My Father The Judge: Cigar of the Year 2024
This month’s review by Mr. Clay the Cigar Guy from The Cigar Society is the 2024 Cigar of the Year by My Father Cigars, The Judge. With its impeccable construction and complex flavor profile, this cigar has not only earned top honors but has also secured a spot in my personal top five favorite cigars.
The Judge is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and flavor, enveloped in a spectacular dark brown Sumatra Oscuro wrapper. Its appearance is both inviting and intimidating, suggesting a bold smoking experience without veering into harshness. The wrapper, sourced from Ecuador, brings a fine sweetness that cleverly conceals the inner strength of this full-bodied blend. What sets The Judge apart is its use of not one but two binders—Corojo and Criollo—each contributing to the cigar’s complexity and depth.
Beneath the surface lies a blend of three different Nicaraguan fillers, meticulously selected from My Father Cigars’ own farms. The tobacco comes from at least three renowned regions: the La Bonita Two farm in Jalapa, El Pedrero in Estelí, and San Rafael in Namanji. Each region’s distinct terroir brings unique characteristics to the blend, creating a symphony of flavors that evolve throughout the smoke.
Lighting up The Judge Grand Robusto is an experience in itself. The first draw reveals a bold introduction of red pepper spice, immediately followed by a rush of dark chocolate and earthy tones. The cigar’s full-bodied nature is present from the start, yet it manages to remain balanced, allowing each flavor to stand out without overwhelming the palate. As the smoke progresses, notes of cedar wood, black coffee, and plum emerge, woven seamlessly with hints of toast and nuts. These layers of flavor are both vivid and satisfying, making it clear why Cigar Aficionado named The Judge its Cigar of the Year for 2024.
The thick, box-pressed construction of The Judge not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also serves a practical purpose. The shape promotes an even burn, allowing the smoker to savor the full complexity of the blend. The Grand Robusto’s thick ring gauge is particularly effective in showcasing the nuances of Nicaraguan tobacco, making every puff a cross-section of the country’s finest soils.
I personally prefer to cut the cap of my cigars with a V-cut, and The Judge is no exception. The V-cut provides a controlled draw that accentuates the cigar’s rich flavors without allowing too much smoke to overwhelm the palate. The draw is smooth, with just the right amount of resistance, enhancing the smoking experience and allowing each note—from the pepper and chocolate to the subtler nutty and sweet undertones—to shine through.
One of the most impressive aspects of The Judge is how it encapsulates the essence of Nicaraguan tobacco. The filler, binder, and wrapper work harmoniously to deliver a smoke that is both powerful and refined. The tobacco from Jalapa adds a natural sweetness and creaminess, while the leaves from Estelí contribute strength and peppery spice. Meanwhile, the Namanji tobacco rounds out the blend with its earthy, rich profile.
The result is a cigar that tells a story with each draw—starting bold and spicy, transitioning into a smoother, creamier middle, and finishing with a robust mix of earth, wood, and coffee notes. The retrohale—where smoke is expelled through the nose—brings out additional complexity, highlighting floral undertones and a slight mineral finish.
Perfect Pairings for The Judge
To fully appreciate the complexity of The Judge, pairing it with the right drink is essential. The cigar’s bold profile calls for equally robust beverages that can stand up to its intensity without overshadowing its nuanced flavors. Here are some pairing suggestions:
Liquors: High-quality bourbon with a slightly sweet finish, aged rum with caramel and spice notes, or Añejo tequila with its smooth and oaky character. The natural sweetness of these spirits complements the chocolate and nutty flavors of the cigar.
Coffee: Dark roast coffee or a well-pulled espresso enhances the earthy and coffee notes in The Judge, creating a harmonious blend of bitterness and spice.
Wine: A robust red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Malbec, with its tannins and dark fruit flavors, pairs beautifully with the cigar’s plum and chocolate notes.
Food: Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content or a perfectly seared steak provides a satisfying counterpart to The Judge’s full-bodied profile.
Final Verdict
The Judge is not merely a cigar; it’s an experience that demands attention and respect. From its impressive construction to its evolving flavor profile, it is a testament to the artistry of My Father Cigars. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a casual enthusiast, The Judge is a smoke that is sure to leave a lasting impression—bold, complex, and satisfyingly rich without being overly aggressive. It’s no surprise that this cigar has claimed a top spot not only in my personal collection but also in the world of premium cigars.
For those who appreciate a cigar that tells a story with every draw, The Judge is a case that is open and shut—guilty of being one of the best.
