In Search of Panama’s Best Cigars
Panama is said to have good tobacco and great cigars. At least, Panamanian cigars were available in Germany for quite some time. “Campo Verde” and “Colón” were the two brands that could be found in Germany until the 2010s. But then, suddenly, they disappeared. Even the affordable Marca Fina Panama cigars vanished from the market.
This disappearance prompted the German importer StarkeZigarren to investigate. Active since 2005, StarkeZigarren is based in Passau and later Berlin, specializing in sourcing small cigar brands from Central America and bringing them to Europe. In 2020, it was time for their first trip to Panama. What had happened to the cigars?
Panama – Not Known for Cigars
Unlike Nicaragua or Honduras, Panama is not known for its tobacco or cigars. In Europe, the Central American country is better known for its canal and as a financial hub. So for Sebastian Gollas of StarkeZigarren, the journey began with research: Who is producing cigars in Panama? Where are the best cigars made?
His research led Sebastian to Penonomé in spring 2020. After a three-and-a-half-hour bus ride from Panama City, he arrived in the capital of Coclé Province, a city of around 22,000 people. The air in the bus was stifling, and it was even hotter upon arrival. The midday sun blazed down on the town located along the Pan-American Highway.
Factories but No Cigars
Sebastian trekked nearly an hour through the midday heat of Penonomé. Sweat poured from his brow. Finding accommodation proved more difficult than expected—hotels were either fully booked, untraceable, or completely closed. Options were limited, as Penonomé is far from a tourist hotspot.
Still, the tobacco industry was known in the area. Sebastian quickly found a small factory on the outskirts of town. However, he had no luck finding quality cigars. A few rough tobacco sticks were handed to him—locally sold for a dollar a piece—but they were far from suitable for export.
Things only got worse the next day. Sebastian took a taxi about 15 kilometers out of Penonomé to find Don Juan Cigars—a factory with an online presence and promising photos. But finding it was another matter. After asking around, he and the taxi driver finally discovered a picturesque hacienda in the jungle. At first glance, it looked promising. Then, former employees approached them and explained: “Unfortunately, the factory no longer produces cigars.” The reason why remained unclear at that point.
What Happened in Coclé?
According to a 2003 article from La Prensa, the tobacco industry in Coclé Province began in the 1980s with the founding of Panamá Cigar Company, S.A. This led to local tobacco cultivation and production, creating a once-thriving industry. Other companies like Tabaco Joyas de Panamá, Panahabanos Cigar Company S.A., and G&R Internacional, S.A. followed.
Despite early success, the industry later suffered from mismanagement, accusations of fraud involving tax credit certificates (CAT), and unpaid wages. This led to lawsuits from workers and government investigations, ultimately pushing some companies into bankruptcy and forcing them to shut down.
From Panama to Ecuador
Disappointed, Sebastian ended his cigar journey in Panama. The next day, he left Penonomé and returned to Panama City, from where he continued to Ecuador—known as a mecca for cigar wrappers. What Sebastian didn’t know at the time: exactly five years later, in 2025, he would return to Panama—this time in search of rum. Will that journey be more successful?
More information about StarkeZigarren
Pariser Str. 54
10719 Berlin, Germany
Tel.: +49/3056596618
