Topper 1894 commemorates the 130th Anniversary of the oldest family-owned cigar company in the United States.
Rooted in the recent discovery of historical documents by Chris Topper, the fourth-generation steward of this iconic American cigar brand, it has been revealed that the company’s inception traces back to the year 1894. This finding establishes Topper Cigar as the longest-standing family-owned cigar company in America. To honor this legacy and mark the company’s 130th anniversary, Topper Cigar launched Topper 1894.
According to a press release, “I was thrilled to discover a letter penned by my great-grandfather,” said Chris Topper, President of Topper Cigar. “Dated 1921 and featuring a vintage Topper Cigar logo, this letter unveiled a richer narrative for our brand and positions Topper Cigar as the oldest family-owned and operated cigar company in the country. In light of this historical revelation, it was only fitting to develop a new line of cigars that honors my family’s legacy and delivers a new product that appeals to today’s cigar smokers.”
Cigar Review: Topper 1894
Size: 6 x 54 (Toro)
Wrapper: Pennsylvania Habano
Binder: Dominican Republic (Connecticut Seed Broadleaf )
Fillers: Not Disclosed
Factory: De Los Reyes
Release Date: June 2024
Box Count: 20
The Cigar: The Topper 1894 follows the historic look of the company with their simplistic boxes and bands. In today’s market this might hurt them some because while we can’t smoke the band I can’t tell you how many times I walked past this iconic American brand. The Pennsylvania Habano wrapper has a nice amount of oils and some noteworthy veins. In the hand the cigar is firm with a spongy foot and an average weight.
The Taste: Notes of ginger are dominant on the cold draw with a touch of marshmallow fluff and a subtle cedar. The aroma from the foot of the cigar serves up a touch of raisin. Once the cigar is lit there are notes reminiscent of a Bavarian pretzel.
Smoking the first third notes of toasted oak emerge with a subtle but growing nuttiness. About an inch into the cigar some bread notes begin to develop that are enhanced on the smooth retrohale that adds some rye spice to the mix and subtle tropical fruit finish. I can see this pairing exquisitely with EH Taylor Small Batch.
The second third sees some broadleaf familiarity with touches of coffee and earth beginning to emerge over a bread like canvas. Additionally there is continued toasted oak notes present with a some earth that develops around the halfway point. The finish of the cigar has an abundance of walnuts while the retrohale continues to deliver rye with some red pepper.
The final third sees the cigar be toasted oak heavy with it being the primary flavor profile. There is a subtle mineral flavor to it which for me is synonymous with Pennsylvania grown tobacco that I find thoroughly enjoyable. In the background is continued walnuts, red pepper and some coffee notes. The retrohale continues to offer rye while the cigar has an earthy finish.
Conclusion: The Topper family has deep ties to the Connecticut River Valley and it is a shame they are often overlooked in the crowded cigar market. A lot of their cigars won’t win beauty pageants but they are extremely flavorful. Lately the company has begun to change that image with releases such as 120th Anniversary and this 1894. If you want to taste a true piece of American history you need to look into Topper cigars. The story and history is reason to purchase but the cigars themselves will have you coming back.
Score: 93
Price: $10.50
