Stogie Commentary: Who’s Your Boutique?

I imagine most of you are familiar with a number of boutique cigar makers, such as Bucanero and Pepin Garcia’s El Rey de los Habanos. But if you’re like me, there are many small operations whose names and cigars come as a complete surprise.

This is an effort to change that. I’ll start by listing three manufacturers whose names and/or cigars I’ve been introduced to. I hope you’ll contribute as well. I think it’s a great way to discover new sticks and to play at least a small, direct role in supporting the art of cigar making.

• Vegas de Santiago. This Costa Rican operation uses locally grown tobacco and imported leaf, producing four lines. They sell directly and offer a six stick sampler of three of their lines for a modest $14.95, including postage. I’ve enjoyed several of their cigars, particularly the Chaman.

• Tabacos de la Cordillera. Another Costa Rican operation, this one uses only tobacco grown on its own farm. It also sells direct and offers several samplers. I have yet to try these, but they’re on my list.

• El Original. A U.S.-made cigar, these beauties are produced by the Island Smoke Shop in Key West. They utilize tobacco from six countries and offer four cigar samplers in natural or maduro for $24.95, shipping included. This is another fine cigar I can recommend. Island also makes two other lines I haven’t yet tried: the Santiago Cabana and the budget Coral Reef line.

Now it’s your turn. What gems can you surprise us with?

-George E