Nicaraguan vs Dominican cigars
The two biggest homes of premium cigars, side by side, with the top-scoring picks from each that we track.
Nicaraguan
- Often described as bolder and spicier, with more pepper.
- Many of the most-awarded factories of the last decade are in and around Estelí.
- Plenty of all-Nicaraguan blends (puros) as well as blends with imported wrappers.
Top nicaraguan picks
Dominican
- Often described as smoother and more refined.
- Home to long-established names such as the Fuente family factory and Davidoff.
- Wrappers are often imported, for example from Ecuador or Cameroon.
Top dominican picks
So which should you pick?
Country is a starting point, not a rule. A blend's wrapper, strength and size change the experience more than where it was rolled. If you like bold and peppery, start Nicaraguan. If you like smooth and balanced, start Dominican, then let the scores guide you.
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