Davidoff
The globally renowned brand "Davidoff" offers a wide array of gentleman's essentials beyond cigars, including fragrances, leather bags, and smoking accessories.

In 1959, when Fidel Castro nationalized Cuban land and industries controlled by American capital, cigar manufacturers who had been producing cigars in Cuba were forced to flee abroad. This marked the beginning of the dual origin issue, where the same cigar brands now exist with both Cuban and Dominican origins.

The Dominican Republic, chosen as a destination for emigration during the Cuban Revolution, is now home to various cigar manufacturers. Today, it boasts the world's largest number of cigar brands, and ranks first in the import volume of handmade cigars to the United States.

Arturo Fuente
Owned by the Fuente father and son, this is the most popular cigar in America.

The Legendary OpusX Cigar

The most famous tobacco-growing region in this country is the Cibao River Valley. Located in Santiago Province, it is globally recognized as a tobacco-producing area. While Cuban cigars are called "Havana" (pronounced Abano) in France and other countries, Dominican cigars are often referred to as "Santo Domingo" (pronounced San Domingo). Both names originate from the capital city and its port. High-quality tobacco is also cultivated in La Vega Province, south of Santiago.

Typically, Dominican cigars use Dominican tobacco for their fillers and binders, combined with wrappers from Connecticut, USA, or Ecuador. However, a very small quantity of cigars, known as "OpusX," are made entirely from 100% Dominican tobacco, making them exceptionally rare. Their taste can only be described as "strong."

Diamond Crown
The "Maximus" line from Diamond Crown rivals Arturo Fuente's OpusX as its highest-grade offering.

Most cigar manufacturing plants are concentrated in Santiago, including the factory of the globally renowned Davidoff company. Another prominent factory is Tabacalera A. Fuente, which produces brands such as Arturo Fuente, Cuesta-Rey, Diamond Crown, and Ashton.

The only exception is the factory of Tabacalera de García, which manufactures brands for Altadis USA, a subsidiary of the world's largest group, Altadis. This factory is located in La Romana, in the eastern part of the country, and produces brands like Santa Damiana, Henry Clay, and Cabañas.

Mamoru Hiromi's Top Pick!
Juan Lopez
Selection No. 2
(Box of 25 / ¥52,500)
A beautiful, oil-like brown wrapper, a full-bodied profile. Smooth and mellow taste.