Alan Rubin founded Alec Bradley Cigars in 1996, naming the company after his two sons Alec and Bradley. At first, the cigar world didn’t immediately register this newcomer’s arrival. Alan was a part of his family’s hardware business and entered the scene with nothing more than his passion for cigars.
He faced an uphill battle against some of the more established dynasties that dominated the market, especially during the 90s cigar boom. Over time though, the company gradually gained traction with releases like Tempus and Occidental Reserve. The main breakthrough came with the release of Alec Bradley Prensado in 2009. This release turned this “outsider” into one of the most beloved brands in the industry.
This line is constructed using an entubado bunching technique. It’s a very labor-intensive, time-consuming process where each filler leaf is rolled into its own tube before being assembled. It’s almost a lost art that requires an incredible level of experience to master, but the benefits are unmistakable. What you get is a sturdier cigar, a steadier burn, and palate-pleasing profile that lets you experience the flavors more vividly. Finished with a triple cap and box pressed design, this premium cigar line takes a high degree of skill to create making it one of the most impressive premium sticks on the market.
This level of expertise has landed Prensado on many Top 25 Cigars, particularly their Robusto getting Top 25 in 2014 and their Torpedo landing in 8th place in 2023, while earning Cigar Aficionado’s #1 Cigar of the Year in 2011 with a 96 rating. While the company was acquired by Scandinavian Tobacco Group in 2023, this line still remains one of the hottest hitters in the cigar market.
Deep in the hills of Danli, Honduras, master rollers at the Raices Cubanas factory transform handpicked tobacco into something close to poetry. What sets the Alec Bradley Prensado apart is how much care goes into making just one cigar, let alone a whole box of them. Each one features a powerhouse of Nicaraguan and Honduras fillers and a Nicaraguan binder. These premium leaves have absorbed years of Central American sun and are grown in Honduras’ rich nutrient soil giving the cigar its incredible backbone.
The centerpiece of the Prensado is the Trojes Corojo wrapper. This estate grown tobacco grew in the Honduras’ rich volcanic soil, in a climate that squeezes every ounce of the tobacco seeds planted. The tobacco they pull from here comes with an almost supernatural ability to deliver an unforgettable experience. You’ll find it in every Prensado you smoke.
The original Prensado collection comes in multiple sizes. These include the Prensado Churchill 7x48, one of the most decorated and well-praised cigars in their lineup. The popular Alec Bradley Prensado Gran Toro 6x54, is often considered the benchmark for the series. The Prensado Robusto 5x50, the perfect go-to if you want a more compact session. The Prensado Torpedo 6.12x52, providing one of the more balanced smoking experiences. The Prensado Corona Gorda 5.62x46 and the Prensado Double T 6x62 round out the lineup.
Every vitola is built on the same Honduran wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and Honduran and Nicaraguan filler. But each size offers its very own unique touch. You can get most of them in boxes of 24. If you’re looking to sample them before getting a whole box, there are options to buy them in packs of 5, with only the Double T being available in packs of 10.
The Alec Bradley Prensado is a box-pressed classic that continues to turn heads and never stops delivering. What you get in each cigar is a flavor infusion that smacks the palate and your senses. When you build something unbelievably unique that requires incredible levels of skill to make, it’s no wonder why this beauty is one of the best in the game. If the word premium had a picture, you’d see a Prensado cigar next to it. Try one for yourself by ordering yours at Cigars.com.
Over the years, most Alec Bradley Prensado review coverage always praise the cigar’s incredible flavors, even burn, and reliable draw. Make the experience even more memorable by pairing it with red wine, malty stout, black coffee, or even some classic Old Fashion whiskey for a sophisticated pairing option.
Yes, size does play a small role in how the cigar smokes. For example, the longer Alec Brandley Prensado Churchill allows the spice, earth, cocoa, espresso, and wood more time to build. The shorter Robusto condenses the experience pushing its cocoa, cedar, and other mouthwatering flavors. Regardless of which one you pick, you’re in for a treat.
This beauty is a medium-to-full-bodied cigar, known for its strength and complexity. While it can be strong, it’s still one of the more accessible options for newcomers. So, if you’re looking to level up from mellow or medium options, you can’t go wrong with any of their premium products.
The Lost Art line is a variation of the original Prensado series. It was created as a tribute to the “lost art” of handcrafting goods. It’s rolled using the same high level of craftsmanship and keeps some of the Prensado spirit but adds its own twist with a different Honduran wrapper. Shop at Cigars.com for a more detailed description.
