Lat 23 — Heritage & History

Lat 23 emerged from Estelí, Nicaragua, in the mid-2010s, a period when the region's growers were experimenting with hybrid tobacco seeds to withstand local climate stresses. The brand's name references the 23rd parallel north, a line that passes through the tobacco-rich valleys of Nicaragua and Cuba, hinting at a trans-Caribbean lineage. Founded by a small group of Estelí farmers and rollers who broke from a larger factory to control their own crop, Lat 23 built its reputation on a single blend, the Lat 23 Habano Toro, which showcased a Nicaraguan Habano wrapper over a binder and filler sourced entirely from their own fields. Unlike many boutique brands that rely on third-party factories, Lat 23 maintains a vertically integrated operation, from seed to box, a rarity at this price point. Their second release, the Estelí Corojo, solidified their standing by introducing a darker, more peppery profile that appealed to seasoned smokers. The brand's key milestone came in 2019 when their Toro was named a top-10 cigar by a major industry publication, but they've since remained deliberately small-batch, releasing only two to three blends per year.

Blending Philosophy

Lat 23's blending approach is defined by a strict single-origin discipline: every leaf in their cigars comes from their own Estelí farms, which sit on the volcanic soils of the 23rd parallel. They employ a unique double-fermentation process for their wrappers—first in pilones, then in wooden barrels—which imparts a distinct sweetness and reduces harshness without masking the tobacco's natural character. Their construction standards emphasize a slightly box-pressed format for most lines, which they claim allows for a more even burn and a denser draw, a technique they've refined over years of trial. The Habano line uses a lighter, sun-grown wrapper that is picked earlier for a brighter, more cedary profile, while the Estelí Corojo uses a darker, shade-grown leaf that is aged for an additional 18 months, resulting in a deeper, oilier texture. This contrast in wrapper selection and aging is central to their philosophy: they don't blend for complexity alone but for a clear, terroir-driven expression of each leaf.

Flavor Profile

Across Lat 23's range, smokers consistently encounter a core of earthy Estelí tobacco, but the wrappers create distinct variations. The Habano Toro opens with a burst of white pepper and cedar, settling into a mid-palate of leather and a hint of dried fruit, with a finish that carries a subtle dark cocoa note. The Estelí Corojo, in contrast, is more robust, leading with dark cocoa and espresso, then transitioning to a leathery, almost smoky depth, with a retrohale that reveals a touch of red pepper. The strength ranges from medium to medium-full, with the Habano leaning toward the lighter end, making it approachable for daytime smoking, while the Corojo sits firmly at medium-full, best reserved for after dinner. A third limited release, the Reserva, occasionally appears, offering a sweeter profile with notes of raisins and vanilla, but it's the two core lines that define the brand's character: a study in how the same filler can be transformed by wrapper and aging.

Best for Beginners

For a newcomer to Lat 23, start with the Habano Toro. At a medium strength and a price point around $12, it's an accessible entry into the brand's profile. Expect a smooth introduction of cedar and white pepper, with a gentle leather undertone that builds without overwhelming. The burn is even, and the draw is easy, making it a forgiving smoke for those still developing their palate. Plan for a 60–75 minute session.

Lat 23 Cigar Lineup

Explore 1 Lat 23 cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Lat 23 cigars made?

Lat 23 cigars are made in Estelí, Nicaragua, at the brand's own factory, which is attached to their tobacco farms. This vertical integration is unusual and allows them to control every step from seed to box.

What is Lat 23 known for?

Lat 23 is known for its single-origin Estelí tobacco and its double-fermentation process for wrappers, which imparts a unique sweetness. Their Habano Toro was named a top-10 cigar by a major publication in 2019, and they are respected for their small-batch releases.

Are Lat 23 cigars strong?

Lat 23 cigars fall in the medium to medium-full strength range. The Habano line is on the lighter side of that spectrum, while the Estelí Corojo is more robust, so there's a range to suit different preferences.

What is the best Lat 23 cigar for beginners?

The Habano Toro is the best starting point. Its medium strength and approachable flavor profile of cedar and white pepper make it less intimidating, and its price around $12 is reasonable for a first experience with the brand.

How much do Lat 23 cigars cost?

Lat 23 cigars are priced between $10 and $15 per cigar, depending on the line and vitola. The Habano Toro typically sits at the lower end, while the Estelí Corojo is closer to $15.

What wrapper does Lat 23 use?

Lat 23 uses two primary wrappers: a Nicaraguan Habano for their core line and an Estelí-grown Corojo for their stronger blend. Both are grown on their own farms, ensuring consistency and terroir-driven character.

Are Lat 23 cigars Cuban?

No, Lat 23 cigars are not Cuban. They are made entirely in Estelí, Nicaragua, using Nicaraguan-grown tobacco. The brand's name references the 23rd parallel, which also passes through Cuba, but that's a nod to shared growing conditions, not a claim of Cuban origin.

Where can I buy Lat 23 cigars?

Lat 23 cigars are available through select online retailers and a few brick-and-mortar shops in the United States and Europe. Because they are small-batch, they can sell out quickly, so checking the brand's official website for authorized dealers is recommended.