Yeah it’s a bit late, but I’ve done a lot of pondering as to who is worthy of a “Zennie”. Remember a candidate for Cigar of the Year must have been newly created for 2010; for example, Arturo Fuente Hemingway would not be eligible. The official list is located here. So without further ado, here are the nominees in random order:

Zen Cigar of the Year

Aurora 107 – a nice new offering from the oldest factory in the DR, great price point too. Review of the La Aurora 107 Robusto.

La Flor Dominicana Air Bender – another wonderful full-flavored smoke from Litto Gomez. Review of the LFD Air Bender Chisel / LFD Air Bender Guerrero.

AVO Heritage – the strongest AVO to date! Very good and flavorful! Reviews of the Avo Heritage Short Robusto / Avo Heritage Toro.

El Triunfador – it feels like this line has been out longer than 2010, but this is Pete’s smoothest and most refined cigar to date. Reviews of the original El Triunfador lancero / new Tabacos el Triunfador.

EP Carillo Core Line – Ernesto is back in form with his Core Line offering.

Zen Limited Edition Cigar of the Year – where small batches rule!

La Gloria Cubana Artesanos de Obelisco – a true pyramid shape, this cigar from General is actually really good.

EP Carillo Short Run – Ernesto at his best – with a hint of Kelner to the cigar.

Illusione Singulare 2010 – a cigar that gets better each time I smoke it.

Viaje Holiday Blend 2010 – Andre does a lot of LEs, but this is by far his best this year.

Griffin’s XXVI – after some duds, the Griffin’s LE is back!

And the Zennie goes to…

This was a really hard one this year. I was torn between several new lines. The EP Carillo was the triumphic return of Ernesto Perez-Carillo. The Avo Heritage was a strikingly bold and flavorful offering from the typically more mild Avo Uvezian. But the new cigar that really sold itself offered several different sizes which all tasted different and featured my favorite wrapper (Ecuadorian Habano)…

La Flor Dominicana Air Bender – 2010 Zen Cigar of the Year

Zen Limited Edition Cigar of the Year:

This also required deliberation, but the winner came to me much more quickly. It was the cigar that offered the most unique tasting experience..

EP Carillo Short Run – 2010 Limited Edition Cigar of the Year

Congrats! I look forward to 2011!