Best Cigars in the World by Country

Have you ever wondered which country produces the best cigars? You might think of Cuba right away, but there are several other nations that have developed a rich tradition of cigar making. Each country brings something unique to the table, offering aficionados a diverse range of flavors, aromas, and experiences. This article dives into the world’s top cigar-producing nations, highlighting their signature cigars, and what makes each of them a must-try for cigar enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned smoker or a novice looking to explore, understanding the differences between cigars from various countries can greatly enhance your experience.

Cuba – The Icon of Cigar Excellence

When it comes to cigars, Cuba is often regarded as the gold standard, and for good reason. The country’s cigars, particularly brands like Cohiba, Montecristo, and Partagás, are synonymous with quality. Cuban cigars are made from tobacco grown in the Vuelta Abajo region, known for its perfect climate and soil. These cigars tend to have a bold, rich flavor, often described as earthy, with hints of cedar, leather, and coffee.

Cohiba, for example, was originally produced exclusively for Fidel Castro and Cuban diplomats. The Cohiba Behike, considered one of the finest cigars globally, offers a luxurious smoking experience with a creamy and complex flavor profile. Montecristo No. 2, another Cuban classic, is known for its perfect balance between strength and flavor, offering notes of nuts and spices. For those looking for a deeper, more intense smoke, the Partagás Serie D No. 4 is a full-bodied cigar with a powerful, peppery taste that has made it a favorite among experienced smokers.

Dominican Republic – A Powerhouse in the Industry

The Dominican Republic is the largest producer of premium cigars in the world. The country’s fertile valleys, such as the Cibao Valley, are perfect for growing high-quality tobacco. Some of the best-known brands include Arturo Fuente, Davidoff, and La Flor Dominicana. The cigars from the Dominican Republic tend to be smoother and creamier compared to Cuban cigars, making them a great choice for those who prefer a milder smoke.

Arturo Fuente Opus X, one of the most sought-after cigars, is known for its complex flavors of spice, wood, and sweetness. It's often hailed as one of the best non-Cuban cigars in the world. Davidoff cigars, on the other hand, offer a luxurious and consistent smoking experience. Known for their refinement and craftsmanship, Davidoff cigars have delicate notes of cream, cedar, and coffee. La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero, however, is for those who want something with more strength, offering bold flavors of pepper, leather, and dark chocolate.

Nicaragua – The Rising Star

In recent years, Nicaragua has quickly become a dominant force in the world of premium cigars. Some aficionados argue that Nicaraguan cigars have surpassed Cuban cigars in quality. The volcanic soil and climate conditions make it an ideal place for growing tobacco with a rich, full flavor. Brands like Padron, Oliva, and Drew Estate are well-known around the world.

The Padron 1964 Anniversary Series is widely regarded as one of the finest cigars ever made. It has a complex, full-bodied flavor with notes of cocoa, coffee, and earthy spices. Oliva Serie V is another highly regarded cigar, known for its strong and bold flavors of chocolate, spice, and coffee. Drew Estate’s Liga Privada No. 9 offers a luxurious, complex smoking experience with deep, rich flavors of earth, pepper, and cocoa.

Honduras – Bold and Flavorful

Though less famous than its neighbors, Honduras is still a significant player in the cigar world. Honduran cigars are typically bold and earthy, with rich, full flavors. Brands like Camacho, Rocky Patel, and Punch are well-known for their quality.

Camacho Corojo is one of the most popular Honduran cigars, known for its robust and spicy flavors. Rocky Patel Decade, often regarded as one of the best cigars to come out of Honduras, offers a medium to full-bodied smoke with flavors of nuts, coffee, and earth. Punch Gran Puro is another favorite, offering a strong and peppery smoke with hints of leather and wood.

Mexico – Underrated but Flavorful

Though often overlooked, Mexico produces some excellent cigars. The country’s San Andrés valley is famous for its rich, dark tobacco, which is used in many top cigars from other countries as well. Mexican cigars tend to have a spicy, earthy flavor. Brands like Te-Amo and A. Turrent are among the most well-known Mexican cigars.

Te-Amo cigars are made from 100% Mexican tobacco, offering a full-bodied and earthy flavor with hints of spice and sweetness. A. Turrent Triple Corojo is a unique cigar, featuring a bold, spicy profile with notes of leather and dark chocolate.

Brazil – Unique and Exotic

Brazil is another emerging player in the cigar industry, known for its distinct tobacco. Brazilian tobacco is often used as a wrapper in cigars from other countries, but Brazilian puros (cigars made entirely from Brazilian tobacco) are gaining popularity. Brazilian cigars tend to have a rich, sweet, and earthy flavor, with brands like CAO Brazilia and Dunhill Aged Maduro standing out.

CAO Brazilia is known for its bold flavors of earth, coffee, and dark chocolate, wrapped in a beautiful, dark Brazilian leaf. Dunhill Aged Maduro, though milder, offers a smooth, sweet smoke with flavors of coffee, cocoa, and wood.

Philippines – A Hidden Gem

While not as widely known, the Philippines produces some excellent cigars. The country has a long history of tobacco cultivation, and Filipino cigars are gaining attention for their mild and creamy flavors. Tabacalera Incorporada, one of the oldest cigar brands in the world, produces high-quality cigars using locally grown tobacco. Filipino cigars tend to be more affordable but still offer a rich, flavorful experience with notes of wood, nuts, and spice.

Cigar Comparison by Country

To help you better understand the differences between cigars from various countries, here’s a quick comparison:

Country	Signature Brand	Flavor Profile	Notable Cigar
Cuba	Cohiba, Montecristo	Bold, earthy, cedar	Cohiba Behike, Montecristo No. 2
Dominican Republic	Arturo Fuente, Davidoff	Smooth, creamy, sweet	Arturo Fuente Opus X, Davidoff Special R
Nicaragua	Padron, Oliva	Rich, full-bodied, spicy	Padron 1964, Oliva Serie V
Honduras	Camacho, Rocky Patel	Bold, earthy, peppery	Camacho Corojo, Rocky Patel Decade
Mexico	Te-Amo, A. Turrent	Spicy, earthy, sweet	Te-Amo, A. Turrent Triple Corojo
Brazil	CAO Brazilia, Dunhill	Sweet, earthy, chocolate	CAO Brazilia, Dunhill Aged Maduro
Philippines	Tabacalera Incorporada	Mild, creamy, nutty	Tabacalera Gran Reserva

Each country offers a unique take on cigar-making, influenced by its climate, soil, and tradition. Whether you prefer the bold, earthy flavors of a Cuban or the smooth, creamy richness of a Dominican, there’s something for everyone in the world of cigars.

Which one will you try next?