Way back in the 15th century when the Spaniards first arrived in the Americas they experienced for the first time one of the native Taíno indian customs, “tobaku” or cigars. They recorded stories of the Tainos who would roll the shredded “tobaku” leaves into a wrapper leaf and lit one end while inhaling from the other. They called these rolled leaves “cohiba”. Tobaku was also used by the Taino healers. They would inhale the smoke and blow it over their patient. This practice is still carried out by some of the faith healers in the Caribbean. Cigars and tobacco smoking have been a tradition on the island for more than 1,000 years.
The Spaniards adopted the custom and cigars (from the Mayan word sikar) became popular in the Old World. Tobacco was one of the main exports of the Caribbean all the way up to recent years. In the early 20th century Puerto Rico produced 35 million tons of tobacco and cigar production was a major employer. The oldest surviving cigar factory in the world, established in 1506, is in Puerto Rico. It was built on the site where Taino chiefs would get together and smoke their cohibas. It is now called the Puerto Rico Tobacco Company and produces the Don Collins cigars. You can find them at the Don Collins store in Old San Juan.
Take a tobacco farm tour
Today tobacco is still grown on the island but not at the same level. Finca Neo Jibaro in Río Grande, an agro-ecological farm is now growing their own tobacco. They dry, age and roll it on premise and even offer tours where you can learn about the history of tobacco in Puerto Rico. You also get pointers on how to taste and a class on how to roll your own cigar. A must do experience for any aficionado. They also have a cigar lounge called La Turrería in Bayamón.
Cigar Lounges, stores and more
Old San Juan and Condado are where you’ll find most of the lounges to enjoy local cigars and great rum.
The Cigar House on Fortaleza Street in OSJ features the largest walk-in humidor in the Caribbean. You can choose form over 500 units from Davidoff, My Father, Arturo Fuentes, Padrón, Drew Estate and Avo, along with great Nicaraguan, Honduran, Dominican and Puerto Rican options. They have a top rate staff that can help you pick your new favorite. They also offer a lounge in the back to enjoy your purchase along with a full bar.
Don Collins is a hidden gem on Calle del Cristo, close to the cathedral. They feature locally grown and made Don Collins cigars in a small cozy environment that will make you feel welcome. Acompany your smoke with a fine Puerto Rican rum and you might never want to leave.
At Casa de Montecristo you’ll find a large selection of premium cigar brands and blends along with a wide selection of fine spirits and cocktails. Located in a 400 year old building on Cristo Street so you get to experience classy Old San Juan with your cigar.
Don Rey is a local cigar store with multiple locations on the Island. Old San Juan and La Placita in Santurce are their most popular. Good cigar and rum selection.
Kuros Smoke Lounge is on Ashford Ave in Condado. It’s a chill hookah and cigar lounge. Small but great selection with plenty of aged rums, whiskies and cocktails.
Sibarita means “luxury loving” and that’s exactly what you’ll find at La Sibarita on Ashford Ave in Condado. This luxurious second floor lounge gives off a speakeasy sophisticated vibe. Premium cigars cocktails, fine wines and whiskeys.
La Turrería is a cigar lounge on Dr. Santiago Veve street in Bayamón about 25 minutes or so to the west of San Juan. They feature locally grown tobacco from their Neo Jibairo farm in Río Grande. (Tours available). They have a great selection on Puerto Rican and international cigars a full bar and a relaxing environment.
From a Taíno tradition to modern cigar lounges, cigar smoking has been part of Puerto Rico for many centuries. Take a moment to relax and enjoy some of the island’s finest along with some great, aged rum. You’ll be happy you did.
