Even though most people rave about CC’s, there are plenty of high quality American cigars to choose from. This is due to the fact that cigars are more than a hobby, they are part of our heritage. Over 50 years after our cigar producing heyday, Americans still smoke more cigars than most countries.

History of Cigars in America

America’s infatuation with cigars goes deep into the roots of its glorious history. We are neighbors with Cuba, so it’s no surprise that their influence was huge on the U.S. cigar industry. From Connecticut to Florida, cigar production remains alive & well. The bonanza may have calmed down, but cigars continue to be an essential part of our culture.

There are so many big name cigar producers around the world that American best cigar brands continue to be overshadowed. This is more than a disturbing trend, it threatens to erase a crucial part of American history. For this reason we have compiled a list of 3 cigar brands that are produced in the U.S.A. As an added bonus, we are including a quick rundown on cigars’ impact on American culture. Prepare to rekindle an essential part of our country’s history!

Best American Cigar Brands

It’s no secret that America has had a long running love affair with cigars. For over 250 years, cigars have been the pride & joy of our manufacturing crown. Unfortunately, in the last 50 years we have gone from a cigar producing bonanza to banning trade with our Caribbean comrade.

Fortunately this illustrious tradition hasn’t been completely lost. Even though cigars are far from the popularity of the 1800’s, they are still treasured. We have consulted with aficionados across the web to find the best American cigars. To date these are the top 3 brands that are stealing the show:

La Palina Mr. Sam

Even though its roots are in Havana, one cigar factory has expanded to Miami. El Titan de Bronze has been creating private blends in Miami for over 20 years. Their most notable product is La Palina’s Bill Paley. Recently it has undergone a renovation with the Mr. Sam edition. This medium bodied smoke is made with select Nicaraguan fillers & a smooth Ecuadorian grown Habano wrapper. It’s only fitting that this international blend is rolled in the USA.

Barracuda STK Miami

This Cuban blend hails from the infamous G.R. Tobacaleras factory in Little Havana. Cigar don George Rico oversees the production to make sure they are up to par. They are made in small batches, so the quality stays supreme. Each one is rolled by Cuban experts in Miami, so it doesn’t lose its Latin flavor.

Padilla Maimi Maduro

This tasty collection is produced in El Titan, one of America’s most notorious tabacaleras. They have churned out classics such as the critically acclaimed Padilla Miami 8/11. Even though this line is unforgettable, when the Miami Maduro debuted it stole the show. Ernesto Padilla made this epic cigar by blending Cuban seed Nicaraguan long fillers with shimmering, dark San Andreas leaves. Even though the years have passed, these cigars stick to tradition. They use Category 9 rollers who learned their craft in the heart of Cuba. For this reason, this collection is able to artfully bridge the gap between the two cultures!

Romeo y Julieta

Out of the hundreds of cigar shops we consulted, 19.4% named this brand as their best seller. This isn’t surprising, since Romeo y Julieta have one of the most illustrious histories in the world. Established in 1875, the company was later acquired by the head of the Cabañas factory Jose “Pepin" Rodriguez Fernandez. In many ways Rodriguez embodied the brand as he travelled throughout Europe with his race horse Julieta. He promoted his company incessantly, which garnered a large amount of high-end clientele throughout Europe.

After Rodriguez died in 1954, the company was faced with a new challenge. Fidel Castro’s revolution led to the nationalization of Cuba’s tobacco industry, which forced many producers to flee the country. Romeo y Julieta was no exception, since they relocated to La Romana in the Dominican Republic. Today the company is backed by Altadis SA, so the future looks bright for this resilient brand. 

Padrón

This daring company has managed to keep the family business alive for three generations. Founded in 1964 by Cuba-native José Orlando Padrón, the Miami-based company ended up relocating to Nicaragua six years later. This proved to be a wise move, since the brand exploded in popularity. Every year they sell over 4.5 million cigars, which generates $16 million in revenue. Due to their consistent catalogue of quality releases, Padrón is the second most requested cigar brand in America.

Arturo Fuente

Producing over 30 million cigars a year, Arturo Fuente is the largest family-owned premium cigar company in the world. Ever since it was founded in 1912, the company managed to maintain its essence. When the original West Tampa factory burned down in 1924, production was halted for 22 years. After WWII Arturo Fuente started the cigar brand back up on his back porch. Business remained slow until Arturo’s youngest son Carlos bought the company for $1 in 1958. 

Despite starting with only $1,161 in assets, Carlos’ shrewd business tactics revolutionized the company.  When producing the cigars in Florida became unprofitable, Carlos Fuente relocated the family business to Nicaragua. Today they make over 30 million cigars a year and are the most sought after brand in America. This rags to riches story embodies an American dream that became international.

Don't forget your handy cigar holder when you're smoking your favorite american cigar brand!