In the realm of classic, premium cigars, both Cuban and Dominican cigars stand in the spotlight. Each boasts a legacy steeped in tradition and craftsmanship, yet they embody distinct characteristics that set them apart. This blog will delve into the key similarities and differences between the two and act as a guide on how they will elevate your smoking experience.
History and Heritage
Cuban cigars
Cuban cigars are often the first thing mentioned when someone mentions Cuba, such is the centuries-old legacy the country has in cigar production. Cuban cigars have rightfully been revered as the pinnacle of quality and taste, with a history dating back to the 15th century. Renowned for their rich flavour and impeccable construction, Cuban cigars have garnered a loyal band of followers among aficionados worldwide.
Dominican cigars
Whilst Dominican cigars may lack Cuba’s historical pedigree in cigar making, it has emerged as a formidable contender in the premium cigar market over the last century or so. The Dominican cigar industry rose to prominence in the late 20th century, leveraging its fertile soil and optimal climate conditions to produce exceptional tobacco. Today, Dominican cigars are on a par with their Cuban counterparts in both quality and popularity.
Tobacco Varieties and Blends
Cuban cigars
Tobacco cultivated from the Vuelta Abajo region predominantly features within Cuban cigars, giving the cigars a distinctive earthy, spice and occasionally sweet flavour. Below are some of the most iconic Cuban cigar brands:
Dominican cigars
Dominican cigars encompass a diverse range of blends, often incorporating tobaccos from various regions within the Dominican Republic. The country’s fertile, arable land yields tobaccos with subtle, nuanced flavours. These range from creamy and nutty to peppery and aromatic. Below are some of the most iconic Dominican cigar brands:
Craftsmanship and Production Techniques
Cuban cigars
Traditional methods of producing Cuban cigars have had the opportunity to be refined over centuries. Experienced torcedores, known as master rollers, meticulously handcraft each cigar, using techniques passed down from their forefathers. Cuban cigars are typically rolled with a ‘triple cap’ and aged for extended periods of time, allowing flavours to mature and harmonise, producing a flavoursome blend.
Dominican cigars
Dominican cigars are made in a way which combines tradition and modern innovation to achieve consistency and excellence. Skilled artisans painstakingly hand-roll cigars with precision, with many manufacturers deploying hybrid fermentation processes in curing barns to remove ammonia impurities and ageing techniques to enhance flavour development. This ensures that Dominican cigars cater to evolving consumer preferences, whilst retaining their overall quality.
Global Availability and Accessibility
Cuban cigars
In spite of their legendary status, Cuban cigars face challenges in accessibility for consumers due to trade embargoes and restrictions imposed by certain countries. Whilst remaining highly sought after, aficionados living outside of authorised markets may need help in obtaining authentic Cuban cigars, adding to their overall demand.
Dominican cigars
Dominican cigars enjoy broader accessibility and distribution worldwide due to fewer regulatory barriers. Their availability across different markets has allowed enthusiasts to explore a wide array of brands and blends, keeping Dominican cigars high up on the list of most popular cigars for smokers across the world.
Overall
Hopefully, you now know the ins and outs of both Cuban and Dominican cigars. We hope that you can now navigate through the cigar world equipped with the information you need to make your smoking experience as smooth as possible. We are the experts on cigars so don’t forget to browse our quality collection of Cuban cigars and Dominican cigars.
