The Ultimate Guide to Asylum Cigars

Asylum Cigars has built its reputation on pushing boundaries — offering larger-than-life vitolas, bold blends, and uncompromising quality. Founded by Christian Eiroa and Tom Lazuka in 2012, the brand quickly became known for its jaw-dropping ring gauges, including 70 and 80-ring cigars, without sacrificing construction or flavor.

Whether it’s the rich and earthy Asylum 13, the smooth Insidious Connecticut, or the complex Asylum 867, the brand’s portfolio delivers robust character and a smoking experience that matches its fearless identity.

Launched as a collaboration between industry veteran Christian Eiroa (of Camacho Cigars fame) and cigar enthusiast Tom Lazuka, Asylum Cigars was designed to be a disruptor. The vision was simple: produce bold, flavorful cigars in both traditional and oversized formats that challenge convention while maintaining top-tier craftsmanship.

From the start, Asylum caught attention for its massive ring gauges, expertly rolled in Honduras with exceptional draw and balance. Over time, the brand expanded into a range of blends — from powerhouse full-bodied smokes to mellow options — appealing to all kinds of smokers.

Asylum Cigars are handcrafted at the El Aladino Factory in Honduras, with certain special lines produced in Nicaragua.

Production hallmarks include:

• Honduran & Nicaraguan Core Tobaccos – Providing rich, earthy complexity.
  
• Large-Ring Gauge Expertise – Known for 60, 70, and 80-ring vitolas.
  
• High-Quality Construction – Even burn and consistent draw despite massive sizes.
  

Strength: Full
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano
Tasting Notes:

• Dark cocoa, espresso, and earth
  
• Pepper, leather, and oak
  
• Long, bold finish
  Best Pairings: Espresso, bourbon, dark chocolate truffles
  Highlight: A full-bodied Nicaraguan puro that delivers massive flavor and strength

Strength: Medium-Full
Wrapper: Candela & Maduro Barber Pole
Tasting Notes:

• Sweet grass, cocoa, and spice
  
• Earth, cedar, and molasses
  
• Unique alternating flavor transitions
  Best Pairings: Spiced rum, mocha latte, caramel flan
  Highlight: Eye-catching two-tone wrapper with complex flavor layers
  

Strength: Mild-Medium
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade
Tasting Notes:

• Cream, almond, and honey
  
• Cedar and light spice
  
• Smooth, mellow finish
  Best Pairings: Latte, Chardonnay, butter cookies
  Highlight: An approachable smoke for beginners or morning sessions

Strength: Medium
Wrapper: Maduro
Tasting Notes:

• Sweet spice, cocoa, and dried fruit
  
• Espresso, cedar, and earth
  
• Sweet aromatic finish
  Best Pairings: Port wine, coffee, chocolate-covered cherries
  Highlight: Aromatic infusion style blended with premium tobacco complexity

Strength: Medium
Wrapper: Honduran Corojo
Tasting Notes:

• Cedar, roasted nuts, and baking spice
  
• Earth, cocoa, and leather
  
• Balanced, smooth finish
  Best Pairings: Amber ale, cappuccino, roasted almonds
  Highlight: A versatile, classic-style smoke from Asylum’s core line
  

Asylum 33 – A small-batch release with vintage aged tobaccos.
Asylum Nyctophilia – Dark, bold Maduro blend perfect for night smoking.

• Plan your time — Larger formats can last over two hours.
  
• Cut carefully — Big ring gauges require a wide guillotine or punch cutter.
  
• Match strength to occasion — Insidious for daytime, Asylum 13 for late-night.
  
• Retrohale for depth — Pulls out the subtle sweetness in their bolder blends.
  

Q: Are Asylum cigars Cuban?
A: No. They are handcrafted in Honduras and Nicaragua.

Q: Are all Asylum cigars big ring gauge?
A: No. While known for oversized vitolas, they also offer traditional sizes.

Q: Which Asylum cigar is best for beginners?
A: Insidious Connecticut is smooth and approachable.

Q: Which is the boldest Asylum cigar?
A: Asylum 13 offers the deepest, fullest-bodied experience.

Asylum Cigars delivers an unapologetic smoking experience that blends bold flavor, impeccable construction, and adventurous sizing. Whether you prefer the raw power of Asylum 13, the unique look and taste of the Ogre, or the creamy smoothness of Insidious, there’s an Asylum cigar to fit every mood and moment.

Shop the full Cigars collection now at ElementVape.com