There are
more than fifty varieties of tobacco in the world, with a wide diversity of
flavors and strengths. While it is true that some types thrive better in
certain climatic and geographical conditions, it is also true that seeds
eventually acquire characteristics of the region where they are grown.
However, it
is a reality that only a few countries in the world possess the skills and
expertise that allow them to be identified as the best cigar producers. Let's
briefly review some of them.
Cuba
Cuba is
perhaps the most recognized country in the world for cigar production, due to
its long history as the manufacturer of some of the most famous cigars. In
fact, it could be said that part of Cuba's identity rests on its reputation as
a tobacco country. Although its best tobacco-producing area is Vuelta Abajo,
located in the Pinar del Río region in the west of the island, most premium
hand-rolled cigar factories are located in Havana or nearby. When the harvest
is good, the leaves are notably elastic and lend themselves brilliantly to the
rolling process. It is precisely from Havana that the designation of origin
"Habano" comes from, a term that only cigars produced in that city
can carry. In general, Cuban tobacco is strong, full-bodied, and with spicy and
aromatic flavors.
Dominican
Republic
This
country became a global center for cigar production starting in 1970, with the
use of Cuban seed varieties and the expertise and quality in manufacturing
brought by some of the Cuban manufacturers who arrived from Cuba after the
famous revolution of 1959. The main cultivation area is located in the
north-central part of the country, near the city of Santiago, where most of the
factories are also located. The quality and variety of Dominican tobacco for
cigars have improved enormously in recent decades, and today, some of the best
cigars in the world are made there. Brands such as Partagas, Romeo y Julieta,
Montecristo, and some varieties of Ashton are all non-Cuban versions made in
the Dominican Republic.
Nicaragua
Nicaragua,
with a long history in cigar manufacturing, has consistently stood out in the
last decade as a place where, if not the best, many of the best cigars of the
moment are made. Its success has been so impressive that since 2016, it has
displaced the Dominican Republic as the largest provider of premium cigars. A
very recent example of the quality of its products is the Top 25-2023 from
Cigar Aficionado magazine, where the second and third places were awarded to
Nicaraguan cigars. Padrón, My Father, some Ashton, La Aroma de Cuba, and Oliva
are among the highest-rated cigars made there.
Honduras
Although
Honduras has been an important part of cigar-producing countries, in recent
years it has suffered periodic infestations of blue mold, which has diminished
its capabilities. However, it remains a reference to be taken into account. The
highly recognized Camacho is produced in this country with tobacco that shares
characteristics with that grown in Nicaragua, as both countries share borders
in the cultivation areas and work with Cuban-origin seeds. Honduran cigars are
usually bold and flavorful, with a slightly less sweet touch than classic
Nicaraguan cigars.
United
States
Although
some high-quality cigars are still produced in the United States, today there
are few tobacco-producing states. A handful of brands continue to produce in
Miami and other locations in Florida, but their importance as a producing
country has decreased considerably. The main contribution of the United States
to cigar production is Connecticut wrapper leaf, especially Shade, valued for
its great elasticity and relative smoothness.
Other
countries
In this
category, we refer to countries that produce tobacco to be used in the
production of superior quality cigars but do not stand out as cigar
manufacturers.
Cameroon,
in West Africa, produces Cameroon leaf, an excellent-tasting wrapper. This leaf
comes from Sumatra seeds introduced in the Central African Republic, bordering
Cameroon, from Indonesia. Arturo Fuente's Don Carlos uses this attractive
wrapper.
Indonesia
offers Sumatra tobacco to the world of cigars. The leaves are generally dark
brown and relatively neutral in flavor, making it ideal for blending stronger
fillers. Much of the Indonesian Sumatra has been replaced by that grown in
Ecuador. E.P. Carrillo cigars use Sumatra leaf.
Brazil is a
source of recently emerged tobacco leaves, whose use has been gaining
popularity.
To answer
the initial question, we could say that while the country of origin is a
reference to consider when choosing a cigar, both the fermentation and aging
processes used to process the tobacco, as well as the skills and expertise of
the manufacturer and their commitment to the products they bring to market,
play a predominant role in the quality of the cigar offered.