Three Dominican sticks take top honors in our latest One-Timer review compilation. Nicaragua still holds a special place in our hearts, but after receiving some (often online) guidance regarding a geo-diversity, we’re sampling increasing amounts of D.R. product. The result is greater appreciation of cigars like the Fuente, LFD and La Aurora sticks featured in this post.

These stogies represent high-level Dominican blending and manufacturing that compares positively to the Nicaraguan elite. Product from Pepin, Padron AJF, etc… will always occupy real estate in the HLC humidor. So we’ll just have to expand capacity as we make room for favorites originating from other cigar hotspots.

If you’re entrenched in a Jalapa/Condega smoking cycle, then you are in very good company. However, we encourage the slow expansion of your routine that includes offerings from the best D.R. manufacturers. You can start with the 90+ rated One-Timers detailed here

This tag-team effort from Padilla and Oliva’s Studio Tobak specialty division is a limited edition release presented in a single format. The special figurado shape and dual bands that denote the partner brands make for a strong presentation. Construction is commendable and complexity above average.

At around $14, the Padilla Studio Tobak Figurado is a bigger investment than fans of either brand are accustomed to making. So it appears Ernesto and the Olivas felt they had something special when this release came together. Find out how our tasting went after the bump

The end of the year is a very special time for cigar enthusiasts. This is when our favorite cigar publishers name their best cigars of 2011. The information provides us the impetus to begin depleting our refreshed cigar budgets and generally act against those half-hearted resolutions. Of course will try to drink less and eat healthier in 2012. However, if we’re going to buy those fabulous smokes gushed about in the annual “best of” lists, then we need some spirits to pair with the sticks, don’t we? We will also need to plan a few decadent meals (preferably with a few BOTLs). When else would it be appropriate to pull out that $50 extra limited edition hyper-premium that our favorite blogger claims will give our lives new meaning? Isn’t nicotine, alcohol and animal fat addiction a meager price to pay for entrance to nirvana?

Friends, there is no way around it, we are an indulgent breed participating actively in the punishment of our earthly vessels. While the phrase “dying breed” could be a little dramatic, it seems to apply on several levels. But if we are going down, then we’re doing it in style dammit!

So in keeping with cigar-blogger tradition, we would like to present you with another excuse to kill some time (among other things) and beef up your stogie wish list. Highlight Cigars proudly presents our first annual COTY awards to honor our 2011 selections for Cigars of the Year!