Although it is proven that the natives of Santo Domingo just like the Taïnos of Cuba enjoyed smoking, the development of the cigar industry on the island is much more recent. In fact, the embargo of the United States towards Cuba and the immigration of exiled Cuban families created the conditions for a true boom as of the years 1970.

The principal varieties of tobaccos cultivated in the Dominican Republic are the olor dominicano, the san vicente and the piloto cubano. Most prestigious plantations are located in the valley of Cibao. Santiago De Los Caballeros, located in the middle of this valley, is the true Dominican cigar capital.

Whereas Cuba produces only cigars “puros” (filler, binder and wrapper are all Cuban), Dominican manufacturers took resolute modern steps by blending leaves of various origins to obtain new unique vitolas.

Most Dominican cigars are dressed with wrapper leaves from Ecuador, the USA or even Cameroun. As to the blend for the fillers tobaccos of Mexico, Honduras or Brazil are often added to the local tobaccos to achieve greater complexity.

Of great distinction and subtle, Dominican cigars gradually conquered aficionados and then the whole world. Recognized for a great quality of manufacture, Dominican cigars are typically less opulent and lighter that their Cuban counterparts.

They enjoy today a phenomenal success with nearly 400 million pieces exported, well ahead of the 120 to 130 million Cuban cigars sold throughout the world.