At Cutters Cigar & Spirits, we’re always striving to bring the best cigar experience to our community. That’s why we were beyond excited when our owners, Ivon & Javier, had the amazing opportunity to visit Tabacos de Costa Rica, one of the largest vertically integrated cigar company!. Located in the beautiful Central Valley of Costa Rica, this world-renowned operation is known for its innovation, exceptional quality, and deep respect for the cigar-making tradition.

This trip wasn’t about creating our own blend (though we did joke about it!) — it was about gaining a richer understanding of the craft and connecting with the roots of cigar culture. What we discovered was more than just tobacco; it was a story of passion, patience, and perfection.

A Look Inside Tabacos de Costa Rica

Tabacos de Costa Rica was founded with a mission: to create premium cigars by controlling every step of the production process. This is what it means to be “vertically integrated” — from planting and harvesting the tobacco to fermenting, aging, rolling, and packaging, everything happens in-house. This level of control ensures consistency and quality that is hard to match.

The factory is nestled in Puriscal, a mountainous region known for its ideal growing conditions. The elevation, climate, and volcanic soil all contribute to the unique flavor profile of the tobacco grown there. We were blown away by the meticulous care that goes into every phase. Rows upon rows of lush green tobacco plants filled the fields, and each leaf is treated with the kind of respect usually reserved for fine art.

Seed to Smoke: The Journey of a Cigar

We were fortunate enough to walk through the entire cigar-making process. It all starts with seed selection and planting, where experts carefully choose the right varietals to ensure flavor complexity and strength. Once grown, the leaves are harvested by hand and moved into fermentation rooms where they rest for months. This process removes impurities and enhances the flavor.

After fermentation, the leaves go through aging, sorting, and stripping. Only the best leaves make it to the rolling tables. Watching the torcedores (highly skilled cigar rollers) at work was mesmerizing. Their hands move with precision and experience, rolling each cigar to perfection.

Tabacos de Costa Rica doesn’t mass-produce. Instead, they focus on quality over quantity, producing cigars for boutique brands around the world. This dedication to craftsmanship is what truly sets them apart.

The Culture of Craftsmanship

One of the most striking things we observed was the pride everyone at Tabacos de Costa Rica takes in their work. From the field workers to the master blenders, each person plays a vital role in the creation of a premium cigar. There’s a sense of tradition here, passed down through generations, but also a spirit of innovation. They use both old-world techniques and modern technology to ensure every cigar is perfectly constructed and bursting with flavor.

During our visit, we had the chance to sample a wide range of blends. The complexity, smoothness, and bold flavors were beyond impressive. Every cigar told a story. And while we weren’t there to create a Cutters cigar (at least not yet!), we walked away with a deeper appreciation for the blends we carry and the journey they take before reaching your hand.

Why This Matters to Us at Cutters

This experience reminded us why we love what we do. Cigars are more than just a product — they’re a symbol of time well spent, of community, and of craftsmanship. Bringing that level of respect and knowledge back to Cutters means we can better serve our guests and help them discover cigars that match their taste and personality.

At Cutters Cigar & Spirits, we’re committed to curating a selection of premium cigars from the world’s top manufacturers. After visiting Tabacos de Costa Rica, we feel even more confident in the quality of the cigars we offer and the partnerships we continue to build.

What’s Next?

We’ll be sharing more from our trip in the coming weeks — including behind-the-scenes photos, videos, and maybe even a few tasting events featuring cigars from Tabacos de Costa Rica. We want you to experience a piece of what we did: the magic, the care, and the connection.

So next time you light up at Cutters, know that there’s a world of craftsmanship behind every puff — and that we’re doing everything we can to bring that world closer to you.