Bahia is derived directly from the original strain of Andes’ Nicotiana tabacum (one of the oldest native seed tobaccos) Which generally is a sun grown plant that produces small but thick leaves of aromatic tobacco. There are three primary strains of native seed Bahia leaf grown, each with their own texture and flavours. The most popular is the Mata Fina, grown as both filler and wrapper, this is often used as an oscuro wrapper leaf due to its dark and sweet taste with an excellent aroma. Arapiraca is grown further north in Alagaos, this sun grown and sun cured filler leaf is a dark-brown shade with a unique sweet flavour.
In the UK we don’t have any Brazilian manufactured cigars but what we do have is cigars using their tobacco. The Nub Maduro, which is from the Oliva cigar company, uses a blend of Nicaraguan long fillers wrapped in an oily Brazilian Maduro wrapper. Nub cigars are considered one of the most innovative cigars on the market, giving you a smooth and creamy smoke laced with chocolate, coffee, liquorice and spices.
Another cigar using Brazilian tobacco is the Drew Estate MUWAT - The MUWAT story began on the very first consumer blending session at the Joya de Nicaragua factory in 2010. After conducting blending sessions for the past 3 years at the Drew Estate factory, Jonathan Drew extended the concept to Joya de Nicaragua - He worked with them utilising both companies tobacco. The blend which consists of San Andreas Negro Wrapper, Ecuadorian Connecticut shade Binder and Brazilian Mata Fina Filler, this proves to be rich and earthy with a bright, sweet undertone.
Written by Oliver Partington
Part of the Dominique London Group
