Cigar Reviews
Don Benigno Cigars and Review 2025
Don Benigno Cigars and Review: Cuban Cigars From Costa Rica
There’s something magical about cracking open a box of Don Benigno Cigars. The faint cedar scent, the weight of a well-rolled stick in your hand—it’s like holding a piece of history. These Costa Rican beauties carry the soul of a Cuban legacy, crafted by Don Benigno Arronte, a man whose life reads like a novel. From his family’s tobacco fields in Cuba to a small workshop in San José, his cigars are a testament to grit and artistry. I recently lit up a Don Benigno Reserva Natural, and it was a journey worth sharing. This review dives into the cigar’s look, feel, taste, and why it’s become a quiet obsession for those in the know.
A Story Woven in Smoke
From Pinar del Rio to San José
Picture this: it’s the 1950s in Cuba’s Vuelta Abajo, where tobacco grows like poetry. Don Benigno’s family ran the Ceniza factory, rolling cigars that carried the region’s fame. The Cuban Revolution changed everything, shutting down their operation and pushing Benigno to find a new home. He landed in Costa Rica in 1997, starting with nothing but a kitchen table and a dream. From those humble beginnings, Don Benigno Cigars grew into a boutique brand cherished in places like South America and the UK. Now crafted in a small San José facility, each cigar feels like a handshake from the past.
Why Don Benigno Cigars Steal Hearts
What makes Don Benigno Cigars special isn’t just their story—it’s the way they’re made. Small batches, no shortcuts, just pure Cuban tobacco with no artificial nonsense. Every puff feels honest. Whether you’re reaching for a Robusto, Churchill, Piramide, or the sleek Exigente, you’re getting a cigar rolled with care. Smokers often whisper comparisons to Davidoff Aniversario line, and that’s no small praise. These are cigars for people who savor the little details.
The Details
- Brand: Don Benigno Cigars
- Vitola: Reserva (6″ x 52)
- Length: 6 inches
- Ring Gauge: 52
- Wrapper: Natural (blend kept secret)
- Binder: Cuban
- Filler: Cuban
- Origin: Costa Rica
- Strength: Medium
- Price: Around $8–$10 a stick
First Glance
The Look and Feel
The Don Benigno Reserva Natural doesn’t scream for attention—it doesn’t need to. Its wrapper, a soft caramel color, has a gentle shine, like morning light on a quiet beach. There’s hardly a vein in sight, and the texture feels smooth with just a bit of grit, like fine sandpaper. In your hand, it’s got that perfect heft, firm but not rigid, with no give that’d hint at sloppy rolling. The black-and-gold band, simple with the Don Benigno name, feels like a nod to old-school class. It’s a cigar that knows it’s good without bragging.
Before the Match
Sniffing the foot, I catch a whiff of cocoa and damp earth, like a forest after rain. The cold draw hits with a salty, almost bready note, maybe a hint of sweetness lurking underneath. It’s not too tight, just snug enough to promise a good pull. Holding it unlit, I’m already itching to see what Don Benigno Cigars have in store.
The Smoke
First Third: A Soft Hello
The first puff of the Don Benigno Reserva Natural is like sinking into a favorite chair—comfortable, familiar, but with a spark of something new. Creamy vanilla washes over the tongue, sweet and smooth, followed by a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of roasted pecans. There’s a faint spice on the exhale, a little green and lively, keeping things interesting. The smoke rolls out easy, not too thick, with a clean white ash that sticks around like a loyal friend. It’s mild but not boring, with a Costa Rican Cuban twist that sets Don Benigno Cigars apart from the usual suspects.
Second Third: The Plot Thickens
Halfway in, the cigar starts to show its depth. That vanilla takes a backseat, letting honey and pecans step forward, now joined by a woody note that feels like cedar or maybe old oak. The spice settles into a soft, earthy hum, balancing the sweetness like a well-mixed drink. The smoke gets richer, coating the mouth with a creamy texture that’s hard to resist. The burn’s dead-on, no wavering, no touch-ups needed. This is where Don Benigno Cigars shine, pulling you deeper into the experience with every puff.
Final Third: The Big Finish
By the end, the Reserva Natural feels like it’s been saving the best for last. A mocha richness creeps in, blending with that woody backbone and a faint floral whisper that lingers like a good memory. The strength nudges up to a solid medium, but it’s never heavy, leaving your palate clean and ready for more. The ash holds tight, the burn stays sharp, and the whole thing feels like a masterclass in cigar-making. Don Benigno Cigars know how to leave you wanting another round.
Burn and Pull
This cigar burns like it’s got something to prove. The line is thin and straight, no runs or canoeing, and the ash—crisp and white—hangs on for dear life. The draw is just right, not too loose, not too tight, giving you a steady stream of smoke without any work. From the first light to the final nub, it’s smooth sailing, letting you lose yourself in the flavors. That’s the kind of craftsmanship Don Benigno Cigars are built on.
What to Pair It With
Pairing Don Benigno Cigars is like picking a song to match a mood. For the Reserva Natural, a medium-roast coffee is a safe bet, picking up on the creamy and nutty notes without stealing the show. A light ale or even a crisp lager works, too, keeping things fresh. I’d skip anything too bold, like a heavy stout—it’s too much for this cigar’s finesse. If you’re feeling fancy, a smooth single malt, maybe a 15-year-old Glenfiddich, brings out the cigar’s sweeter side. Smoke it mid-afternoon or after a light dinner, and you’re golden.
Worth the Price?
At $12–$15 a pop, Don Benigno Cigars are a steal for what you get. They’re not everywhere, but places like NH Cigars, Holysmokescigars.com sometimes have them, often at a deal. Packed in Spanish cedar boxes, they feel like a gift to yourself. The rarity makes them special—finding a box feels like stumbling on buried treasure. For the quality, Don Benigno Cigars punch way above their price tag.
The Verdict
The Don Benigno Reserva Natural is more than a cigar—it’s a moment. From its creamy start to its mocha-flecked finish, it’s a ride that keeps you hooked. The flawless burn, the perfect draw, the way the flavors dance—it’s everything you want in a smoke. Don Benigno Cigars carry a legacy that’s half Cuban grit, half Costa Rican heart, and it shows in every puff. If you love cigars that tell a story, these belong in your humidor. Hunt them down, light one up, and see why Don Benigno is a name worth remembering.
NHC Score
- Flavor: 8.7/10
- Construction: 9.8/10
- Burn: 9.8/10
- Overall: 9.5/10
Final Call: Grab a box if you can. Don Benigno Cigars are the kind of smoke you’ll want to share with friends—or keep all to yourself.
Other Awesome Links Below
My Father Cigars 15 Year History and Review
NH Cigars – Shipping Cigars to Hawaii Tax Free
Arturo Fuente 858 Sun Grown Review