More so then complexity, flavor, or size, the area or origin is perhaps the most utilized trait when referencing a cigar. While which type of cigars are ‘best’ is subject to the smokers themselves, there’s no disputing the areas around the globe that are regarded for producing superior crops of tobaccos from their soils. The number of counties that produce cigars has grown exponentially as the industry has expanded over time, so just which regions are the most reputable? Take a look at the list below, and see where some of the finest tobaccos in the world literally got their roots:
CUBA:
We’ll start with the most celebrated, most recognizable area in cigars- Cuba. Cuban tobacco has long been regarded as the king of kings, considered to be of the highest quality in the world. And there’s no disputing that Cuban tobacco is indeed exceptional, but other regions have given these fields a run for their money. Regardless, Cuba is the most referenced cigar country in the world, with a culture now ingrained in popular culture.
While most Cuban cigars are hand-rolled in or near the country’s capital city, Havana, one of Cuba’s best tobacco-growing area is known as the Vuelta Abajo. Located in the Pinar del Rio region area, on the island’s western side, the tobaccos grown here are positively loaded with hearty, full-bodied flavors and aromas, and ample production cycles.
HONDURAS & NICARAGUA:
Not to be outdone or passed over, these Central American nations have been routinely producing some of the best tobacco crops found today. These high-quality Cuban-seed and Connecticut-seed tobaccos and wrapper leaves have made a mark in the industry, with demand increasing each year. These full-bodied tobaccos are some of the best around, renowned for their spicy, robust flavors, and hearty aromas.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC:
The Dominican Republic is home to some of the finest cigar names on the planet, with both factories and growing fields that are renowned throughout the cigar industry. The northern city of Santiago saw tremendous growth and success with its tobacco crops when the country’s production began booming. This highly-agricultural region is home to a majority of Dominican cigarmakers, and produces the high-quality crops found in some of today’s most popular blends. Many Dominican tobacco crops are derived from Cuban-seed varieties, making the island a popular alternative for manufacturers who can’t distribute actual Cuban-grown tobaccos in certain regions.
ECUADOR:
Ecuador is known throughout the industry for the high-quality array of wrapper leaves grown throughout the South American country. The shade and sun-grown tobaccos are commonly derived from both Connecticut and Sumatra-seed plants, and have made their way to some of today’s most popular cigar releases. These well-regarded leaves are known for their refined complexity, and silky, delicate visual appeal.
MEXICO:
The Mexican San Andreas Valley is known throughout the world for producing a rich, Sumatra-seed leaf, that’s been sought after by some of the most esteemed cigar masters. These sun-grown crops also make for some exceptional binder and filler tobaccos for more robust blends. And speaking of robust, the country is also one the industry leaders in Maduro varieties, as their tobaccos are thicker, and durable to more rigorous curing methods.
INDONESIA:
We’ve talked a lot amount Sumatra seeds, but what are they? Sumatra tobaccos come from the trail of islands that make up the South-Asian country of Indonesia. These leaves are typically darker in color, and boast a wide-range of versatile flavors. The Sumatra cops and seeds are some of the finest in the world, and used throughout exceptional blends produced by almost every major manufacturer.
AFRICA:
West-African growing regions are known the throughout the world for the quality of their luxurious Cameroon wrapper leaves. While not utilized as much as wrappers grown from Ecuador, Mexico, or Indonesia, Cameroon wrappers are equally as decadent, and regarded in its own right. Cameroon wrappers boast some unique shading, typically green to brown in color; imparting spicy-sweet flavors, and sporting an extremely distinct texture. These rich leaves are best paired with full-bodied blends, and are some of the most intricate wrappers out there.
UNITED STATES:
Last, but certainly not least, we have the United States, where agriculture has always been a staple of the land. While many American tobacco crops are grown throughout the south and mid-west, it’s the Connecticut River Valley that produces some of the finest wrapper leaf tobaccos in the world. The Connecticut shade wrapper has been a mainstay of the cigar industry with its great flavor, and functionality. Another popular leaf, the Connecticut broadleaf, produces an oily, ultra-dark wrapper, which can be found covering some of the best Maduro offerings in the world!