The Best Dominican Cigars & Factory Tours In DR
If you’re a cigar aficionado, you might already know that 44% of the world’s most popular cigars come from the Dominican Republic. The Caribbean country’s cigars are among the luxuries worth traveling across the globe for, so the 11 million international annual visitors aren’t a surprise!
Here’s how to navigate the cigar scene on a trip to the Dominican Republic.
The Best Dominican Cigars
The Dominican Republic is the world’s largest producer of cigars. Dominican brands like Davidoff, Arturo Fuente, Ashton, and La Flor Dominicana have garnered international acclaim.
Arturo Fuente OpusX
Editors of the connoisseur magazine Cigar Aficionado rate the Fuente OpusX family as “undoubtedly the most coveted premium cigar in the world.” Collectors often pay triple the retail price for limited-edition runs in mint condition.
The premium Dominican Puros are full-bodied, wrapped and filled with rare tobacco grown in the mineral-rich Cibao Valley. The family’s Forbidden X line uses a secret, barrel-aged blend, each unique cultivar harvested from the Chateau de la Fuente.
The Angels Share line fills a flavor-rich wrapper with tobacco aged in barrels infused with evaporated wine, sourced from the middle priming of the tobacco plant.
In 2023, the Fuente Fuente OpusX Reserva d’Chateau won Cigar of the Year for its elegant balance and power. Judges noted, “The cigar is leathery and assertively spicy without being harsh, inlaid with an opulent sweetness of baking spices, nutmeg and vanilla.”
Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real Belicoso No. 2
Romeo y Julieta is a highly-rated brand of premium Dominican cigars. The Reserva line is medium-bodied, cream-like, rich, and offers a warm flavor profile. The line is known for its earthy, robust core and smooth aftertaste.
Master blenders of Cigar Country describe Real Belicoso No. 2 as “slightly sweet in flavor with a woodsy flavor and a tender aroma.” Notes of coffee and cinnamon add complexity
La Flor Dominicana (LFD) Andalusian Bull & Double Ligero
The La Flor Dominicana (LFD) brand uses rare, estate-grown tobacco, exclusively cultivated in La Canela. Its Andalusian Bull line won Cigar of the Year in 2016, while the Double Ligero rates highly among collectors for its dark, bold flavor profile.
The LFD Andalusian Bull is in such high demand, it’s often impossible to find outside of the Dominican Republic. Awarding judges describe its flavor as “a blend that is both bold and refined (like a bull and a matador).”
The first impression is savory: bold notes of hickory with an undercurrent of leather. Yet, as one continues to smoke it, the cigar, “take[s] on a complex spiciness of saffron and cumin as well as a slight tangy note that brings the strength and spice together quite gracefully—and it only gets better with every puff.”
The Double Ligeros are intense, and cigar sommeliers recommend enjoying them after a hearty meal. Ligeros are dark and robust. Most pack a powerful punch: “each puff bursts with black, white, and red pepper,” balanced with mild sweetness.
Double Ligeros amplify the effect with “a bold core of earth and toast with ripe undertones of raisin and licorice,” and a sweet, woody finish.
Best Experiential Tours of Dominican Republic Cigar Brands
The majority of cigar brands in DR offer tours of their farms or factories. Two stand out.
For Luxury: Arturo Fuente Factory Tour In Santo Domingo
Arturo Fuente is a family legacy. Visitors can enjoy a guided walking tour of the Fuente factory, learning about the unique “alchemy” in the making of the world’s best Dominican cigars—and, potentially, the best premium cigars on Earth.
Tours are paced comfortably, so tour groups can luxuriate in the experience. At the end, guests can lounge or shop in the Arturo Fuente Luxury Cigar Club. True aficionados can upgrade their event with an exclusive, interactive experience at Chateau De La Fuente.
For History: Vivonté Cigar Factory Tour In Santo Domingo
The Vivonté Cigar Factory Tour walks visitors through each stage of the cigar-making process—from farming and aging tobacco to curing and rolling. Guides also explore the history of cigar culture in the Dominican Republic, highlighting how the Cuban Revolution spurred innovation in the DR.
Tour groups are encouraged to roll their own cigars, and complimentary post-meal cigarillos are provided.
Best Place(s) To Buy Cigars In The Dominican Republic
Cigar clubs and shops can be found in almost every city and town on the island. Yet, for the connoisseur, a few spots are true highlights:
- Santo Domingo, home of Arturo Fuente and popular visitor-friendly cigar clubs
- La Romana & Santiago, the host cities of the annual Procigar Festival
- Punta Cana, a luxurious coastal town with over 16 cigar bars, lounges, and specialty shops—including the beachside Cigar Club Bávaro
Factory tours also offer enthusiasts the opportunity to buy cigars after sampling a few and, often, rolling their own.
Experience Cigars, Chocolate, and Rum In The Dominican Republic
Caravan’s all-inclusive tours leave nothing to chance. Our travel directors hand-pick meals, accommodations, and events, booking a comfortable itinerary well in advance, so guests can skip the travel-planning stress.
The weeklong Dominican Republic Tour takes travelers to warm beaches, historic sites, and luxurious experiences—including a cigar factory tour in Santo Domingo.
To book your spot, call 1-800-227-2826. For more information, contact our team at 1-312-321-9800.