A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO CIGAR ORIGINS AND REGIONS

In the past, cigars were made in only a few countries and regions. For instance, Cuba is famous for its cigar production. Nevertheless, it is evident that tobacco sticks have become an international commodity.

Various parts of the world are known for producing high-quality wrapper leaves, binders or fillers which make up a great cigar. But not all nations with favorable weather conditions and fertile soils for growers can offer top-notch smoking experiences; artisans such as boncheros (bunchers) and torcedors (rollers) must be involved in order to create this marvelous product.

WHERE DO CIGARS ORIGINATE FROM?

Buncher refers to an individual who bunches together binder leaves and filler tobaccos to form what will eventually be wrapped as one’s smokeable stogie while roller is the term used when describing someone skilled at twisting tobacco sheets into finished products like cigars.

It may interest you to know that people have been enjoying this favorite hobby since around 10th century AD. We shall touch briefly on history of cigars before diving deep into them being made by different countries.

ARE DIFFERENT TOBACCO GROWING REGIONS IMPORTANT TO YOUR SMOKING EXPERIENCE?

Cigars are believed to have originated from Mayans who lived many years ago. The word “Sikar,” which is their native language represents “to smoke rolled tobacco leaves.” They used palm or plantain leaf wrappers with evidence dating back as early as 10th century found through excavations showing a Mayan man puffing on his cigar according to pottery art of that time.

Europe came into contact with tobacco much later than other parts of the world — 1492 specifically when Christopher Columbus sailed under Spanish flag for first time ever bound towards America continents; upon arrival he received gift from natives San Salvador island among items given were “certain dry leaves gave off peculiar smell” but since they could not eat them threw overboard ship where they fell into sea waters creating ripples across historical timelines till date.

Though European nations hold high regard for cigarettes, hand-rolled smokes are most closely associated with the island nation of Cuba. This Caribbean jewel has always provided an ideal environment for growing tobacco plants due to its rich soil and warm climate which stretches back into history during reigns such as that King Philip II Spain when production began in earnest.

THE TOP CIGAR PRODUCING COUNTRIES AND TOBACCO GROWING REGIONS

Even though it is no longer number one in terms of market share or prestige among cigar lovers worldwide; this decline has given rise to other parts of world where even better quality wrapper leaves, binders or fillers can be found thanks largely because each region’s unique taste and character being influenced by factors like altitude above sea level among others thus affecting how final product tastes.

Different countries cure cigars differently. For instance, some regions may use sun-drying method while others opt for air-curing technique. There are also cases where both curing techniques are applied simultaneously depending on specific needs of a particular type of tobacco being processed at any given time which eventually determines flavors exhibited by finished sticks.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Although it’s possible that three main components making up your cigar could come from various nations across different continents; still where particular leaf was cultivated greatly influences overall character exhibited by such smokable item according to experts in this field. In as much as roll-your-own enthusiasts might decide to blend together several tobaccos sourced from multiple countries around globe, one cannot just substitute another since they each have their own unique qualities that contribute towards creation something truly special.

NICARAGUA AND HONDURAS

Look at a few top cigar producing countries, paying attention to the specificities of their tobacco growing regions and how they affect the aroma and flavor of your stogie.

CIGAR PRODUCING COUNTRIES AND REGIONS OF TOBACCO GROWTH

CUBA No list of top cigar countries would be complete without Cuba. It is the birthplace of cigar production and has always been famous for its excellent tobacco.

There are age-old traditions passed down from generation to generation with most of their growing and manufacturing methods being copied by premium cigar makers worldwide. The average temperature in Cuba is 73°F (23°C), which is perfect for growing tobacco, while its soil is loose, granular, or sandy. The Cuban tobacco taste typically tends to be full-bodied with strong spicy and floral tones.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Once the US introduced an embargo on Cuba, a lot of great Cuban tobacco experts relocated to Dominican Republic so that they could continue doing what they love – making cigars – as well as access US markets. Dominican Republic is now the largest producer of cigars globally; it makes more than half those sold in America alone.

The Dominican has a similar tropical climate to Cuba with matching soils and growing conditions that offer an alternative close enough for comparison purposes when it comes down to its tobaccos. However, this leaf does not mellow out as much as some Cuban varieties do although being much more flavorful overall.

NICARAGUA v HONDURAS While these two individual nations share borders along one another’s sides they also have their own distinct areas where strong or spicier types are grown respectively before being used across various premium stick brands around the world: Estelí is Nicaragua’s capital city while Jamastran Valley supplies fuel for Honduran cigar production. Although there may be slight differences between neighboring Honduran and Nicaraguan tobaccos such as those grown from Cuban seeds being used mostly in higher end Honduran cigars; Nicaragua boasts dark volcanic soils full of nutrients which give its leaves a sweet earthy flavor.

USA Many think America only imports cigars, but Connecticut River Valley is known for its shade-grown wrappers while Connecticut Broadleaf (a sun-grown cigar tobacco) is popularly used as maduro wraps.

Florida was historically significant when it came to premium cigar production in the US. Some still grows there like Drew Estate’s 20 Acre Farm which yields some dark delicious sunshine state tobacco.

FINISHING THOUGHTS

There are many countries that produce great cigars (there are even more that didn’t make our list). Cigars are smoked all over the world and at cigars.com we have some amazing handmade smokes from around the globe to help you further fuel your passion.