Picture this: you're at a buddy's house for a cigar and poker night. You've just clipped and lit a freshie. As you take your first draw, you close your eyes to savor the flavor and incredible smoothness that hits your lungs.

"I love Cuban cigars," you say to your friend, assuming it's Cuban because it's so good. "That's not a Cuban, my friend," he replies "We're smoking Dominican Republic cigars tonight."

Your jaw almost drops to the floor, because you had no idea there were great Dominican cigars out there. The reality is that Dominican cigars aren't so different from Cuban cigars. And with the exceptional Quality Control and aging, some times, Dominican Cigars go on and beyond some Cuban Cigars.

After all, the Spanish started manufacturing cigars in Cuba for just one reason: the climate. The Dominican Republic shares the same climate as Cuba, so the difference is negligible. Dominican Republic is responsible for providing the wrapper for one of the Best Cigars out there: Fuente Fuente Opus X. A vast variety of Dominica Tobacco is produced by some companies like La Flor Dominicana at La Canela farm, All the Dominican Montecristo Cigars are produce in the island, just to name a few. 

Ready to try one yourself? Keep reading for the top five best Dominican cigars you can get your hands on today!

La Flor Dominicana Ligero

The La Flor Dominicana Ligero is a full-flavor cigar that's super complex and perfectly strong. It features a musky spice profile with strong notes of cedar. The smoke is fragrant and hardy, so prepare yourself for one of the richest cigar smoking experiences you have yet to enjoy.

This cigar is primarily stuffed with ligero leaf tobacco, and the wrapper is an Ecuadorian Sumatra. The two complement each other perfectly, which naturally lead to its score of 90 on Cigar Aficionado.

Enjoy this one on a chilly winter evening, paired with a stiff glass of whiskey and some philosophical conversation.

Montecristo White

Montecristo White: the white whale of Dominican cigars. With an excellent draw coming from an impeccable construction.

Originally created by Pepe Garcia and Alonso Menendez, the White is stuffed with a blend of the best Nicaraguan and Dominican long fillers. It's wrapped with hand-chosen Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade. It's also smooth as butter, and just as creamy, too.

The well-rounded, elegant smoke makes for a flavorful yet subtle smoking experience. It's a favorite for a hot summer night, paired with a peppery glass of Mezcal and a cool breeze.

Ashton Classic

The Ashton Classic didn't become one of the best Dominican Republic cigars by accident. When Robert Levin wanted to start his own cigar company, his primary focus was on quality. That's when he contacted one of the greats, Carlos Fuente.

Fuente's experience paired with Levin's dream created this cigar: the Ashton Classic. It's since become of the most sought-after cigars on the market. The impeccable construction by Fuente and the elegant manners of the Ashton the combination is just sublime.

It's an expertly constructed cigar that boasts a Connecticut Shade wrapper. The flavor profile gives notes of toasted cashews and rich wood with a perfectly spiced aftertaste. Its smoke is creamy and billowy, and the burn is incredibly consistent throughout.

This one needs no pairing. It's designed from start to finish by some of the best cigar makers in the world. Close your eyes and savor it.

Trinidad Santiago

If you're a Cuban lover looking to branch out, the Trinidad Santiago is for you. It's a Cuban-heritage Dominican cigar created by Rafael Nodal and Jochy Blanco.

This one features a 100% Dominican blend filling which gives notes of cedar, coffee, licorice, and a subtle black pepper finish. The medium body smoke is long-lasting and rich with flavor, and the draw is incredibly balanced.

Oh, and it's also scored a 92 on Cigar Aficionado, so you know it's going to be good!

PDR 1878 Cubano Especial Capa Natural

Packed with a handpicked blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers, this beauty is wrapped with an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper and rolled tight using the entubado method. It's a reliable, long-burning smoke made in a boutique factory in the Dominican Republic.

Tasting notes of toasted oak and vanilla bean make this robust smoke that's on the sweet side. The smoke is medium-bodied, not lingering too long while still holding flavor.

Pair the PDR 1878 Cubano Especial with a glass of red wine and a slice of pecan pie for a decadent after-dinner experience. PDR stands for Pinar del Rio cigars, a Boutique Factory located in Tamboril Dominican Republic. They use the "Entubado" technique that is complex and uses Cuban Seeds grown tobacco as Habano Vuelta Abajo tobacco.

Indulge in Dominican Cigars

Now that you've read up on the top five best Dominican Republic cigar brands, take a step out of your Cuban comfort zone and try Dominican cigars on for size! we will also reveal some of the greatest Nicaraguan cigars in the upcoming weeks! Stay put.

Have questions about Cubans, Dominicans, or any other cigar under the sun? Get in touch-- we love to talk all things stogies!