Tobacco originates from Central and South America, and many of the world’s finest tobacco products, including cigars, hail from these regions. For example, Cuban cigars are well-known for being some of the world’s highest-quality cigars. But what’s the most expensive cigar of all time, and why is it so pricey?
The most expensive cigar is The Royal Courtesan by Gurkha Cigars. This cigar costs $1 million and features a gold leaf wrapper and cognac-infused Himalayan tobacco. It also comes with a five-carat diamond band, so you can enjoy a touch of luxury even after you’ve smoked this cigar.
Which cigars have fetched the highest prices over the years? This ranking will reveal which tobacco-filled bouquets are the costliest!
Here Are the Top 10 Most Expensive Cigars of All Time:
- The Royal Courtesan – $1 million per cigar
- Gran Habano No. 5 El Gigante – $185,000 per cigar
- Double Corona by Regius Cigars Ltd – $52,785 per cigar
- King of Denmark – $4,500 per cigar
- Gurkha Black Dragon – $1,150 per cigar
- Gurkha His Majestys Reserve – $750 per cigar
- Mayan Sicars – $633.75 per cigar
- Cohiba Behike Cigars – $470 per cigar
- Arturo Fuente Opus X – $300 per cigar
- Arturo Fuente Don Arturo AnniverXario – $163 per cigar
10. Arturo Fuente Don Arturo AnniverXario – $163 Per Cigar
Only 96 humidors (cigar boxes) of the Fuente Don Arturo AnniverXario were released in 2008, each containing 96 cigars. These cigars are divided into two types, Sun Grown and Natural. But all of them are aged almost two decades, resulting in a taste you won’t find with standard cigars.
The wrappers for these cigars are made from tobacco leaves from the Chateau de la Fuente (in the Dominican Republic), though each type has distinct flavor differences. For example, the Sun Grown option tends to be slightly bolder, while the Natural is slightly smoother.
Initially created to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the company’s founding, these cigars are exceptionally rare and valuable, each retailing for about $163.
Why It’s Expensive
The primary reason these limited edition cigars are so expensive is their rarity.
Fewer than 10,000 were created in 2001, and they weren’t sold until 2008. Because of their notoriety, cigar enthusiasts worldwide immediately clamored to get a humidor of these unique cigars.
Getting your hands on a true Arturo Fuente Don Arturo AnniverXario (Sun Grown or Natural) is challenging, as most now belong in private collections or luxury cigar stores. However, the AnniverXario isn’t the priciest Arturo Fuente cigar ever made!
9. Arturo Fuente Opus X – $300 Per Cigar
For the most luxurious Arturo Fuente cigar experience, you can’t do better than the Arturo Fuente Opus X. These cigars were rolled in 1993. Still, they weren’t released until 2003, resulting in a distinctly aged smoke.
Each humidor of Opus X contains 100 cigars and cost $30,000 in 2003. Consequently, the initial price-per-cigar for the legendary Opus X was $300.
But as you might imagine, because these limited-run cigars were released such a long time ago, finding one for sale today isn’t easy. Still, those fortunate enough to puff on one of these rare cigars have described it as mild, peppery, and distinctly satisfying.
Why It’s Expensive
Like the Arturo Fuente Don Arturo AnniverXario, the Opus X is expensive due to rarity and aging. Of course, the high-quality tobacco and unique flavor also contribute to the higher-than-average price tag for each cigar.
8. Cohiba Behike Cigars – $450 Per Cigar
Do you have about half a thousand bucks to spend on a single cigar? If so, you might want to consider tracking down of humidor of rare Cohiba Behike 40th Anniversary cigars.
Each of these Cuban cigars costs about $450, and only 100 humidors (each humidor costing $18,000) were released in 2006. Each humidor contains 40 sticks, resulting in a grand total of only 4,000.
A single skilled Cohiba cigar artisan rolled them, and each was labeled (given a specific number) by hand. These cigars were rare in 2006 and are even harder to find nowadays.
Why It’s Expensive
Cohiba is one of the biggest and most popular cigar brands in Cuba (and the world), so its special anniversary release (Behike) was bound to attract high-paying buyers. So, in some ways, brand recognition is responsible for boosting the per-cigar price of Cohiba Behike cigars.
However, rarity is also a crucial aspect to consider. Only 4,000 of these cigars were rolled in 2006; likely, many of the original 100 humidors are now empty. As a result, anyone hoping to enjoy a Cohiba Behike will have to pay top-dollar prices.
7. Mayan Sicars – $633.75 Per Cigar
Unlike Europeans, who weren’t introduced to tobacco until the mid-1500s, people and civilizations indigenous to South America have enjoyed drying and smoking tobacco leaves for several centuries. But because those civilizations (most notably the Mayan civilization) are long gone, it’s challenging to understand how these ancient peoples enjoyed tobacco.
Still, the Mayan Sicars unearthed in 2012 offer a glimpse. These cigars (or sicars) are at least 600 years old, meaning they pre-date European colonization in South America. Even better, these tubes of rolled tobacco were still good enough to smoke!
Archaeologists found the 800 cigars in a cave in Guatemala, nestled together in tightly-sealed containers. The trove of cigars sold at auction for $507,000, equating to a per-cigar price of $633.75.
Considering the rarity and historical significance of these cigars, that’s a small price to pay.
Why It’s Expensive
Many of the world’s most expensive cigars are aged, but few are aged for hundreds of years!
The Mayan Sicars are valuable because of their historical significance, rarity, and surprisingly good condition. Hopefully, their new owner (the owner of Santiago Cigar Factory in Rochester, New York) is treating them like the treasures they are.
6. Gurkha His Majesty’s Reserve – $750 Per Cigar
Gurkha Cigars (based in Tamarac, Florida) creates and sells some of the finest premium-quality cigars in the world, many of which are extremely expensive. His Majesty’s Reserve is one of the costliest of the bunch, costing $750 apiece.
But why is this cigar such a pricey commodity?
For starters, Gurkha Cigars only releases about 75 humidors of His Majesty’s Reserve annually. These cigars are packed tight with aged tobacco from the Dominican Republic (aged for 12 years).
The wrapper is made of plantain leaf, aged for a full year before coming into contact with the tobacco. But the long aging process that each stick’s components undergo isn’t the only reason His Majesty’s Reserve is so costly.
Each packed humidor of His Majesty’s Reserve is infused with an entire bottle of Remy Martin’s Black Pearl Louis XIII, one of the most expensive cognacs in the world.
Why It’s Expensive
Anyone fond of cigars has likely heard about the Gurkha His Majesty’s Reserve.
This unique offering is well-known as one of the world’s most expensive cigars, making it a bit of a legend within the smoking community. This reputation is partially responsible for the consistently high price of each HMR cigar.
Still, the aged tobacco and wrapper, coupled with the cognac infusion process, are probably the main reasons His Majesty’s Reserve is so pricey. But if you think His Majesty’s Reserve is the most expensive cigar available from Gurkha Cigars, wait until you find out about the Black Dragon!
5. Gurkha Black Dragon – $1,150 Per Cigar
2006 was a great year for high-quality cigars. Not only was the Cohiba Behike 40th Anniversary set of cigars released, but Gurkha Cigars released the infamous $1,150 Black Dragon.
Sure, Gurkha Cigars released a much more affordable version a year later (costing about $50 per stick), but the limited-run 2006 Black Dragon remains one of the most coveted premium cigars in the world.
This cigar featured aged Dominican tobacco, and only 500 were released. Even despite the high price, it’s likely that these cigars are either long gone or sitting untouched in a wealthy cigar smoker’s private collection.
Why It’s Expensive
The Gurkha Black Dragon is expensive due to its rarity, reputation, and high-quality tobacco. The hand-carved humidors these cigars were packaged in also contributed to their high price.
But, as we’ll reveal soon, the Black Dragon cigar isn’t the costliest smoke ever released by Gurkha Cigars.
4. King of Denmark – $4,500 Per Cigar
Have you ever wanted to feel like royalty while puffing on a high-priced cigar? If so, you might want to order a King of Denmark cigar from Royal Danish Cigars.
Each bespoke King of Denmark cigar has a starting price of $4,500 and is entirely customizable. That said, common additions include gold leaf wrapping and Swarovski crystal accents.
If you’d like to commemorate your experience, you can order a full humidor, complete with a miniature 24-karat gold crown (with a silver interior). You’ll only need to spend another $8,500 (not including the price of additional cigars).
And if you’re going to drop that amount of money on some smokes, why not invest in one of the most expensive beers while you’re at it?
Why It’s Expensive
Luxurious materials make lavish items, and the King of Denmark cigar is a fine example. Because this cigar features some of the most precious metals and jewels money can buy (and is customizable), it’s inherently more expensive than standard cigars.
3. Double Corona by Regius Cigars Ltd – $52,785 Per Cigar
If you’ve got a sizeable chunk of hard cold cash to spend on cigars, why not invest in a Double Corona by Regius Cigars Ltd?
This cigar doesn’t only promise a pleasant smoking experience; you’ll also get a paid-for trip to Nicaragua, complete with a tour of the Regius Cigars factory! The Chief Executive Officer of Regius Cigars will even light your cigar for you. Now that’s service.
But that’s not all. If you opt for the Double Corona, you’ll receive 1,000 customized sticks and humidors. Of course, the Double Corona debuted in 2013, so you’ll have to contact Regius Cigars to see if the offer still stands.
Why It’s Expensive
Undoubtedly, this particular cigar’s price stems from the added items and experiences. You don’t often buy a cigar that includes a trip to Nicaragua, a factory tour, and a thousand personalized smokes!
2. Gran Habano No. 5 El Gigante – $185,000 Per Cigar
The Gran Habano No.5 El Gigante was never meant to be smoked. After all, at 19 feet (about 5.8 meters) in length, it’s a bit too large for a single person to enjoy.
But this gigantic (hence the name) cigar, created only for display purposes, did end up selling to an unknown buyer in 2013. The final price for the 1,600lb cigar was an astounding $185,000!
Why It’s Expensive
Although size isn’t typically the most influential factor when it comes to cigar prices, the massive weight and size of El Gigante is the primary reason it’s worth almost $200,000.
1. The Royal Courtesan – $1 Million Per Cigar
The most expensive cigar is The Royal Courtesan by Gurkha Cigars. This cigar costs $1 million and features rare Himalayan tobacco, a gold leaf wrapper, and a five-carat diamond band.
The Royal Courtesan isn’t only stuffed full of high-quality tobacco and wrapped in gold. Like other premium cigars from Gurkha Cigars, the tobacco inside is infused with Remy Martin’s Black Pearl Louis XIII!
Rumor has it that this golden cigar’s delivery experience is just as luxurious as its components.
Suppose you have a million bucks to spend on a unique, extravagant cigar. In that case, you might be able to confirm whether a white-gloved Gurkhas Cigars employee personally delivers The Royal Courtesan.
But take note: These cigars are so rare and expensive that you won’t be able to find them for sale on the Gurkha Cigars website. Instead, you’ll need to contact the company directly to acquire one.
Why It’s Expensive
Not only is this cigar’s wrapper made of gold, one of the most expensive precious metals in the world, but it’s also stuffed full of some of the world’s highest-quality tobacco.
This Himalayan tobacco is grown using pure Fiji water. It’s also infused with some of the rarest and priciest tobacco cognac in the world: Black Pearl Louis XIII. Still, the five-carat diamond band on this cigar also makes it exceptionally valuable.
The Royal Courtesan is expensive because of its precious materials, rare tobacco, and unique delivery experience.
What’s the Most Expensive Cigar of All Time?
The most expensive cigar of all time is The Royal Courtesan by Gurkha Cigars. This gold-leaf cigar is stuffed with cognac-infused Himalayan tobacco and comes with a five-carat diamond band.
It’s also worth noting that the tobacco inside this cigar was grown using some of the purest, clearest water in the world; Fiji water! The experience of smoking this cigar is undeniably luxurious, making it a once-in-a-lifetime treat for anyone who enjoys cigars.
Check out these related articles to learn more about the world’s most expensive lifestyle items and experiences.