Honduras is a small country in Central America, home to 7.4 million people. The country of Honduras is known for exporting a wide variety of goods. From apparel to agricultural products and animal goods, it is one of Central America's most diverse exporting countries. Within this category, it all makes sense given the ideal growing conditions for tobacco. Now, with that being said, what exactly are Honduran cigars? Well, for starters, they're manufactured from tobacco from Honduras and are generally smaller than your typical Cuban cigar. But, there is more to them than just that, of course.
What are Honduran Cigars?
A Honduran cigar is a cigar that is manufactured from tobacco grown in the country of Honduras. It's generally shorter than your typical Cuban cigar. Another way to think of it is that it is often a smaller version of the regular Cuban cigar. That said, Honduran cigars are generally made with a darker wrapper and distinct flavor. They're typically rolled with very tight construction, meaning the flavors will stay within the cigar for a long time. Honduran cigars are also known for packing a punch, which you don't typically get from your typical Cuban cigars.
How are Honduran Cigars Made?
The production of Honduran cigars is very similar to that of Cuban cigars. The main difference is that in Honduras, tobacco is grown with lower-quality soil and lower rainfall than in Cuban tobacco fields. As a result, Honduran tobacco is generally one grade lower than Cuban tobacco. The tobacco is grown in the northern part of Honduras and planted in the early spring months (February-March).
Farmers will cut the tobacco leaves at the end of the summer and store them in barns. After the leaves have been cured and fermented, they're ready to use in the production of cigars. To make Honduran cigars, tobacco leaves are cured and fermented; then, they are chopped and mixed with other tobacco leaves, binders, and a selection of ingredients like cocoa, coffee, or citrus. The tobacco is then rolled between pieces of cardboard or paper, ready to be packaged and shipped to retailers.
How Their Tobacco is Grown
The Honduran tobacco plant is a robust variety, which is why it is ideal for producing cigars. This plant grows well in tropical climates, making it suitable for growing in places like Honduras. The tobacco leaves are typically dark in color, which is why they are often used in the production of cigars. Farmers will sow the seeds between October and December when growing tobacco and then harvest them from June to August. The seeds are planted about 15 inches apart and are left untouched until the leaves are about 4 inches long.
Farmers will typically produce the seeds in soil that is rich in nutrients. There are a couple of varieties of tobacco seeds that are commonly used. These include the Havana 18, a golden-leafed variety, and the Connecticut Shade, which produces dark-leafed tobacco. The tobacco leaves are ready to harvest once they have reached their desired size. The leaves are then taken to a curing barn and hung to dry. The leaves are left to dry for about two weeks before they are ready to be shipped.
Different Types Of Honduran Cigars
One thing that sets Honduran cigars apart from Cuban cigars is that there are many different types of cigars, whereas Cuban cigars tend to be more consistent. The most common Honduran cigars include Coronas, Robustos, and Toro cigars.
- Coronas: A shorter version of the typical Cuban cigar and are rolled with very tight construction, which means that the flavors will stay within the cigar for a long time. They are generally shorter than five inches.
- Robustos: Are a long and slender version of the typical Cuban cigar. They are rolled with a looser construction, meaning that the flavors will stay within the cigar for a shorter time than the Coronas. They are generally between five and seven inches long.
- Toros: Thicker and fatter version of the typical Cuban cigar. They are rolled with a looser construction, meaning that the flavors will stay within the cigar for a shorter time than the Robustos. They are generally between five and seven inches long.
Different Flavors Of Honduran Cigars
Another thing that sets Honduran cigars apart from Cuban cigars is that there are many different flavors of Honduran cigars. Some of the most common flavors of Honduran cigars include coffee, cherry, and citrus.
- Coffee-flavored cigars: Generally rolled with a darker wrapper and distinct flavor. They're typically rolled with very tight construction, meaning the flavors will stay within the cigar for a long time. They are a shorter version of the typical Cuban cigar.
- Cherry- Cherry-flavored cigars: Usually rolled with a darker wrapper and have a distinct flavor. They're typically rolled with very tight construction, meaning the flavors will stay within the cigar for a long time. They are a shorter version of the typical Cuban cigar.
- Citrus-flavored cigars: Rolled with a darker wrapper and have a distinct flavor. They're typically rolled with very tight construction, meaning the flavors will stay within the cigar for a long time. They are a shorter version of the typical Cuban cigar.
Pros of Honduran Cigars
- They have a distinct flavor- The tobacco used to make Honduran cigars is grown with lower-quality soil and rainfall than in Cuban tobacco fields. As a result, Honduran tobacco is generally one grade lower than Cuban tobacco. This makes Honduran cigars cheaper than Cuban cigars, which means you can get a similar product for a fraction of the cost.
- They are available in many different flavors- If you are looking for a cigar that is a bit sweeter, then a Honduran cigar is a great option. Many Honduran cigars have a distinct flavor, and they are rolled with a looser construction, which means that the flavors will stay within the cigar for a shorter time.
- They have a very distinct taste- One thing that sets Honduran cigars apart from Cuban cigars is that there are many different types of cigars, whereas Cuban cigars tend to be more consistent. The most common Honduran cigars include Coronas, Robustos, and Toro cigars.
Cons of Honduran Cigars
- They don't have the same consistency as Cuban cigars- One thing that sets Honduran cigars apart from Cuban cigars is the many different types of cigars. In contrast, Cuban cigars tend to be more consistent. This means that each cigar may have a completely different taste. If you want consistency, you should probably go with a Cuban cigar.
- The tobacco is grown with lower-quality soil, and lower rainfall- The tobacco leaves are typically darker in color, which is why they are often used in the production of cigars. This means that tobacco will pack a bigger punch.