puros

Puros is a term used in the cigar industry to describe cigars made entirely from tobacco grown in a single country or geographic region. The word puro comes from the Spanish puro meaning pure, reflecting the idea that every leaf used in the cigar shares a common origin. The designation is used to distinguish puros from blended cigars that incorporate tobaccos from multiple regions.

To be classified as a puro, the filler, binder, and wrapper are generally required to come from the same country or region. Some purists insist on a single growing locale, while others accept the broader definition of origin at the country level, allowing regional variation within that country. The concept emphasizes terroir, with flavor, strength, and aroma shaped by the growing conditions of that area.

Cuban puros are among the earliest and most renowned, though after the Cuban Revolution and subsequent embargo, many non-Cuban brands began producing puros from other countries. Notable categories include Nicaraguan puros and Dominican puros, as well as Honduran puros. In practice, marketing terms vary, and some cigars labeled as puros do not fully meet strict criteria, reflecting different interpretations of origin and production practices.

Puros remain a preferred choice for enthusiasts seeking a cohesive expression of a single origin and are often contrasted with multi-origin or blended cigars.