Greetings from Ross your resident cigar expert at Havana House.
Arriving in Santiago, Dominican Republic, the heart of cigar paradise, marked the commencement of the Pro Cigar Festival 2024. Months of meticulous planning had led to this moment, and the anticipation of indulging in uninterrupted and unrestricted cigar enjoyment ignited a thrilling sense of excitement within me. Throughout my 10-day stay, I documented every cigar I had the pleasure of smoking, assigning each a Ross Rating out of 10.
Day 1 (Arrival & Pool Day)
Fuente Fuente Opus X Reserva D’Chateau Cigar – 10/10
Cavalier BII Viso Jalapa Torpedo Cigar – 9/10
Day 2 (E.P Carrillo Factory Tour)
E.P Carrillo Encore Black Cigar – 9/10
E.P Carrillo Encore Edicion Unica 1 Cigar – 9/10
West Tampa Tobacco Company Red Robusto Cigar – 8/10
Day 3 (Chateau Diadem Visit)
E.P Carrillo Allegiance Confidant Toro Cigar – 9/10
Chateau Diadem Conviction Robusto Cigar – 8/10
Day 4 (Chateau Diadem Grand Opening Day)
Chateau Diadem Lancero Cigar – 9/10
Davidoff Millennium Series Torpedo Cigar – 9/10
SAGA Short Tales Cigar – 7/10
Eladio Diaz Custom Rolled 50% Ligero Blend Diadema Cigar – 10/10
La Galera Chaveta Robusto Cigar – 7/10
Day 5 (Exploring Day)
San Cristobal (Paradiso) Ovation Decadence Cigar 8/10
Day 6 (La Galera Factory Tour)
La Galera Habano Perillas Lancero Cigar – 7/10
La Galera Anemoi Boreas Cigar – 8/10
Day 7 (La Flor Dominicana Factory Tour)
La Flor Dominicana Solis Cigar – 9/10
La Flor Dominicana La Nox Cigar – 8/10
La Flor Dominicana Toro Dominoes Wrapper Cigar – 10/10
Chateau Diadem Conviction Petit Belicoso Cigar – 8/10
Day 8 (General Cigar Factory Tour & White Party at Monumento de Santiago)
Partagas (Dominican) Classic Robusto Cigar – 6/10
Silencio Blue Robusto Cigar – 7/10
Weller by Cohiba (Silencio) 2023 Toro Cigar – 10/10
Casa Magna Connecticut Toro Gordo – 6/10
Arturo Fuente Rosado Sungrown Magnum R Cigar – 8/10
La Galera Imperial Jade Chiquito Perfecto Cigar – 8/10
Day 9 (Gala Dinner at Centro Español)
Montecristo (Dominican) Epic Vintage 12 Toro Cigar – 6/10
Macanudo Special Edition 2024 Cigar – 6/10
La Aurora Family Reserve Fernando Leon Legacy Cigar – 5/10
Quesada 50th Anniversary Cigar – 7/10
Carlos Andre Collectors Cut N2 Cigar – 5/10
Day 10 (Home Time)
Vegafina 1998 VF54 Cigar – 7/10
PDR 18th Anniversary Cigar – 6/10
SAGA The Gems Series Ambar Corona Cigar – 9/10
Fuente Opus X Oro Oscuro Super Belicoso Cigar – 10/10
E.P. Carrillo Reserva Robusto Especial Cigar – 8/10
Summary
The trip was truly remarkable! Each cigar factory I toured provided a fascinating glimpse into the unique processes of cigar making, with each establishment adding its distinctive touch. Staying in the same room as President Luis Abinader and Usain Bolt was a highlight, and meeting the dedicated individuals working in the cigar factories added depth to the experience. The Dominican Republic, with its breath-taking beauty, left a lasting impression, and the warmth and friendliness of everyone I encountered only heightened the enjoyment. I’m eagerly looking forward to my next visit.
Below are a selection of some of the cigars smoked above.