The cigar from La Palma is a recipient of centuries of experience and know-how in cultivation, drying and hand rolling, intangible values which are transported to the palate of those savoring it. Currently, traditional methods preserved for generations still remain on the Canary Island of La Palma and certainly is a reason for these cigars to be considered amongst the best in the world.

The history of tobacco in La Palma is a long and fruitful one and is closely related to the island of Cuba. It was in the nineteenth century when the plant arrived, brought by the islanders who had gone to seek fortune on the other side of the Atlantic.

Taking advantage of the wisdom gathered by the newly returned, the landscape of La Palma begins to fill up with tobacco plants. The production is concentrated in the municipalities of Breña Alta, Breña Baja, Santa Cruz de La Palma, Mazo, El Paso and Los Llanos de Aridane, which all enjoy a privileged weather throughout the year.

To grow tobacco is a long and laborious process and involves a great rate of handwork. After collecting the leaves, these are strung with fine wire and then dried in a smokehouse or cuje, the word used by locals. The next steps involve natural fermentation, pressing and manually processing the cigars, which is a practice excelled by locals as they have perfected this art generation after generation. As the tobacco grower Augusto González said, “The best tobacco in the world is in Pinar del Rio (Cuba) and in La Palma; so it has been said, is said and will be said.”

This traditional culture and craftsmanship is still very visible in La Palma and is part of its landscape and living history. The careful and delicate work of these artisans on the elaboration and processing make cigars from La Palma like KOLUMBUS an excellent choice for gourmets.