Cigar Choosing Guide： Honduran vs Nicaragua vs Dominican Cigars

With premium quality and innovative blending, cigars made from the above regions are often alternatives to Cuban Cigars, as Cuban now has a limited supply and rising prices. 

The industry defines cigars by their rolling region instead of the origins of the tobacco in the cigar. For example, a cigar rolling in Nicaragua with full Dominican tobacco is classified as a Nicaragua cigar. However, when choosing a cigar, it is essential to look at the origin of the tobacco as well as that heavily affects the blending profile and aroma of the smoke.  

Read on to know more about the differences between tobacco from variance countries, and see our recommendation on the New World cigars you should be smoking right now!

Why are these places famous for producing cigars?

The significant contribution would be the climate and soil of these countries. These tropical countries are located in the Atlantic Ocean; all benefit from the warm and humid conditions, just like Cuba. The climate and soil allow them to grow the best tobacco compared to the rest of the world. 

Another factor is the Cuban revolution which lasted for over 6 years. After the revolution, the Cuban government decided to nationalise all private property, including cigar factories and farms. The instability and persecution have caused numerous cigar experts, such as rollers, farmers and merchants, to flee to nearby countries, like Nicaragua, contributing to the success of the New World cigars. Along with the USA embargo on Cuba, it benefited the demand for cigars from the New World brand. 

Differences between tobacco from these 3 origins:

Tobacco from the Dominican Republic:

With over 600,000 acres of tobacco fields, Dominican Republic is the world’s largest producer of cigars. Dominican Republic’s famous Connecticut tobaccos were perceived as milder but with distinctive and excellent taste. Its premium tobacco is widely chosen to use as filler. Numerous reknown New World cigar brands, such as Davidoff and AVO, their factory and field are also located in the Dominican Republic. 

Tobacco from Nicaragua:

If you are a connoisseur, I believe you have heard of Jalapa Valley. That’s one of the major growing regions of tobacco in Nicaragua. The red clay-like soil has contributed to the fine and elegant Nicaraguan wrapper. The other main production area is Estelí, where the renowned New World brands, such as Plasencia, Oliva and Padron, also have their tobacco field and factory. The black volcanic soil there is rich and fertile with those dark robust tobacco leaves.

Recommended cigar with Nicaragua Tobacco:
Davidoff Nicaragua Box-pressed Robusto
Plasencia Reserva 1898 Robusto 
E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel

Tobacco from Honduras:

Well-known for typically heavy and full-bodied flavours, Honduran tobacco seeds were mostly from Cuba. The famous growing region for Hondurans is called “Jamastrán Valley”, next to Nicaragua’s Jalapa Valley and only separated by the countries’ border. The premium and rich tobacco are fertile by the valley’s rich soil.