Last week, I had the unexpected pleasure of attending a Cigar and Rum Night at the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in London, held as part of Dominican Week in the UK 2025.

It was a genuinely memorable cultural event and an opportunity to learn more about the country’s traditions and craftsmanship.

Walking into the Embassy

I had never visited an embassy before, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. After work, I headed over to 81 Cromwell Road and was welcomed by the team on arrival.

Once inside, the atmosphere was warm and friendly, with guests from across the UK cigar community and beyond.

Dominican Week in the UK

This event was part of Dominican Week in the UK — a cultural, academic, and economic programme. The 2025 edition (10–14 November) highlighted energy, manufacturing, nearshoring, logistics, gastronomy, and of course—Dominican rum and cigars.

The Dominican Cigar industry

The Dominican Republic has become a leading centre for premium cigar production worldwide. Industry data, including a 2020 figure cited by The Spectator showing over $1 billion in annual revenue, highlights the sector’s impressive scale. Cigars now rank as the country’s fifth-largest export, following gold, electrical goods, textiles, and medical equipment.

The industry hosts a range of renowned manufacturers, including La Aurora, Arturo Fuente, Davidoff, Ashton, PDR Cigars and La Flor Dominicana, many of which are available in the UK through distributors such as TOR Imports, Bright Leaf and Davidoff UK.

Over several decades, the Dominican cigar industry has developed through the migration of skilled growers and rollers, shifts in global demand, and the growth of private manufacturing. Today, with more than 50 factories and a sizeable workforce, the country is a major player in the global premium-cigar market and is celebrated for its enduring craftsmanship.

A night of rum, fresh cigars & craftsmanship

One of the evening’s highlights was watching a Dominican torcedora hand-roll cigars right in front of us. I’d never smoked a freshly rolled cigar before—there’s something raw, earthy, and intimate about it. A bit firm on the draw at first, but once it opened up, the flavour was stunning.

Pro Cigar

This event was also supported by ProCigar, the Dominican Cigar Manufacturers Association. Established in 1992, its members include some of the world’s most prestigious cigar makers, such as:

• Arnold Andre
• Casa Carrillo
• De Los Reyes Cigars​
• General Cigar
• La Aurora
• La Flor Dominicana
• PDR Cigars
• Quesada Cigars
• Tabacalera Arturo Fuente
• Tabacalera de Garcia
• Tabadom Holding Inc
• Tabacalera Palma

These members uphold the highest standards of quality, consistency, and tradition—a dedication that has made Dominican cigars the global benchmark for exceptional craftsmanship.

I’d only ever heard about them through the ProCigar Festival previously.

The festival, held annually in the Dominican Republic, brings together some of the world’s most respected cigar makers and offers rare factory tours, blending sessions, and tastings that showcase the Dominican Republic’s world-class premium-cigar industry.

I’ve heard so many good things about it, from so many people—one I’d absolutely love to attend in the future!

The Ambassador

Her Excellency Ambassador Rosa Hernández De Grullón, who recently presented her credentials to King Charles III, is a remarkable presence—warm, articulate, and deeply passionate about representing Dominican excellence.

She was joined by Angelina Biviana Riveiro Disla, Director of ProDominicana, in proudly opening the evening and highlighting the significance of Dominican Week.

They were accompanied by the UK Cigar Aficionadas.

My experience

As the evening unfolded, it became a celebration of craft, culture, and community. It offered a deeper appreciation of Dominican heritage. It’s made me want to visit their wonderful country more than ever now!

Aw, honestly, I left the Dominican Embassy feeling proper humbled I must say, and eternally grateful. I’m grateful for the opportunities this blog has brought—and I can’t believe it’s almost five years since I posted my very first entry. I’m so thankful to everyone who has been reading and supporting me along the way on this incredible journey.

And to think, the night before meeting Ambassador Rosa Hernández De Grullón I also had the chance to meet Ismara Vargas Walter the Ambassador of Cuba to the UK, at City of London Cigars during their Ramon Allones Absolutos cigar launch event.

Now, I just need to meet up with the Ambassador of Nicaragua to the UK, to continue the theme 😁.

Here’s a little video of the night:

More info about the Embassy

Embassy of the Dominican Republic in the UK
📍 81 Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, SW7 5BW

Instagram: @rdenuk
Website: dominicanembassy.org.uk
Facebook: DominicanEmbassyUK

If you’re interested in Dominican cigar culture, the next ProCigar Festival is scheduled for 17–20 February. Read more about that here.