Known for its Arabica coffee production, Costa Rica is also a major cigar-producing country. Situated between Nicaragua and Panama, its temperate climate and volcanic soil are ideal for growing tobacco. It is particularly famous for its puros. The tobaccos harvested in Costa Rica have a fine aromatic balance and are distinguished by their earthy, very natural flavors, which are instantly recognizable. We have selected for you the 10 Costa Rican cigars you should try at least once in your life.
1. Brun Del Ré Premium Corona
The cigar Brun Del Ré Corona is a cigar with mild aromas and an ideal draw. Made from a blend of tobacco from Nicaragua, a Sumatra wrapper from Indonesia and a magnificent Connecticut wrapper from Ecuador, it gives off notes of wood, cream and light pepper. On the second third, peppery and spicy flavors harmoniously complete the profile. Ideal for morning tasting or after a light lunch, this cigar made in Costa Rica's Heredia province is perfect for beginners, but will also delight aficionados looking for a complex, subtle smoke. Note that the Brun Del Ré brand was voted "Best brand in Costa Rica" in 2014 and 2015 by the Cigar Journal.
2. Tres Hermanos No.3 Robusto
The cigar Tres Hermanos No.3 Robusto is a rustic-looking cigar with a rich aroma from the moment it is lit. Made from a Maduro Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, a Nicaraguan wrapper and a blend of Honduran and Nicaraguan tobaccos, this blend gives off earthy, cinnamon and caramel flavors. As the tasting progresses, notes of chocolate, wood and coffee also appear, eventually giving way to spicier aromas. With its dense smoke and medium strength, this cigar is guaranteed to last about half an hour.
3. Vegas de Santiago D8 566
Vegas de Santiago is Costa Rica's leading cigar manufacturer. With the Vegas de Santiago D8 566This is one of her finest cigars. Made from an Ecuadorian Habano 2000 wrapper, an Ecuadorian binder and a blend of Nicaraguan and Costa Rican tobaccos, this cigar offers a fine structure and easy draw. From the very first puff, vegetal, cocoa and roasted coffee notes fill the palate. Medium-bodied, it evolves into a beautifully complex and rounded cigar.
4. Legend of Eight Big Short
The first puro in our selection, the Legend of Eight Big Short is made from a Costa Rican Colorado Claro wrapper, a Costa Rican sous-cape and a Costa Rican tripe. Measuring 115 mm in length by 26.78 mm in diameter, it will accompany you for 40 to 60 minutes of smoking. Ideal for an evening smoke, this robust cigar offers earthy aromas and notes of coffee, leather and spices.
5. Skull 77 El Unico
With his capo 58 ring and his "skull and crossbones with a red eye (a nod to Terminator) and cigar in the beak" biker look, Skull 77 El Unico will appeal to fans of strong sensations. Rolled from an Ecuadorian H2000 wrapper, an Ecuadorian wrapper and a blend of tobaccos from Peru, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic, this Gordo gives off earthy, spicy aromas with a slight black pepper overtone. Its high volume of smoke gives it a long finish, making it a wonderful accompaniment to an aperitif or the end of the day.
6. Minautor No.1
Le Minautor is a 175 mm long cigar with a diameter of 26.77 mm, offering great power and a rich, gourmand aromatic profile. Made entirely from Costa Rican tobaccos, this puro is wrapped in a dark, oily wrapper. Raw, it gives off floral and animal notes. Once lit, aromas of spices and roasted beans develop, accompanied by notes of dark chocolate, coffee, wood and earth.
7. Brun Del Ré 1787 Rainforest Short Robusto
Le Brun Del Ré 1787 Rainforest Short Robusto is a beautifully constructed cigar topped with an attractive pigtail. Entirely made from tobaccos grown in the Pérez Zeledon region of southern Costa Rica, this puro is powerful and easy to draw. From the first third, vegetal and white pepper flavors emerge, eventually giving way to creamy, toasty notes. A generous cigar specially created to raise smokers' awareness of the need to protect the rainforest.