Vinales Valley in western Cuba. Copyright Katherine Pollock.

Cigars of Cuba

Visiting a Tobacco Plantation in the Vinales Valley, Cuba

In the Vinales Valley in western Cuba, rich soil grows some of the world’s best tobacco. It produces flavorful and amazing cigars. In December I visited with a fifth-generation tobacco plantation owner. He proudly showed me how he rolls cigars. His work was graceful but quick. He then shared a cigar with me. The aroma was sweet and mellow while the taste was slightly spicy.

Tobacco plantation in Vinales Valley, Cuba. Copyright Katherine Pollock.

Tobacco hanging to dry. Copyright Katherine Pollock.

Plantation owner rolling a cigar. Copyright Katherine Pollock.

Hands in motion as a cigar is being rolled. Copyright Katherine Pollock.

Author enjoying a Cuban cigar. Photo copyright Deborah Cole.

All photographs and story are copyright Katherine Pollock.