Buena Vista Araperique (Zigarillos)

As one of Germany’s most significant cigar importers, Arnold André has now treated itself to a “proper” in-house brand in the longfiller segment. Originally produced by long-term partner La Aurora Cigar, the manufacturer behind, among others, Leon Jimenes cigars, these cigars are now made in Arnold André’s own Tabacalera in the Dominican Republic. In the process, a tobacco has been used that has never existed in this form before.

Arnold André’s Innovation in the Cigar Market: The Uniqueness of Araperique

The standout feature is this Brazilian Arapiraca in the filler, which has been treated in a special way. In pipe tobacco, it is common to further ferment tobaccos in old whisky barrels under higher pressure. This method has now also been applied to Brazilian tobacco for cigar production over a period of 12 months: the result is a very dark, particularly strong, and aromatic filler tobacco that gives these Dominican cigars a distinctive twist.

This new brand features a completely new tobacco in the filler: Araperique – a coined term from Arapiraca and Perique. The Brazilian Arapiraca is fermented using the Perique method, known from the world of pipe tobacco. With Perique, the tobacco is moistened and pressed under high pressure in wooden barrels. The resulting liquid supports the fermentation, which can last over a year. And how does the new Araperique tobacco taste in a cigar? Certainly not like pipe tobacco, but in our initial tasting we detected an interesting fruity note. These cigars have impressed us in various tastings. They are Dominican cigars that are harmonious, rich in aroma, yet still fairly mild in their blend.

Buena Vista Cigars: Innovation Meets Tradition

As an additional highlight, the box is filled around the cigars with a frame made of pieces of tobacco ribs. While these are not smokable, they certainly create an appealing visual effect. Over time, more vitolas have been added, including a Belicoso and a Petit Corona. Unlike the others, the smaller format is delivered in boxes of 30. A slightly stronger and smokier alternative to those presented here are the Buenavista Dark Fired Kentucky cigars, which feature Kentucky tobacco cured over oak fire in the filler. You can find a complete overview of all cigarillos and cigars from Buena Vista here!