The instruction leaflets found in many cigar boxes contain the recommendation that cigars should be stored between 16 and 18°C. But what should you do as summer draws near?
It’s Hard to Top the History of Joya de Nicaragua
Dictator ownership, nationalization, worker control, brand success, market lows, trademark loss and official cigar supplier for the White House … It’s hard to top the history of the first and oldest commercial cigar producer in Nicaragua. This year the “Jewel of Nicaragua”, established by two Cuban exiles, is celebrating 45 years of social, political and managerial changes with an anniversary brand.
Regular is Extraordinary – Aged Classic vs. Limited Production Cigars
Cigar Aging. When offered the choice between an aged classic cigar or a limited production cigar Colin C. Ganley feels a moral call to choose the classic.
A. J. Fernandez – Discipline and Passion
In every profession there are exceptional talents. Among cigar makers, too, there are a few who do the term “genius” justice. One of them is Abdel J. Fernandez.
Doomed Heritage – The H. Upmann Factory
Rise and fall: the building, commonly known as “La Madama”, that once housed the manufacture of H. Upmann’s world-famous cigars was lost after the Hupmann family went bankrupt.
La Flor Dominicana holds the only Cigar Patent
Litto Gomez and his wife Ines Lorenzo Gomez made the bold move into the cigar business in 1994 – without any experience. Today La Flor Dominicana is one of the most highly regarded brands.
Ashes to Ashes
At first sight merely the waste after enjoyment, ash performs an important function and reveals a lot about the cigar. White or light grey ash for example is a sign for high potassium content in the soil and the ash’s structure reflects the quantity of tobacco used and the rolling technique.
Charity & Cigars – The Generous Passion
Cigar lovers and makers provide jobs, relief and charity on a massive scale. This group has a tremendous impact on the living standards of poor regions and is sending more poor kids from the regions to college than have ever gone before.
Estelí – The Cigar City
A thriving tobacco industry transformed the former Nicaraguan farming town of Estelí into a Mecca for cigar smokers.
El Laguito – Havana’s Most Beautiful Cigar Factory
Who’s the fairest one of all? Snow White’s evil stepmother had to look into a mirror for reassurance that she was the fairest in the land. There’s no question, however, which cigar factory is Havana’s most beautiful: without a doubt, it’s El Laguito.
Nestor Plasencia Sr. Honored for Lifetime Achievement
Nestor Plasencia Sr. is one of the best known tobacco growers and cigar-makers in the cigar industry. When his Lifetime achievement Trophy was announced in Orlando, the entire room rose to their feet with applause.
Leading Women of the Cigar World
Looking at cigars from more than one angle is important to us. We want to fully explore this industry, its changes, and how it is changing the world. Since the creation of cigars, women and men have worked in tobacco side by side. In this article we are featuring stories of some of the women leading the cigar industry today.


