Lounge
May 1, 2015
Part 10: Cigar Origins - Honduras
10th Installment: Cigar-Producing Regions: Honduras
The Origin of the Name Honduras
Honduras, a country whose name evokes depth, produces cigars with a profound character.
By Mamoru Hiromi
A Land of Affordable Handmade Cigars
Honduras has long been recognized as a source of high-quality, affordable handmade cigars.
It ranks second in export volume to the United States, following the Dominican Republic.
Early on, they utilized Cuban seeds, producing cigars with a flavor profile akin to Cuban varieties.
The cultivation of tobacco and the manufacturing of cigars are not concentrated in a single region but are dispersed across several. The main hubs are San Pedro Sula in the north and Danlí in the south.
In Santa Rosa de Copán, southwest of San Pedro Sula and near the Guatemalan border, the brand "Flor de Copán" is produced by Altadis. This location also previously manufactured "Zino," a secondary brand for Davidoff.
"La Eminencia"
Produced in Honduras by Vincent & Tampa Cigar Company, headquartered in Miami
"Camacho"
A cigar using the Corojo varietal, cultivated in the Jamastran Valley of eastern Honduras by the Eiroa family, owners of Tabacos Rancho Jamastran.
A very small quantity of tobacco for wrappers is also produced in Honduras, leading to the existence of 100% Honduran cigars like "Camacho."
The origin of the name Honduras is said to stem from Christopher Columbus's attempt to land here in 1502. He dropped anchor, but it didn't reach the seabed, leading him to name the land "hondura," meaning "deep" in Spanish.
True to its name, Honduran cigars are characterized by their deep, rich flavors.
Mamoru Hiromi's Top Pick!
San Luis Rey
"Regios"
(25 cigars / ¥37,500)
A staple Robusto-sized cigar offering excellent value.
