Discover the story of Joyas de Panama, the country's first permanent cigar factory since 1986, and Panama's rich tobacco heritage from colonial times to today.
A family legacy preserves Panama's cigar tradition
The story of tobacco in Panama stretches back centuries, with chronicles from colonial Portobelo documenting tobacco commerce during the Spanish era. Now, this ancient tradition is experiencing a revival through Joyas de Panama, the country's first permanent cigar factory since 1986, recently reopened by Braulio Zurita following in the footsteps of his mother, Miriam Padilla.
This isn't just a business reopening – it's the preservation of a cultural heritage that connects Panama to the golden age of Caribbean tobacco and the expertise of Cuban masters who once made Panama a center of cigar excellence.
The Cuban connection that changed everything
The early 1980s marked what many consider the Golden Age of tobacco in Panama. Cuban tobacco masters, including Gilberto Oliva and Nestor Plasencia – names revered in the cigar world – arrived in Panama and began planting Cuban seed tobacco in the country's fertile soils.
In March 1981, these Cuban experts founded the Coclé Tobacco Factory in Peñonomé, located across from the Ministry of Agricultural Development. Three years later, in 1984, Juanciro Diez and Gilberto Oliva established Tabacos Panama S.A. in La Pintada, which later became Jhosep Llopis.
These weren't just factories – they were schools where Cuban masters passed on centuries of knowledge about tobacco cultivation, curing, and cigar rolling. The volcanic soils of Coclé Province, particularly in areas like Sortová, Sonadora, and La Pintada, proved ideal for growing Cuban seed tobacco considered excellent quality worldwide.
From golden age to exodus to revival
When political and economic challenges prompted these Cuban tobacco masters to relocate their operations to Nicaragua and Honduras, they left behind more than empty factories. They left a legacy of knowledge, technique, and most importantly, Cuban seed tobacco perfectly adapted to Panama's climate and soil.
Miriam Padilla, who served as production manager for Gilberto Oliva's company, inherited this precious knowledge. When the Cubans departed, she began making cigars in a wooden shed, determined to preserve the techniques and quality standards she had learned from these masters.
In February 1986, Padilla officially founded the Joyas de Panama Cigar Factory in La Pintada de Coclé. Despite humble beginnings and significant challenges, it became Panama's first permanent cigar factory, continuing operations until 2023 when COVID-19 and Padilla's desire to retire led to a temporary closure.
A new generation carries the torch
Today, Braulio Zurita has reopened Joyas de Panama with his mother serving as mentor and advisor. Having grown up in the business, Zurita brings both deep respect for tradition and fresh energy to the operation.
The factory continues using Cuban seed tobacco and traditional Cuban rolling techniques, maintaining the quality standards that made Panamanian cigars respected among aficionados. This isn't mass production – it's artisanal craftsmanship where each cigar is hand-rolled using methods passed down through generations.
Joyas de Panama produces two brands:
- Joyas de Panama: The flagship line showcasing the best of Panamanian tobacco
- Flor de Panama: A complementary brand offering different flavor profiles
Both brands use exclusively Cuban seed tobacco grown in Panama and traditional Cuban rolling techniques, creating products that honor both Panama's heritage and Cuban expertise.
The art of traditional cigar making
The traditional methods preserved at Joyas de Panama are increasingly rare in today's mechanized world. From pre-Hispanic times, Panamanians hand-rolled small cigars on their knees, a tradition still maintained in rural areas. The factory combines these ancient local traditions with sophisticated Cuban techniques.
The process begins in the fields, where Cuban seed tobacco grows in Coclé's volcanic soil. After harvest, leaves undergo careful curing and fermentation – processes that can take months and require expert knowledge to execute properly. The transformation of green tobacco leaves into the rich, complex materials used in premium cigars is both science and art.
In the rolling room, skilled torcedores (cigar rollers) craft each cigar by hand. This isn't something that can be rushed or automated. Each roller must understand how different leaves contribute to flavor, how tightly to roll for proper draw, and how to create consistent quality across thousands of individual cigars.
What makes Panamanian cigars special
Several factors distinguish Panamanian cigars:
Unique terroir: The volcanic soils of Coclé Province, enriched by ash from Volcán Barú, create distinctive flavor profiles. Tobacco experts describe Panamanian tobacco as having remarkable balance – the strength associated with Nicaraguan tobacco combined with the smoothness of Dominican varieties.
Cuban genetics: Panama is one of the few countries outside Cuba with authentic Cuban seed varieties planted by Cuban masters themselves. This direct lineage is irreplaceable and gives Panamanian cigars authenticity that can't be replicated.
Climate advantages: Panama's position below the hurricane belt provides stable growing conditions. While other tobacco regions face increasing weather volatility, Panama's consistent rainfall and temperature patterns ensure reliable quality.
Artisanal tradition: The knowledge preserved by families like the Padillas represents decades of accumulated expertise. This isn't something that can be learned from books – it requires years of hands-on experience and mentorship.
The future of Panama's cigar culture
The reopening of Joyas de Panama signals renewed interest in Panama's tobacco heritage. For aficionados worldwide, it means access to unique cigars that combine Cuban genetics, Panamanian terroir, and traditional craftsmanship.
For Panama, it represents cultural preservation and economic opportunity. Cigar tourism – visitors coming to see tobacco fields, visit factories, and learn about cigar making – is growing globally. Panama's authentic heritage and accessibility from North America position it well to capture this market.
The challenge lies in scaling up while maintaining quality. The temptation to mechanize or cut corners for higher production must be resisted. The value of Panamanian cigars lies precisely in their handmade quality and traditional methods.
How to experience Panama's cigar culture
For those interested in experiencing Panama's cigar heritage:
Visit the factory: Joyas de Panama welcomes visitors interested in learning about cigar production. Contact them at Joyapan@yahoo.com to arrange visits.
Explore tobacco country: The areas around La Pintada, Sortová, and Sonadora offer beautiful mountain scenery and the chance to see tobacco fields and traditional farming methods.
Learn the history: Understanding the Cuban connection and the role of masters like Oliva and Plasencia adds depth to the appreciation of Panamanian cigars.
Support artisanal production: Choosing handmade Panamanian cigars supports the preservation of traditional skills and cultural heritage.
The story of Joyas de Panama is more than a business tale – it's about cultural preservation, family dedication, and the continuation of traditions that connect Panama to its colonial past and its Caribbean neighbors. As Braulio Zurita and his mother work to establish this new chapter, they're not just rolling cigars; they're rolling history.
