Fuente is Returning to Nicaragua, Building Factory in Estelí

Forty years ago, Nicaragua’s Tabacalera A. Fuente was torched during the revolution. After the disaster, the family established a factory in Honduras that also burned to the ground. The Fuentes ultimately settled in the Dominican Republic, where they founded the fantastic Chateau de la Fuente.

Photo: Roland Krammer
At the Puro Sabor Festival, the Fuentes publicly announced their plans fpr Nicaragua. Calito’s daughter Liana Fuente, designer an photographer Manny Iriarte, Felix Masa and Carlos “Carlito“ Fuente (from left)

Now Carlos “Carlito” Fuente is returning to his roots by starting a new factory in Estelí. Designed by Manny Iriarte, it has been christened ‘La Bella y la Bestia’ (Beauty and the Beast). Felix Mesa, creator of cigar brands El Galán and Doña Nieves, will direct operations.

“It was my father’s dream to return someday to Nicaragua,” says Carlito Fuente. “He knew about my plans, was able to see the plantations before he died and encouraged me to take this step. I have put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into this vision, not least thanks to my colleagues and friends in Estelí, who have been dear to me for many years. With the new factory, I’m hoisting the Fuente flag once again in Nicaragua.”