If you are a cigar connoisseur, you will already know that no two cigars taste the same as the cigar is a combination of specific tobacco harvests, fillers, binders, and wrappers, each contributing to a unique taste. Many, however, ask the question, does the taste of a cigar depend on the country where the tobacco is grown? Let’s take a closer look:

In short, the answer is yes. Cigars from different countries can taste different due to the fact that tobacco is planted in the soil, and the soil in different countries may have different consistencies, moisture levels, acidity and alkalinity. All of these factors will impact on the taste of tobacco, and therefore, how the overall cigar tastes.

So now that we know that there are differences in the taste of tobacco, depending on where it is grown, let’s explore some of the things you may expect to see and taste from tobacco around the world. 

Tobacco From Cuba

The tobacco that gets the best reputation around the world is Cuban tobacco with some of the worlds most expensive cigars being created there. The tobacco itself has a spicy flavor and is strong and full bodied. Cuba is home to what is regarded as the best place to grow tobacco – Vuelta Abajo in the West of the island. The tobacco is then harvested and cigars manufactured near Havana to create the cigars.

Tobacco From The Dominican Republic

Dominican tobacco tends to originate from Cuban seed, but when grown has a milder taste compared to the robust Cuban flavors. While this tobacco may not be as strong, it is often described as being moderately flavored – stronger than that of Ecuador for example. Dominican tobacco also has a great reputation for more complex blends that are great to experience.

Tobacco From Ecuador

Compared to both Cuban and Central American tobacco, tobacco from Ecuador tends not to be as strong. It has a milder, gentler flavor that is more subtle compared to other tobaccos on the market.

Tobacco From Honduras and Nicaragua

Central America is famous for its tobacco, which has a reputation for being extremely high quality. The nations of Honduras and Nicaragua grow two main types of tobacco – the Connecticut Seed and the Cuban Seed. The tobacco from these countries is known to have a strong taste and unique aroma, and is used by many cigar manufacturers due to its high quality.

Tobacco From Mexico

Mexico grows a vast amount of tobacco, and mainly grows a kind of tobacco from the Sumatra seed. Often this type of tobacco is utilized in either the filler or the binder of cigars or as a Maduro wrapper. What is unique about cigars from Mexico is that most manufacturers use tobacco that is locally sourced – meaning it is made entirely in Mexico from the growing to production stage.

Tobacco From The United States of America

The United States is well known for producing two popular types of tobacco leaf both named after the state of Connecticut. Connecticut Broadleaf is a dark tobacco leaf that is almost black in color. It is a full, wide leaf and is very popular for American cigar brands. Connecticut shade, however, is smaller than the broadleaf, and lighter in color – being a brown or yellow shade. The shade variety produces a milder smoke than the broadleaf.

The Take-Away

As you can see from our quick-fire guide above, cigars can taste differently depending on the country that they come from. This is due to the different soil that the tobacco is grown in. Many cigar sellers will mention where the tobacco has been sourced in their cigars to help you understand the taste you are likely to experience. 

Written by Findy Cigars