Tabac De La Semois: Vieux Poupehan Cigars

While process does play a factor in a tobacco's flavor — such as Latakia's smoked process and Perique's fermentation — growing region is also incredibly significant. The French refer to this phenomenon of natural elements affecting flavor characteristics as terroir, and it's an important aspect of other natural pleasures like wine, whiskey, and coffee, as well as tobacco. Consider, for example, the grassy sweetness of American Virginias versus the earthy tang of Turkish Orientals even despite similar curing processes.

Semois is a tobacco varietal defined by its terroir. A rarer varietal than the likes of Burley, Virginia, and others, Semois is grown exclusively in the Belgian valley for which it's named, and unlike other tobacco growing regions, the Semois Valley is a narrow floodplain shrouded by mist and flanked by shady riverbanks. Its tobacco tradition dates back to the 1850s when Joseph Pierret first planted tobacco in the valley even though the Semois was considered unsuitable for such cultivation; however, the land produced a unique varietal that by the 1890s was celebrated across Europe.

Today, that tobacco tradition is continued by Vincent Manil and his wife Gaëtane, producing pipe tobacco and cigars alike composed of Semois tobacco. Offered here is the Vieux Poupehan cigar size from Manil and Tabac de la Semois, offering the rustic, earthy flavor profile distinct to Semois tobacco.