At first glance, Panama might not strike you as a cigar powerhouse. It doesn’t have the global reputation of Cuba, Nicaragua, or the Dominican Republic. But look a little closer, and you’ll find a quiet, fascinating tobacco culture, one that blends history, local craftsmanship, and a surprising number of places to light up.
Does Panama Grow Tobacco?
Yes! And it always has.
Tobacco in Panama dates back to pre-Hispanic times, when indigenous people were already cultivating and rolling leaves by hand. By the colonial era, tobacco was being traded through ports like Portobelo, and it became part of everyday life.
Modern tobacco cultivation took a leap forward in the 1980s, when Cuban experts arrived and began planting high-quality Cuban seed tobacco in regions like Coclé. These areas especially around La Pintada, Sortová, and Sonadora have volcanic soils that give Panamanian tobacco a distinctive character: a blend of Nicaraguan strength and Dominican smoothness.
Today, Panama still grows tobacco, though on a smaller scale compared to its neighbors. It’s more of a niche, artisanal scene than a mass-production industry. You won’t find giant plantations dominating exports but you will find small producers making interesting, handcrafted cigars.
One standout example is Joyas de Panama, one of the country’s oldest and most important cigar makers. Founded in the 1980s, it still produces hand-rolled cigars using traditional Cuban techniques and locally grown tobacco.
Is Panama Known for Cigars?
Not really, and that’s part of the intrigue.
Unlike neighboring countries, Panama never became a major global exporter of cigars. In fact, even cigar enthusiasts often overlook it. But that doesn’t mean the cigars aren’t good, it just means they’re harder to find, more local, and often more authentic.
Panama is a place where cigars feel less like a polished export product and more like a hidden tradition.
Where to Buy Cigars in Panama
If you’re in Panama and want to buy cigars, you’ve got a few solid options, ranging from luxury lounges to local factories.
High-End Shops & Lounges (Panama City)
The best place to start is in Panama City, where most of the country’s cigar scene is concentrated.
Cigars Panama
A premium cigar boutique and lounge with a curated selection of international cigars (Cuban, Dominican, Nicaraguan) in a controlled humidor environment. It’s one of the more upscale places to buy and smoke in comfort.
La Casa del Habano Panama City
Part of the global Habano network, this is a go-to for authentic Cuban cigars, including limited editions and collector boxes.
Habanos Café
A long-standing name in Panama’s cigar scene, offering a mix of imported cigars and local blends, including its own line.
These places are your safest bet for quality. One important tip: avoid buying cigars from random street vendors counterfeits do exist.
Local Factories & Authentic Experiences
If you want something more unique than a polished lounge, head into the countryside.
Joyas de Panama Factory
This is where things get interesting. You can actually visit the factory, see cigars being rolled by hand, and buy directly from the source. It’s one of the few places in Panama where the cigar culture still feels raw and traditional.
Here, cigars aren’t luxury accessories, they’re part of everyday craftsmanship.
Duty-Free & Malls
You’ll also find cigars in:
Airport duty-free shops
High-end malls like Multiplaza or Albrook
Some hotels and bars
But these tend to focus on international brands rather than local Panamanian cigars.
What Are Panama Cigars Like?
Panamanian cigars are a bit of a hybrid. Thanks to Cuban influence and local growing conditions, they tend to have:
Medium to full body
Earthy, slightly volcanic flavor profiles
A balance between strength and smoothness
They’re not as famous but that also means you’re not paying for the name.
The Bottom Line
Panama is not a cigar giant but it’s a cigar underdog.
Yes, it grows tobacco. Yes, it produces cigars. And yes, you can find excellent smokes if you know where to look. But more importantly, the experience feels different here. Less commercial. Less polished. More real.
Whether you’re sitting in a leather chair in a Panama City lounge or standing in a small factory in Coclé watching someone roll a cigar by hand, you get the sense that tobacco in Panama isn’t about status it’s about tradition.
And like many things in Panama, the best parts aren’t always the easiest to find but they’re absolutely worth the effort.