Espigon Cigars
Espigon Cigars
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5.0
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Vacation742129
Whitehorse, Canada11 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
While the factory store is nice and the staff are hospitable and accommodating, there are far better cigars available for comparable money. The 3-pack of double robustos sold for $20 are comparable to those that beach vendors sell to inexperienced tourists for $2 apiece. The tobacco is smooth but it seemed like 2nd cut and rolled so loose and inconsistently that you need to chase it with a lighter to keep an ash on it.
Written 8 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Warren H
Ottawa, Canada6 contributions
Feb 2017 • Friends
I am from Canada (Ottawa) and as a rule whenever I travel anywhere south I always scope out the local cigar shops/factories to tour bring back the limit for our group for myself and friends back home. When travelling to Puerto Plata in February 2017 I researched cigar factories to find a place where I could buy a quality cigar at a fair price and not get taken for a ride. Espigon Cigars in Puerto Plata came up over and over with fantastic reviews and I would like to add another to that list. I am so happy to have experienced this shop and the hospitality of the owner (Dennis).
I emailed Espigon in early January 2017 to get an idea of product and prices and I quickly received an email from Dennis with a price list. We went back and forth a few times by email and I came to find out that Dennis is from Ottawa also, small world!
I planned my visit around Dennis's hours at the shop and my good friend and I spent about 2-3 hours there chatting with Dennis. I could have spent the better part of a day or more just hanging out and talking while watching cigars being rolled in the shop. My friend is not a cigar person but is a lover of wine and came away with a huge appreciation for the similarities between making a fine wine and a fine cigar.
Upon our arrival I received a really warm welcome from Dennis and within about 1 minute was puffing on a really tasty cigar.
Shortly after our arrival, a (boat) cruise tour came through the store and Dennis quickly whisked us into the back area to continue our chat. I grow a small crop of cigar tobacco during our short growing season in Canada and it was amazing to talk to Dennis about his journey in the industry and details of growing, fermentation and blending. He had a few of his employees running around pulling different types of long filler, binder and wrapper to show us the different types of tobacco leaves and their origins.
He encouraged us to check out other shops in the area to have a genuine comparison and appreciation for the quality and price of his cigars (and local shops touting 'genuine' boxes of Opus X :). For cigar geeks, Espigon's blender has more than 40 years experience and 18 of those years were working with Arturo Fuente. His shop also sells a selection of other supplies such as rum, vanilla, honey, mamajuana kits, etc. to keep non-cigar lovers occupied while you peruse his fine selection of hand rolled cigars.
I was genuinely impressed with Dennis and, as was my experience, he goes home in the evening and personally reads and replies to all of the emails to Espigon Cigars. He is not a 'hands-off' owner and that is a dedication that I really appreciate and his passion shows.
Dennis hooked me up with 2 boxes of cigars for my friend back home and then proceeded to personally prepare me 2 boxes of mixed premium cigars that he wanted me to try. For the cigars that I took home I was amazed at the price. He even offered and spoke to our cab driver who was taking us for a bit of a ride on a round trip cost from the resort.
I'm not sure how much reality to insert into this review but lets just say that it is my 'strong impression' that if you are taking cabs off of resort, going to local tourist shops/businesses there is a kickback structure built in to the pricing from the person calling the cab on the resort to the buying of the products in the stores. It's kind of how everything runs and is built into the pricing of most everything tourists would buy and who will bring them there. Dennis was very frank about this and did whatever he could to provide a good price.
Something also to be aware of is to bring cash (USD). There is a fairly substantial additional Dominican tax (~18%) if paying by credit card!
I had also asked Dennis by email if had any cigar rolling supplies (rolling machine, tuck-cutter) that he would consider selling and he told me he'd look around. True to his word he gave me an extremely fair price on a genuine heavy duty cigar rolling machine that he had in the back and was not being used. I obviously ended up getting called into a Dominican security area at the airport to a few strange looks as they went through my suitcase and unwrapped this beast but I got it home safe and sound.
I was really excited to get this home. When I bought it at the shop I was tentative as I wasn't sure how Customs would consider this 20+ lb hunk of metal. Dennis told me that if I had second thoughts before I left to come back to the shop and he'd accept it back and return my money. In the end I wanted to try getting this home and possibly eating the purchase price over getting my money back and not trying.
I had the pleasure of trying a couple of cigars from Espigon on the resort in the subsequent days before I left Dominican, and they were fantastic! I am looking forward to some warm weather to enjoy some more at home.
Thanks Dennis for making this excursion the absolute highlight of my trip to Dominican and for taking the time out of your busy day to make this trip totally special for me. I will definitely be back!!
Warren H.
Ottawa (Canada)
I emailed Espigon in early January 2017 to get an idea of product and prices and I quickly received an email from Dennis with a price list. We went back and forth a few times by email and I came to find out that Dennis is from Ottawa also, small world!
I planned my visit around Dennis's hours at the shop and my good friend and I spent about 2-3 hours there chatting with Dennis. I could have spent the better part of a day or more just hanging out and talking while watching cigars being rolled in the shop. My friend is not a cigar person but is a lover of wine and came away with a huge appreciation for the similarities between making a fine wine and a fine cigar.
Upon our arrival I received a really warm welcome from Dennis and within about 1 minute was puffing on a really tasty cigar.
Shortly after our arrival, a (boat) cruise tour came through the store and Dennis quickly whisked us into the back area to continue our chat. I grow a small crop of cigar tobacco during our short growing season in Canada and it was amazing to talk to Dennis about his journey in the industry and details of growing, fermentation and blending. He had a few of his employees running around pulling different types of long filler, binder and wrapper to show us the different types of tobacco leaves and their origins.
He encouraged us to check out other shops in the area to have a genuine comparison and appreciation for the quality and price of his cigars (and local shops touting 'genuine' boxes of Opus X :). For cigar geeks, Espigon's blender has more than 40 years experience and 18 of those years were working with Arturo Fuente. His shop also sells a selection of other supplies such as rum, vanilla, honey, mamajuana kits, etc. to keep non-cigar lovers occupied while you peruse his fine selection of hand rolled cigars.
I was genuinely impressed with Dennis and, as was my experience, he goes home in the evening and personally reads and replies to all of the emails to Espigon Cigars. He is not a 'hands-off' owner and that is a dedication that I really appreciate and his passion shows.
Dennis hooked me up with 2 boxes of cigars for my friend back home and then proceeded to personally prepare me 2 boxes of mixed premium cigars that he wanted me to try. For the cigars that I took home I was amazed at the price. He even offered and spoke to our cab driver who was taking us for a bit of a ride on a round trip cost from the resort.
I'm not sure how much reality to insert into this review but lets just say that it is my 'strong impression' that if you are taking cabs off of resort, going to local tourist shops/businesses there is a kickback structure built in to the pricing from the person calling the cab on the resort to the buying of the products in the stores. It's kind of how everything runs and is built into the pricing of most everything tourists would buy and who will bring them there. Dennis was very frank about this and did whatever he could to provide a good price.
Something also to be aware of is to bring cash (USD). There is a fairly substantial additional Dominican tax (~18%) if paying by credit card!
I had also asked Dennis by email if had any cigar rolling supplies (rolling machine, tuck-cutter) that he would consider selling and he told me he'd look around. True to his word he gave me an extremely fair price on a genuine heavy duty cigar rolling machine that he had in the back and was not being used. I obviously ended up getting called into a Dominican security area at the airport to a few strange looks as they went through my suitcase and unwrapped this beast but I got it home safe and sound.
I was really excited to get this home. When I bought it at the shop I was tentative as I wasn't sure how Customs would consider this 20+ lb hunk of metal. Dennis told me that if I had second thoughts before I left to come back to the shop and he'd accept it back and return my money. In the end I wanted to try getting this home and possibly eating the purchase price over getting my money back and not trying.
I had the pleasure of trying a couple of cigars from Espigon on the resort in the subsequent days before I left Dominican, and they were fantastic! I am looking forward to some warm weather to enjoy some more at home.
Thanks Dennis for making this excursion the absolute highlight of my trip to Dominican and for taking the time out of your busy day to make this trip totally special for me. I will definitely be back!!
Warren H.
Ottawa (Canada)
Written 22 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write your "fantastic " and informative review. "Absolute highlight of my trip to the Dominican "............I will certanly pass this on to all of our staff and.... "Gracias por ser tan amable".... We at Espigon Cigars pride ourselves in offering the very best quality, price and service in all of the products we sell....Enjoy your cigars and the great memories and experiances from our lovely Dominican Republic!! Cheers !!
Written 23 February 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Duane F
Fairfield, CA1 contribution
Dec 2017 • Family
I visited the Espigon Cigar factory in early December 2017. This is a small factory store that has some of the best cigars I've ever smoked. Dennis met us at the door and immediately asked me what I like to smoke. He clipped and lit a nice Maduro cigar for me that was when I found my new favorite cigar...What a welcome! Before the end of our 4 hour visit I had coffee (made deliciously by one of the Espigon Girls) and 5 cigars. I'm amazed that such a small factory can pump out such delicious cigars. It's apparent that these people spend the time to get the best of everything for their cigars.
Dennis made us feel like we were the only people in town. He spent 4 hours with us and we learned a lot about what goes into making a quality smoke. While into my third cigar he took us around the corner to a local coffee house when we sat and got to know each other. We then walked a few blocks to a local restaurant and i enjoyed cigar number 4 before we ate lunch. After lunch we walked back to the factory and purchased, what seemed like, too many cigars. Afterwards I lit my 5th cigar. I could never have imagined smoking 5 cigars in a month, let alone a day. I felt no ill effects, which solidifies the fact that these are high quality cigars.
A few nights ago I smoked the last of my cigars and I'm already trying to figure out a way to get more.
Dennis and his crew treated us like family. I highly recommend a visit to The Espigon Cigar Factory in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. You'll find a new favorite.
Dennis made us feel like we were the only people in town. He spent 4 hours with us and we learned a lot about what goes into making a quality smoke. While into my third cigar he took us around the corner to a local coffee house when we sat and got to know each other. We then walked a few blocks to a local restaurant and i enjoyed cigar number 4 before we ate lunch. After lunch we walked back to the factory and purchased, what seemed like, too many cigars. Afterwards I lit my 5th cigar. I could never have imagined smoking 5 cigars in a month, let alone a day. I felt no ill effects, which solidifies the fact that these are high quality cigars.
A few nights ago I smoked the last of my cigars and I'm already trying to figure out a way to get more.
Dennis and his crew treated us like family. I highly recommend a visit to The Espigon Cigar Factory in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. You'll find a new favorite.
Written 3 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for you great review..We at Espigon Cigars love to get kind responces like yours ''Treated us like familly","The best cigars I've ever smoked " Wow .Will definatly pass on the compliments to the staff .Hope to see you again one day thank you very much ....from all of us at Espigon Cigars !!!! Puerto Plata ,Punta Cana ,Bavaro beach and Bayaebe !!
Written 5 April 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
donfey
The Villages, FL40 contributions
Dec 2017 • Friends
I had booked a "self directed tour" (reviewed elsewhere) to visit only those historic sites in Puerto Plata that appealed to my traveling companions and me and, having seen videos of and briefly corresponded with Dennis from Espigon Cigars, wanted to end the tour day there so we could spend as much time as possible with them - learning, smoking, etc.. Well, the cable cars were fogged in so we shipped that. Skipping to a tour of the St. Philip the Apostle Cathedral ("Catedral San Felipe" in tripadvisor) we found ourselves two blocks from Espigon - so we went there next.
We were greeted by Dennis right away and were treated like family! We drank coffee and sampled truly GREAT cigars for the next four hours, in and around his beautifully restored 1917 building. (In fact, we sent the tour guides away, asking them to return in 2 hours.) I learned more in those few hours than I had smoking and enjoying cigars for the previous 40 years. We ended up purchasing quite a few bundles of EXCELLENT smokes. That took a while to be prepared (for US Customs) so Dennis suggested we tour the old Fort San Felipe (circa 1564) while the preparation and paper work was being done. When we returned, less that an hour later, all was ready. We genuinely were sorry to leave our new friends. Our next trip to the Dominican Republic will be planned to allow a longer stay in Puerta Plata, and will include an even longer visit to Espigon. (I think Dennis wants to see me rollin' my own!)
I apologize that this short "blurb" doesn't do justice to the excellent "adventure" we shared.
We were greeted by Dennis right away and were treated like family! We drank coffee and sampled truly GREAT cigars for the next four hours, in and around his beautifully restored 1917 building. (In fact, we sent the tour guides away, asking them to return in 2 hours.) I learned more in those few hours than I had smoking and enjoying cigars for the previous 40 years. We ended up purchasing quite a few bundles of EXCELLENT smokes. That took a while to be prepared (for US Customs) so Dennis suggested we tour the old Fort San Felipe (circa 1564) while the preparation and paper work was being done. When we returned, less that an hour later, all was ready. We genuinely were sorry to leave our new friends. Our next trip to the Dominican Republic will be planned to allow a longer stay in Puerta Plata, and will include an even longer visit to Espigon. (I think Dennis wants to see me rollin' my own!)
I apologize that this short "blurb" doesn't do justice to the excellent "adventure" we shared.
Written 12 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Don for the Great Review.We at Espigon Cigars try and give each and every customer that family experiance .We are glad to hear that you are enjoying your stoogies and would love to see you back in Puerto Plata next time ,I will pass on the "Enjoyable Experiance" to the staff .Thanks again !!
Written 14 December 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Iris M
2 contributions
Mar 2016 • Solo
I visited Espigon with my friend while sightseeing Puerto plata. I like this place, because it is not a pimped gift shop, but a real small cigar factory with a lovely showroom and a walkable humidor. The guy who handles the costumers speaks english and is friendly. They have even let me try to roll my own cigar, which of course looked like Frankenstein. So yes, rolling a cigar is an artform! I bought a pack of medium seized Cigars which taste gratifying mild and rich, the seize is called Robustos. They came with a cutter, that was a cool plus. (I am not cracy about strong and superhuge cigars you smoke for 2 hours).
This might be off topic, but they have clean and fancy bathrooms, which comes in handy and is a exception in Puerto Plata.
This might be off topic, but they have clean and fancy bathrooms, which comes in handy and is a exception in Puerto Plata.
Written 7 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to write such a nice post .Yes "banos" are hard to find downtown ,Puerto Plata .Enjoy your "sabrosa" Robustos ....Dennis
Written 9 March 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
christiangillmann
Cologne, Germany3 contributions
Mar 2016 • Solo
I am not a cigar pro, but I wanted to buy some good quality cigars and i know that there are a lot of scam businesses around Puerto Plata/ Sosua/ Cabarete. Somebod gave me the tip with Espigon in Puerto Plata and i went there. It is just a few steps away from the Cathedral, so it was quite easy to find. The shop itself is beautyful and there were four dominicans rolling the cigars, so i could see by myself how they produce their own cigars. The owner was present (Mr. Smith is a friendly guy originally from Canada) and took a lot of time to explain to me useful informations about cigars in general and espacially about storage. Nobody urged me to buy something. They had also dominican rum and chocolate there, but my eyes were falling on the "Ultimate Chuchill" Cigars. I bought a case of 25 for a - from my understanding - very fair price and now I enjoy them at home. They taste marvelous. I think this place is a must go to if you want to buy premium cigars on the northcoast of the DR.
Written 2 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to post your great review..Next time you are in the beautiful DR ..please drop in again ..enjoy your sabroso Churchills !!
Written 3 March 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
karen_keskinen
Ottawa, Canada16 contributions
Apr 2022 • Solo
Fantastic lesson in rolling and rolling cigars- the best choices and amazing boxes of cigars - I can take 2 boxes back with me and not be taxed - woot woot! Fantastico !
Written 6 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola and thank you for taking the time to write a review...Rolling a cigar may look easy.. But it takes many years experience to do it right... cheers and thank you!
Written 7 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Val Canada
Winnipeg, Canada1 contribution
Mar 2019 • Couples
I was in Puerto Plata earlier this month. I came across this company on Trip Advisor while looking for a place to buy cigars. I am really happy that I chose to check out this company! The owner answered my request to visit his factory instantly and sent a car to pick us up. We were warmly welcomed at the factory and the service was professional. My wife was even allowed to make a cigar herself. I usually like to smoke Cuban cigars, but I was offered to try the Espigons Cigars. I was pleasantly surprised by the price, quality and taste. I would highly recommend these cigars! If you love cigars and find yourself in Puerto Plata, you should visit this place!
Written 10 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the time to post your review . " Happy , Profesional ,Price ,Quality and taste ,Highly recommend " .Thanks again for the great review Val .Hope to see you again !! Cheers
Written 17 March 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mike S
Canmore, Canada1 contribution
Feb 2019 • Business
Thanks Dennis for a ride to your store. We had a great time learning about the cigar trade in the DR. We got a tour of the centro historico area by the resident tour guide Fidel. Also enjoyed a nice lunch at nearby Kaffe restaurant. I got a sampling of 4 types of robusto cigars and can attest to their great quality. Excellent construction & flavour. Goes very nicely with the complimentary mamajuana drink. Thanks for the hospitality.
Written 16 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the time to make a post Mike . "Great quality, excellent construction and flavor " Thanks we all appreciate your kind words .We hope to see you again soon .Dennis
Written 3 March 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dasa_dasa_dasa
Bled, Slovenia4 contributions
June 2018 • Couples
Its a small factory, where you can see how they roll the cigars. From the very begining to the last part of packaging. The team is absolutely amazing, full of energy, with really personal approach. Its “must do” in Puerto Plata! We enjoyed it soooo much! They even let us roll our own cigar! And they speak perfect english, great for turists with not much knowledge of spanish.
Also every day at 1pm they do a show, to see the real experience of dominicana ;)
Amazing experience!
Also every day at 1pm they do a show, to see the real experience of dominicana ;)
Amazing experience!
Written 1 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review . "Amazing experiance "is exactly what we love to hear .Thanks and hope to see you again some day .
Written 2 June 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
what is the nearest resort to Espigon? Is Riu Bachata close to the store?
Written 2 March 2018
I checked with my friends at Espigon Cigars and found that Playa Dorada is about 8 miles away and Riu Bachatta is about 10. Either sounds like an easy cab ride.
Written 5 March 2018
Tanya R
Windsor, Canada
Would you still have the price list for cigars? I know my brother would like me to bring some home but I really have no idea on how much I should be paying
Written 25 April 2017
Hello Windsor Ontario .Would like to send you a price list and our brochure .For that you will have to go to our website (info) as we cannot send Html or website links on trip advisor thanks Dennis
Written 25 April 2017
Great thank you very much. Prices seem very fair indeed
Written 19 January 2017
Looking at going here to purchase. What do the prices range from?
Written 17 January 2017
Hola singles $2-8 ,box of 10 $25-$59 box of 25 $89 -159. Manufacturer 4 blends ultimate habano Victorian Connecticut Espigon corojo & maduro.offer 6 vitolas(sizes) pannatella,petit corrona,lonsdale,robusto,Churchill, torpedo..
Written 18 January 2017
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