Wrappers A-Z: Nicaraguan

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Despite political upheavals which have made production difficult at times, Nicaragua has proved to be a leader in premium cigar production and puts out some of the most aromatic and flavorful tobacco in the world. Nicaraguan wrappers are valued worldwide for their distinguishing qualities, though at one time (around 1979 when the Sandinistas took over), wrapper production virtually ceased, thanks to blue mold and socioeconomic action taken by Cuba against Nicaragua’s tobacco crops. This incident was just one of many in the country’s history which have made it difficult for manufacturers to flourish.

It was after Violeta Chamorro was elected and the socialist regime was overturned that tobacco started to take off in Nicaragua once more. Nicaragua’s growing woes weren’t over yet, though; Hurricane Mitch devastated the country in 1998 when a year’s worth of rain fell in a matter of days, washing away topsoil and devastating infrastructure. Once again, Nicaragua’s dedicated cigar industry would start anew and gain the same international renown it had won in the past time and again.

Most of the wrappers in Nicaragua are produced in Esteli and the Jalapa Valley. The city of Esteli is a booming center of industry which revolves mostly around two exports: tobacco and coffee. Padron’s Cubanica, Segovia, and Tabacalera Perdomo are all located here. The Jalapa Valley on the other hand is quite isolated, located along the country’s border. The volcanic soil and lush climates of both areas lend their uniqueness to the flavors and aromas of the tobacco leaves grown there. Leaves grown in the Jalapa Valley in particular are used for wrappers, being rich but sweet. Other wrapper leaves originated in Cuba, having been smuggled in over the years, one example being the Habana 2000 corojo hybrid seed.

Nicaragua, like Cuba, produces a large quantity of puro premium cigars which use nothing but tobacco leaves grown domestically within the country’s borders. Nicaragua has won its place as one of the world’s leading premium cigar exporters through perseverance in the face of political, socioeconomic and natural upheaval, and deserves accolades not only for its aromatic tobacco but also for its determination.

Examples

A LOT of cigars use Nicaraguan tobacco, including major brands like Padron, Oliva or Tatuaje. Here are some of the best cigars with Nicaraguan wrappers:

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