Lounge
May 1, 2015
The 9th: Cigar Origins - Nicaragua
9th Installment: Cigar Producing Regions: Nicaragua
Winner of Best Cigar of the Year!
Nicaragua is characterized by many cigar makers who have factories in both Nicaragua and neighboring Honduras, due to their close geographical proximity as producing regions.
They leverage this advantage to produce high-quality cigars.
By Mamoru Hiromi
A Country Represented by "Padrón"
Padrón
Nicaragua's finest brand.
A family company where the Padrón father and son produce cigars in Nicaragua, based in Miami.
As a cigar-producing country, Nicaragua has only recently begun to attract significant attention, starting this century.
The catalyst for this was undoubtedly the awarding of "Best Cigar of the Year" to "Padrón," the pinnacle of Nicaraguan cigars, by "Cigar Aficionado," a prestigious American cigar magazine.
The smooth yet rich and full-bodied flavor of Nicaraguan cigars was highly praised.
Located geographically south compared to Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras, the strong sunlight allows for the cultivation of tobacco with a robust flavor. Nicaragua's tobacco-growing region is the Jalapa River Valley in the northern Nueva Segovia department.
In Nicaragua, though in very small quantities similar to the Dominican Republic, tobacco for wrappers is also produced, and there are cigars made from 100% Nicaraguan tobacco, such as "Padrón" and "Plasencia Reserva Organica."
The cigar manufacturing hub is concentrated in Estelí department, located about a three-hour drive from the capital, Managua. Brands such as "Padrón," "CAO," "Hoyo de Nicaragua," and "Plasencia" are produced here.
Plasencia
Known for its organic cigars. The Plasencia father and son handle everything from tobacco cultivation to cigar manufacturing. It is a giant manufacturer with 5,000 employees and five factories in Honduras and Nicaragua.
CAO
Owned by the Oszhener family, CAO is popular in America.
A regular high-scorer in tasting evaluations by cigar magazines.
The effects of the major earthquake that struck the capital, Managua, which was thriving as Central America's largest city in 1972, are still felt today, but the economy is steadily recovering.
Due to their close geographical proximity to neighboring Honduras, many cigar makers have factories dispersed across both countries.
This is an advantage compared to island nations surrounded by sea, like Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Nicaragua and Honduras have a complementary relationship in the manufacturing of handmade cigars.
Mamoru Hiromi's Top Recommendation!
Partagás
"Serie D No. 3"
(Box of 25 / ¥35,000)
Despite its slender body,
a rich flavor and an elegant aroma.
