1. Flor de Filipinas Reserva

Manufacturer: Tabaqueria de Filipinas, Inc.

A fuller-bodied version of Flor de Filipinas.

 

2. Alhambra

Manufacturer: Tabacalera Incorporada

First manufactured by the Swiss company Alhambra in 1898. The company was bought by La Flor de la Isabela after World War II. Notable for its light, mild, sweet, and clean taste.

 

3. Don Juan Urquijo

Manufacturer: Tabacalera Incorporada

Tabacalera's most premium blend. Created in honor of La Flor de la Isabela's late chairman. Medium-bodied with a spicy character. Perfect as a morning cigar, according to some cigar aficionados.

 

4. Independencia 1898

Manufacturer: Tabaqueria de Filipinas, Inc.

Created in 1998 for the centennial of Philippine independence. Mild, excellent with coffee.

 

5. Antonio Gimenez

Manufacturer: Tabaqueria de Filipinas, Inc.

Made in honor of a Ripoll family patriarch. Full-bodied, an evening cigar best enjoyed when unwinding with a glass of malt or red wine.

 

6. 1881

Manufacturer: Tabacalera Incorporada

Created in 1981 by La Flor de la Isabela to celebrate its centennial. Light and spicy.

 

7. Tabacalera

Manufacturer: Tabacalera Incorporada

First produced in 1881 by La Flor de la Isabela, it is the Philippines' oldest brand, known informally as the "Manila cigar." Noted for being mild, sweet, and slightly spicy.

 

8. Manila Cigar

Manufacturer: Tabaqueria de Filipinas, Inc.

Tabaqueria's only dark leaf cigar. Philippine-sourced filler, binder, and wrapper, hence a puro. Creamy taste.

 

9. Flor de Filipinas

Manufacturer: Tabaqueria de Filipinas, Inc.

Tabaqueria's original house blend. Medium-bodied. Perfect for an after-lunch smoke.

 

 

Photograph by Jar Concengco

This story first appeared in Vault Magazine Issue 2, 2011.