If you love cigars with Ecuador Habano wrappers, you’re not alone. This incredibly popular tobacco is beloved not just by cigar smokers but has also been given huge praise from some of the best in the business.
Two-time Cigar Aficionado Cigar of the Year winner José “Don Pepin” Garcia of My Father cigars has said that Ecuador Habano tobacco grown by the Olivas may be “the best cigar wrapper in the entire world.” The man knows flavor and blending about as well as anyone else alive, so we know that isn’t mere hype. But how do Ecuador Habano cigars get so tasty?
Well, let’s start at the beginning. “Habano” is a reference to Havana, the capital of Cuba. Habano seed tobacco is also known as Cuban seed tobacco. So originally, this type of leaf was cultivated to bring in the richness and flavor of classic Cuban cigars. Ecuador become one of the chief locations for growing, thanks to its rich volcanic soil, excellent rainfall, and partially cloudy skies (which help create a leaf that isn’t overly large or robust). In fact, many in the industry have noted that the thinness, small vein structure, soft texture, and stretchiness all play a part in making a leaf that is easy to work with and that is as attractive as it is flavorful.
Ecuador Habano wrappers can be found on an absolutely ridiculous number of highly rated cigar blends from some of the best companies in the world. These include the 2016 Cigar Aficionado Cigar of the Year, La Flor Dominicana’s Andalusian Bull (a 96 point smoke), the Rocky Patel 15th Anniversary (the #6 cigar of 2011 with a 93-point rating), Herrera Esteli, AJ Fernandez Last Call, Romeo by Romeo y Julieta, Espinosa Habano (at 93 points, the #11 cigar of 2019), JFR Lunatic, Nat Cicco’s Anniversario 1965 (with 92 points, the #18 cigar of 2018).
As we said, the list is just nuts. Everyone wants Ecuador Habano cigars because they’re just way too tasty to be ignored.
Rocky Patel has said, “I think the Ecuador Habano has the most flavor of any wrapper out there.” Clearly, many agree with him. It often has a nice spicy punch and rich, complex flavor. It can be lightly fermented or fermented for longer to turn it into a dark Maduro leaf (like the one on the Andalusian Bull blend), making it somewhat versatile. The goal is no longer simply Cuban emulation, but the cultivation of tobacco that is entirely able to stand on its own merits. Ecuador Habano is a leading leaf that’s here to stay for a long time to come.
Please browse our selection of Ecuador Habano cigars at your leisure.
