Does Puerto Rico Make Cigars: Unearthing the Tobacco Heritage of the Island

By Steve Dez •  Updated: 01/08/24 •  11 min read

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Yes, Puerto Rico does indeed make cigars, boasting a rich tradition that is embodied in the legacy of industry stalwarts such as Don Collins.

This Caribbean island is home to an underrated and exquisite quality of cigars, differentiated by the uniquely diverse blend of local and imported tobaccos.

An exploration into its agrotourism offerings uncovers a deep-rooted tobacco culture that forms the backbone of this artisanal industry.

With untapped potential waiting to be harnessed, there’s scope for significant growth in the production and sale of these handcrafted cigars.

In essence, buying local cigars offers an authentic experience that captures the unadulterated essence of Puerto Rican craftsmanship.

does puerto rico make cigars
Courtesy of @cigaraficionado
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The Legacy of Don Collins: A Pillar in Puerto Rico’s Cigar Industry

As an aficionado, when I think of cigar production in Puerto Rico, the first name that pops into my mind is Don Collins. An icon in the world of Puerto Rico cigars, Don Collins stands tall and proud as one of the oldest surviving cigar manufacturers in the Caribbean. It represents a rich and vibrant history that is deeply rooted in Puerto Rican culture.

Each cigar crafted by Don Collins is a testament to traditional Puerto Rican craftsmanship – handmade from all-natural, pesticide-free tobacco grown right here on our island. And let me tell you, these handmade cigars from Puerto Rico hold their own against any other globally recognized brand.

The Underrated Quality of Puerto Rican Cigars

In any case, it might come as a surprise to many that despite its exceptional quality; Puerto Rican cigars have been grossly underrated .

The island has lost some popularity as a source of great cigars over the decades, but don’t be mistaken – we still produce some top-notch quality cigars that are appreciated worldwide.

Diversifying the Island Flavor: How Local and Imported Tobaccos Blend in Puerto Rican Cigars

All things considered; it’s important to know about the unique blend that gives our cigars their distinct flavor.

While Don Collins may be known for producing purely local “puros”, many other Puerto Rican cigar brands use a mix of locally grown leaves and imported tobaccos from countries like Nicaragua.

Uncovering the Island’s Tobacco Roots through Agrotourism

You see; we take immense pride both in our history and our modern innovations.

Our commitment to our ancient traditions passed down through generations, coupled with the use of contemporary techniques, has created some truly remarkable cigars. This blend of old and new is clearly visible in our agrotourism farms, where visitors get a chance to learn about the history of cigar making in Puerto Rico and even try their hand at creating their very own cigar!

The Potential for Growth in Puerto Rico’s Artisanal Cigar Industry

With such dedication to quality and tradition, it is no wonder that the tobacco industry in Puerto Rico shows potential for growth.

Yes, we do face stiff competition from renowned tobacco-producing countries like the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. However, the premium cigars from Puerto Rico are slowly but surely gaining traction among aficionados worldwide .

Exploring the Authentic Experience: Buying Local Cigars in Puerto Rico

If you’re planning a visit to this beautiful island nation soon, I highly recommend trying out some traditional Puerto Rican cigars. Not only will you enjoy a superior product but also partake in a centuries-old tradition steeped in historical significance. Trust me when I say that experiencing the best cigars from Puerto Rico firsthand is an adventure worth remembering.

In conclusion, yes, Puerto Rico does make cigars, and they’re every bit as good as you might imagine. So next time you consider indulging your taste buds with some artisanal stogies, remember – Puerto Rican cigar brands are more than just an option; they’re an experience.

does puerto rico make cigars


Puerto Rico indeed has a rich history of cigar manufacturing. In the same vein, the island is also known for its other local commodities such as coffee and rum. It’s no wonder that some of the best tours in San Juan, include a visit to local cigar factories as well as coffee tours where tourists can have a first-hand experience of Puerto Rican coffee production.

Puerto Rico boasts not just its fine cigars, but also its internationally recognized rums. A visit wouldn’t be complete without taking part in the best rum tours in Puerto Rico. The distinct tastes and flavors truly capture the spirit of this vibrant Caribbean island.

Tourism plays an important role in Puerto Rico’s economy too. With vibrant culture and history, abundant natural beauty, and unique experiences – it’s not surprising that tourists frequent Puerto Rico. For those planning to stay longer, there are plenty of options for accommodation including unique Airbnb stays which showcase traditional architecture or breathtaking landscapes.

There’s much to be explored and appreciated on this wonderful island – including understanding Puerto Rico’s two official languages, which come together to shape its diverse identity. The interaction between these languages has created a melting pot of culture that resonates through every puff smoke from their locally made cigars.

My Personal Take about Does Puerto Rico make cigars?

Hey amigo, I hope you’re as excited about the enigma of Puerto Rican tobacco heritage as I am!

Your main question, does Puerto Rico make cigars, certainly piqued my interest, and in true Steve style, I’ve done some fieldwork. The island’s succulent soil blesses the tobacco grown here with a distinctive flavor profile, enjoyed by locals and lucky adventurers alike.

Inscribed within its lush green valleys hides a whole new world waiting to be discovered! Polished off with some insider tips that only an old legend like me could share. You see,’ a couple things worth noting are; – Always take time to enjoy local cuisine paired with stunning oceans views. – Explore both historic cities and national parks. – Cool down your afternoons at bioluminescent bays.

My words of advice? A journey to Puerto Rico isn’t just experienced but savored – moments steeped in ambiance unmatched anywhere else in the world! It’s not just about our coveted tobacco output – does Puerto Rico make cigars should be rephrased to ‘what doesn’t it create?

‘ There’s something hypnotically enchanting lingering around every nook and cranny of our beautiful island. So sit tight buddy, an enriching exploration awaits you on this hidden gem among the Caribbean islands, call it enchantment served generously from a local vat called La Isla Estrella — The Star Island for the uninitiated!

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Turisteando en Puerto Rico (@turisteandoenpuertorico_)


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Frequently Asked Questions about Does Puerto Rico make cigars?

Before you go…

Takeaway 1: Puerto Rican cigars are underrated but of high quality

Puerto Rico may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of cigars, but let me tell you, they have some top-notch smokes. Don Collins Puerto Rico, one of the oldest cigar manufacturers in the Caribbean, is proof of that. They use all-natural, pesticide-free tobacco grown right here on the island. So next time you’re in the mood for a good cigar, don’t sleep on Puerto Rican puros.

Takeaway 2: Puerto Rico’s rich history and tradition in cigar production

Did you know that Puerto Rico has a long-standing relationship with tobacco cultivation and cigar making? It’s true! The legacy of Don Collins is deeply rooted in our history and culture. We’ve been honing our craft for generations, following ancient traditions passed down through the years. But don’t think we’re stuck in the past – we’re always innovating to meet modern demands. In fact, you can even visit agrotourism farms here where you can learn all about our tobacco history and even create your own cigar. Talk about an authentic experience!

Takeaway 3: The potential for growth in Puerto Rico’s artisanal cigar industry

Sure, we might face some tough competition from other countries known for their cigars, like the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. But that doesn’t mean we can’t hold our own. Our local artisanal cigar industry is growing steadily thanks to its high-quality production that attracts aficionados from around the world. So why not support local businesses and join in on this centuries-old tradition? When you buy a Puerto Rican cigar, not only are you getting a quality product but also becoming part of something historic and meaningful.

Check out our article on the best beach in Puerto Rico for your next vacation.

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Steve Dez

Also known as Richport, is a Puerto Rican creator and writer. He grew up in the island and always had a passion for writing, he wrote his first play at the age of 12 and has been creating content ever since. He's now a well-known blogger and creative who writes posts, songs and poetry that showcase his love for his roots, blending traditional stories with modern themes always with some adobo and boricua flavors in the mix.