SANTO DOMINGO, DR – In a revealing interview on the Apetito de Riesgo podcast, Raudy Jiménez, founder of Dominican Leaf, shared his vision on the evolution of the tobacco industry in the Dominican Republic. Jiménez, who has become a key voice for the new generation of smokers, emphasized that the cigar is the product that best represents the country, with roots dating back to pre-Columbian times.
During the conversation, Raudy addressed topics ranging from consumer education to the myths that still surround the world of smoke.
The Mecca of Cigars: Communication as a Challenge
Although the Dominican Republic is considered the "Mecca of cigars" worldwide, Raudy pointed out that the current great challenge is digital communication. "We are miles ahead in finished products compared to any other country, but we lack translating that message into a language that young people can digest on social media," he explained. His work focuses on demystifying technicalities to attract new consumers through enjoyment and culture.
Breaking the Myth of Elitism
Jiménez was emphatic in stating that cigars should not be limited by social status or rigid etiquette. "I don’t need a chacabana to smoke; I can enjoy a cigar in shorts in my grandmother’s backyard," he stated, advocating for more inclusive and relaxed smoking spaces that reflect today’s lifestyle.
Buying in Supermarkets? A Necessary Warning
One of the most critical points of the interview was his stance on selling cigars in non-specialized establishments. Raudy warned that buying cigars in supermarkets or liquor stores that lack trained staff can ruin the experience due to poor storage. "If you want a cigar, go to a cigar shop; the staff there knows how to maintain the product’s health," he recommended.
The Difference Between Vice and Enjoyment
For Raudy, premium cigars are radically different from cigarettes or vapes because they are a matter of palate and time. "A cigarette smoker is a slave to a vice; a cigar smoker is the owner of an enjoyment," he quoted, explaining that the cigar ritual allows one to disconnect from stress and foster deep conversations.
The words of Raudy Jiménez reflect an idea widely shared within the industry but rarely expressed so clearly: Dominican cigars are not merely a consumer product, but a cultural expression shaped by generations of farmers, rollers, and tobacco families.
In a world where tobacco is often reduced to statistics or regulation debates, remembering its cultural and identity-driven dimension is essential to understanding why the Dominican Republic has become the epicenter of premium cigars.
Conversations like this are part of a broader discussion about the future of the industry, its narrative, and its place within Dominican identity.
