Rollin' Rich: Eight Most Expensive Cigars in the World

Whether you love smoking cigars or you're an avid collector, prepare to embark on an enthralling expedition into the rarified realm of the world's most expensive cigars. We've curated an exclusive list of the most sought-after and luxurious cigar brands that expertly blend rarity with opulence.

Join us as we unveil the esteemed cigars that blend timeless elegance and unparalleled craftsmanship, captivating the hearts and humidors of collectors worldwide. Let the treasure hunt begin.

Tobacco enthusiasts have long appreciated the exceptional quality, fine craftsmanship, and centuries-old tradition of cigars. Made from the finest tobacco leaves and intricately hand-rolled, cigars exemplify dedication to perfection and attention to detail.

For instance, expensive Cuban cigars are renowned for their unique aroma and taste and are distinguished partly by exclusively high-grade Cuban tobacco. Meanwhile, the scarcity of genuine Cuban cigars outside of Cuba—mainly the U.S. market—and the prevalence of counterfeits on the market have amplified their allure and exclusivity.

Much like other luxury goods, cigars possess an intrinsic value beyond their material components. They represent wealth, high social status, and exquisite taste. Furthermore, the intricate process of creating premium cigars and the demand for limited edition, rare, and vintage releases contribute to their market value.

These elements underscore their immense worth and appeal to collectors and cigar lovers alike.

Topping the world's most expensive cigars is the lavish Gurkha Royal Courtesan Cigar, which boasts a mind-blowing $1.3 million price tag. But there are even more interesting ones to check out, so join in as we unravel the finest and priciest cigars crafted with precision to symbolize wealth and class.

1. The Gurkha Royal Courtesan Cigar

• $1.3 million per cigar
• Wrapped in gold leaf
• Embellished with a diamond-studded five-carat band
• Infused with Remy Martin’s Black Pearl Louis XIII ($224,000 a bottle)

When it comes to luxury and indulgence, the Gurkha Royal Courtesan Cigar is the epitome of extravagance—the Rolls-Royce of cigars. Sold at a hefty price tag of $1.3 million apiece, this masterpiece of craftsmanship takes cigar mania to a new level.

A product of the renowned Gurkha Cigars, it's no wonder these magnificent stogies top the list of the most expensive cigars in the world.

Made in the Dominican Republic and Honduras, the Royal Courtesan features an exquisite blend of the finest Himalayan tobacco. The Dominican tobacco plants are uniquely watered with Fiji water, giving the cigar a distinctive flavor and aroma. The craftsmanship involved in these cigars is nothing short of mesmerizing.

Only a few select artisans are allowed to roll them, and they do so blindfolded, enhancing their tactile senses and ensuring an unparalleled level of focus.

With a gold leaf wrapper and an elegant diamond-studded band worth five carats, the Royal Courtesan is an opulent treat for the senses. And the luxury doesn't end there—each cigar is infused with Remy Martin’s Black Pearl Louis XIII, a drink fit for kings at up to $150,000 a bottle.

And when your extravagant cigar is ready, a white-gloved messenger delivers it personally for the ultimate premium experience.

2. Mayan Sicars

• $507,000 for the entire collection
• Touted the oldest cigars in the world
• Discovered in 2012 in Guatemala
• Originated from the ancient Maya civilization

Imagine puffing on a cigar that has been around for six centuries. The Mayan Sicars, the oldest cigars in the world, are steeped in incredible historical significance and, unsurprisingly, come with a jaw-dropping price tag of $507,000. These priceless gems trace their roots back to the ancient Maya civilization.

Unearthed in 2012 along the coast of Guatemala, these age-old cigars were discovered sealed in clay pots, preserving them so well that they could still be smoked today—if you're willing to set fire to half a million dollars, that is. Archeologists from Tampa University were delighted to find that these Mayan Sicars were still in prime condition, all thanks to their well-concealed burial spot.

Tobacco enthusiasts went gaga over the discovery, all vying for the prize catch—800 pre-Columbian cigars. The entire collection ended up in the hands of collector Gary Liotta, proprietor of Santiago Cigar Factory in Rochester, New York, who didn't hesitate to shell out a cool $507,000.

3. Gran Habano No. 5

• $185,000 for the giant cigar
• Weighs 725 kilograms (about 1,600 lbs.)
• Made with Nicaraguan tobacco
• World's largest cigar at 6 meters long and 3 feet wide

Gran Habano No. 5, also known as El Gigante, isn't just any ordinary cigar—it's truly the titan of the tobacco world. This colossal cigar stretches an astounding 6 meters long and is 3 feet wide. Weighing in at 725 kilograms, this behemoth is the world's biggest cigar and puts all other stogies to shame.

Crafted as a unique display item, El Gigante was rolled meticulously using 1,600 pounds of premium Nicaraguan tobacco, the equivalent of 25,000 standard-size cigars. That's a whole lot of smoky goodness. This astonishing creation required a steam locomotive-inspired, 900-pound wooden crate to house its grandeur. Talk about an epic homage to the power of tobacco.

In 2013, a wealthy mystery buyer with a taste for the finer things in life could not resist adding this eye-popping piece to their collection. They shelled out a jaw-dropping $185,000 to own this legendary cigar, showcasing how far true aficionados will go in pursuing their passion.

4. Regius Double Corona

• $53,000 per cigar
• Unique blend created by the buyer
• Package includes first-class travel 
• Comes with 1000 custom cigars

Next on our list of extravagant cigars, the Regius Double Corona is unique. Designed for cigar enthusiasts willing to splash some serious cash, this special edition cigar offers an unmatched smoking experience.

Regius Cigars, a Britain-based company, invites the lucky buyer to fly first-class to their headquarters for an exclusive treat. Once there, premium cigar enjoyers can curate their very own unique cigar blend. But the pampering doesn't stop there. The package includes 1000 tailor-made cigars, complete with rights and custom boxes.

This top-shelf experience, last purchased in 2013 by businessman Callum Jones for $52,800, is more than just forking over cash for an exquisite cigar. Jones was treated to a private tour of the brand's prestigious factory in Nicaragua, witnessing first-hand the meticulous craftsmanship behind his luxurious purchase.

The flawless flavor profile and top-tier taste sealed the deal for him, making the investment all the more rewarding.

5. King of Denmark

• $4,500 per cigar
• Customizable features
• Rare & exclusive: Only 30 produced daily
• Optional accessory: 24k gold-plated humidor for $8,500

Behold, the King of Denmark: a cigar fit only for royalty and those with extravagant taste. With a price of $4,500 per stick, this cigar isn't playing around. It's not just the price that catches the eye—the customizable features truly set it apart.

Want to feel like a king or queen? No problem. Adorn your cigar with gold foil; your name embossed on the band, and Swarovski crystals that dazzle with every puff. King of Denmark's world-class artisans make only 30 cigars daily, making them incredibly scarce and sought-after among luxury cigar collectors.

You can add a personalized humidor to your collection for an extra opulent feeling. This beauty is 24k gold plated and costs a cool $8,500, featuring a regal sterling silver crown to complete the luxurious package.

The King of Denmark cigar experience is about indulgence, style, and opulence. So, if you're ready to elevate your smoking game to new heights, this coveted cigar might be what you're looking for. Just remember to puff like royalty with every sumptuous smoke-filled moment.

6. Gurkha Black Dragon

• $1,150 per cigar
• Limited edition released in 2006
• Complex flavor profile with sweet and sour notes
• Hand-carved camel bone box packaging

Gurkha Black Dragon is an exquisite, ultra-premium cigar that made its debut in 2006 as a limited edition. Highly sought after, these cigars boast an international blend of ingredients, making them truly unique and pegged at $1,150 per stick.

With a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, a five-year-aged Dominican filler, and a binder originating from Cameroon, this exclusive stogie measures 8.5 inches in length with a 52-ring gauge, guaranteeing a memorable smoking experience.

Smokers of the Gurkha Black Dragon relish the cigar's complex flavor profile, providing a delightful mix of sweet and sour notes. This luxurious cigar is not only about taste but also presentation. Each cigar is individually encased in a frosted tube and nestled in a classy leather box lined with plush orange velvet.

But perhaps the most striking feature of Gurkha Black Dragon is the hand-carved camel bone box it arrives in, signaling the premium quality contained within. These cigars' rarity and unmatched craftsmanship make them a collector's dream. Gurkha Black Dragon cigars are priced at $23,000 for a box of 20, a premium cost for a product catered to distinguished cigar connoisseurs.

7. Arturo Fuente Opus X Ltd

• $30,000 per box
• Complex flavor profile
• Celebrates the 10th anniversary of the original Opus X
• Limited edition Forbidden X humidors with 100 Opus X cigars

Measuring 9¼ by 47 inches, Arturo Fuente Opus X Ltd is more than just a cigar—it's a luxurious, world-class gem among connoisseurs. 

Released in 2003 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the original Opus X, this limited edition line features three variants of exquisitely crafted Forbidden X humidors, each holding 100 Opus X cigars. These lavish cigar boxes initially sold for $10,000 per box in 2003 but have now hit $30,000.

Hailing from the Dominican Republic, Opus X Ltd is a product of the renowned Arturo Fuente Tobacco Company—an authority producing top-notch cigars. Wrapped in an enchanting Rosado wrapper from the Chateau de la Fuente plantation, these cigars promise an incredibly complex, mild jalapeno flavor that delights the most discerning palate.

8. Cohiba Behike

• $18,000 per box
• Released for Cohiba's 40th anniversary in 2006
• Made from select Cuban tobacco blends
• Limited edition: only 100 boxes, each with 40 cigars

Cohiba Behike cigars have earned their place among the most expensive Cuban cigars. These premium cigars were released in 2006 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the renowned Cuban cigar manufacturer Cohiba. These exquisite cigars were named after a revered chieftain of the Taíno Indians as an homage to their rich historical heritage.

What sets Cohiba Behike cigars apart is their unique blend of tobacco from Cuba’s Vuelta and Pinar del Rio regions. They measure an impressive 7.5 inches in length and come with a 52-inch ring size, which makes for a luxurious smoking experience. Cultivated and blended at the El Laguito Cohiba Factory, only 4,000 cigars were produced for this line by expert roller Norma Fernandez Sastre.

These cigars boast an exclusive production run and iconic craftsmanship, and they also sport a wallet-emptying $18,000 per box, making them a prized possession for any cigar enthusiast.

Only 100 boxes were ever made, each housing 40 of these prestigious cigars within an elegant humidor created by French manufacturer Elie Bleu using skate skin, bone, and ebony.

The cigar industry rolled up an impressive $22 billion in revenue in April 2023 and is still going strong. It's expected to puff up even more at a cool 4.28% CAGR between 2023 and 2027.

Now, picture those fancy Cuban cigars as your ticket to riding the profit wave. What's the catch? Their rare and sought-after vibes make them a hot pick for collectors. Limited editions, those unique region-centric stogies, and vintage gems are like finding gold at the end of a smoky rainbow.

It's about learning the ropes, patience, and spotting that fine cigar. You could be breathing easy while your investment portfolio floats on a cloud of success.