La Perla Habana Cobre

Two of the industry's most respected entrepreneurs, Sergio Cuevas and Doug Wood, took it upon themselves to recreate La Perla Habana, a well-known Cuban brand, in the Dominican Republic. They’ve created a cigar in which commitment, quality, and flavor are paramount: a cigar worthy of its name, “Pearl of Habana.” La Perla Habana marries an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper leaf with a Habana Criollo binder and robust Nicaraguan long fillers. With its light wrapper, the stick looks innocent enough but this medium to full-bodied handmade will grab your attention. The burn is almost perfect. It starts smooth and mellow but, within the first few puffs, it gets bold and stays that way through the whole cigar. Expect rich tobacco notes backed by pepper, chocolate and cedar. Look for thick clouds of silky, white smoke to confirm the easy draw. Chock full of flavor, La Perla Habana smokes smooth and cool throughout. Consider pairing it with a well-aged Cabernet.

The Nicaraguan cigar industry originated when Cuban cigar makers escaped the revolution and re-established their livelihood in Nicaragua with Cuban-seed tobacco. Blessed with dark, rich soil, their new home was ideal for tobacco cultivation and Nicaragua quickly became known for cigars that rivaled Cuban quality. Unfortunately, revolution and war came to Nicaragua in the 1980s and devastated the industry, but it’s rebounded dramatically and is once again producing tobacco considered by many to be the finest in the world. The Esteli Valley is in many ways the heart of Nicaraguan production and is known for its very powerful and spicy tobacco. The Jalapa Valley produces arguably the finest tobacco in the country: somewhat sweeter and less intense than Esteli, but extremely complex. The tobacco of the Condega Valley is often described as a blend of the other two regions.