Bock y Ca holds a unique footnote in cigar history as the brand credited with inventing the cigar band, after owner Gustav Bock created one roughly 150 years ago to combat counterfeiting of his product. Today the brand is handmade in La Romana, Dominican Republic, and carries that historic band as a nod to its origins. Each cigar is pressed and individually sleeved to maintain its shape, and the blend is medium in strength with a mellow, approachable character. The Oscuro-wrapped version leans earthy and sweet and is worth seeking out for maduro fans.