Asylum Cigars is a brand that does not play it safe. Known for bold blends, oversized ring gauges, and an unapologetically rebellious attitude, Asylum has carved out a loyal following among smokers who want big flavor and big value. Co-founded by Tom Lazuka and Christian Eiroa of CLE Cigar Company, Asylum combines Eiroa family tobacco heritage with creative branding that stands out in any humidor.
This guide covers Asylum's background, breaks down their major lines, and helps you find the right Asylum cigar for your palate.
The Asylum Story
Asylum Cigars was born from a partnership between two cigar industry veterans with very different strengths. Tom Lazuka brought decades of retail and marketing experience, while Christian Eiroa brought something equally valuable: access to some of the finest Honduran tobacco in the world.
The Eiroa family has been growing tobacco in Honduras for generations. Their farms in the Jamastran Valley produce some of the most sought-after Corojo and Habano tobaccos in Central America, and their AGANORSA factory is where Asylum cigars are produced. This direct access to premium, estate-grown tobacco is what allows Asylum to deliver surprisingly high quality at aggressive price points.
The brand launched with the Asylum 13 — a bold, full-flavored Nicaraguan cigar that came in massive ring gauges (up to 80!) and delivered serious flavor for the money. The oversized formats became an Asylum trademark, attracting smokers who wanted a longer, more immersive smoking experience. But the brand quickly proved it was more than a novelty — the blends were genuinely good, earning positive reviews and strong ratings from critics.
Since then, Asylum has expanded into a diverse portfolio that ranges from mild Connecticut-wrapped options to full-bodied powerhouses, all maintaining the brand's core promise: bold cigars at fair prices.
Asylum's Major Lines
Asylum 13 — The Flagship
The cigar that started it all. Asylum 13 is a Nicaraguan blend featuring a dark, oily wrapper that delivers a medium-to-full-bodied smoke with rich flavors of earth, pepper, leather, and dark chocolate. It is available in a wide range of sizes, including the brand's signature oversized ring gauges (60, 70, and even 80). The 13 is a workhorse cigar — bold enough to satisfy experienced smokers, priced well enough for everyday enjoyment, and available in enough sizes to fit any occasion. Learn about how ring gauge affects your smoke.
The Asylum 13 Authentic Corojo variant uses a Honduran Corojo wrapper for a spicier, more peppery profile. The Asylum 13 Connecticut offers a milder take with cream, cedar, and nuts. The Asylum 13 Medulla and Oblongata push the boundaries with darker wrappers and bolder flavor profiles.
Insidious — The Mild Side
Asylum Insidious is the brand's gateway cigar. Wrapped in a smooth Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper with Honduran fillers, it delivers a mild-to-medium smoke with flavors of cream, vanilla, cedar, and gentle sweetness. It is one of Asylum's most popular lines and a great choice for beginners or smokers who prefer a lighter experience. Also one of the best cigars under $5.
Asylum Premium — Refined Quality
Asylum Premium steps up the quality with carefully selected Honduran tobaccos and a more polished construction. Available in multiple wrapper options, the Premium line delivers a medium-to-full body with richer, more nuanced flavors of cocoa, leather, sweet spice, and cedar. It bridges the gap between Asylum's value-oriented core and a more premium smoking experience.
Nyctophilia — Dark and Complex
Named after the love of darkness, Nyctophilia is one of Asylum's boldest offerings. It features a dark, oily Maduro wrapper that delivers a full-bodied smoke with intense flavors of dark chocolate, espresso, black pepper, and a sweet, lingering finish. This is a cigar for experienced smokers who enjoy Maduro-wrapped cigars at their boldest.
Asylum Schizo — Budget-Friendly Bold
Asylum Schizo delivers solid medium-to-full flavors at rock-bottom prices. Using Nicaraguan and Honduran fillers with a Honduran wrapper, it provides earth, pepper, leather, and cocoa in a no-frills package. Schizo is designed for smokers who want a daily cigar that does not require a second thought about cost — one of the best value cigars on the market.
Other Notable Lines
Asylum Dragon's Milk — A collaboration with New Holland Brewing, featuring tobaccos aged in bourbon barrels. Medium-to-full body with caramel, oak, vanilla, and sweet spice. Pairs naturally with bourbon — see our whiskey pairing guide.
Asylum LOX — Features a unique lox (salmon-colored) Ecuadorian Rosado wrapper. Medium-bodied with cedar, cream, and sweet spice.
Asylum Star Bursts — A flavored cigar line with natural fruit flavors for a fun, casual smoke.
Asylum Seven — A seven-tobacco blend delivering complex layers of spice, earth, cocoa, and sweetness. Medium-to-full body.
Asylum Straight Jacket — A box-pressed format with a Honduran Habano wrapper. Full-bodied with pepper, leather, and dark chocolate.
Asylum 867-5309 — Named after the famous song, this Nicaraguan blend delivers medium-to-full body with cocoa, spice, and a sweet cedar finish.
Where to Buy Asylum Cigars
Asylum offers some of the best values in the cigar world. Browse and compare pricing across multiple trusted retailers on the Asylum brand page at Cigar Finder. For the complete catalog with real-time pricing, visit CigarFinder's premium cigars page and filter by brand.
New to buying online? Read our guide on how to buy cigars online safely. Looking for deals? Check our coupon codes page and best cigar deals guide.
Join the Deal-Hunting Community! Share your cigar deals and steals with fellow enthusiasts: - Cigar Deals & Steals Facebook Group - Cigar Deals X Community - r/EverythingCigars Deals & Steals
Explore More: Visit our Asylum brand page to compare prices. See our best cigars for the money guide. Browse cigars under $5.
