The Dominican Republic is known for its stunning Caribbean beaches, baseball talent, diverse landscapes, and rich history.
Its lush valleys and favorable climate make it an ideal place for growing tobacco.
This region has mastered the art of cigar-making, becoming a world leader in the industry.
Ranking second in cigar exports to the United States, with 128.9 million shipped in 2022, Dominican cigars are renowned for their quality and flavor.
They offer a wide range, from smooth, mild tastes to rich, complex profiles, catering to novice and seasoned cigar enthusiasts.
This article delves into the top-rated cigars from the Dominican Republic.
We highlight the unique characteristics, flavors, and the craftsmanship behind them.
Each of our picks has made it to Cigar Aficionado's Top 25 list, earning at least a rating of 93.
Keep reading to discover a brief history of cigar production in the Dominican Republic, why these cigars are celebrated globally, and what makes them stand out in the world of premium tobacco.
Here are our 2024 picks so you have them right away:
- Caldwell The King Is Dead The Last Payday
- Casa Cuba by Fuente Doble Cuatro
- Fuente Fuente OpusX Double Corona
- Ashton Symmetry Belicoso
- Romeo by Romeo y Julieta Piramides
The Roots of Dominican Cigar Production
There are theories that the history of cigar tobacco usage in the Dominican Republic dates back to the indigenous Taino people as early as 400 B.C.
It wasn't until the 1700s that the Dominican Republic was recognized as a prime location for high-quality tobacco cultivation. Immigrants from the Canary Islands settled in the fertile farmlands, and established tobacco as a key agricultural product of the region.
As demand for tobacco grew in Europe, the DR started to export their prized crop and expanded its reach beyond local markets.
Growth and Development in the 19th Century
The 19th century marked significant growth for Dominican cigar production.
As with Nicaraguan cigar production, many skilled Cuban cigar makers fled to the Dominican Republic during Cuba's War of Independence.
They brought expertise and seeds, enriching the local tobacco industry. This period saw the establishment of numerous cigar factories.
Modern Era and Global Recognition
In the 20th century, the Dominican Republic's cigar industry gained global fame.
The country refined its cultivation and production techniques and began producing some of the world's most sought-after cigars.
Today, Dominican cigars are synonymous with quality and fine craftsmanship as they continue to be a significant part of the country's economic and cultural identity.
Top Tobacco Growing Regions in the Dominican Republic
Let's look deeper at the top areas where the finest Dominican tobacco is cultivated, examining the distinctive soil characteristics and how they influence the tobacco's flavor profile.
Cibao Valley
Situated in the Northern part of the country near Santiago, the Cibao Valley is the most prominent tobacco-growing region in the Dominican Republic.
Superior drainage, abundant sunlight, and mineral-rich soil create the perfect conditions for growing premium tobacco with rich flavor.
This area produces tobacco with a more robust and aromatic profile. Cibao Valley tobacco is sought after for its depth and complexity.
Yaque Valley
Another top growing region that produces hearty tobacco plants compliments of the ideal micro climate and fertile soil is the Yaque Valley.
Its distinct soil has a higher concentration of clay and less organic matter, producing dark, rich tobacco leaves.
The premium tobacco from Yaque Valley has even earned comparisons to the world-famous Cuban tobacco.
Our Recommendations for the Top 5 Best Dominican Republic Cigars
With so many fantastic options from the Dominican Republic, it wasn't easy to refine our list to only 5.
We've carefully chosen our selections, focusing on the highest-rated options by Cigar Aficionado that we consistently have in stock.
1. Caldwell The King Is Dead The Last Payday
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Shape: Torpedo
Size: 6 x 52
Strength: Medium - Full
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Colorado Maduro
Binder / Filler: Dominican Republic / Dominican Republic
Wrapper Type: Dominican Negrito
Although smaller in size, Caldwell Cigar Company has made a significant impact in the cigar world over the years by offering high-quality cigars at great prices.
The standout in their collection is The King is Dead The Last Payday, which boasts a fascinating backstory. It took five years of carefully blending unique and rare tobaccos to create this balanced masterpiece. The cigar's journey highlights how its unique taste was crafted, which remains consistent from start to finish.
Draped in a rare Negrito wrapper from the Dominican Republic, The King is Dead demonstrates the complexity of Dominican tobacco. Flavor notes of spice, milk chocolate, woodiness, and a hint of maple syrup combine to present a shifting flavor profile in a medium-full body package.
The King is Dead The Last Payday provides an experience that a wide array of cigar smokers can appreciate; it's not too strong for new smokers, and it's complex enough to be a captivating experience for seasoned aficionados.
Rated 93 by Cigar Aficionado in 2015, give them a try if you want to experience a complex Dominican cigar packed with unique flavors.
2. Casa Cuba by Fuente Doble Cuatro
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Shape: Double Robusto
Size: 4 1/2 x 54
Strength: Medium
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Colorado
Binder / Filler: Dominican Republic / Dominican Republic
Wrapper Type: Cameroon
Next up, an Arturo Fuente creation, the Casa Cuba Doble Cuatro.
The Doble Cuatro is a size you don't see every day; it is the shorter, slightly fatter version of your traditional 5 x 50 robusto.
This design enhances the complexity and taste of the Casa Cuba cigar. By compressing the usual blend of tobacco into a smaller, denser form, the Doble Cuatro delivers a more intense Arturo Fuente experience with each puff.
An experience that clearly caught the attention of Cigar Aficionado in 2021 when they gave it a 93 rating.
The finest Dominican tobacco is known for its rich cedar wood flavors, and the Casa Cuba delivers.
For flavor profile, you can look forward to a delightful blend of cedar wood and leather, with hints of citrus fruit and a subtle touch of pepper at the end. You might even find a taste of sweet molasses when first lighting.
If you're eager to try some of the best Dominican cigars, consider picking up the Casa Cuba Doble Cuatro by Arturo Fuente.
3. Fuente Fuente OpusX Double Corona
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Shape: Double Corona
Size: 7 x 49
Strength: Full
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Colorado
Binder / Filler: Dominican Republic / Dominican Republic
Wrapper Type: Dominican Sungrown Habano
We mentioned that we would list only options that are regularly in stock, but our list wouldn't be complete without including one of the best Arturo Fuente cigars of all time.
The Fuente Fuente OpusX stands as a crowning achievement in the world of cigars, debuting in 1995 and swiftly ascending as the Arturo Fuente flagship line.
Since its introduction in 1995, the OpusX has garnered a reputation as one of the most coveted cigars, and it won cigar of the year at Cigar Aficionado in 2005.
It was the first ever Dominican puro made with a Cuban seed wrapper at a time when many didn't believe this could be done in the DR.
Not only was it possible, but the wrapper has been celebrated among enthusiasts for its exceptional taste and robust intensity.
The Fuente Fuente OpusX offers a delightful blend of Fuente tobaccos, delivering a balanced, complex, and flavorful profile of creamy coffee, leather, and earth.
If you want to try this exquisite creation, be sure to submit your email address on the product page so you can be notified first as soon as we get them in stock.
4. Ashton Symmetry Belicoso
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Shape: Belicoso
Size: 5 1/4 x 52
Strength: Medium - Full
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Colorado
Binder / Filler: Dominican Republic / Nicaragua
Wrapper Type: Ecuadorian Habano
This limited-edition gem blends select tobaccos from the famous Chateau de la Fuente and Villa Gonzalez in the Dominican Republic with the finest leaves from Fuente's Un Bien Vecino estate in Esteli, Nicaragua.
Debuting in 2014 and blended by Carlos "Carlito" Fuente Jr., it was the first time Ashton released a cigar with Nicaraguan tobacco.
Known for its superior balance, a gorgeous Ecuadorian Habano wrapper encases the Dominican and Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos.
The taste profile includes a creamy balance of black cherry, wood, leather, and just the right amount of spice.
Rated 94 and ranked 6th by Cigar Aficionado in 2017, the Ashton Symmetry is a fantastic blend that offers a harmonious balance of complexity and smoothness.
5. Romeo by Romeo y Julieta Piramides
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Shape: Torpedo
Size: 6 1/8 x 52
Strength: Full
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Colorado Maduro
Binder / Filler: Dominican Republic / Dominican Republic
Wrapper Type: Ecuadorian Habano
Concluding our list, a Romeo y Julieta favorite, the Romeo by Romeo y Julieta Piramides.
Placing 3rd in Cigar Aficionado's Top 25 in 2012, the Romeo is a standout among the brand's Dominican offerings. This cigar represents a blend of new and traditional styles, with a modern flavor and a nod to the classic Romeo y Julieta heritage.
What makes this cigar unique is its wrapper.
Unlike other non-Cuban Romeos that commonly use lighter Connecticut wrappers, this one features a dark, rich Ecuadorian Habano-seed wrapper that gives it a distinct taste.
Inside, the cigar is filled with bold Dominican binder and filler tobaccos. The flavorful blend creates a full-bodied cigar with a mix of spicy and sweet flavors, making it complex and enjoyable.
If you're looking for a bold and flavor-packed Dominican cigar, the Romeo by Romeo y Julieta Piramides is an excellent choice. Absolutely perfect for those who appreciate a rich, well-balanced smoke.
Savor the Dominican Delights
The Dominican Republic has truly earned its reputation as a producer of some of the world's finest cigars, with each blend offering a unique journey for the senses.
Exploring the diverse range of Dominican offerings is sure to enhance your appreciation for the art of cigar making.
So light up a Dominican cigar transport yourself to a world where flavor and tradition intertwine in perfect harmony.