Villiger La Capitana Toro

Villiger Sons Limited was founded by Jean Villiger in 1888 in the small Swiss town of Pfeffikon where their headquarters remain to this day – we think it’s safe to say that after 127 years, they know a few things about crafting high-quality cigars. The Villiger La Capitana is no exception. This authentic Nicaraguan puro starts with a bold mix of Nicaraguan long-fillers, a Nicaraguan binder, and is finished with a luscious dark chocolate colored Habano-seed Colorado wrapper. Light ‘er up and this medium to full puro will lend notes of spice and citrus with hints of chocolate. Powerful and memorable, enjoy this handmade with your favorite porter.

Though tobacco is indigenous to Hispaniola, the tobacco industry in the Dominican Republic existed in the shadow of Cuba’s dominance through the 1960s. When the exodus of Cuban cigar makers began in the wake of the revolution, many decided the Dominican Republic would be ideal for the resumption of their livelihoods. Unrest in Nicaragua in the 1980s fueled the Dominican cigar industry further. The country now makes more than half of the premium cigars imported into the U.S.

The Cibao Valley and the nearby city of Santiago are the center of cigar production in the Dominican Republic. Three main varieties are grown here: the mild and native Olor Dominicano; the intense Piloto Cubano, brought from the Vuelta Abajo of Cuba; and San Vicente, a milder and more acidic Piloto hybrid. Dominican puros were once unheard of as it was widely thought impossible to grow quality wrapper leaf on the island, but new growing techniques are now allowing some exceptional puros to be produced.