7 Cigars representing the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is the home of several Cigar Factories. These factories are producing marvelous cigars that should be known by everyone!
Let’s start the list!
La Galera Corojo Chaveta
The La Galera Corojo Chaveta was crafted by Jochy Blanco of Tabacalera Palma and is a well-balanced, robust cigar made with Dominican corojo binder and filler blend of Dominican piloto cubano, criollo 98, and pelo de oro tobaccos, wrapped in Ecuadorian Corojo.
This robusto-sized cigar (5 x 50) is part of Blanco’s first self-branded series under La Galera, launched in 2016. Known for its rich complexity, the cigar showcases in the first tier peppery and spices flavors and undertones citrus and woody flavors. As it progresses, flavors become more subdued yet retain a peppery presence with hints of salt and peanut, and the cigar maintains its strength at a medium profile. The meticulously crafted cigar features intricate band designs, reflecting Blanco’s dedication to quality. This cigar’s consistent construction, burn, and intricate presentation make it an elegant homage to Dominican craftsmanship.
Eladio Diaz Before & After Pasion
In 2023, Tabacalera Díaz Cabrera, in Santiago, Dominican Republic, launched the Eladio Diaz 70 Aniversario for the birthday of Eladio Diaz. In 2024, Díaz expanded his offerings with the launch of the “Before & After” line, symbolizing his journey from employee to legacy-building entrepreneur. I tried the Before & After, featuring an Ecuadorian corojo wrapper, a Dominican habano 2000 binder, and a complex filler blend of broadleaf, habano 92, habano 2000, and piloto cubano tobaccos.
The cigar starts with earthy and peppery notes, developing into a mix of sourdough, cashew, cedar, and spices. Hints of citrus, mushroom, and a faint metallic note emerge, though the metallic flavor fades as the cigar progresses. With medium-to-full body and strength, the cigar delivers a nuanced experience, honoring Díaz’s legacy through a blend that reflects both his past and his family’s future.
La Galera 85th Anniversary Connecticut
The La Galera 85th Anniversary, honoring Tabacalera Palma’s legacy, stands out as a tribute blending family tradition and craft. This limited release, inspired by the Blanchos’ three generations of expertise, includes two unique blends crafted by Jochy Blanco, the owner, and his son José Manuel. Jochy’s blend is a nod to his father, Don Nanán, with an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, Dominican corojo binder, and Criollo 98 filler, offering traditional Dominican notes of raisin and nutmeg.
José Manuel’s creation uses a Connecticut broadleaf wrapper, providing a smoother, medium-bodied profile. Each cigar reveals layers of flavors, from creamy cedar to earthy spices, with a blend that’s meticulously constructed, reflecting Tabacalera Palma’s high standards. The 2021 release included 2,021 boxes, each with an innovative ashtray lid. The blend’s texture, quality, and lineage make the La Galera 85th Anniversary a remarkable commemorative addition to any cigar aficionado’s collection.
Arturo Fuente OpusX 20th Anniversary
The Fuente Fuente OpusX 20 Years Celebration is a tribute to the OpusX line’s remarkable legacy, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the iconic cigar that revolutionized Dominican wrapper production. With its blue and gold band, distinct from OpusX’s classic red, this cigar immediately catches the eye. Crafted at Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia., features a Dominican wrapper and a unique blend, resulting in a complex profile.
Initial flavors include black pepper, cinnamon, cedar, and light fruity notes. Throughout the second and final thirds, the flavors evolve, highlighting cinnamon, nuts, cedar, and earth, with underlying hints of pepper, hay, and vanilla. Though occasional burn issues require touch-ups, they don’t detract from the flavor experience. Despite the need for aging to achieve its full potential, the OpusX 20 Years Celebration is a luxurious addition to any cigar collection, ideal for aficionados appreciating rich tradition and complexity.
Artista Harvest
The Artista Harvest Sumatra Box Pressed, launched by El Artista Cigars as part of the ARTISTA Master Brand, is a bold and flavorful experience. This medium-dark brown, box-pressed cigar features a top-grade Sumatra wrapper, a Habano Seco binder, and a proprietary Dominican filler blend, adorned with a simple band showcasing El Artista’s refreshed branding in cream, yellow, and gold.
The cigar begins with a bold pepper blast that quickly transitions to buttery notes, which balance the initial spice. Earthy complexity emerges, while woody aromas provide a rich backdrop. As the second half progresses, a natural sweetness integrates into the flavor profile, blending harmoniously with earthy notes. By the final third, cinnamon notes add a warm dimension, mingling with the sweetness until the last draw. Though there are some minor construction issues like a wavy burn and a flat burn cone, these do not significantly detract from the overall experience.
La Flor Dominicana 1994
La Flor Dominicana 1994 is a blend originally created to celebrate Litto and Ines Lorenzo-Gomez’s 20-year legacy in the cigar industry. This cigar features a Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper expertly paired with Dominican binder and filler from the La Canela region (40 minutes away from Santiago), delivering a rich and complex smoking experience.
The cigar opens with a harmonious mix of sweet oak, leather, almonds, earth, and dark fruit flavors. Its creamy profile emerges early, enhanced by a touch of caramel sweetness and black pepper on the retrohale. The construction is impeccable, offering an easy draw and abundant smoke production. The strength begins on the mild side but gradually builds to medium by the end of the first third. As the second third progresses, the caramel sweetness fades, giving way to a more pronounced black pepper presence. The dominant oak note is accompanied by earthy, hay, barnyard, and nutty nuances, maintaining a layered complexity while holding steady at medium strength.
In the final third, the flavor profile evolves further, with hay and earth taking the lead. Creamy leather, almonds, dark cocoa, and espresso notes add depth and richness. While the strength increases slightly, it stays just below full, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable smoking experience throughout.
The La Flor Dominicana 1994 delivers a refined, medium-to-full-bodied profile. Its impeccable construction and complex flavor transitions make it a standout cigar, perfect for both seasoned enthusiasts and those exploring the brand.
The Last Cigar is your favourite!
In this list, I mentioned La Galera cigars, Tabacalera Diaz Cabrera, Arturo Fuente, Artista and La Flor Dominicana. Nevertheless, there are other brands like EP Carillo, La Aurora, La Instructora (…) you may like! There are tons of cigars you could enjoy! This list is an example and references to educate your palate.
In the future, I plan on presenting other interesting cigars!
