We source specially grown tobacco for our cigars.
Santa Bras Cigars are the only South African cigar manufacturer.
Our cigars are made from tobacco grown in South Africa's tobacco regions.
Learn MoreOur story starts in the 1990's when our founder first started his experiments with locally grown tobacco as a hobby. His passion for cigars continued and after some failed attempts with the tobacco from the Lowveld, he discovered the tobacco grown in a beautiful valley near the southern coast of Africa where the terroir is comparable with that of the mineral rich earth of volcanic islands like Cuba and the Dominican Republic.
We source our wrapper and binder leaves from this valley. Our filler leaves are from the tobacco farms in the Eastern cape. Traditionally, the local tobaccos are known for their large, veiny leaves and high nicotine content which results from the dry and sunny environments where local tobacco is grown. The local tobacco is primarily grown and processed for the cigarette factories, only a limited amount is specifically grown for use as pipe tobacco. We source specially grown tobacco for our cigars. Santa Bras Cigars are the only South African cigar manufacturer.
Learn MoreThe early 15th century saw the rise of the full-rigged ship, which had three masts and five or six sails. At the beginning of that century Europe and Asia were connected by caravan routes over land. By the end of the century Da Gama, Columbus, and Cabot had made their revolutionary journeys, the Portuguese had organized the first school of oceanic navigation, and trade had begun to be global.
Learn MoreThe ideal storage condition for a cigar is approximately 70% humidity at 15 degrees Celsius. Be aware that if your cigars are stored a high humidity, the result will be very spongy cigars. If stored at low humidity, your cigars will tend to dry out and the result will be a fast and hot smoking experience. Buying a humidor is the best option for cigar storage. Finally, please note that a cigar will pick up smells in its direct environment. Avoid chemical smells near your cigar.
Learn MoreBuzzwords like “natural” and “artisanal” are overused and abused in today's parlance, but our premium, handmade cigars have truly earned the right to flaunt these credentials. They are made of one thing and one thing only-tobacco. Pure, unadulterated tobacco.
Our tobacco leaves are aged after fermentation. During aging, the leaves are packed up into tight parcels where they undergo a slow, steady breakdown of carotenoids which helps to bring out the desirable properties in the tobacco.
Know something about the blend before choosing a cigar. This helps to ensure you don't choose one that's too strong or too mild. You don't have to know every last tobacco component of the cigar but must have a basic idea of the cigar's strength level before you buy it.
We believe that the top-tier smokes of the major cigar-producing nations are all outstanding in their own way. They are true agricultural and artisanal expressions of their respective countries. Sadly, very often cigars are only measured by their purchase price.