More than a few times, I've read or have heard that the cigar fillers are sub-standard and that WholeLeafTobacco.com cigar tobacco does not make available the same fillers used by "the big boys". There are basically three levels of cigar tobacco...Budget, Premium, and Luxury. Most cigar manufacturers do not grow their own tobacco which means they buy it on the open market or under contract. When the tobacco is fermented, the pilon (pile of tobacco) is prompted to begin the natural process of decomposing or composting. The controled decomposition process releases nitrogen that is stored in the leaves. Nitrogen in tobacco creates a very poor quality tobacco. When the center of the pilon reaches the desired temperature, the decomposition process is stopped by breaking down pilon and rebuilding by placing the outermost hands of tobacco in the center of the pilon. The process is repeated at least three times. before the tobacco is "finished". The tobacco that is produced within these pilons does not all get the same amount of exposure to the ideal temperature created in the process, but there is a sweet spot in the pilon where the tobacco is subjected to the ideal temperature the longest...this is where the best tobacco is created.
There are a lot of factors that go into what grade the tobacco will ultimately be labeled. Growing season (hot/dry, makes a thick, strong leaf, wet/cool makes a thinner milder leaf) Timing in harvesting at the peak of readiness, Curing conditions, pest infestation, etc. etc. Every growing season is different, so every crop year will be different as well. The vast majority of cigar tobacco produced will find it's way into budget cigars, maybe 20% - 30% can be considered "premium" tobacco and far less than that will climb to the "luxury" classification. As cigar smokers, you know that luxury cigars can cost $25 - $100+ for one cigar.
In an attempt to satisfy some of the more discerning customers, I will be introducing a limited line of "Luxury" tobaccos. Among which are ASP Nicaragua, some of you might remember this from about 7 - 8 years ago when I was able to get it out of Miami. I have made a connection in the DR who can bring it in directly from Nicaragua thus bypassing the corporate office in Miami where the FDA requires them to only sell to those with a TTB license (which is not the law, but the FDA is strong arming ASP, so they go along to get along). Golden Hair (yes it is a variety) and Creole 99. These three tobaccos were used in an award winning cigar in 2019.
Currently, the tobacco being sold on the WLT site is indeed premium tobacco, so you're making $6 - $10 cigars for about $1 - $2 each. The upgraded tobacco will be more, but you might finally find "that one" tobacco you've been looking for.
Check back for updates in a couple of weeks.
There are a lot of factors that go into what grade the tobacco will ultimately be labeled. Growing season (hot/dry, makes a thick, strong leaf, wet/cool makes a thinner milder leaf) Timing in harvesting at the peak of readiness, Curing conditions, pest infestation, etc. etc. Every growing season is different, so every crop year will be different as well. The vast majority of cigar tobacco produced will find it's way into budget cigars, maybe 20% - 30% can be considered "premium" tobacco and far less than that will climb to the "luxury" classification. As cigar smokers, you know that luxury cigars can cost $25 - $100+ for one cigar.
In an attempt to satisfy some of the more discerning customers, I will be introducing a limited line of "Luxury" tobaccos. Among which are ASP Nicaragua, some of you might remember this from about 7 - 8 years ago when I was able to get it out of Miami. I have made a connection in the DR who can bring it in directly from Nicaragua thus bypassing the corporate office in Miami where the FDA requires them to only sell to those with a TTB license (which is not the law, but the FDA is strong arming ASP, so they go along to get along). Golden Hair (yes it is a variety) and Creole 99. These three tobaccos were used in an award winning cigar in 2019.
Currently, the tobacco being sold on the WLT site is indeed premium tobacco, so you're making $6 - $10 cigars for about $1 - $2 each. The upgraded tobacco will be more, but you might finally find "that one" tobacco you've been looking for.
Check back for updates in a couple of weeks.
Last edited: