Podcasts about year countdown

For Prime Time Jukebox Episode 177, it's our 21st installment of the Album Archaeology Series. Tonight, we go back to the landmark 1987 album, Kick by INXS. Much like an archaeologist digs and hunts for gems, on Album Archaeology we dig deep into an album. We examine each of the tracks of this album looking at the music, lyrics, and stories behind this album. For this show, Dave smokes the My Father Blue Petit Robusto and Coop smokes a pre-release of the Micallef White Robusto. As always you can follow along with our Spotify Playlists: Episode 177 Playlist References 2025 Top 50 2025 New Oldies Brigitte Bardot: The blonde bombshell who revolutionised French cinema Perry Bamonte, guitarist and keyboardist for The Cure, dies at 65 Dolly Parton tells Zac Brown time off helped her heal and grieve Kennedy Center Honors Highlights 2025 Cigar of the Year Countdown

For Prime Time Jukebox Episode 177, it's our 21st installment of the Album Archaeology Series. Tonight, we go back to the landmark 1987 album, Kick by INXS. Much like an archaeologist digs and hunts for gems, on Album Archaeology we dig deep into an album. We examine each of the tracks of this album looking at the music, lyrics, and stories behind this album. For this show, Dave smokes the My Father Blue Petit Robusto and Coop smokes a pre-release of the Micallef White Robusto. As always you can follow along with our Spotify Playlists: Episode 177 Playlist References 2025 Top 50 2025 New Oldies Brigitte Bardot: The blonde bombshell who revolutionised French cinema Perry Bamonte, guitarist and keyboardist for The Cure, dies at 65 Dolly Parton tells Zac Brown time off helped her heal and grieve Kennedy Center Honors Highlights 2025 Cigar of the Year Countdown

Coming in at #7 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Fuente Fuente OpusX La Familia 25 Years. As the name suggests, this line commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Fuente Fuente OpusX brand. OpusX holds significant importance for its creator, Carlos “Carlito” Fuente Jr. In late 1995, Carlito introduced the Fuente Fuente OpusX, a revolutionary cigar that demonstrated to the world that an ultra-premium Dominican puro could be crafted using a Dominican-grown wrapper. The OpusX 25 Years line was first introduced at the 2021 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show as part of an offering in an Elie Bleu humidor. That vitola for that release was a Churchill known as El Tributo. Fast forward to the 2024 PCA Trade Show, and Arturo Fuente showcased a perfecto size known as La Familia. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-yt1

Coming in at #7 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Fuente Fuente OpusX La Familia 25 Years. As the name suggests, this line commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Fuente Fuente OpusX brand. OpusX holds significant importance for its creator, Carlos “Carlito” Fuente Jr. In late 1995, Carlito introduced the Fuente Fuente OpusX, a revolutionary cigar that demonstrated to the world that an ultra-premium Dominican puro could be crafted using a Dominican-grown wrapper. The OpusX 25 Years line was first introduced at the 2021 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show as part of an offering in an Elie Bleu humidor. That vitola for that release was a Churchill known as El Tributo. Fast forward to the 2024 PCA Trade Show, and Arturo Fuente showcased a perfecto size known as La Familia. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-yt1

Coming in at #8 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Kristoff Veinte Twentieth Anniversary Toro. Kristoff Veinte Twentieth Anniversary made its debut in 2024. The year 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of owner Glen Case's entry into the cigar industry. Until now, there hasn't been an anniversary cigar in Kristoff's lineup, but the Veinte has taken on that role. It is a regular production cigar within the Kristoff brand. The name “Veinte” means “twenty” in Spanish. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-ysP

Coming in at #8 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Kristoff Veinte Twentieth Anniversary Toro. Kristoff Veinte Twentieth Anniversary made its debut in 2024. The year 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of owner Glen Case's entry into the cigar industry. Until now, there hasn't been an anniversary cigar in Kristoff's lineup, but the Veinte has taken on that role. It is a regular production cigar within the Kristoff brand. The name “Veinte” means “twenty” in Spanish. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-ysP  

Coming in at #9 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Aging Room La Bohème Poeta. La Bohème was initially released in 2014 by Rafael Nodal under his Boutique Blends Cigars portfolio. La Bohème is the name of an opera composed by Giacomo Puccini, a favorite of Nodal's. It was a brand that was intended to bring together three passions of Nodal's: music, Cuban Culture, and, of course, his love of cigars. In 2017, things changed for Nodal. He would move distribution over to Altadis U.S.A. and join the Altadis team as Director of Product Capability (and later, Vice President). At the time this happened, some streamlining and reorganizing of the brands under Boutique Blends Cigars took place, and one line that was put on hold was La Bohème. Late in 2024 word came that La Bohème would indeed be making a comeback. This time branded as the Aging Room La Bohème, featuring a brand-new blend. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-yso

Coming in at #9 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Aging Room La Bohème Poeta. La Bohème was initially released in 2014 by Rafael Nodal under his Boutique Blends Cigars portfolio. La Bohème is the name of an opera composed by Giacomo Puccini, a favorite of Nodal's. It was a brand that was intended to bring together three passions of Nodal's: music, Cuban Culture, and, of course, his love of cigars. In 2017, things changed for Nodal. He would move distribution over to Altadis U.S.A. and join the Altadis team as Director of Product Capability (and later, Vice President). At the time this happened, some streamlining and reorganizing of the brands under Boutique Blends Cigars took place, and one line that was put on hold was La Bohème. Late in 2024 word came that La Bohème would indeed be making a comeback. This time branded as the Aging Room La Bohème, featuring a brand-new blend. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-yso  

Coming in at #10 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Las 6 Provincias ORT by Espinosa Cigars. It was at the 2024 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show that Espinosa Cigars unveiled the ORT. The ORT is the sixth installment of its limited-edition Las 6 Provincias series. This annual, limited-edition series pays homage to the pre-Castro era of Cuba. The name Las 6 Provincias translates to “six provinces,” referring to the six provinces that existed prior to Cuba's takeover by Fidel Castro. It is also Espinosa Cigars' most premium limited edition series to date. The company had six planned Las 6 Provincias series releases, each with a unique blend, size, and associated artwork. The name ORT represents Oriente, the easternmost province in Cuba. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-ysc

Coming in at #10 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Las 6 Provincias ORT by Espinosa Cigars. It was at the 2024 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show that Espinosa Cigars unveiled the ORT. The ORT is the sixth installment of its limited-edition Las 6 Provincias series. This annual, limited-edition series pays homage to the pre-Castro era of Cuba. The name Las 6 Provincias translates to “six provinces,” referring to the six provinces that existed prior to Cuba's takeover by Fidel Castro. It is also Espinosa Cigars' most premium limited edition series to date. The company had six planned Las 6 Provincias series releases, each with a unique blend, size, and associated artwork. The name ORT represents Oriente, the easternmost province in Cuba. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-ysc

Coming in at #11 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Tatuaje 10th Anniversary Belle Encre Tuxtla. Tuxtla is a series of limited-edition cigars that Tatuaje has released over the past two years. It involves applying a Mexican San Andres wrapper to existing Tatuaje offerings. In 2013, Tatuaje released the Belle Encre and Bon Chasseur as special vitola offerings in its Brown Label line to commemorate its tenth anniversary. With Tatuaje celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2023, Tatuaje opted to revisit these sizes—but this time under the Tuxtla line with the Mexican wrapper. It's the Belle Encre Tuxtla that lands on this year's Countdown. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-yrM  

Coming in at #11 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Tatuaje 10th Anniversary Belle Encre Tuxtla. Tuxtla is a series of limited-edition cigars that Tatuaje has released over the past two years. It involves applying a Mexican San Andres wrapper to existing Tatuaje offerings. In 2013, Tatuaje released the Belle Encre and Bon Chasseur as special vitola offerings in its Brown Label line to commemorate its tenth anniversary. With Tatuaje celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2023, Tatuaje opted to revisit these sizes—but this time under the Tuxtla line with the Mexican wrapper. It's the Belle Encre Tuxtla that lands on this year's Countdown. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-yrM

The Top 10 Episodes of 2025As we ring in the New Year, we want to send a HUGE thank you to our incredible listeners.

Tracklisting:   01.  Interstate - I Found You (Original - AVB ASOT 2005 Intro Mix) [Armada] 02.  Three Drives - Greece 2000 (Original Mix) [Hooj Choons] 03.  Above & Beyond Feat. Richard Bedford - Sun & Moon (Dennis Sheperd Remix) [Anjunabeats] 04.  Terk Dawn - Barent Blue (Marninx Pres. Monogato Remix) [Well Mixed Records] 05.  Global Experience - Madras (Original Mix) [Songbird] 06.  iiO - Rapture (Armin van Buuren Remix) [United Recordings] 07.  Gianluca Motta Feat. Molly - Not Alone (Martin Roth Nu-Style Vocal Mix) [Armada Music] 08.  BLR - Méduse (Extended Mix) [AFTR:HRS] 09.  Quivver - Space Manoeuveres Part 3 (Original Mix) [BozBoz] 10.  Audioholics - External Key (Original Mix) [Electronic Elements] 11.  Yilmaz Altanhan - Eighties (Özgür Can Mix) [Anjunabeats] 12.  A.M. - Arise (Exclusive Hammer & Funabashi Remix) [Songbird] 13.  Ferry Corsten - Star Traveller (Original Mix) [Flashover Recordings] 14.  Ronski Speed Feat. Sir Adrian vs Rex Mundi - The Perspective Space (Markus Schulz Mashup) [Coldharbour Recordings] 15.  Cosmic Gate - Back To Earth (Jochen Miller Remix) [Black Hole Recordings] 16.  Cerf, Mitiska & Jaren - Beggin' You (Armin van Buuren Remix) [Armind] 17.  Mike Foyle Pres. Statica - For Your Eyes Only (Original Mix) [Electronic Elements] 18.  Soliquid - Music Is For Rich People (Mat Zo Remix) [Captured Digital] 19.  Markus Schulz Pres. Dakota - In A Green Valley (Basil O'Glue Remix) [Coldharbour Recordings] 20.  JASEfos Feat. Claire Van Der Boom - Do What U Want (Max Graham Afterhours In Montreal Mix) [Songbird] 21.  Aspekt - Hi Jack (Instrumental Mix) [Anjunabeats] 22.  Deepsky - Talk Like A Stranger (Markus Schulz Return To Coldharbour Mix) [Yo!] 23.  Probspot - Foreplay (Original Mix) [Lost Language] 24.  Mark Otten - Tranquility (Markus Schulz Clodharbour Mix) [Armind] 25.  Jahawi - Kenya (Original Mix) [Insatiable Records] 26.  Karen Overton - Your Loving Arms (Markus Schulz & Elevation Intro Mix) [Coldharbour Recordings] 27.  Oakenfold - Zoo York (Leama & Moor Mix) [White X] 28.  The Space Brothers - Legacy (Extended Vocal Club Mix) (2022 Remaster) [Armada] 29.  Humate - Love Stimulation (Paul van Dyk Love-Club Mix) [Deviate Records] 30.  M.E.O. - Sleepless (John Johnson Remix) [Global Harmony] 31.  Flash - The Day After (Remix) [Perfecto] 32.  Albert Vorne - Formentera What (Gareth Emery Remix) [Armada] 33.  John '00' Fleming - I'm Not Fooled (John 00 Fleming's Tranced Out Mix) [Subversive Hard] 34.  Interstate - Remember Me (Terry Bones Remix) [Armind] 35.  DJ Eco & Martin Roth - Tonight Is Forever (Martin Roth Edit) [Lunatique Records] 36.  Motorcycle - As The Rush Comes (Gabriel & Dresden Sweeping Strings Mix) [Black Hole Recordings] 37.  Way Out West - Killa (Orkidea Remix) [Solaris Recordings] 38.  L.S.G. - Netherworld (Oliver Prime Remix) [Songbird] 39.  Delerium - Silence (Tiësto's In Search Of Sunrise Remix) [Nettwerk] 40.  Conjure One Feat. Sinéad O'Connor - Tears From The Moon (Tiësto In Search Of Sunrise Remix) [Black Hole Recordings] 41.  Tiësto Pres. Allure - The Loves We Lost (Original Mix) [Ultra Records] 42.  Signum - Third Dimension (Original Mix) [AVRA] 43.  DJ Eco - Lost Angeles (Breakfast Remix) [Lunatique Records] 44.  Funabashi Presents Saltwater - The Legacy 07 (Alphazone Remix) [Dos Or Die Records] 45.  Gaia - Tuvan (Andy Blueman Remix) [Armind Digital] 46.  Tiësto - Adagio For Strings (Original LP Version) [Magik Muzik] 47.  Simon Patterson - Us (Extended Mix) [VII] 48.  Push - Strange World (2000 Remake) [Black Hole Recordings] 49.  Signum - The Timelord (Original Mix) [A State Of Trance] 50.  RAM - RAMsterdam (Jorn van Deynhoven Remix) [A State Of Trance] 51.  Envio - Time To Say Goodbye (Original Mix) [A State Of Trance]

Coming in at #12 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Romeo Y Julieta 150th Anniversary Balconet by Altadis U.S.A. In 2025, Altadis U.S.A. had a lot to celebrate, marking 90 years of Montecristo and 150 years of Romeo y Julieta. To honor these significant milestones, the company planned to release special cigars, with the 150th Anniversary edition among the most notable Romeo y Julieta launches in over a decade. While Altadis U.S.A. itself isn't quite 150 years old, the Romeo y Julieta brand dates back to 1875 in Cuba. Altadis collaborates with various partners, and what makes the 150th Anniversary release particularly special is its tobacco. The selected tobaccos come from some of Altadis' key agricultural partners, including AJ Fernandez, José Mendez & Co., Plasencia S.A., and the Turrent family. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-yrt  

Coming in at #12 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Romeo Y Julieta 150th Anniversary Balconet by Altadis U.S.A. In 2025, Altadis U.S.A. had a lot to celebrate, marking 90 years of Montecristo and 150 years of Romeo y Julieta. To honor these significant milestones, the company planned to release special cigars, with the 150th Anniversary edition among the most notable Romeo y Julieta launches in over a decade. While Altadis U.S.A. itself isn't quite 150 years old, the Romeo y Julieta brand dates back to 1875 in Cuba. Altadis collaborates with various partners, and what makes the 150th Anniversary release particularly special is its tobacco. The selected tobaccos come from some of Altadis' key agricultural partners, including AJ Fernandez, José Mendez & Co., Plasencia S.A., and the Turrent family. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-yrt

1. Will Rees - Fixation 2. Caolan McConville - Echoes In My Mind 3. 2nd Phase - Pendulums 4. Balrog - Phunk Block 5. 6th Sense - Tribal Initiation 6. Kyle Starkey - Love Euphoria 7. Vinylgroover & The Redhead - The Wolf (Will Rees Rework) 8. Will Rees - Invert 9. Asteroid - A Distant Hope 10. Will Rees, Tony Conway & Ana Cried - Call Me Closer 11. Maria Healy - Sparkle 12. Paul Denton - All I Need 13. John Askew - Recalibrate (Will Rees Remix) 14. Spartaque - Rave Crash 15. Boca - Play With Me (Will Rees Rework) 16. Alt1 - Bass Be Louder 17. Ben Hemsley - Angel (Will Rees Rework) 18. Paul Denton & Will Rees Pres. Parallel Worlds - Liberty 19. Asteroid - Patterns 20. Sam Kitt - Gold 21. Argy (UK) X Will Rees - The Feelin' 22. David Forbes - Vulcan 23. Rodrigo Deem - Myanmar (Will Rees Remix) 24. Will Rees - Sun Will Shine 25. Transaphonic & Ren Faye - Wide Awake (Maria Healy Remix) 26. Allen Watts X Will Rees - Pendulum 27. Sneijder X Will Rees - Don't Panic

Coming in at #13 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Aladino Fuma Noche Super Toro by JRE Tobacco Co. This was a bit of a change of pace project for JRE Tobacco. The Aladino Fuma Noche made its debut at 2024 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show. Fuma Noche was presented as a bold, rich, and dense cigar. The cigar itself has a dark wrapper. Fuma Noche is also a cigar that was designed to be smoked at the end of the day. This concept combined with the dark wrapper led to the name Fuma Noche which means “night smoke”. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-yqC

Coming in at #13 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Aladino Fuma Noche Super Toro by JRE Tobacco Co. This was a bit of a change of pace project for JRE Tobacco. The Aladino Fuma Noche made its debut at 2024 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show. Fuma Noche was presented as a bold, rich, and dense cigar. The cigar itself has a dark wrapper. Fuma Noche is also a cigar that was designed to be smoked at the end of the day. This concept combined with the dark wrapper led to the name Fuma Noche which means “night smoke”. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-yqC

Coming in at #14 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Black Works Studio Intergalactic Event Horizon Toro. In 2022, Black Works Studio released a limited batch of cigars known as the Intergalactic. The cigar was quite eye-catching, featuring a skeleton in an astronaut suit. From a tobacco standpoint, the Intergalactic featured a Sumatra wrapper.  The cigar quickly became a favorite among Oveja Negra fans. In 2024, Black Works Studio announced the release of another cigar from the Intergalactic line, called the Intergalactic Event Horizon. This cigar features a unique blend, highlighted by a Pennsylvania Broadleaf wrapper. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-yqa

Coming in at #14 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Black Works Studio Intergalactic Event Horizon Toro. In 2022, Black Works Studio released a limited batch of cigars known as the Intergalactic. The cigar was quite eye-catching, featuring a skeleton in an astronaut suit. From a tobacco standpoint, the Intergalactic featured a Sumatra wrapper.  The cigar quickly became a favorite among Oveja Negra fans. In 2024, Black Works Studio announced the release of another cigar from the Intergalactic line, called the Intergalactic Event Horizon. This cigar features a unique blend, highlighted by a Pennsylvania Broadleaf wrapper. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-yqa

Coming in at #15 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Year of the Duque 2025. The story of this cigar is a play on the many Chinese Zodiac “Year of the” limited edition cigars that have flooded the cigar market over the past few years. Instead of releasing a Chinese Zodiac cigar that pays homage to an animal representing a year, master ligador Steve Saka decided to use the series to pay tribute to the supporters of his brand. This year, the Year of the Duque pays homage to a gentleman by the name of Chris Duque. Duque is a long-time loyal fan of Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust. If you have visited the Dunbarton booth at the PCA Trade Show, chances are you have run into Chris. Chris volunteers his time to work exclusively at the Dunbarton booth. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-ypH

Coming in at #15 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Year of the Duque 2025. The story of this cigar is a play on the many Chinese Zodiac “Year of the” limited edition cigars that have flooded the cigar market over the past few years. Instead of releasing a Chinese Zodiac cigar that pays homage to an animal representing a year, master ligador Steve Saka decided to use the series to pay tribute to the supporters of his brand. This year, the Year of the Duque pays homage to a gentleman by the name of Chris Duque. Duque is a long-time loyal fan of Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust. If you have visited the Dunbarton booth at the PCA Trade Show, chances are you have run into Chris. Chris volunteers his time to work exclusively at the Dunbarton booth. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-ypH

Coming in at #16 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Joya de Nicaragua Cinco de Cinco Robusto Gordo. The Cinco de Cinco is a line that was first introduced in 2023. It's a line that commemorates the 55th anniversary of the company. As the oldest factory in Nicaragua, Joya de Nicaragua connects its history with that of its home country. Over the years, Joya de Nicaragua's factory has had many visitors who have had an opportunity to create their own blends. Joya de Nicaragua derived the final blend for Cinco de Cinco based on many of the unique blends created by visitors to the factory, thus paying homage to its history again. Cinco de Cinco is part of Joya de Nicaragua's top tier Obras Maestras line. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-ypv

Coming in at #16 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Joya de Nicaragua Cinco de Cinco Robusto Gordo. The Cinco de Cinco is a line that was first introduced in 2023. It's a line that commemorates the 55th anniversary of the company. As the oldest factory in Nicaragua, Joya de Nicaragua connects its history with that of its home country. Over the years, Joya de Nicaragua's factory has had many visitors who have had an opportunity to create their own blends. Joya de Nicaragua derived the final blend for Cinco de Cinco based on many of the unique blends created by visitors to the factory, thus paying homage to its history again. Cinco de Cinco is part of Joya de Nicaragua's top tier Obras Maestras line. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-ypv

Today's episode is your New Year Countdown Plan—your 5-4-3-2-1 step-by-step checklist to march into January feeling clear, confident, and completely ready for a strong start with the FASTer Way. Because let's be honest… Most people roll into the new year: Still nibbling on stale sugar cookies Still feeling overstuffed and under-slept Still saying “I'll figure it out later” …and then “later” becomes March. Not you. Not this year. We're doing a strategic, doable countdown so you hit the first Monday of 2026 already prepared for success. Pantry Reset Guide: https://amybryanfasterway.myflodesk.com/kux9roh561 Home Gym Checklist: https://amybryanfasterway.myflodesk.com/sag2yubnep  Join free 7-Day Mindset Makeover class: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1569582381056528  Back to You Workbook (Routines): https://amybryanfasterway.myflodesk.com/w4dop9nmyt  Jan. 5-25 FASTer Way to Fat Loss® 21-Day RESET - Use code HOLIDAY20 to save $20!: https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/AMYBRYAN   

Coming in at #17 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Perdomo Legacy Connecticut Robusto. This Connecticut Shade offering is one of three blends under Perdomo's Legacy line. Legacy is a project spearheaded by Nicholas Perdomo III, the son of Nick Perdomo Jr. Nicholas sought to create a cigar to honor his father's 60th birthday. In the process, Nicholas would undertake one of the most ambitious projects in Perdomo Cigars' history. At the core of this project is a shade-grown tobacco that is cultivated from a proprietary hybrid seed. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-yp2

Coming in at #17 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Perdomo Legacy Connecticut Robusto. This Connecticut Shade offering is one of three blends under Perdomo's Legacy line. Legacy is a project spearheaded by Nicholas Perdomo III, the son of Nick Perdomo Jr. Nicholas sought to create a cigar to honor his father's 60th birthday. In the process, Nicholas would undertake one of the most ambitious projects in Perdomo Cigars' history. At the core of this project is a shade-grown tobacco that is cultivated from a proprietary hybrid seed. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-yp2

Coming in at #18 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the La Flor Dominicana 30 Years. The La Flor Dominicana 30 Years commemorates the 30th anniversary of when Litto and Ines Gomez entered the cigar industry and founded a company called Los Libertadores, which eventually became rebranded as La Flor Dominicana. The LFD 30 years is a limited edition cigar that made its debut at the 2024 Premium Cigar Association Trade Show. The cigars were packaged in exquisite humidors that were built at Tony Gomez' box factory. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-yok

Coming in at #18 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the La Flor Dominicana 30 Years. The La Flor Dominicana 30 Years commemorates the 30th anniversary of when Litto and Ines Gomez entered the cigar industry and founded a company called Los Libertadores, which eventually became rebranded as La Flor Dominicana. The LFD 30 years is a limited edition cigar that made its debut at the 2024 Premium Cigar Association Trade Show. The cigars were packaged in exquisite humidors that were built at Tony Gomez' box factory. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-yok

Coming in at #19 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Fuente Fuente OpusX La Edición De La Sociedad from the OpusX Society. The OpusX Society is a venture started by Manny Iriarte Enterprises. The founder of the company, Manny Iriarte, has long collaborated with Arturo Fuente on packaging, box, and accessory design. Iriarte would launch The OpusX Society as another outlet to cater to OpusX's rabid fan base. This is a separate company from Arturo Fuente, but it nonetheless receives the company's support. The OpusX Society offers accessories and exclusive products featuring original art inspired by the OpusX brand. In 2023, the first OpusX Society Cigar was announced, OpusX La Edición De La Sociedad. This cigar was released to the market late last year. Today's cigar is the debut cigar, and a follow-up is in the works. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-ynY

Coming in at #19 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Fuente Fuente OpusX La Edición De La Sociedad from the OpusX Society. The OpusX Society is a venture started by Manny Iriarte Enterprises. The founder of the company, Manny Iriarte, has long collaborated with Arturo Fuente on packaging, box, and accessory design. Iriarte would launch The OpusX Society as another outlet to cater to OpusX's rabid fan base. This is a separate company from Arturo Fuente, but it nonetheless receives the company's support. The OpusX Society offers accessories and exclusive products featuring original art inspired by the OpusX brand. In 2023, the first OpusX Society Cigar was announced, OpusX La Edición De La Sociedad. This cigar was released to the market late last year. Today's cigar is the debut cigar, and a follow-up is in the works. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-ynY

Coming in at #20 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Viva La Vida Connecticut Toro by Artesano Del Tobacco. The Viva La Vida Connecticut has been on Artesano Del Tobacco's radar for several years now. One thing the company prides itself on is engaging with customers to find out what they want. One recurring piece of feedback the company received was a request for a Viva La Vida with a Connecticut wrapper. Artesano Del Tobacco then went to work with AJ Fernandez, and the result was Viva La Vida Connecticut. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-ynr

Coming in at #20 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Viva La Vida Connecticut Toro by Artesano Del Tobacco. The Viva La Vida Connecticut has been on Artesano Del Tobacco's radar for several years now. One thing the company prides itself on is engaging with customers to find out what they want. One recurring piece of feedback the company received was a request for a Viva La Vida with a Connecticut wrapper. Artesano Del Tobacco then went to work with AJ Fernandez, and the result was Viva La Vida Connecticut. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-ynr

Coming in at #21 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Charter Oak Pasquale by Foundation Cigar Company. Charter Oak is one of the core premium brands in the Foundation Cigar portfolio. It's a line that pays homage to owner and founder Nicholas Melillo's Connecticut roots. The Charter Oak CT Shade, CT Broadleaf, and Habano are popular blends have very approachable price points. In 2023, Melillo created a couple of limited production offerings that round out the story. These would be more premium offerings, and each would extend the story of Melillo's Connecticut heritage even more. Known collectively as Charter Oak Especiales, two blends were created. They are named after Melillo's grandfathers. There is a Connecticut Shade offering known as Pegnaturo and the Connecticut Broadleaf known as Pasquale. It's Pasquale that lands on this year's Countdown. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-ymT  

Coming in at #21 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Charter Oak Pasquale by Foundation Cigar Company. Charter Oak is one of the core premium brands in the Foundation Cigar portfolio. It's a line that pays homage to owner and founder Nicholas Melillo's Connecticut roots. The Charter Oak CT Shade, CT Broadleaf, and Habano are popular blends have very approachable price points. In 2023, Melillo created a couple of limited production offerings that round out the story. These would be more premium offerings, and each would extend the story of Melillo's Connecticut heritage even more. Known collectively as Charter Oak Especiales, two blends were created. They are named after Melillo's grandfathers. There is a Connecticut Shade offering known as Pegnaturo and the Connecticut Broadleaf known as Pasquale. It's Pasquale that lands on this year's Countdown. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-ymT  

Coming in at #22 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Fiat Lux Tenebrus Limited Edition by Luciano Cigars. Fiat Lux Tenebrus made its debut in 2024, continuing the story of Luciano Cigars' Fiat Lux line. While Fiat Lux is Latin “let there be light”, with the case Tenebrus, it comes at things from a different angle - exploring the journey of “darkness into light”. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-ymD

Coming in at #22 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Fiat Lux Tenebrus Limited Edition by Luciano Cigars. Fiat Lux Tenebrus made its debut in 2024, continuing the story of Luciano Cigars' Fiat Lux line. While Fiat Lux is Latin “let there be light”, with the case Tenebrus, it comes at things from a different angle - exploring the journey of “darkness into light”. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-ymD

Coming in at #23 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Fratello Arlequín Connecticut Robusto. Arlequín Connecticut is the second blend in the Arlequín series. In 2019, Fratello Cigars released a sampler known as the Fratello Space Pack. In that sampler were two unreleased blends: Sorella and Arlequín. Following the sampler release and based on the feedback received, Sorella and Arlequín were added to the Fratello portfolio. Sorella would be launched in the international market, while Arlequín would focus on the U.S. market. Although the blend remained the same, the Arlequín would be adjusted into a box-pressed format. That original Arlequín was a San Andres wrapped blend. As the name indicates, the Arlequín Connecticut is a Connecticut wrapper. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-ylF

Coming in at #23 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Fratello Arlequín Connecticut Robusto. Arlequín Connecticut is the second blend in the Arlequín series. In 2019, Fratello Cigars released a sampler known as the Fratello Space Pack. In that sampler were two unreleased blends: Sorella and Arlequín. Following the sampler release and based on the feedback received, Sorella and Arlequín were added to the Fratello portfolio. Sorella would be launched in the international market, while Arlequín would focus on the U.S. market. Although the blend remained the same, the Arlequín would be adjusted into a box-pressed format. That original Arlequín was a San Andres wrapped blend. As the name indicates, the Arlequín Connecticut is a Connecticut wrapper. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-ylF

Coming in at #24 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Montecristo M Toro from Altadis U.S.A. The story of this cigar revolves around an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper, which, according to Altadis U.S.A., has been aged for 20 years. The wrapper came from David Perez of A.S.P., and Rafael Nodal, Vice President of Product Capability for Altadis U.S.A. and AJ Fernandez obtained it and went to work developing a limited production line. The result was the Montecristo M. The Montecristo M is a limited-production line because of the availability of the 20-year-aged wrapper. Given the age and availability of this wrapper, it also becomes one of the more premium Montecristo offerings. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-yln  

Coming in at #24 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the Montecristo M Toro from Altadis U.S.A. The story of this cigar revolves around an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper, which, according to Altadis U.S.A., has been aged for 20 years. The wrapper came from David Perez of A.S.P., and Rafael Nodal, Vice President of Product Capability for Altadis U.S.A. and AJ Fernandez obtained it and went to work developing a limited production line. The result was the Montecristo M. The Montecristo M is a limited-production line because of the availability of the 20-year-aged wrapper. Given the age and availability of this wrapper, it also becomes one of the more premium Montecristo offerings. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-yln  

Coming in at #25 Black Label Trading Company Orthodox Toro.  Black Label Trading Company was the first brand founded by James Brown. During the early days of Black Label Trading Company, James Brown built a reputation for bold, dark wrapper brands. However, over the past decade, we have seen Brown emerge as one of the industry's top blenders. At the same time, we've seen him expand well beyond bold and dark wrappers and master a wide range of tobaccos and blends. With Orthodox, this blend shows that while Brown has expanded his horizons, he can still mix bold and dark elements. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-yhn

Coming in at #25 Black Label Trading Company Orthodox Toro.  Black Label Trading Company was the first brand founded by James Brown. During the early days of Black Label Trading Company, James Brown built a reputation for bold, dark wrapper brands. However, over the past decade, we have seen Brown emerge as one of the industry's top blenders. At the same time, we've seen him expand well beyond bold and dark wrappers and master a wide range of tobaccos and blends. With Orthodox, this blend shows that while Brown has expanded his horizons, he can still mix bold and dark elements. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-yhn

Coming in at #26 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the El Pulpo Octo Ocho by Artesano Del Tobacco. This is a historic placement on the Cigar Coop Countdown because it marks the first time a culebra has landed on a Cigar Coop Countdown. A culebra consists of three panatela cigars intertwined. Often, the cigars that form a culebra are likened to snakes. In fact, culebra is Spanish for snake. In the case of El Pulpo, this is Artesano Del Tobacco's second brand, but it pays homage to the octopus. Octo Ocho is a mashup of Latin (Octo) and Spanish (Ocho) meaning 8 which are the number of tenacles on a octopus. In the case of Octo Ocho, while it fundamentally retains the culebra concept, the the twisted panatelas in Octo Ocho's case symbolize tentacles of an octopus. It's important to note that this culebra does not have eight tentacles, only three. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-yhg

Coming in at #26 Cigar of the Year for 2025 is the El Pulpo Octo Ocho by Artesano Del Tobacco. This is a historic placement on the Cigar Coop Countdown because it marks the first time a culebra has landed on a Cigar Coop Countdown. A culebra consists of three panatela cigars intertwined. Often, the cigars that form a culebra are likened to snakes. In fact, culebra is Spanish for snake. In the case of El Pulpo, this is Artesano Del Tobacco's second brand, but it pays homage to the octopus. Octo Ocho is a mashup of Latin (Octo) and Spanish (Ocho) meaning 8 which are the number of tenacles on a octopus. In the case of Octo Ocho, while it fundamentally retains the culebra concept, the the twisted panatelas in Octo Ocho's case symbolize tentacles of an octopus. It's important to note that this culebra does not have eight tentacles, only three. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-yhg

Coming in at #27 Cigar of the Year is the Don Julio Sang Bleu Robusto by De Los Reyes Cigars. This is a cigar that comes from De Los Reyes Cigars. Many know De Los Reyes for their Saga brand of cigars. Don Julio is De Los Reyes' more premium brand. Don Julio, pays tribute to Don Julio Samuel Reyes Fermin, a celebrated tobacco grower and a third-generation member of the family.  As for the name “Sang Bleu” it means means “blue blood.” The Sang Bleu marks the first core release by De Los Reyes by Don Julio in over a decade. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-yfb

Coming in at #27 Cigar of the Year is the Don Julio Sang Bleu Robusto by De Los Reyes Cigars. This is a cigar that comes from De Los Reyes Cigars. Many know De Los Reyes for their Saga brand of cigars. Don Julio is De Los Reyes' more premium brand. Don Julio, pays tribute to Don Julio Samuel Reyes Fermin, a celebrated tobacco grower and a third-generation member of the family.  As for the name “Sang Bleu” it means means “blue blood.” The Sang Bleu marks the first core release by De Los Reyes by Don Julio in over a decade. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-yfb

Coming in at #28 on the 2025 Cigar of the Year Countdown is the Davidoff Year of the Snake 2025 Lancero. Back in 2012, Davidoff released a cigar called Davidoff Year of the Snake. While not the first Chinese Zodiac cigar by Davidoff, it essentially was the cigar that put Davidoff on the map in terms of Chinese Zodiac releases - and it was Davidoff that could be credited with the craze of Chinese Zodiac cigars. That original Davidoff Year of the Snake is one of the more legendary cigars ever released. On Cigar Coop, this cigar finished as the #2 Cigar of the Year, and #3 Cigar of the Decade 2010-2019. Since that release, Davidoff has gone through a complete Chinese New Year cycle. In late 2024, Davidoff released its second Year of the Snake cigar. This one is an all-new cigar with a new blend. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-yef

Coming in at #28 on the 2025 Cigar of the Year Countdown is the Davidoff Year of the Snake 2025 Lancero. Back in 2012, Davidoff released a cigar called Davidoff Year of the Snake. While not the first Chinese Zodiac cigar by Davidoff, it essentially was the cigar that put Davidoff on the map in terms of Chinese Zodiac releases - and it was Davidoff that could be credited with the craze of Chinese Zodiac cigars. That original Davidoff Year of the Snake is one of the more legendary cigars ever released. On Cigar Coop, this cigar finished as the #2 Cigar of the Year, and #3 Cigar of the Decade 2010-2019. Since that release, Davidoff has gone through a complete Chinese New Year cycle. In late 2024, Davidoff released its second Year of the Snake cigar. This one is an all-new cigar with a new blend. Full Details: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-yef