. Just like with a race car, increased velocity …

The Black Manhattan

The Black Manhattan

The drink arrives, looking very much like the familiar Manhattan, in a conically shaped glass or even a coupe, adorned with a cherry. But its somber color gives it away. This is …

The Cardigan

The Cardigan

You can be excused if Mister Rogers and Jimmy Carter left you with the erroneous impression that cardigan sweaters were fine for nice guys, but a little, well, stodgy for you. …

The Sausage Platter

The Sausage Platter

Satirist Jonathan Swift once quipped that the man who first tried an oyster was a brave soul. But what of those who dared to bite into a mold-covered, salt-cured piece of meat …

Classic Dress Watches

Classic Dress Watches

Classic doesn’t have to mean old fashioned—just timeless. A number of new watch designs recall venerable style while staying up to date with modern attitudes and technology. …

Prestige Pens

Prestige Pens

With a flourish, you sign your name on the dotted line. We may live in the age of digital communication, but the pen is still our tool of choice for signing contracts, inking …

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