7 Best Mexican Cigars
Traditionally, when we talk about Dominican or Nicaraguan cigars, we’re referring to cigars that are produced in those countries. An exception to the rule is Mexican cigars. While Mexico is not home to a considerable number of cigar factories, it is a substantial source for premium tobacco – specifically, the San Andrés Valley in Veracruz where much tobacco is grown for wrapper. Because wrappers from San Andrés adorn a number of prominent premium blends today, these cigars are sometimes loosely referred to as Mexican cigars, even though they are technically rolled in other countries like the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua.
Nestled in the southern rim of the Gulf of Mexico, San Andrés is home to an abundance of premium tobacco fields thanks to the region’s fertile volcanic soils. The fields yield marvelous and rich crops well suited for extensive fermentation. The hearty plants are commonly stalk cut like Connecticut Broadleaf.
Prohibitive trade agreements that existed up through the 1990s are to blame for Mexico’s lagging evolution as a hub for cigar-making, unlike neighboring Honduras and Nicaragua. The Turrent family is the leading grower of tobacco in San Andrés. The family has been farming tobacco in Mexico since the 1880s, and they are the makers of Te-Amo, one of the few brands manufactured in Mexico. The rugged, inexpensive reputation of Te-Amo has largely influenced consumer perception of Mexican cigars as being less desirable. That has changed in recent years.
Today, no one will argue with the quality and flavor authentic San Andrés tobaccos deliver. A number of prominent cigar-makers proudly assert their cigars are made with Mexican tobacco. Many aficionados seek out cigars blended with San Andrés wrappers. Here are the best ones you can buy.
#1 - La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor
Celebrated cigar-maker Jose ‘Pepin’ Garcia blends La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor from a premium interior of Nicaraguan long-fillers accentuated by an oily San Andrés wrapper leaf. A creamy profile of cocoa and smoked nuts accompanies notes of cracked black pepper in a sweet and woody conclusion. The versatile 95-rated blend scored ‘#2 Cigar of the Year’ honors from Cigar Aficionado following its debut. Consider the fuller-bodied taste of La Aroma de Cuba Reserva which is finished in a daker and stronger San Andrés Oscuro wrapper.
#2 - Oliva Serie V Maduro
Only recently has Oliva Serie V Maduro been made available to the masses. The sought-after rarity was originally a small-batch annual release that sold out quickly. A dark and lustrous San Andrés wrapper leaf hugs a robust recipe of hearty Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos. Notes of earth, leather, and cayenne intensify in a spicy, resonant finish.
#3 - E.P. Carrillo La Historia
Renowned cigar-maker Ernest Perez-Carrillo achieved much recognition for E.P. Carrillo La Historia when Cigar Aficionado awarded the blend 95 points and the ‘#2 Cigar of the Year’ for 2014. Notes of baking spices, cedar, and chestnuts harbor a nutty and sweet character before a generous finish sets in. A glistening San Andrés wrapper leaf marries a complex blend of Nicaraguan long-fillers and an Ecuador binder.
#4 - Liga Undercrown by Drew Estate
An oily San Andrés wrapper leaf embraces a unique amalgam of Nicaraguan and Brazilian long-fillers in a handful of thick shapes. Tasting notes of coffee beans, hickory, and black pepper converge in a popular blend developed to satisfy the increasing demand for the company’s sought-after Liga Privada No. 9 and Liga Privada T52 cigars. Liga Undercrown stands on its own.
#5 - Montecristo Platinum
An intricate blend of Dominican, Nicaraguan, and Peruvian tobaccos lies under a shimmering San Andrés wrapper leaf in a collection of Cuban-legacy cigars. Montecristo Platinum is rated 94 points for a balanced profile of oak, cocoa, and roasted espresso beans with a peppery finish.
#6 - Romeo y Julieta San Andrés
Popular boutique cigar-maker AJ Fernandez lends his blending expertise to Romeo y Julieta San Andrés. A toothy San Andrés wrapper leaf conceals a hearty combination of Dominican and Nicaraguan long-fillers. An earthy and leathery profile of chestnuts, cedar, and pepper layers the palate from beginning to end.
#7 - Rocky Patel Mulligans Eagle Reserve
Fans of San Andrés wrappers can save a bundle on an insanely popular bundle from Rocky Patel: Rocky Patel Mulligans Eagle Reserve. Mouthwatering notes of dark chocolate and walnuts reveal signature Rocky spices in an excellent collection of shapes. Value and quality meet in an authentic cigar drawn from an oily San Andrés wrapper and a premium blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan long-fillers.
Explore Mexican San Andrés Wrapper Cigars
Buy plenty of other great cigars blended with San Andrés wrappers from My Father, La Flor Dominicana, Kristoff, and more. Discover even more top-rated, popular blends from today’s celebrated cigar-makers and small-batch brands when you want to taste the sweet and smoky signature the best Mexican wrappers are famous for.
