While we were getting a grand tour of the rolling floor, we noticed that most of the rollers were smoking these ugly little sticks.

With all the famous cigars that this factory produced, we wondered why the rollers, who could smoke for free whatever they wanted during their shift, chose these bumpy little cigars that they were making for themselves over the prestigious ones that they were producing for export.

Well, we assumed that they knew something that we didn't and we had to try one to see what the allure was.

One puff and we knew what all the fuss was about.

We learned that these have been sold in the Dominican Republic for decades, and are regarded as a local secret by those that know them by the reputation of "these are what the rollers smoke." This little cafE sized smoker is FULL of flavor.

Its rich, long filler cuban seed ligero tobacco completely satisfies you because it is made up of just the wrapper and full strength filler.

Why is their shape so irregular, you ask? A traditional cigar requires as much as 50-80% of "other tobaccos" (as in "non-cuban seed") in its blend in order to fill out the cigar, mellow the flavor, and provide an even burn.

However, Nativos are made with just 100% full strength filler leaf.

When used exclusively though, this variety of leaf will not burn evenly if it is compressed by the wooden mold presses that are normally used to form the cigar's smooth and uniform shape.

Therefore, they have to roll them "perrito style". This is a construction technique in which they are hand pressed only, without the pressure of a press mold which would otherwise make them too tight.

As a result, the draw is always perfect and satisfying.

No, they won't win any beauty pageants, and they won't exactly fit in at a snobbier cigar lounge, but their flavor and price (80 cents each!) make them a great buy.