For the third consecutive year, Cigar Insider has dropped the number of Best Buys. They named 30 Best Buys in 2007, nine in 2008 and only eight this year. The dearth of bargains was disappointing, but we were pleased to find something we normally aren’t accustomed to seeing—a Best Buy from Cuba. The Hoyo de Monterrey Palmas Extra, a 5 1/2 inch long, 40 ring gauge smoke that scored 90 points, retails for only 4 Swiss Francs—about $3.80. It’s a remarkable bargain.
Most of the Cigar Insider Best Buys are Nicaraguan: familiar names such as Oliva, Black Pearl, and Casa Magna joined newcomers Brick House and Siglo Limited Reserve. Fittingly, Nicaraguan cigars had the lowest average price, $8.06.
| Cigar | Price | Score | |
| La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero DL-452 | $4.90 | 90 | |
| Hoyo de Monterrey Palmas Extra | 4 Swiss Francs | 90 | |
| Oliva Connecticut Wrapper Reserve Robusto | $4.99 | 88 | |
| Brick House Corona Larga | $4.75 | 88 | |
| Brick House Robusto | $4.95 | 88 | |
| Black Pearl Whiteband Robusto | $4.95 | 87 | |
| Casa Magna Colorado Pikito | $3.95 | 87 | |
| Siglo Limited Reserve Siglo I | $4.50 | 87 |
