Looking for a great smoke? A Dominican cigar might be the answer. Tobacco from the Dominican Republic is usually very high quality, thanks to the island’s rich soil and perfect location in the Caribbean.
While many so-called experts talk about Cuba as the ultimate tobacco source, most true cigar aficionados know that Dominicans are often better — and cheaper. In fact, many cigar manufacturers fled Cuba in the early 1960′s and settled in the Dominican Republic. Here are a few of the best Dominican cigar brands.
Montecristo
This Dominican brand is the perfect smoke for an adventurous man. Why? The name itself comes from the classic adventure book The Count of Monte Cristo. Even better, James Bond actor Roger Moore was allegedly such a fan of Montecristo cigars that he demanded an unlimited supply as part of his 007 contract– and even used one to make a flamethrower in 1973′s Live and Let Die.
Montecristos are available from both Cuban and Dominican factories. Historically, the Dominican cigars are more widespread in the U.S., thanks to the longstanding anti-Castro embargo. Odds are that a Montecristo in a U.S. cigar shop is from the Dominican Republic, but when in doubt, check the box. Dominicans will say “Hecho en Republica Dominicana – Made in Dominican Republic.”
We recommend the Montecristo Tubo Especial. It’s a mild cigar that comes in an awesome aluminum tube that doubles as a bludgeon.
Arturo Fuente
The Arturo Fuente brand is part of a true family success story. Around a hundred years ago, the boy named Arturo watched his father hand-roll cigars in Cuba. Arturo Fuente moved to Florida and began producing cigars from a small room in his family’s house– before losing everything in a fire. (No, Roger Moore didn’t do it.) Not giving up, Fuente started the business again from scratch. This time is was successful. Arturo’s son and grandson now run the family business in the city of Santiago, Dominican Republic.
Known for very high quality cigars, the Arturo Fuente brand was one of the first companies to offer “puro” or pure Dominican cigars. Unlike many other brands, Fuentes use only Dominican tobacco in the wrapper, filler, and leaves.
A great cigar to try is the Arturo Fuente Opus X Magnum O. With a badass name like that, you can’t go wrong.
Dominican Cigars: Best Brands is a post from: Manly Adventure - Modern Pulp Magazine
