Cigar and Coffee Tasting in Puerto Plata

This experience made our article of We Rank Dominican Republic’s 13 Top Coffee Tours.

An Authentic Taste of Dominican Culture: Cigar and Coffee Tasting in Puerto Plata

If you’re after an experience that combines the craftsmanship of Dominican cigars with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, this Cigar and Coffee Tasting tour in Puerto Plata is a smart pick. Priced at $40 per person, the tour lasts roughly 45 minutes and is perfect for those who want a quick yet immersive glimpse into local traditions. Guided by a knowledgeable cigar sommelier, you’ll get to see cigars made in front of you and sample some of the best coffee the city has to offer.

We love how this experience offers a multi-sensory journey, where you can touch, smell, and taste everything, making it far more engaging than just sitting at a café. A highlight for us was the collaboration with local vendors like El Cibao, which enriches the tasting with authentic Dominican flavors. Another plus is the private setting, which allows for a relaxed atmosphere and personalized interaction.

One thing to consider is that this tour is quite short — just under an hour — so if you’re a true aficionado or want a deeper dive into either cigars or coffee, you might want to supplement it with other activities. Nonetheless, it’s ideally suited for first-time visitors, cigar and coffee enthusiasts, or anyone curious about the Dominican Republic’s artisan traditions.

Key Points

• Authentic Cultural Experience: Learn about traditional Dominican cigars and coffee directly from local experts.
• Sensory Engagement: Tasting both cigars and coffee allows you to experience the flavors, aromas, and textures firsthand.
• Expert Guidance: A cigar sommelier guides you through the process, explaining each step from crafting cigars to brewing coffee.
• Partnership with Local Vendors: Collaborations with producers like El Cibao add genuine local flavor and support regional craftsmanship.
• Brief but Rich: At around 45 minutes, it’s a quick tour but packed with meaningful insights.
• Private Experience: Only your group participates, ensuring a relaxed, personalized atmosphere.

A Deep Dive into the Cigar and Coffee Tasting Experience

Starting Point: Cremo Cigar Factory

Your journey begins at the Cremo Cigar Factory in Puerto Plata, located conveniently at C. San Felipe 8. The setting is inviting and intimate, with a chance to see cigars being made right before your eyes. Watching artisans craft each cigar is fascinating; you can even interact with workers to understand the different flavors and techniques. As one reviewer put it, “the cigars are made in front of you and you can interact with the workers for understanding the process and different flavours.”

What Makes This Tour Special?

The real charm lies in combining the visual and tactile experience of cigar making with the aromatic pleasure of Dominican coffee. The tour’s guide is well-versed, providing a detailed explanation of both industries, from farm practices to the final product. This is not just about tasting but about understanding what makes Dominican cigars and coffee unique.

The Coffee Experience

After the cigar-making demonstration, you’ll move on to the coffee tasting at the same location or nearby. You’ll explore the entire coffee process from farm to cup, learning about the history of Dominican coffee, which has a reputation for rich flavor and quality. Your guide will help you find your ideal coffee by explaining the Wheel of Flavors, a useful tool to identify your personal preferences.

You’ll sample one Cremo coffee and two additional cups of Dominican coffee, gaining insight into the nuances of flavor, aroma, and texture. The tasting lasts about 30 minutes and is designed to be both educational and enjoyable. As one reviewer summarized, “hear about the entire coffee process from farm to cup” and “learn the history of Dominican coffee,” making it clear that this is educational as well as flavorful.

What’s Included?

• Explanation of the coffee process and its history
• Tasting of 1 Cremo coffee and 2 Dominican coffees
• A guide to help you find your preferred coffee style
• Use of the Wheel of Flavors to identify your tastes
• The entire experience lasts about 30 minutes, making it a perfect quick activity

Meeting Points & Logistics

The activity begins at C. San Felipe 8 and ends back at the same spot. It’s available seven days a week, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, offering flexibility for travelers’ schedules. The tour is private, meaning only your group will participate, allowing for a more personalized experience.

Experience Reviews & Feedback

While the overall rating is a perfect 5 out of 5 based on one review, that reviewer highlights the “lovely ambiance and exhibition”. They appreciated that the cigars are made in front of you and that you can interact with workers, which enhances the educational value. The ability to see craftsmanship up close and ask questions makes this experience stand out.

Price and Value

At $40, this tour offers a great value for those interested in authentic Dominican products. With expert guidance, the opportunity to taste multiple coffee varieties, and a firsthand look at cigar making, the value extends beyond just the tasting. It’s a snapshot of local tradition in a short, manageable format—ideal for travelers who want a memorable experience without a lengthy commitment.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is especially suited for first-time visitors to Puerto Plata, cigar lovers, coffee enthusiasts, or anyone curious about local craftsmanship. It’s intimate and educational, making it perfect for those who enjoy learning about the production process while sampling delicious flavors. It’s also a good fit if you’re looking for a private, short activity that adds a cultural touch to your trip.

Final Thoughts: Why Choose This Experience?

If you want an authentic, hands-on encounter with Dominican culture that combines flavor, craftsmanship, and local history, this cigar and coffee tasting is a fine choice. It’s more than just a tasting — it’s a chance to see artisans at work, hear stories about the products, and enjoy a sensory journey in a relaxed setting. For a modest investment, it offers insights and flavors you’ll remember long after your trip.

While it’s brief, the tour’s depth in explanation and the opportunity to interact make it a worthwhile stop for those eager to understand the rich traditions behind Dominican cigars and coffee. Whether you’re a curious traveler or a dedicated enthusiast, this experience provides a meaningful taste of Puerto Plata’s artisan spirit.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, it is suitable for most age groups, especially since it’s a private activity that welcomes service animals. However, it is primarily an experience centered on tasting and observing craftsmanship.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 45 minutes, with about 30 minutes dedicated to coffee tasting and the rest to cigar viewing and explanation.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book about 11 days in advance on average, ensuring availability. The experience can be booked for any day within the business hours.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers the cigar making demonstration, coffee tasting (including one Cremo coffee and two Dominican coffees), and expert guidance explaining the process and flavors.

Are the cigars made on-site?
Yes, the cigars are made right in front of you, providing a unique opportunity to see craftsmanship firsthand, which visitors find particularly engaging.

Is this experience private or group-based?
This is a private tour, so only your group will participate, allowing for a more relaxed and personalized experience.

What’s the best way to get there?
The meeting point at C. San Felipe is close to public transportation, making it convenient to reach from various parts of Puerto Plata.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than 24 hours prior won’t be refunded, so plan accordingly.

This cigar and coffee tasting offers an authentic taste of Puerto Plata’s artisanal traditions, wrapped in a brief but rich experience. Whether you’re a casual traveler or a dedicated connoisseur, it’s a flavorful window into the Dominican Republic’s craftsmanship, served with expert guidance and a warm local touch.