American Cigars

When it comes to cigars made in the USA, the focus is typically on premium, hand-rolled cigars produced in small batches, often in Florida, where the cigar-making tradition has deep roots, particularly in Tampa and Miami. While the U.S. doesn’t dominate cigar production like Nicaragua or the Dominican Republic, a handful of standout brands are crafted here, blending American-grown tobacco with skilled craftsmanship. Below is a list of some of the top cigars made in the USA, based on quality, reputation, and uniqueness as of March 3, 2025.

1. J.C. Newman The American
- Origin: Rolled in Tampa, Florida at J.C. Newman’s historic El Reloj factory.
- Details: This is a true American puro, using 100% U.S.-grown tobacco—including a Florida Sun Grown wrapper, Connecticut Broadleaf binder, and fillers from Connecticut and Pennsylvania. It’s medium-bodied with earthy, nutty, and slightly spicy notes. The cigars are aged for six months post-rolling, enhancing their complexity.
- Why It’s Top: It’s a patriotic nod to American cigar heritage, made with heirloom tobaccos and meticulous attention to detail, all packaged in American-made materials.

2. Tatuaje Miami
- Origin: Crafted in Miami’s Little Havana at the El Rey de los Habanos factory by Don “Pepin” Garcia.
- Details: A Nicaraguan puro with tobacco grown by the Garcia family, these cigars are rolled in the U.S. to mimic the robust, classic Cuban profile. The Miami Noellas, for example, offer a smooth draw with rich, well-cured flavours of cedar and spice. Priced around $8–$9 each, they’re a midrange standout.
- Why It’s Top: The combination of Pepin’s expertise and Miami’s Cuban-inspired rolling tradition makes this a benchmark for U.S.-made cigars.

3. Herrera Estelí Miami
- Origin: Produced at El Titan de Bronze in Miami’s Little Havana.
- Details: Blended by Willy Herrera of Drew Estate, this cigar features an Ecuador Habano Oscuro wrapper over Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers. It’s medium-bodied with creamy notes of nuts, cocoa, and toast. Rolled by Level 9 torcedores, it’s a testament to precision.
- Why It’s Top: The marriage of Herrera’s blending skill and Miami’s elite rollers elevates this to a boutique favourite with consistent quality.

4. La Palina Goldie Laguito No. 2
- Origin: Made at El Titan de Bronze in Miami.
- Details: A slender panetela with a flagtail cap, it uses a blend with rare medio tiempo tobacco (the top leaves of the plant), delivering peppery, nutty flavours with oak and chocolate undertones. It’s pricier due to limited production and U.S. labor costs.
- Why It’s Top: Its elegance and complexity, paired with small-batch exclusivity, make it a standout for aficionados.

5. J.C. Newman Brick House
- Origin: Rolled in Tampa, Florida at J.C. Newman’s factory.
- Details: Originally a Cuban puro, it’s now made with a Nicaraguan filler and a Havana-seed wrapper. It’s mild to medium-bodied, offering cedar, spice, and a subtle sweetness. Some are still hand-rolled, though most use antique machines.
- Why It’s Top: A historic brand with a modern twist, it balances accessibility with a nod to its American roots.

Notes on U.S. Cigar-Making
- Limited Scope: Most premium cigars today come from Central America or the Caribbean due to climate and cost advantages. U.S.-made cigars are a niche, often boutique market, with higher labor costs driving up prices.
- Tobacco Sources: While some, like The American, use all U.S.-grown tobacco, others blend American leaves (e.g., Connecticut Shade) with imported tobaccos for diversity.
- Cultural Hub: Florida, especially Tampa’s Ybor City and Miami’s Little Havana, remains the epicentre, preserving techniques brought by Cuban immigrants.

These cigars shine for their craftsmanship and connection to America’s cigar legacy. If you’re after a specific flavor profile or price point, let me know, and I can refine the list further!