CIGARS
Contact:
Version: April 2006
BVK Public Relations
Laura Tanin: 414.351.9563 or laurat@bvk.com
Patty Tazalla: 414.247.2174 or ptazalla@bvk.com
www.godominicanrepublic.com
The largest producer of cigars in the world, the Dominican Republic (DR) is known to enthusiasts as “Cigar
Country.” While Cuban blends are often more recognizable, Dominican varieties are of a far superior quality
overall. With products that offer an array of aromas, colors and price tags, visitors won’t be able to resist
sampling and returning home with a local stogie.
Providing the ideal growing environment, the majority of cigars are produced in the central island’s Santiago
and Cibao Valley regions. In fact, the country boasts more than 600,000 acres of tobacco plants. It is because
of Dominicans’ careful cultivation and management of tobacco crops that the country is able to produce cigars
that are truly distinctive and of impeccable quality.
Cigar-making is a very involved process that takes anywhere from two to three years from start to finish,
depending on the type and manufacturer.
Cigar-Making Process
After a seed is planted it takes four months before the plant is ready for harvesting, or removal of the mature,
ripe leaves. The tobacco leaves are picked in six stages, from the bottom of the plant to the top. These stages
include libra de pie (the base), uno y medio (section directly above the base), centro ligero (center of plant with
thinnest leaves), centro fino (center of plant with mid-sized leaves), centro gordo (center of plant with thickest
leaves) and corona (top of plant or crown).
Following the harvest, several steps are completed before the leaves are ready for the cigar factory.
Step 1: Aging & Curing
Tobacco must be dried immediately following the harvest. Therefore, leaves are hung inside for six to eight
weeks.
Step 2: First Fermentation
Once the leaves are dry they are placed in piles and covered with burlap. This allows the remaining moisture t