Founded in 1903, La Aurora is the oldest cigar factory in the DR; its ADN Dominicano line revived andullo (palm-wrapped pressure-fermented tobacco) as a true Dominican filler component.
La Aurora was founded in 1903 by Eduardo León Jimenes, becoming the first cigar factory in the Dominican Republic and the seed that would grow into the country’s major tobacco empire. From its first “Preferidos,” the brand demonstrated a relentless commitment to quality, establishing itself as a pioneer when the DR was not yet the tobacco powerhouse it is today.
For more than 120 years, generations of the León family have expanded a technical, diverse, and globally recognized portfolio. With lines like Preferidos, 107, Corojo, and multiple anniversary editions, La Aurora blends tradition and innovation with a distinctly Dominican identity—balanced, precise, and deeply historical.
Current relevance
• ADN Dominicano blends Dominican wrapper, Cameroon binder, and DR+NIC+PA fillers with long-leaf andullo: a modernized “roots” flavor.
Andullo is living memory: leaves pressed in palm yaguas and cured under pressure for dark, sweet intensity.
• La Aurora remains a historic and institutional reference (tours, education, Cigar Institute).
Key milestones and iconic blends
• ADN Dominicano (2017): spicy-sweet andullo signature; 90+ ratings.
• Preferidos / 107: emblematic lines with aging and iconic shapes.
Production
La Aurora S.A., Santiago; full factory experience and tour availability.
Top 3 recommendations
- La Aurora Fuerte Sol — Family creed in cigar form.
- La Aurora 107 Toro — Anniversary line bridging tradition and modernity.
- Preferidos (any edition) — Perfect for discussing aging and tobacco selection.
