Even those who do not smoke cigars are likely aware of the Cuban Havana cigars. However, geographically speaking, Cuba is located on the other side of the world, making it quite distant from us. In fact, if you want to enjoy cigars, there is no need to travel that far; excellent cigars are nearby—our neighboring country, the Philippines, produces the famous Luzon cigars.
Many older smokers are familiar with Luzon cigars, often referring to them as "Luzon tobacco." Tobacco is one of the important economic crops in the Philippines, with the Cagayan Valley in northern Luzon being a renowned tobacco-growing region in Asia. The Luzon cigars produced here once enjoyed a prestigious reputation worldwide.
As early as half a century ago, the Shanghai Bund was already popular for smoking "Luzon tobacco." Even in the United States, which is very close to Cuba, many cigar enthusiasts choose "Luzon tobacco." Of course, the fact that Americans do not smoke Havana cigars is somewhat related to political factors—due to the trade embargo imposed by the United States on Cuba, Americans can only acquire Cuban cigars through illegal channels. Therefore, Luzon cigars from distant Asia have gained favor due to their connection to Cuban cigars.
In the 16th century, the Spanish brought seeds from Cuba and planted them in the soil of Luzon Island, leading to the development of tobacco production on the island. The growing season for tobacco lasts from November to April of the following year, and during this time, the tobacco fields along the roads of Luzon Island are lush and green. Tobacco grows quickly, with harvests possible in just three months, allowing for two crops per field. After harvesting, farmers send the tobacco leaves to curing houses before selling them to tobacco merchants. Today, on the road from Laoag in northern Luzon to Vigan, one can still see traditional curing houses built from soil, straw, and sugarcane juice, standing about two stories high.
Until the 19th century, the tobacco industry in Luzon was still controlled by the Spanish. At that time, corporate operations began, mixing imported tobacco leaves with local Philippine leaves to create better-tasting cigars. In 1831, the tobacco industry in the Philippines split into two, one of which is still operational today and produces hand-rolled cigars under the brand "Isabela Flower."
Currently, Isabela Flower has three well-known cigar lines: the Don Juan Orquijo series, the 1881 series, and the Tabacalera series.
The Tabacalera series has a long history and is commonly used by locals. The reason is simple: it is affordable, with a pack of 25 costing approximately 132 RMB, making it a popular choice for those new to cigars who do not want to spend a lot. This series of cigars comes in flavors such as coffee, chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, and champagne to meet the needs of different consumer groups.
The 1881 series has varying prices based on length, with some prices even exceeding those of the Don Juan Orquijo series, costing approximately 220 RMB to 550 RMB for a pack of five cigars. The tobacco leaves used in this cigar are not all sourced from the Philippines; in addition to local leaves, Brazilian tobacco is blended in, and the wrapper leaves come from Java, Indonesia. According to local guides, if one is tasting red wine or is a casual smoker who does not have a strong craving, they might consider trying the milder 1881 series for a taste of premium cigars.
As for the Don Juan Orquijo series, each cigar is priced at approximately 220 RMB to 1100 RMB, with a richer flavor, made from a blend of various tobacco leaves, including those from Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, and locally produced leaves.
