Can I buy Cohiba cigars in the Dominican Republic?
3 min read
The Cohiba paradox: Cuban legend vs. tourist trap
Just like culture, cigars are unique to each country. Their flavor and aroma can vary according to their growing soils. Cohiba is known to be an authentic Cuban taste. The history behind the cigar and their low supply make them desirable to cigar fans. On the other hand, Cohiba cigars are a rare find unless you’re in Cuba. Many Cohiba cigars found elsewhere could be fake and overpriced.
The story of the original Cuban Cohiba
Originally Cohiba started in Cuba and not the Dominican Republic. Cohiba is known as Fidel Castro’s private cigar brand. These cigars were secretly made in the “El Laguito factory.” Only available for his personal needs and gifted to diplomatic visitors or heads of state.
Due to Fidel’s communist regime, the USA established a trade embargo against Cuba. Since the trade embargo Cuban cigars, in general, are a rare find in the USA. To this day imports to the USA from Cuba are banned. In effect, Cuban cigars sold in the USA are mostly fake or contraband. Most of these fakes are the lowest quality cigars made from scraps and posing as Cohiba cigars. Do not fall for this!
Henceforth, General Cigar Company registered Cohiba and relocated the brand to the Dominican Republic. Moreover, this was a way of escaping the trade embargo and political crisis in Cuba. This then leads to the rise of tobacco production in the Dominican Republic.
Explore the authentic dominican Cohiba
While the Cuban version is off-limits for the US market, the Dominican-made Cohiba is a world-class, super-premium brand in its own right, celebrated for its impeccable construction and refined flavor profiles. At Cigar Country, you can explore the authentic portfolio:
- Cohiba Macassar: an exotic and sophisticated blend. Named after the rare Macassar ebony from Indonesia, this is a rich, medium-to-full-bodied cigar with a Connecticut Havano wrapper. It is known for its unique and smooth flavor profile of wood, leather, and a signature spicy-sweetness.
- Cohiba “Red Dot“: the classic and most iconic blend. With a flavorful African Cameroon wrapper, it delivers a smooth, medium-bodied smoke with notes of leather, cedar, and sweet spice. It’s the benchmark of the Dominican Cohiba.
- Cohiba Black: for those who prefer a richer, darker smoke. This Maduro expression uses a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper to deliver a full-bodied experience with bold notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and black cherry.
- Cohiba Blue: a more modern and vibrant take on the Cohiba profile. The Blue is a smooth, medium-bodied cigar featuring a complex, multi-country blend of tobaccos. It is known for its exceptionally well-rounded flavor profile with inviting notes of cream, cocoa, and a hint of cinnamon.
- Cohiba Royale: the epitome of luxury and strength in the portfolio. The Royale is an ultra-premium, full-bodied powerhouse designed for the experienced palate. It features a stunning Nicaraguan Broadleaf wrapper and delivers incredibly rich and complex notes of dark fruit, spice, and earth.
Why Dominican Cigars are the smarter choice
When visiting the Dominican Republic, it’s best to purchase local handmade cigars instead of risking fakes. The Dominican Republic produces the best premium tobacco products in the world. Brands like Arturo Fuente, La Aurora, and La Flor Dominicana are prime examples of the world’s most popular cigars, with a reputation for flavor and quality control that has rewarded them with the #1 spot.At Cigar Country, you can buy Dominican handmade cigars tax-free. Benefit additionally from free shipping on orders over $150. Next time you are considering Cohiba, make sure to buy the authentic cigars from the Dominican Republic instead – great prices and the best quality. You’ll love them!
For more information about cigar prices in the Dominican Republic reach out to Cigar Country via their live chat or contact form. Moreover, make sure to subscribe to their newsletter for exclusive deals.
Your Cohiba Questions, Answered
Are the Dominican Cohiba cigars any good?
Yes, absolutely. The Dominican Cohiba is a super-premium brand made by General Cigar Company, one of the most respected manufacturers in the world. They consistently receive high ratings and are praised for their flawless construction and refined, complex flavors.
How can you spot a fake Cuban Cohiba?
Common signs of a fake Cuban Cohiba include poor construction, sloppy bands with printing errors, and being sold at a price that’s “too good to be true.” The safest rule, especially in tourist areas, is to assume any Cuban Cohiba sold outside of an official, state-run “La Casa del Habano” store is likely a fake.
What is the main difference in taste between a Cuban and a Dominican Cohiba?
While it varies by blend, Cuban Cohiba are generally known for an earthy, grassy profile with a unique “twang.” Dominican Cohibas, like the classic “Red Dot,” are typically smoother and creamier, with notes of cedar, leather, and sweet spice.
If I can’t buy Cuban Cohibas, what are the best alternatives?
The best alternative is the Dominican Cohiba itself, which was designed for the palate of the American aficionado. Other world-class Dominican brands that offer a similar level of prestige and quality include Arturo Fuente, Davidoff, and La Flor Dominicana.