A Dozen Fine Cigars

Love em or hate em, for centuries cigars have been the choice tobacco product for millions of smokers and like fine wine, has been universally recognized as a sophisticated vice of the well-heeled connoisseur. The US spends more than $1 billion a year on the often sneered at stogie and its impact on popular culture has grown with celebrities such as James Gandolfini's character Tony Soprano who was rarely seen without one protruding from his face.Whether you favor the lighter claro wrappers or the darker maduro, a giant-sized churchill or a less assuming panatela, click ahead to see what Cigar Aficionado's editors select as their choice sticks for this season.

Source:Cigar Aficionado Magazine Mi Dominicana by Jose Seijas Robusto5 inches by 54 ring, Dominican Republic, $8.00The first Dominican puro from Tabacalera de Garcia Ltd., one of the world's largest cigar factories. Mi Dominicana is rich, spicy and leathery.

Source:Cigar Aficionado Magazine Ashton Estate Sun Grown 22-Year Salute 6 inches by 52, Dominican Republic, $20.00The rarest Ashtons are the ESG line, crafted in limited quantities due to their rare Dominican wrapper leaf. This pyramid shape is the first figurado in the three-size line.

Source:Cigar Aficionado Magazine My Father No. 47 1/2 inches by 38 ring, Nicaragua, $10.44Long, slim lanceros are among the most difficult cigars to roll, but Pepin Garcia excels at the art. His small but growing operation is making some of the world's most exciting cigars, and this is his latest creation, a bold, strong smoke with impeccable construction.

Source:Cigar Aficionado Magazine CAO Champion SamplerVarious sizes, various countries, $75.00This sampler of 10 cigars is unique in that each of the cigars has been rated 90 points or higher in Cigar Aficionado magazine.

Source:Cigar Aficionado Magazine Don Carlos Edición de Aniversario Double Robusto5 3/4 inches by 52 ring, Dominican Republic, $32.00This limited-edition smoke is crafted entirely from Dominican tobacco by the Fuente family, one of the world's best known producers of fine cigars. It's a hearty smoke, laden with flavors of caramel and leather, and a truly rare find.

Source:Cigar Aficionado Magazine La Gloria Cubana Artesanos de Miami Elegante6 7/8 inches by 49 ring, Miami, $11.00American-made cigars are a rarity. This new Churchill is one of the best, rolled on Miami's historic Calle Ocho, or Eighth Street.

Source:Cigar Aficionado Magazine Macanudo 1968 Toro6 inches by 54 ring, Dominican Republic, $9.50This flavorful and thick cigar is the strongest Macanudo ever, made with a blend of tobaccos from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Honduras and the Connecticut River Valley.

Source:Cigar Aficionado Magazine Rocky Patel Decade Torpedo6 1/2 inches by 52 ring, Honduras, $10.50Created by Rocky Patel to celebrate his 10th year in the cigar business, this superbly crafted figuardo is the best cigar he has ever produced. It's rich, creamy and nutty, with balance and elegance.

Source:Cigar Aficionado Magazine La Flor Dominicana Los Perfectos Sampler5 3/4 inches by 54 ring, Dominican Republic, $54 (five cigars)These gorgeous, curved cigars are extremely difficult to roll, and offer several tastes from the boutique La Flor Dominicana factory.

Source:Cigar Aficionado Magazine Alec Bradley Tempus Centuria7 inches by 49 ring, Honduras, $8.25Dark and bold, this full-bodied smoke is a powerhouse blend of Central American and Asian tobaccos.

Source:Cigar Aficionado Magazine Padrón 88 SamplerVarious shapes, Nicaragua, $30 (five cigars)The Padrón family makes some of the world's finest cigars, and is the only two-time winner of Cigar Aficionado's No. 1 Cigar of the Year. This inexpensive sampler is a convenient way to sample five, including the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Exclusivo.

Source:Cigar Aficionado Magazine>> Click Here to Replay Slideshow Casa Magna Colorado Robusto5 1/2 inches by 52 ring, Nicaragua, $5.25One of the best values on the cigar market, this inexpensive robusto combines strength and sweetness.

© 2009 MSNBC Interactive