Cigars from Brazil – Origin, Flavor & All Series
Brasilien: Bestseller
Brasilien: All items
Whether magical football, vibrant carnival celebrations, or the natural wonders of the Amazon – Brazil stands for vitality and diversity. Few people, however, spontaneously associate the largest country in South America with cigars. Yet this is unjustified, as European settlers had already established the cultivation of tobacco here in the early colonial period.
Brazilian Cigars in Germany
For a long time, the domestic market was supplied primarily with inexpensive cigars from machine production, shaping Brazil’s image as a tobacco producer to this day. From grandfather’s days, one merely recalls the distinction between Brasil and Sumatra. At that time, all more or less machine-made cigars were generally divided into a light (Indonesia and Sumatra) and a dark variant (Brasil or Brazil).
These machine-made cigars are still available today; however, handmade longfiller cigars from the Caribbean have gained popularity over shortfillers. Since the longfiller cigar, rolled by hand from whole leaves, has experienced a resurgence, Brazilian series of this type have also become increasingly available on the local market and are gaining appreciation among aficionados.
Most Popular Brands
There are now several names worth knowing. These include Alonso Menendez and Villiger do Brasil – both cigars that combine exclusively Brazilian tobaccos under a Mata Fina wrapper. The same applies to Dona Flor Mata Fina, several formats of which have received high ratings in the trade magazine “Cigar Aficionado.”
A successful example of a blend is Regalia Fina: Brazilian sweetness and Cuban strength combine to form a composition that highlights the best qualities of both countries. Whether as a puro or a blend – the rich flavors of Brazil are something one should definitely try.
Meanwhile, Brazilian leaves are also playing an increasingly important role in products from other countries:
- Don Tomas Brazil uses an Arapiraca wrapper that provides an appealing appearance and complex notes.
- Parcero Brasil is rolled by the East Westphalian traditional manufacturer Arnold André in its own tabacalera in the Dominican Republic. These mild, nutty cigars feature not only a Mata Fina wrapper, but also the same tobacco in the filler.
- That Davidoff Escurio relies on a Cubra binder is akin to a knighthood. The Swiss premium brand elevates Brazilian tobacco into the top category – and demonstrates with this highly complex composition the potential it holds.
Cigars from Brazil: Aromatic and Complex
The main growing area for Brazilian tobaccos lies in the Região Nordeste, the northeastern tip of the country that juts into the Atlantic Ocean. It is home to more than a quarter of Brazil’s roughly 200 million inhabitants and at the same time a melting pot of the diverse cultures of former colonial rulers, former African slaves, and indigenous peoples. All the various influences from which modern Brazil emerged and which still shape it today coexist here in close proximity and lively exchange.
Important Brazilian Cigar Tobaccos at a Glance:
Among the best-known growing areas for Brazilian cigar tobacco are Arapiraca in the state of Alagoas and the region of Bahia with the renowned growing area Mata Fina. Arapiraca early on made a name for itself as a source of finely structured wrapper leaves with elegant spice, while Mata Fina tobaccos are prized for their dark color, oily sheen, and pronounced aroma. Climate, soil composition, and consistently warm temperatures create ideal conditions for high-quality tobacco in both regions – with clearly distinct flavor profiles.
The most important Brazilian cigar tobaccos differ significantly depending on the growing region in terms of structure, aroma, and use.
| Growing Area | Flavor & Leaf Structure | Use in Cigars |
|---|---|---|
| Arapiraca (State of Alagoas) |
Fine leaf structure Light spice Elegant and balanced |
Wrappers |
| Mata Fina (State of Bahia) |
Dark to almost black Oily sheen Sweetish, full-bodied, very aromatic |
Wrappers Filler |
The differences between Arapiraca and Mata Fina explain why Brazilian cigars are so versatile in flavor. While Arapiraca tobaccos are often used for elegant, finely structured wrappers, Mata Fina leaves provide depth, sweetness, and body. This combination makes Brazilian tobacco particularly attractive for puros as well as demanding blends.
An Alternative to Cuban Habanos: Brazilian Cigars
In addition to its typically spicy, smooth character, Brazilian tobacco is also distinguished by its affinity for blending. Its mild to medium strength allows it to harmonize well with other tobaccos, without dominating too strongly or being overshadowed. At the same time, it offers pleasantly full-bodied aromas of earth and wood, paired with a subtle sweetness.
Enthusiasts still influenced by outdated prejudices should form their own current impression. Although Cuban cigars are often stronger, Brazilian cigars impress with their complexity and volume. Word of this is gradually spreading among Havana fans as well. With their almost “rich” flavor, they are slowly but surely winning over the hearts of aficionados and are certain to convince even devoted smokers of Montecristo, Cohiba & Co.
That does not mean, however, that only fans of Cuban cigars should give them a try. Aficionados who prefer Nicaragua, Honduras, or fuller-bodied cigars from the Dominican Republic should also give Brazil a chance!
