Culture and Passion
PCA 2025
Back in New Orleans
Colombian Tobacco In the United States
PCA 2025 6
Colombian Tobacco
In the United States
Emmanuel Gutiérrez Pérez
@Cigarchicote
SPECIAL
PCA 2025 Back in New Orleans 44
• Aroma de Nicaragua
• Artista Cigars
• BAMF Cigars
• Casa 1910
• Cigar Ambassador
• Dominium Cigars
• Don Emmanuel Cigars
• Drunk Chicken Cigars
• Fortaleza y Libre
• Fratello Cigars
• Garo Cigars
• GTO Cigars
• Gurkha Cigar Group
• Hiram & Solomon Cigars
• JM Tobacco
• Karen Berger Cigars
• La Aurora
• La Galera Cigars
• La Rosa Negra Cigars
• Madre Tierra Cigars
• Marvanny Cigars
• Matilde Cigars
• Natura Cigars
• Nomos Cigars
• Nova Cigar
• Purócrata Cigars
• Raíces Cubanas Cigars
• Raching Humidors
• Ritmo Cigars
• Robert Glick
• Rochaz Cigars
• San Giorgio, The Sinner
• Tabacalera Esencia
• Tabacalera Tamboril
• Te Amo
• West Tampa Tobacco
SOTL GLOBAL MOVEMENT
Mercedes Valdés
92 A Life of Twists, Like Tobacco Leaves
Humberto Monteagudo 100 Taste and Compare
The Voices of the Graduates
108 Vol. 5
• George Karnabakos
• Carmen Z. Avilés
• Natalie Simms
TOBACCO WORLD
LA FUMAROSA 122 Iowa Series Repputation Marketing Blanca Czebous
Tabaquera Márquez
Torres
Culture and Passion
From their home in the Dominican Republic, Luis Márquez and Vivian Torres have set out on a mission: to contribute to the revival of the tobacco industry and culture in Puerto Rico, the land where they were born. Through Tabaquera Márquez Torres and the new products under the Márquez Torres Cigars brand, they’ve fully immersed themselves in a sector that brings together farming, pre-industry processes, and cigar manufacturing.
César Salinas Chávez Director
Alberto Arizmendi Editorial Director
GH L
Dominican Republic
Julio César Fuentes Commercial Director
Honduras
Patricia Pineda
Rolando Soto
Roberto Pérez Santiago Art Director
Raúl Melo Publisher
Enrique Quijano Style Correction
Moisés Licea Web Master
Yoshua Segovia Community Manager
COLLABORATORS
Argentina
Gastón Banegas
Canada
Nicolás Valenzuela Voss
Chile
Francisco Reusser
Christopher Sáez
Michel Iván Texier Verdugo
Colombia
Federico Londoño Mesa
Eduardo Márquez
YEAR 1, ISSUE 12, ABRIL 2025
Humo Latino Magazine reserves the right to reject unsolicited articles that contravene its thematic profile, as well as those that do not conform to its style standards.
The articles received will be approved in the first instance by members of the Editorial Board. We reserve the right to make changes or introduce modifications to the manuscripts, for the sake
Cuba
José Camilo López Valls
Dominican Republic
Francisco Matos Mancebo
Wendell Rodríguez
Mexico
Aurelio Contreras
Gonzalo Romero
Manolo Santiago
Puerto Rico
José Luis Acosta
Spain
Luciano Quadrini
Sofía Ruiz
José Antonio Ruiz Tierraseca
Fernando Sanfiel
United States
Anastasia Psomiadi
Blanca Suárez
Lefty Karropoulos
Venezuela
José Bello
Diego Urdaneta
of better reading comprehension, without this implying changing their content.
The authors are responsible for the content published under their signature. Humo Latino Magazine does not assume any responsibility for possible conflicts arising from the authorship of the works and publication of the graphic material that accompanies them.
Editorial
The Global Village
Grupo Humo Latino in Mexico and GHL República Dominicana are the companies behind the production of the magazine you now hold in your hands, marking the launch of our editions in this new format. This publication follows in the footsteps of our tabloid-style newspaper, Humo Latino Journal, of which we printed three issues in 2023 and 2024, totaling 90,000 copies distributed across cigar lounges, tobacconists, and industry events, primarily in the United States.
Today, we are proud to present our latest project, coinciding with the first anniversary of Humo Latino Global, our digital magazine designed to expand our reach. English, spoken by approximately 1.426 billion people worldwide and dominant in 186 countries, is a language we cannot overlook.
For the third consecutive year, we are providing diverse audiences –through our Spanish and English
media platforms specialized in the tobacco industry, as well as social media– with comprehensive coverage of the Premium Cigar Association trade show (PCA 2025), now taking place in New Orleans. Our mission is to shine a spotlight on the boutique brands showcased at this premier event, the most significant of its kind in North America.
This is the driving purpose behind Humo Latino, the unifying brand for a suite of specialized media platforms. These include monthly digital publications, websites, Instagram and Facebook pages, a newsletter, and a YouTube channel that will expand its content offerings throughout the year. We also publish a quarterly print magazine tailored to the significant domestic market of the Dominican Republic. Now, we are pleased to present this edition for your consideration and hope it meets your expectations.
Colombian Tobacco at the PCA
Emmanuel Gutiérrez Pérez @Cigarchicote
Colombian black tobacco is cultivated in two key regions: Santander and Montes de María. The latter is renowned for its production of the Cubita varietal since 1870, when Captain Joaquín Pizarro of the Sotavento Restoration Army introduced Cuban seeds to what is now the municipality of Ovejas in Sucre.
The Cubita leaf has gained recognition in the global tobacco industry over the past decade, as several Central American factories and boutique brands have incorporated it into their cigar blends –either to balance body or enhance combustion.
With the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) trade show taking place in New Orleans this April, here’s a brief look at some cigars that have featured Cubita black tobacco at the event.
CAO
In the late 2000s, CAO introduced a Colombia line under its Escaparate series, which included Cubita tobacco. Later, at the 2014 IPCPR (1), they launched the CAO Colombia line with four vitolas named after Colombian cities and cultural elements: Bogotá (6” x 60 Gordo), Magdalena (6.25” x 54 Torpedo), Vallenato (5” x 56 Churchill), and Tinto (Robusto, ring gauge 50).
Still in production, these cigars offer a mild-to-medium strength profile, featuring an Honduras Jamastrán wrapper, Cameroon binder and Brazil Matafina and Colombia Ica Mazinga as fillers.
Another classic, the CAO Consigliere, has included Colombian tobacco since its 2005 debut. It earned a spot in Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 in 2006 and reappeared at the 2016 IPCPR in three vitolas: Associate (5” x 52 Robusto), Soldier (6” x 54 Toro) and Boss (7” x 56 Figurado).
Its blend remains unchanged: Brazil Mata Fina wrapper, Honduras binder and Nicaragua, Dominicana and Colombia Tairona fillers.
The CAO Amazon Basin series made waves in 2014 by incorporating rare Brazilian Bragança tobacco. While Cubita wasn’t in the original blend, it was added to the 2023 Extra Añejo Limited Edition (5,800 boxes of 18 Toros, 6” x 52).
At PCA 2025, CAO is relaunching this line in the Toro vitola, featuring an Ecuador Sumatra wrapper and a Nicaragua, Dominicana, Brazil Bragança and Colombia Cubita filler.
Two other limited editions from CAO’s Amazon tetralogy also used Colombian leaf:
- CAO Anaconda (2017 IPCPR) – 6” x 52 Toro with Brazilian Habano Bahiano wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and filler from the DR, Brazil (Bragança/Arapiraca), and Colombia (Cubita).
- CAO Orellana (2019) – Toro with Brazilian Cubra wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and Dominican/Brazilian/Colombian filler.
GRAN HABANO
Founded by Colombian Guillermo Rico, this Honduran factory made history at the 2010 IPCPR with El Gigante –a 6-meter (236-inch), 60-ring-gauge cigar. In 2016, they debuted La Conquista, featuring a Nicaragua Corojo wrapper, Nicaragua binder and Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Colombia filler.
For their 20th Anniversary (2021), they released a limited edition (delayed to PCA 2022 due to Covid-19) with a Nicaragua Corojo Shade wrapper and a Nicaragua Perú and Colombia filler.
LA AURORA
The Dominican Republic’s oldest factory, La Aurora, has honored Cubita in two aged-tobacco lines:
1. La Aurora Hors D’Age – Master blender Manuel Ynoa’s cognacinspired creation with an Ecuador wrapper and binder and a 12-yearaged Dominicana, Nicaragua and Colombia leaves. Debuted at IPCPR 2018-2019 and PCA 2024-2025. The 2020 Gran Toro (6” x 54) ranked #6 in Cigar Journal’s Top 25.
2. Puro Vintage 2014 (2024) – Includes Cubita in the filler of its 6.5” x 50/60 Salomón, alongside Nicaragua and Dominicana tobacco.
VEGAFINA
Among the first premium brands to use Colombian leaf, Vegafina celebrated its 1998 founding at PCA 2020 with the Vegafina 1998, featuring an Ecuador HVA wrapper, Indonesia Java binder and Dominicana, Nicaragua and Colombia Tairona fillers. The VF42L (7⅛” x 42) ranked #6 in Cigar Journal’s 2021 Top 25.
OTHER NOTABLE MENTIONS
- Alec Bradley – Relaunched the Maxx Culture Connecticut at IPCPR 2015 with Nicaragua wrapper, Costa Rica binder, and Dominicana/Nicaragua/ Colombia filler.
- El Artista – Featured Cubita in the Buffalo Ten Maduro Box Press Toro
at IPCPR 2019.
(6” x 50)
- Fratello – Showcased Colombian tobacco in the Oro Fuoco (2019) and 2024 Pocahontas Limited Edition.
- Gurkha Seduction (2015 IPCPR)
– Ecuador Habano wrapper, Olor Dominicano binder and Colombia Corojo filler.
- Macanudo Emissary España (PCA 2024) – U.S. Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, Nicaragua binder, and filler including Colombia Cubita.
NOTE
(1) Formerly the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR), rebranded as the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) in 2021.
Tabaquera Márquez Torres Culture and Passion
From their home in the Dominican Republic, Luis Márquez and Vivian Torres have set out on a mission: to contribute to the revival of the tobacco industry and culture in Puerto Rico, the land where they were born. Through Tabaquera Márquez Torres and the new products under the Márquez Torres Cigars brand, they’ve fully immersed themselves in a sector that brings together farming, pre-industry processes, and cigar manufacturing.
He is a man driven by passion; she is a strong, empowered woman. Together, they lead a family that has stood out in various business ventures, all of which reflect their personal passions. One
example is their success in cockfighting –where they even won a world championship– and now tobacco, which they approached from the ground up: starting with the cultivation and trade of processed leaves and closing the loop by launching their own cigar brand.
But it’s not all about money. While each business does generate income that supports families in both Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, what truly drives them is a desire to revive a once-vibrant tobacco culture on the Island of Enchantment and to promote connection and community. Around a cigar, people get to know each other and share meaningful time.
Luis Márquez is known as Pito Márquez, a nickname that comes from the long whistles (pitos) his friends used to compare him to as a skinny kid growing up in San Juan. Years later, he and his wife Vivi launched a door and window manufacturing business –at a time when that industry didn’t even exist in Puerto Rico. Their success, as always “thanks to God,” was the result of hard work and countless sleepless nights.
Nearly three decades ago, they expanded their ventures into the Dominican Republic, establishing businesses in Santo Domingo and La Romana. But it was their passion for roosters that drew them to Santiago, where they now live –and where they fell in love with tobacco.
It was Luis’ rooster-breeding friendships that led him into the Tobacco World. He didn’t even smoke cigarettes before. But when the conversation at gatherings shifted and cigars came out, all he could do was listen. So he started trying cigars, slowly developing a real appreciation that led him to study online and earn a certification from the Cigar Academy. He’s now enrolled in the Habanosommelier course.
Nearly four years ago, he stepped into tobacco farming. He used to talk to growers who lamented how buyers wouldn’t pay fair prices for their leaves –and before he knew it, he was involved. “I started financing farmers who were abandoned financially, reselling their tobacco or keeping some for myself and sharing it with friends to split the cost.”
He began learning about varietals like Corojo and Olor Dominicano, and discovered that Olor from Navarrete isn’t the same as Olor from Villa González or Tamboril –or Yamasá, for that matter. So he went back to “school” in a sense, and life brought him full circle to his roots. He planted his own seeds because he liked a particular type of leaf and wanted to grow it his own way. Now, in addition to financing some operations in El Cibao, he also cultivates roughly 47 acres in San Juan de la Maguana, in the country’s south, as a member of a tobacco growers association.
He grows T-13, a variety developed by the Dominican Republic’s Tobacco Institute (Intabaco, in its Spanish acronym), as well as Criollo 98 and Olor Dominicano. For the upcoming harvest in October, he plans to cover some of the growing plots to test
wrapper leaves using a Habano variety. He’s also considering planting “a few” additional plots near Tamboril.
The tobacco is processed at their ranch in Santiago, where they also raise their roosters. There, they handle fermentation, destemming, sorting, and baling. In fact, an Aging Room will soon be ready for storing tobacco bales “under the right conditions and with the right equipment. It’s about doing things properly, because with today’s high demand, tobacco isn’t being given the time it needs to become true premium product.”
It’s hard to find tobacco aged for two, three, or four years. “But that’s exactly what I want to do,” Luis says. “And I want to document it. I mean, I want to be able to prove that a bale was sealed on this date and opened on that date... after the proper amount of time.”
From his perspective, “When you first start smoking, you chase after bands and brands and take selfies with certain cigars. But once you’re deep into this world, what you really want is to create your own brand,” says Luis. So he sought out people with real knowledge –and found great human beings. He began by supplying a cigar maker with his raw materials and starting small-scale production in the artisan’s workshop. Today, he works with another artisan in a shared factory, including some of his own tobacco.
Together, they developed three blends, which Luis explains in his own way: “Blending tobacco and having it succeed is
like writing songs. You might write the best song ever and it never hits, or you might write a terrible one and it goes viral... We’re on this adventure with three cigars that I think are great, and now we need to give them exposure –get people to try them and share their thoughts.”
Though he personally enjoys strong cigars, they developed blends with broader appeal. The first is a 5.5-inch, 54 -ring gauge cigar with a Mexican San Andrés wrapper. “A really solid mediumbodied stick called Pito Márquez. That’s my nickname, and since the cigar didn’t have a name, we started handing it out to friends and loved ones –who ended up baptizing it with that name.”
Next came a 6-inch, 56-ring gauge Toro with an Ecuadorian Habano 2000 wrapper and Corojo binder, named Don Márquez in honor of Luis’s father –a serious, strong man he describes as “fantastic.” Then there’s a 7-inch, 50-ring gauge Churchill, also with an Ecuadorian Habano 2000 wrapper but a San Vicente binder. Aside from the wrappers, both blends are essentially Dominican.
“The Churchill has a secondary band labeled ‘Limited Edition’ because it includes tobacco aged for two years with documented provenance –and we’ll never be able to get those same leaves from the same sector again. Right now, we’re also aging a new cigar that’s just wild... Just the filler alone uses six different varieties.”
As for presentation, the main band features a matte black background with the initials “MT” in old gold, with fine details and a subtle grey illustration of a tobacco bundle in the background. The band closes with a circle containing the Puerto Rican flag. “I had to include it,” says Luis, “even though it’s made in the Dominican Republic.”
In an interview held during the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) trade show in New Orleans, the couple shared that their Márquez Torres business plans are progressing in Puerto Rico, which along with the United States, is their primary market.
Licensed to import and export tobacco in the U.S., they will soon be opening several cigar lounges and a distribution center simultaneously. They already have a presence in airports and plan to install large and mid-sized humidor displays –stocked with various brands, including their own– in shops, restaurants, and hotels.
Luis recalls that in the 1950s, Puerto Rico was the fifth-largest tobacco exporter in the world. Today, it doesn’t even register. This isn’t to take anything away from the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Nicaragua, or Honduras: “Before the embargo, Cuba supplied many, but when a plague hit their crops, José Padrón said in an interview that Puerto Rico was the only country that could deliver the quality he needed. Why not now?” That realization opened Luis’s eyes to the potential of the cigar and farming market.
He plans to wait until the new Puerto Rican government settles in before seeking ways to support local growers and make them competitive with other countries. “Minimum wage is $1,600 a month over there, and that would be impossible to pay. But we could start manufacturing –bring my tobacco over to process it. We’ll eventually establish a factory there, but without touching the one in the Dominican Republic... Though honestly, what I’d love most is to plant.”
For now, Luis and Vivian are focused on promoting their products and getting people to try them. This year, they’ve
attended the Procigar Festival in the Dominican Republic and the Festival del Habano in Cuba as guests. PCA was their first appearance at a U.S. trade show. “We came to learn how it works, but next year we’ll be exhibiting –just like we’ll be doing this month at the Dominican Cigar Expo.”
They believe they need more exposure. “It’s not about baby steps… I’m an ambitious person, in the best sense,” says Luis. “Not to hoard, but because I like doing things right –and big. We’re still newcomers in the Cigar World, but we’ve taken it very seriously, with real commitment, and everything’s going well.”
Vivian says Luis was born with a knack for business. “He’s someone who never goes unnoticed –because he’s fully dedicated and succeeds at whatever he does.” She notes that entering this industry takes funding, “and he thanks God that we’ve had the resources to do it. We still have a lot to learn, but we want to lend a hand and help as many people as we can –that’s what matters.”
Luis says that she’s not just his wife –she’s an angel who guides and supports him. “If I wanted to open a bike shop tomorrow, she’d dive in and ride one herself. These days she’s really into the fields –visiting farmers, bringing them coffee and water... and I say she spoils them too much,” he laughs.
They agree they truly complement each other. While she provides structure and focuses on the big picture, he’s more of a risk-taker –and that balance is essential for sound decisions. Their two sons and daughter are also at the heart of everything they do. “We always include them. If they say no, then it’s a no –because it’s important that we’re all on the same page.”
They also have two young grandchildren, whom Luis pictures riding horses around the ranch someday. What they hope to leave behind is a legacy their family will carry forward: “That feeling of knowing mom and dad were here and left a trail –and that following in their footsteps was something beautiful.”
Between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, they don’t favor one over the other. “Both are our first choice. We’re split down the middle –‘miti miti’– because of family, friends, and business.” So the dream of reviving the Tobacco Culture in one country is perfectly complemented by the other, where seeing women smoking cigars is entirely normal –something they hope people will better understand and embrace, given the vital role women play today.
“When our kids sit down with us to enjoy a cigar, put their phones away, and we share a little coffee or a glass of whisky... that helps us connect. That’s the kind of moment we want to support –where you can sit around a table, light up, and spend some real quality time together.”
Back in New Orleans
Founded in 1933, the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) —originally named the Retail Tobacco Dealers of America (RTDA)— is the oldest, largest, and most active trade organization in the global tobacco industry.
Its early meetings and conventions were smallerscale annual gatherings compared to today’s events. These were primarily guild-style assemblies focused on legal matters and regulations, without brand exhibitions. The space was reserved for discussion panels and some discreet sales.
One of the last RTDA conventions was held in Nashville, Tennessee, and in 2000, the organization rebranded as the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers (IPCPR), marking the dawn of the Trade Show era.
Hosted in cities like New Orleans, Louisiana; Las Vegas, Nevada; Orlando, Florida; and Houston, Texas, the IPCPR Trade Show simplified its name in 2018 to the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, establishing Las Vegas as its permanent home. However, in 2025, the event returns for a two-year run at New Orleans’ Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
Representing both retailers and suppliers, the PCA supports nearly 25,000 stores and businesses that employ tens of thousands of people. It stands as the only full-service premium tobacco organization, going beyond financial advocacy to unite the industry against burdensome regulations and taxes that threaten this way of life. It also provides professional development for its members, fostering stronger relationships at the preeminent trade show of its kind.
This year’s edition —the 24th in its history (accounting for the 2020 cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic)— features enriching talks and panels on topics like the art of handmade cigars and the generational shift reshaping the industry.
All this unfolds alongside countless activities across the booths and pavilions of nearly 250 exhibitors, ranging from boutique brands and accessories to major industry players.
Aroma de Nicaragua
The Grandeur of a Nation
This brand was founded to showcase Nicaragua’s world-class tobacco to the globe –a mission that fills owner Hernán López with pride, especially after Aroma G Belgium named his Rainforest Torpedo Box Pressed their Cigar of the Year.
Every blend exclusively uses premium Nicaraguan tobaccos, sourced across the country’s diverse growing regions. The Original Blend comes in three vitolas, while Rubrum offers five, Rainforest features two, and Chilcagre –a tribute to López’s grandfather’s traditional Nicaraguan smoke– includes two sizes. The portfolio recently expanded with two new releases: Pirámide and Gordito, plus the HL line by Aroma de Nicaragua –crafted in Estelí using premium cigar clippings for an affordable yet highquality smoke.
For 2024, the brand’s global expansion drove upgrades: Redesigned packaging with refined graphics, new box hinges for premium presentation, updated cigar bands and an innovative tobacco labeling, offering 10-count packs of distinct leaf varieties.
Hernán López.
Artista Cigars
Pleasurable Smoking Experiences
Radhamés Rodríguez, president of Artista Cigars –part of the Tabacalera El Artista family–introduces their new Artista Colorado cigar–a medium-strength smoke with sweet undertones. This blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan tobaccos features an Ecuadorian Habanense wrapper and was manufactured last year: “We’re extremely pleased with the results.”
When asked, he confirmed their special edition collaborations with David “Big Papi” Ortiz –the Dominican MLB legend– are thriving. The Big Papi by David Ortiz, Slugger, and Hall of Fame –commemorating his Cooperstown induction– have all been consumer favorites.
Radhamés Rodríguez
BAMF Cigars
A Different World
Agroup of military and police officers came together in 2014 to create this brand, which is why both their vitolas and branding feature ammunition and elements directly tied to that culture. Some of their cigars resemble bullets, sticks of dynamite, or are enormous –like the one known as “The Mother of All Tobacco,” measuring 12 inches with a 110 ring gauge.
Ismael Oliván, CEO of BAMF Cigars, explains that this year’s cigar features a blend of 17 different tobacco varieties from countries around the world, including Spain, the United States, and Italy, among others. What happens when you smoke something like this is
that the flavors and aromas constantly change –just when you think you’ve identified a note, two puffs later it disappears and transforms into something else.
As master blender, he’s allowed himself to create whatever comes to mind. For example, he has a cigar where everything is reversed: the leaf normally used for the wrapper becomes the filler; the filler becomes the binder; and the binder becomes the wrapper. “I don’t want to make a normal cigar... but to mix everything up, just like the real world, while always focusing on delivering quality products to our customers.”
Ismael Oliván.
MexiGars, by Casa 1910
The Terroir of Veracruz
Originating from the San Andrés Tuxtla valley, a land enriched by volcanic minerals, MexiGars is a Casa 1910 brand that seeks to express the terroir of Veracruz, Mexico, in every puff, honoring the region’s volcanic past through a spectacular band.
According to Manolo Santiago, master blender and co-founder of the brand, the decision to place what appears to be an inverted band responds to the idea of creating an interactive experience:
“As you smoke the cigar, the ash and smoke take shape, as if you were holding a volcano in your hands.”
MexiGars consists of two blends made in a 6-inch Toro format, ring gauge 52, with Colorado Negro San Andrés and Habano Negro San Andrés wrappers. The first offers a spicy profile, while the second has a touch more sweetness. They are complemented by binders and fillers that include Habano and Criollo 98 tobaccos, perfect for pairing with liquor or coffee.
Manolo Santiago.
Cigar Ambassador Decades of Experience
Founded in 2005 as a specialized cigar magazine under Lily Wang’s leadership, Cigar Ambassador quickly expanded its influence across all aspects of Tobacco Culture in Asia. This was achieved through establishing stores, lounges, a factory, and tobacco cultivation in the Dominican Republic.
According to Ausman Soriano Wang, the company’s U.S. director, the Tobacco Queen brand was registered in 2017 and launched in 2024 after a lengthy aging process. The brand pays homage to Queen Isabella “The Catholic,” who facilitated tobacco’s discovery in America, while also recognizing his mother’s career achievements.
Their growth in the industry led to creating the Leyenda de Copán brand based in Honduras and Flor de Masalla in Nicaragua, demonstrating that the premium tobacco industry isn’t exclusive to men.
Ausman Soriano Wang and Lily Wang.
Dominium Cigars
The Song of Tobacco
Born in Jalapa, Nicaragua, Dominium Cigars is a brand making its way into the United States through distributor United Tabac, initially introducing its products in Florida and Texas. These cigars feature 100% Nicaraguan filler, Indonesian binders, and Ecuador, Connecticut, Habano, and Mexican Negro San Andrés wrappers.
Owners Donaldo González and tenor singer Iván Cancedo previously participated in the last edition of InterTabac in Dortmund, Germany, and have taken their brand to New Delhi and the Middle East. They entered Europe through Hungary and Spain and have a presence in Central and South America.
Reflecting on their presentation at the Premium Cigar Association trade show in New Orleans, Iván says the competition and display of exceptionally high-quality exhibitors was impressive, so they plan to return next year. “The goal is to introduce our cigars, and we have great confidence and faith in the results.”
Iván Cancedo.
Don Emmanuel Cigars
A Tribute to Humanity
Atrue scholar of tobacco who has taken masterclasses around the world, Don Emmanuel is a Brazilian who always dreamed of creating his own cigar brand. Now, at the PCA trade show, he presents his debut line –Anunnaki–crafted by master blender Eladio Díaz at Tabacalera Díaz Cabrera in the Dominican Republic.
Named after the Sumerian gods as a homage to humanity’s origins, this sophisticated blend incorporates seven different tobacco leaves that create remarkable complexity and evolving,
unique flavors. The line features: a 6-inch, 50-ring gauge Toro, a 5-inch, 50-ring gauge Robusto and a 4-inch, 38ring gauge Corona Fino (all long-filler with the same blend and finished with a pigtail cap)
Currently distributed in the U.S. (primarily Florida), Qatar, Brazil, Venezuela, and Chile –with Puerto Rico coming soon– Don Emmanuel states: “We’re talking to everyone so cigar enthusiasts worldwide can enjoy this marvel, with plans to expand across more North American markets.”
Don Emmanuel.
Drunk Chicken Cigars
The Premium Spirit
For Desiree Sylver, being a boutique brand doesn’t mean being any less premium –it means being a company dedicated to closeness with customers, and this attention to detail makes Drunk Chicken Cigars a perfect example of this philosophy.
At the beginning of 2025, they launched Henchmen, a full-bodied Nicaraguan cigar crafted by blending the best of new school and old school traditions. With a Connecticut wrapper, “when smoked, its flavor ranges from medium to full-bodied –the kind of punch you’d expect from a true Henchman.”
For the rest of the year, Drunk Chicken Cigars will focus on strengthening communication with consumers, visiting cigar lounges, and organizing various events that encourage community while allowing them to understand aficionados’ expectations firsthand.
Desiree Sylver.
Fortaleza y Libre
The Intimidator Returns
Owned by Greg Free, Fortaleza y Libre Cigars has experienced its ups and downs, overcoming a necessary rebranding process to return to the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show floor with its Intimidador and a sampler that showcases its journey through the industry.
The Intimidador –a 6-inch, 50ring gauge Toro with a Negro San Andrés wrapper– was introduced in 2024 within the Boutique Cigar Association’s (BCA) unified pavilion. This year, it made its solo debut, demonstrating the brand’s growth.
Additionally, Fortaleza y Libre is introducing a new sampler bag featuring five of its finest cigars, with which it hopes to reaffirm its place in the U.S. premium tobacco sector.
Greg Free.
Fratello Cigars
New Releases for PCA
Omar de Frías, NASA analyst and founder of Fratello Cigars, presented the brand’s 2025 novelties. The PCA trade show hosted the launch of the Fratello 1821, a medium-to-full strength blend featuring all-Dominican wrapper, binder, and filler. Crafted by La Aurora (the Dominican Republic’s oldest factory), this “tremendous blend” comes in a 6-inch, 58-ring gauge Toro vitola.
A second release is the Fratello Arlequín Carnaval Edition, featuring an existing blend in a new 7-inch, 50ring gauge format. This line includes the Fratello Clásico, Arlequín Clásico, and Arlequín Connecticut –all sharing the same binder and filler, with only the wrapper differing.
“We want to offer consumers this experience to better understand how wrapper changes affect a cigar’s character. We hope they enjoy them and continue following Fratello Cigars.”
Omar de Frías.
Garo Cigars
Thirty Years of Passion
Garo Bouldoukian.
Three decades may sound simple, but for a tobacco enthusiast like Dr. Garo Bouldoukian, they represent countless ups and downs in an industry where keeping the flame alive and maintaining the interest of a demanding market is crucial.
Garo Cigars’ core line, affectionately known as “Garo’s Colors,” now includes seven distinct products, not counting the
special editions for the brand’s 20th and 25th anniversaries.
In 2025, they present the commemorative 30th Anniversary blend –a cigar made with tobaccos from Piloto Cubano, Peru, Nicaragua, Indonesia, and Habano Color Carmelita varieties. “The challenges have been many... at times I’ve felt like giving up, but this is something I would undoubtedly do all over again.”
Dr. Óscar Rodríguez.
GTO Cigars
Experience and Tradition
As a fourth-generation family of farmers and producers, GTO Cigars –under the leadership of Dr. Óscar Rodríguez– combines 147 years of expertise in crafting rich, consistent cigars with exceptional quality-to-price ratios, thanks to their carefully aged tobacco.
“We’re shaking up the Tobacco World,” says Rodríguez, referring to their global presence across numerous countries and 46 U.S. states. They now introduce Royal Game, featuring a U.S. Connecticut
wrapper with Corojo binder and filler: “It’s not overly mild, but perfect with coffee and essential for starting your day right.”
Rodríguez believes boutique brands adapt better to market changes than large corporations, especially as more smokers emerge. As a physician, he recommends smoking at least two cigars daily for longevity, citing stress as the leading mortality factor: “Taking time to smoke lowers blood pressure and heart rate. Unlike cigarettes, premium cigars contain no harmful chemicals.”
Gurkha Cigar Group
Cigars for Heroes
In collaboration with Volition America and Folds of Honor –a brand and an organization dedicated to supporting U.S. veterans, respectively– Gurkha introduced three very special blends in 2025 under the name Volition America by Gurkha.
These cigars feature Connecticut, Habano, and Maduro wrappers, expertly crafted in the Dominican Republic. A portion of the proceeds from their sales will go toward charitable initiatives benefiting the families of fallen or wounded soldiers.
Additionally, the 2025 releases include the Year of the Snake line, developed in partnership with EPC Cigars, Oscar Valladares Tobacco, and Oliva Cigars, featuring Ecuadorian Connecticut, Habano, and Mexican San Andrés wrappers, respectively. There’s also the Fat Boy line, which includes three cigars in the following formats: 4-inch, 60-ring gauge; 5-inch, 66-ring gauge and 6-inch, 66-ring gauge; each promises an exceptional draw and rich flavor.
Raúl Flores, Representative.
Romy and Fouad Kashouty.
Hiram & Solomon Cigars
Coming Full Circle
Hiram & Solomon’s first appearance at the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) trade show was in New Orleans. Now, as the event returns to the city, the brand celebrates its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of success built on consistency and meticulous attention to detail.
According to Romy and Fouad Kashouty, the brand’s owners, to commemorate this milestone –a decade of philanthropy and exceptional cigars, as evidenced by their
16 distinctive blends– they crafted a special release. This unique cigar features an extremely rare hybrid wrapper, combining Habano and Connecticut leaf, with an interior blend of tobaccos aged between 7 and 10 years.
Additionally, only 25 boxes of this Special Edition were produced, each paired with a custom cutter crafted by Les Fines Lames. The allocation is as follows: 10 boxes for the U.S., 5 for Europe, 5 for Asia, and 5 for Africa and the Middle East.
JM Tobacco
The Enduring Pleasure of Smoking
Anto Mahroukian now presides over JM Tobacco, but in 1996 –when the company began– he was just a young man whose birthday gift ignited his family’s passion for an industry where their brand now shines for its quality, consistency, and accessible pricing.
Founded by John Mahroukian (whose initials christened the company), JM Tobacco entered the market with a 6-inch, 52-ring gauge Toro featuring a Connecticut wrapper, later followed by Maduro and most recently Corojo varieties.
Through three generations, Anto has grown alongside the business –part of a family legacy where grandparents, parents, and grandchildren collaborate to preserve cigar smoking as an enduring pleasure.
Anto Mahroukian.
Karen Berger Cigars Fully Nicaraguan
Dressed in a hand-painted dress depicting the leaf process and featuring elements of local culture, Karen Berger presents her Ixtelli cigar, referencing the original name of Estelí, Nicaragua’s tobacco capital.
“We wanted to bring part of our country’s and region’s culture into this launch, as this is the first fully Nicaraguan puro in our portfolio.”
The blend contains three local tobaccos: a Habano Criollo wrapper, Jalapa Habano binder, and Estelí filler, in a 6-inch, 52-ring gauge Toro vitola.
During the 2025 PCA trade show, the brand also unveiled Halftime, a 4-inch, 60-ring gauge cigar finished with a pigtail cap that will be available mid-year. It offers medium-to-full strength with robust flavor.
Karen Berger.
La Aurora
Limitless Experience
As part of its limited productions aged up to three decades in the Aging Room, La Aurora now presents its Small Batch 007. “You can try to explain what happens to a cigar aged this long, but you truly have to experience it –it’s extraordinary,” says master blender Manuel Ynoa, the creator behind these batches.
He recounts how over time he crafted cigars in batches of 1,000 to 5,000 units using leaves from harvests with exceptional potential. These were stored away until Guillermo León had the idea to release some exclusively in their store. The cigars sold out in two weeks, prompting the decision to release an annual batch –25 to 30 of which remain aging today.
Another debut at this year’s PCA was Fuerte Sol, a cigar Ynoa describes as exceptionally smooth, one-of-a-kind, and full of flavor and strength. “It took us two years to develop something aligned with our family’s legacy, made from the finest harvests and a Mexican San Andrés wrapper paired with tobaccos from around the world”–a hallmark of their blends.
Manuel Ynoa.
La Galera Cigars
Recipes with a New Twist
As part of the fifth generation of tobacco growers and third generation of cigar makers, José Manuel Blanco is also the voice behind Tabacalera Palma and La Galera Cigars. The brand now unveils its Year of the Snake Limited Edition –restricted to 2,000 boxes– marking their first cigar featuring Nicaraguan Ometepe filler, which adds “a unique flavor and sweetness” to an elegant 7-inch, 47-ring gauge vitola.
They’ve also completed their short-smoke Tins (3.5 inches, 46-ring gauge) across all lines, complementing the Connecticut and Habano wrappers with blends like Anemoi, Imperial Jade, and Box Pressed. José Manuel also announces the move to a new 6,800-square-meter industrial facility, which will increase production capacity by 2.4 times.
Addressing the popular notion that this is the era of younger smokers, Blanco asserts that the traditional recipes still work –the goal isn’t to change them but to “add our own touch. It’s about engaging new generations of smokers, understanding their preferences, and using the knowledge passed down through generations to give a fresh twist to classic recipes.”
José Manuel Blanco.
La Rosa Negra Cigar
Between Flowers and Thorns
Though practically raised in New York City, Brehidy Rodríguez Balbuena remains a Dominican at heart –deeply in love with his breathtaking homeland, the cradle of the world’s finest tobaccos and cigars. Hailing from El Cibao, the country’s most fertile agricultural region, he comes from four generations of tobacco growers who supplied leaves to factories behind the scenes of major brands.
Partnering with Ceniza Cigar Factory, he launched La Rosa Negra in 2021 –a brand that may seem new, yet carries generations of tradition, expertise, and everything needed to craft premium-quality cigars. The name pays homage to his wife, Belkisa Cejvanovic, a native of Bosnia in Eastern Europe, who developed the brand’s visual identity alongside the creation of its signature blends.
At this year’s PCA Convention, Brehidy unveiled a Double Maduro Salomón featuring an aged Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper (nearly four years in maturation), alongside his existing Maduro Toro and Negro San Andrés lines, as well as a Habana Torpedo –a blend subtly enhanced with rare Andullo tobacco. He proudly describes them as “exceptional, toptier cigars”, lauded for their flavor complexity, texture, draw, and burn. Currently available in Florida and New York, with expansions soon to Texas, Canada, and Switzerland.
Brehidy Rodríguez and Belkisa Cejvanovic.
Madre Tierra Cigars
Mastering the Process
With tobacco-growing expertise dating back to 1983, Madre Tierra Cigars began as a finished cigar brand after a small private reserve batch –originally rolled for personal enjoyment–captivated both friends and strangers alike.
Under the guidance of Lizandro de la Cruz –owner of Ecuadom Tabaco– his sister Juana de la Cruz embarked on this venture alongside her husband John Deans and Jake Senior.
Together, this team ensures the brand’s uncompromising quality by overseeing every step of production, from seed to final sale.
A distinctive feature of the brand is its color-coded wrapper system: Habano (Red), Broadleaf (Orange), Cameroon (Brown), Rosado (Yellow), San Andrés (Green), Corojo (Blue), Connecticut (White). A Sumatra wrapper is also in development and will soon join the lineup.
Jake Senior, Juana de la Cruz, and John Deans.
Matilde Cigars
A Tribute to José Seijas
The son of José Seijas –a legend in the tobacco world– Enrique Seijas honors his late father (who passed away last November) with this new Limited Edition release from Matilde Cigars. A medium-full strength cigar packed with flavor, it features an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and Dominican binder and filler.
The blend embodies his father’s core values: family (marking the first release dedicated to a family member) and giving back –with at least $10 per box donated to the Dominican Parkinson’s Foundation, the disease his father battled.
Enrique found his life’s passion in the industry, working at Tabacalera de García from 1974 to 2011. “A year later, we launched Matilde to revive a historic Dominican brand founded in 1876. We aimed for accessibility –in price, branding, and taste– and over time developed five lines: Serena, Serena Maduro, Renacer, Quadrata, and Oscura, each with distinct profiles.”
Coming soon is their Limited Exposure No. 3, part of their annual special editions. While available in the U.S. and Europe, Seijas emphasizes making the brand accessible in the Dominican Republic at the best possible price.
Enrique Seijas.
Marvanny Cigars
The Boutique Journey
From Villa González in the Dominican Republic, less than three years after establishing Tabacalera La Lealtad to develop Marvanny Cigars, a brand with deeper roots, Yovanny Pérez and Roque Tejada made their debut at the PCA trade show. They were joined by their U.S. distributor, Eugenio Martínez of Sierra Wholesale Cigars.
Their story is one of perseverance and triumph over adversity –Yovanny brought business acumen while Roque contributed his expertise as a master
blender. Together, they developed six distinct blends across various vitolas to cater to all tastes. Simultaneously, they upgraded from a modest borrowed space to their current industrial facility.
Now, Eugenio also supports this boutique brand’s entry into the U.S. market: “Seeing their faith and passion, I wanted to collaborate. This isn’t about selling a dream to aficionados –it’s about delivering an experience rooted in premium-quality products.”
Yovanny Pérez, Eugenio Martínez, and Roque Tejada
Natura Cigars
An other HighAltitude Harvest
Jacob Yfrach’s adventure in the Tobacco World began during the pandemic when his main business of vegetable production was struggling. This is how Natura Cigars was born, growing tobacco in an unconventional way.
In the mountains of Constanza, under greenhouses that once grew cucumbers and tomatoes, an idea that seemed
crazy took shape: growing high-altitude tobacco, which would become the name of his most recent series –Altura First Harvest, launched in 2024, and Altura Second Harvest in 2025.
These are limited editions made with tobacco planted and harvested in the mountains, where few leaves survive the environmental conditions, but those that do become high-quality cigars.
Jacob Yfrach.
Nomos Cigars
A Titanic Flavor
In a 5-inch, 64-ring gauge Gordo Robusto format, Nomos Cigars introduces Titan to the U.S. market –their first full-strength cigar in their lineup, already highly demanded in Europe with a debut that forecasts a spectacular future.
The blend consists of Dominican Ligero, Brazilian Ligero, and Criollo 98 tobaccos inside, with a Dominican Piloto Cubano Seco binder and a Mexican Negro San Andrés wrapper, offering smokers a balanced, consistent and flavorful experience.
According to Jerrold Miles, founding partner, the company’s mission is to stay “fresh and current in the market, avoiding oversaturation and giving each blend time to mature. We’re already working on something new, but you’ll have to wait –and that time will be worth it.”
Jerrold Miles and Carlos Peralta.
Nova Cigar
Hard Work, Passion & Color
The Nova Color is coming back stronger than ever. And for Leonor Abzaradel, the brand’s CEO, that means doubling down on their signature aquamarine hue –now refreshed across all their releases, unified in this striking color for this year’s PCA trade show. This marks Nova’s debut in New Orleans, following the event’s usual Las Vegas setting.
She reveals they’re already aging a new blend for next year: “It’s resting in our humidor, getting perfected and mature.” For boutique brands like Nova, she explains, every detail –from creation to presentation –matters deeply to
consumers. “We work tirelessly so that when someone smokes a Nova for the first time, they realize it’s more than just a cigar –it’s a story of dreams and passion.”
Leo describes Nova as a splash of joy and dedication, a product meant to be savored, understood, and respected. Proof of that? The brand’s “Best Boutique Brand from the Dominican Republic” award at last year’s InterTabac trade fair. She believes those working in the DR’s cigar industry must pour their heart into it –“because when you give that kind of effort, success finds you when you least expect it.”
Leonor Abzaradel.
Purócrata Cigars
A Family’s Love
For Ricardo Aquino’s family, great-grandmother Toñita was always the heart of the household –a classic Dominican woman who smoked from sunrise to sunset and decorated her home with hibiscus or cayenne flowers. From this deep affection comes Toñita, their newest cigar, crafted in the Dominican Republic by Ritmo Cigars.
This 6-inch, 52-ring gauge Torpedo with a Corojo wrapper joins Purócrata’s core lineup, which since 2020 has featured distinct blends: Corojo, Habano, Connecticut, and Black –all banded with a simple yet striking logo.
Ricardo Aquino’s cigars cater to every palate, currently distributed in Arizona, Florida, New York, and Seattle (U.S.), plus select Dominican Republic locations.
Ricardo Aquino.
Raching Humidors
Cutting-Edge Technology
With a U.S. warehouse and recognition as China’s largest humidor manufacturer, Raching Humidors is set to launch its 2025 distribution with a game-changing innovation: the first and only humidor featuring an integrated cigar draw-testing system.
This state-of-the-art technology evaluates whether cigars are in optimal condition through a proprietary draw analyzer that detects construction variations –ensuring
premium performance for discerning smokers.
But Raching delivers more than just tech: Sleek, customizable designs with Spanish cedar interiors, userfriendly interfaces with intuitive controls, uncompromising craftsmanship that blends functionality with luxury. Each unit combines precision engineering with simple operation, making professional cigar maintenance accessible to all enthusiasts.
Raíces Cubanas Cigars
The House Portfolio
Founded in Honduras in 2003 by the Endemaño family, the Raíces Cubanas factory has long been a powerhouse for private-label cigars. But with Ralph Montero now on board, the factory is stepping into the spotlight with its own premium portfolio –featuring four distinct lines and 18 unique cigars.
After years of developing in-house blends, 2025 finally saw the debut of Raíces Cubanas Clásico, a Honduran-forward cigar in Toro, Robusto, Figurado, Churchill, and Gordo vitolas; Raíces Cubanas Liga de Reyes, a Nicaraguan-touched blend in Belicoso, Toro, Churchill, and Gordo.
The lineup also includes Raíces Cubanas C5 Black, wrapped in rare “quinto corte” (5th priming) leaves for bold strength, offered in Robusto, Belicoso, Toro, Gordo, and Doble Toro, and Raíces Cubanas GRD3, a box-pressed series in 4-inch, 60ring gauge; 6-inch, 60-ring gauge, and a 7-inch, 70-ring gauge formats.
Hugo Endemaño and Ralph Montero.
Ritmo Cigars
A Truly Dominican Smoke
Inspired by the vibrant spirit of Latin rhythms –their flavor, energy, and joy–Ritmo Cigars debuted a fourblend lineup at the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, each celebrating a distinct musical tradition.
The collection features a Bolero, smooth Connecticut-wrapped daily smoke in a 6-inch, 54-ring gauge format; Merengue, paying homage to the DR’s national
rhythm with a full-strength blend; Salsa, a bold San Andrés wrapper in 5.5-inch, 54ring gauge and Box Press Pigtail formats, and Bachata Vol. I & II, a rich, flavorful tributes to the iconic genre.
According to Ricardo Deschamps, the brand’s Sales Manager, Ritmo Cigars are now available nationwide across the U.S., with strong distribution in Miami, New York, and Houston.
Ricardo Deschamps; Tariq Welhous, Distributor; Legnin Rodríguez, CEO; and Ricardo Aquino, Customer.
Robert Glick
Art in New Orleans
As every year, art remains an essential part of the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) trade show, and Robert Glick –known as “The Lord of the (Cigar) Rings” or “Art de Fumar”– is the man behind it.
For this edition, as the show returned to New Orleans after years in Las Vegas, Robert celebrated the homecoming by crafting a unique piece that captures the
city’s spirit: a Mardi Gras mask adorned exclusively with Arturo Fuente Opus X bands.
This isn’t his first tribute to the brand –his connection with the Fuente family has inspired countless creations, including standout pieces like shoes and a pair of trumpets gifted to Carlito Fuente Jr. and musician Arturo Sandoval.
Robert Glick.
Rochaz Cigars
A Way of Being
Three years ago, during a gathering with Latino entrepreneurs in China, Rodrigo Chávez discovered premium tobacco. With support from Estrella Tobacco Company and United Tabac, he seized this opportunity to launch his Rochaz brand.
According to Alexander Estrella, it’s a medium-to-full strength cigar suitable for any time of day. The blend combines
tobaccos from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Ecuador, wrapped in a Habano leaf for a balanced smoke that appeals to all palates.
The band design embodies Rodrigo’s multifaceted personality: it reflects the worldview of a young, well-traveled entrepreneur through vibrant colors and –of course– the sun of Uruguay, his homeland.
Rodrigo Chávez and Alexander Estrella.
San Giorgio, The Sinner
Smoke & Trends
Owned by George Korfias, San Giorgio, The Sinner stood out as the only cigar brand at New Orleans’ trade show featuring Greek tobacco –one of many elements that make this brand extraordinary.
Rather than following trends, the company carves its own path, staying true to its founder’s vision through
limited and ultra-limited editions crafted with chemical-free, additive-free premium tobacco.
As Korfias explains: “Our tobacco shares my dream and vision –to enhance life’s most meaningful moments. Whether from our special or regular lines, every cigar delivers uncompromising quality.”
George Korfias.
Tabacalera Tamboril
A New Chapter Begins
With extensive experience in the Dominican premium tobacco market and existing U.S. presence through private labels, 2025 marks a transformative year for Tabacalera Tamboril and the Ventura family as they introduce Tamborilero Cigars to the world’s largest market.
Junior and Lowan Ventura explain their mission: “To craft quality blends at accessible prices –ensuring everyone can enjoy fine cigars without overpaying.”
The Tamborilero blend combines five tobacco varieties, delivering refined notes of almond, citrus, oak, and wine –a true taste of Tamboril, the “Cigar Capital of the World.”
Junior and Lowan Ventura.
Tabacalera Esencia
Quality over quantity
For Ryan Barbosa Santos, one of the European partners behind Tabacalera Esencia, discussing fine tobacco means prioritizing quality over quantity –this is precisely how they’ve developed their house brand: Hierba Santa.
The Hierba Santa catalog consists of Habano and Maduro blends, both crafted in Toro and Robusto sizes, containing seven different aged tobaccos –all matured for seven years to ensure a clean, flavorful smoking experience.
Tabacalera Esencia’s next steps involve continuing to expand into new markets, venturing into growing their own tobacco, broadening their private label portfolio, and offering smokers more than just a cigar –but rather an experience and social connection.
Ryan Barbosa Santos.
Te Amo
Revitalizing a Legacy Brand
With the goal of creating a new image for this iconic Mexican brand –renowned both for its history and for representing Mexican culture– Tabacalera USA (owner of Te Amo in the United States) began developing this project in 2021. According to Rafael Nodal, the company’s VP of New Products, this transformation went far beyond just new packaging and presentation.
The redesign moves away from the brand’s traditional bullfighting motifs, instead highlighting the landscapes of San Andrés Tuxtla Valley –”a beautiful, fertile land with spectacular sunrises.” This fresher concept for new generations of smokers incorporates these elements, paired with a new blend featuring a wrapper from Cuban-origin Criollo 98 hybrid tobacco grown in the region.
The updated packaging, presentation and logo introduce Te Amo to new consumers while celebrating Mexican culture through events featuring elements like tequila. “We’re proud of our partnership with the Turrent family and the hard work to elevate this tremendous brand.”
Rafael Nodal.
West Tampa Tobacco
The Value of Time
When the Rodríguez family launched this brand, one of their first moves was acquiring a batch of cigars without knowing their worth –priced at 32−35 dollars, too steep for market entry.
Sara Rodríguez –daughter of founder/ master blender Rick Rodríguez– explains their solution: “We waited for the right moment.” With time’s blessing, these Limited Edition cigars debuted in 2025 paired with a cutter designed to mimic a luxury watch face.
The company also introduced Devil Crab –continuing West Tampa’s tribute to Cuban cuisine– in a 4.5-inch, 60-ring gaunge Perfecto format with “Chef Rick’s special touch.”
Sara Rodríguez.
Since 2017, the Sisters of the Leaf Global Movement has been reshaping the cigar world, paving the way for a new era of empowerment and recognition for women. Founded by the visionary leadership of Dr. Anastasia Psomiadi, this movement has redefined the cigar world, making it a space that acknowledges and highlights women’s contributions.
Central to its mission is the empowerment of women, achieved through education, promotion platforms, mentorship, selfexploration, and fostering personal growth. The Sisters of the Leaf Global Movement represents a transformative shift, breaking barriers and opening doors to new opportunities for personal development and network building for both women and men.
Supported by its esteemed Advisory Board and Chief Business Development Officer, Lefty Karropoulos, the SOTL Global Movement inspires individuals, as well as local, national, and global associations, to develop similar initiatives and drive impactful change in the cigar industry and beyond.
Key Initiatives and Impact
· Education Through SGM Maestro School of Certified Cigar Sommeliers:
Education is central to SGM’s mission, represented by the Certified Cigar Sommelier Tobacconist (CCST) program. In partnership with Tobacconist University, this comprehensive certification provides participants with in-depth knowledge of cigars, equipping them with valuable skills, enhancing their expertise, and opening doors to new opportunities in the cigar industry. It empowers both women and men to excel and thrive professionally while deepening their appreciation of cigar culture.
·
· The SGM Maestro School of CCST Alumni:
The mission of the SGM Maestro School of CCST Alumni is to build a vibrant community of graduates, providing a platform for networking, knowledgesharing, and professional growth. Through its collaboration with Humo Latino, SGM will showcase interviews with Alumni members, available in both Spanish and English. These stories highlight their journeys, achievements, and passion, serving as an inspiration for aspiring sommeliers and contributing to the global appreciation of cigar culture.
· SGM - Women-Friendly Cigar Destinations:
SGM is transforming cigar lounges, shops, resorts, bars, restaurants, clubs, and more with its Women-Friendly Certification, setting a new standard for respectful and welcoming environments. The vision is to build a global network of SGM Cigar Destinations that uphold these values and elevate the
quality of cigar culture. Certified venues must meet specific criteria, such as offering cigars from women-owned brands, training staff, hosting educational events, and collaborating with local organizations.
· Global Dialogues and SOTL Roundtables:
For the first time in cigar history, within the principles of social responsibility and business ethics, the SOTL Global Movement initiated a groundbreaking international dialogue to present women’s stories, their perspectives on the stereotypes they have faced, potentials, achievements, and aspirations. Since 2019, the movement has organized 11 “Changemakers” Roundtables, conducted in-person, virtually, and in hybrid formats, creating a significant social impact and fostering meaningful influence in the cigar world and beyond.
· Rum Festivals Collaboration: Through a partnership with The
Rum Lab, SGM provides free platforms and booths for cigar brands and lounges, bridging the gap between cigar and rum audiences at Rum Festivals across the USA. This collaboration, initiated in 2023, engages enthusiasts through VIP pairings and exclusive events, further strengthening the connection between the rum and cigar communities.
· Supporting Local, National, and Global Initiatives:
SGM has mentored women and supported various initiatives, uplifting voices, empowering communities, and offering ideas, models, and access to networks. It fosters personal growth, helps set new goals, and helps initiatives and projects to succeed.
Dr.
Anastasia Psomiadi: The Visionary Behind SGM
Dr. Psomiadi, as a social innovator, academic, and entrepreneur, has redefined the cigar world by integrating social psychology and sustainability methodologies into the movement’s framework. Her vision extends beyond cigars, emphasizing connectedness, the social health of cigar enjoyment, and the broader impact of every initiative that reflects respect, self-growth, and social development.
Mercedes Valdés
A Rolling Life, Like Habano Leaves
Born in Havana to a working-class family that valued education above all, Mercedes Valdés studied chemistry and spent 15 years as a teacher –until 1999, when tourism and communications called her name. What followed was a perfect pairing of culture and cigars, reshaping her career into something extraordinary
At first, I was drawn to the aromas, the flavors, but it was the stories behind each cigar that captivated me. Visiting the factories, seeing how these treasures are rolled, that’s when I truly fell in love.”
Twenty-six years ago, after a decade in academia, Mercedes traded the classroom for the pages of Excelencias Turísticas del Caribe, a premier travel magazine. There, she mastered advertising, PR, event planning, and marketing –skills that would later fuel her love affair with Cuban cigars.
Her introduction to habanos came through covering festivals for the magazine, where she immersed herself in tastings, pairings, and industry seminars. But it was in 2010, with the launch of Amigas del Habano, that her passion truly ignited.
“At first, I was drawn to the aromas, the flavors, but it was the stories behind each cigar that captivated me,” she recalls. “Visiting the factories, seeing how these treasures are rolled, that’s when I truly fell in love.”
Mercedes joined Amigas del Habano after an invitation from its founder, Zoe Nocedo, who had close ties to her magazine. What began as a sponsorship evolved into something deeper: Mercedes became a founding member and later joined the board of directors as their PR strategist.
INDUSTRY WOMEN RISING
While Amigas del Habano isn’t directly tied to cigar production, Mercedes believes it gives women in the industry visibility and voice.
“Every achievement gets shared at our gatherings. These women –many of them rollers, blenders, brand ambassadors–now have a platform to tell their stories.”
Every achievement gets shared at our gatherings. These women –many of them rollers, blenders, brand ambassadors– now have a platform to tell their stories.”
She credits Cuban women for shattering every barrier in tobacco, achieving a hardwon sense of empowerment. Excelencias Turísticas del Caribe, has amplified their impact, publishing features that circulate in factories, Habanos S.A. headquarters, and Casas del Habano worldwide.
On the 15th anniversary of Amigas del Habano, Mercedes reflects on the challenges –navigating Cuba’s economic hurdles while building a community that thrives on knowledge, sisterhood, and shared passion.
“We’ve survived and evolved. Every year, we add new voices, new stories. That’s the power of this movement.”
Humberto Monteagudo
Taste & Compare
A graduate of Havana’s prestigious San Alejandro National Academy of Fine Arts and Sociocultural Studies at the University of Havana, with exhibitions in Cuba and abroad, Humberto Monteagudo is the artist behind Pruebe y Compare (Taste & Compare) –a collection of paintings that pay homage to the only surviving industry from those that once shaped the island’s national identity: Cuban tobacco
In Pruebe y Compare, each piece reimagines Cuba’s most iconic cigar factories through a vintage aesthetic, blending costumbrismo with the faded grandeur of 19th-century lithography and decaying architecture –structures Humberto seeks to preserve through his art.
The city is a recurring theme in his work, reflecting the social dynamics of urban life. His paintings capture socioeconomic struggles that erode quality of life, visibly etched into Havana’s crumbling facades.
Inspired by architecture as a “giant container of human stories,” Humberto approaches his subjects through two lenses: The social analysis, revealing truths about contemporary Cuba, and technical mastery, employing mediums like acrylic, resin, oil on canvas, or plexiglass to amplify his message –whether conceptual or classically rooted.
THE INSPIRATION
An avid habano smoker, Humberto’s study of Cuba’s tobacco history led him to its industrial architecture, particularly the 19th-century factories designed like Havana’s aristocratic palaces.
Industrial titans, risen during crisis, proved the cigar industry’s strength. My work fixes them in collective memory –a duty to our founding craft.”
“These industrial colossus, built amid political turmoil, stood as testaments to the cigar industry’s might. Through my work, I immortalize them in collective memory –a tribute to the cradle of our national identity.”
His art revives forgotten urban spaces, where cultural significance has faded: “Each piece commemorates lost places. Nostalgia is a powerful language to awaken emotion.”
For this collection, habanos became a creative ritual. Limited time forced Humberto to plan each detail meticulously, with cigars and Cuban rum as his creative catalysts from start to finish.
WOMEN & TOBACCO
In Cuba, women were pivotal –yet overlooked– in tobacco’s history. Initially hired only as destemmers and banders, they gradually earned recognition as master rollers and tasters, now dominating the industry.
Yet societal acceptance lagged. Smoking women –like French actress Sarah Bernhardt or Jennie Jerome (Winston Churchill’s mother) –were once seen as transgressive, paving the way for future generations.
Humberto applauds the SOTL Global Movement, echoing Cuba’s own Amigas del Habano, a project uniting women in tobacco culture. His wife, singer Hera de Cuba (director of Música es Mujer), champions similar gender-driven initiatives.
Each painting memorializes places lost to time. Nostalgia speaks to the soul.”
Knowledge
SOTL School of
The Voices of the
Is Power
of Sommeliers...
the Alumni, Vol. 5
The mission of the alumni from the Global SOTL Movement's Certified Cigar Master Sommeliers School is to foster a community by providing a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and professional development.
This network allows them to connect with other cigar enthusiasts, as well as to meet and engage globally through the platform: https://www. sotlglobalmovement.com/sgmsommeliers
In addition to networking opportunities, SGM –in collaboration with Humo Latino– presents brief profiles of certified sommeliers, available in both Spanish and English, to spread the experience and passion of the graduates, who serve as inspiration for aspiring sommeliers.
Every two months, SGM organizes virtual tastings and exclusive networking events for alumni, featuring a special guest, and will provide the cigar to be tasted, if available in their country.
These meetings include guest speakers such as cigar brand owners, Master Blenders, and experts in various aspects of the tobacco culture. This gives alumni the chance to sample different cigars and learn about their origins, flavors, and pairing options, all from the comfort of their homes.
At the same time, it provides a space for graduates to connect, share experiences, and build relationships in a relaxed and enjoyable environment. Join the Global SOTL Movement to promote the value of the Sommelier Course and let’s continue to elevate, together, the knowledge for the appreciation of cigars!
George Karnabakos
At just 22 years old, George Karnabakos is actively involved in his family’s business, specializing in the crafting of high-end, artisanal humidors alongside his father, Christos. Together, they provide unique storage solutions for cigar enthusiasts worldwide.
A certified Cigar Sommelier through the SOTL Global Movement program, George leverages his expertise to advise clients on cigar preservation and selection, ensuring a premium experience. Based in Kalyvia, Greece, he notes that while local cigar production in his country remains limited, there is growing demand for premium habanos –and an increasing awareness of proper storage techniques.
For George, earning his certification was a natural step in deepening his knowledge while becoming one of the youngest sommeliers in the world, proving that passion knows no age.
“The program is exceptionally comprehensive, covering everything from history and production to pairings. It’s invaluable for both professionals and enthusiasts.”
Carmen Z. Avilés
Carmen Avilés, 43, is the owner of His And Hers Cigars Lounge in Cocoa, Florida, as well as a roller, pairing event organizer, and professional with experience in criminal justice and healthcare.
Of Puerto Rican heritage and now residing in Rockledge, Florida, Carmen thrives in a flourishing cigar culture where clients seek boutique blends and curated experiences guided by a trusted, educated palate.
Seeking to expand her expertise, Carmen enrolled in the SOTL Global Movement’s Cigar Sommelier program, equipping herself with the knowledge to provide reliable guidance as a lounge owner.
“Now, my clients don’t just buy cigars –they engage in an educational experience. Watching their knowledge grow is my greatest reward. I highly recommend this program to any serious aficionado!”
Natalie Simms
Hailing from government finance, Natalie Simms is Canada’s first certified female Cigar Sommelier, navigating strict tobacco regulations while hosting tastings to elevate women in the industry.
A Winnipeg, Manitoba resident and partner at Sagrado Cigars, Natalie has organized events like Chicago Cigar Week and collaborated with Cigars for Cancer and the SOTL Global Movement.
She pursued certification to gain a deeper understanding of cigar production and marketing through a structured, high-quality curriculum. “The program exceeded my expectations!”
Now, Natalie confidently discusses blends, leaves, and pairings, reshaping her perspective on tobacco: “I used to think tobacco was just tobacco, but now I appreciate its complexity.”
LaFumarosa
Iowa Series
Repputation Marketing
Meet Ryan Repp and Joshua Coburn, two highly innovative and ambitious leaders in their field, the creative minds behind Repputation Marketing, who are making a significant mark on the industry’s landscape.
Ryan Repp, former VP of Marketing at the legendary Brownells, brings deep expertise and respect for America’s complex firearms culture, which has translated into an impressive roster of acclaimed campaigns –some hailed as “the best the industry has ever seen!”
Meanwhile, Joshua Coburn is a multifaceted entrepreneur, motivational speaker, author, and co-owner of Dissident Cigars, whose social media marketing prowess has transformed branding in the firearms industry. During his tenure at Brownells, Coburn spearheaded initiatives that positioned the brand at the forefront of organic social media reach within the gun community, establishing it as the industry leader in engagement through strategic, compelling content. Together, Repp and Coburn embody the power of creativity and innovation in marketing, leaving an indelible imprint on the industry.
Blanca Czebouz
Ryan Repp and Joshua Coburn aren’t just marketing visionaries –they’re also cigar aficionados. Their shared appreciation for premium cigars reflects a profound understanding of craftsmanship and quality, values they carry into their professional lives. Whether exploring new blends or savoring the rich flavors of their favorite smokes, Ryan and Josh often find inspiration in the rituals of cigar enjoyment, using these moments to unwind, exchange ideas, and connect.
This shared passion has strengthened their camaraderie, allowing creative ideas to flourish in a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere. As they navigate the complexities of the marketing world, their love for cigars reminds them of the importance of patience, attention to detail, and the art of savoring life’s refined pleasures.
RYAN REPP
JOSHUA COBURN
How did Repputation Marketing come to be?
Josh and I have always taken what I call an “symmetrical” approach to marketing. While there are countless tech tools in this field, we’ve never lost sight of the value of one-on-one human relationships. If you think of business as part art and part science, we thrive on the art side. The science? Well, that doesn’t change –it is what it is. All marketing tools work as they should. But when you combine them with a genuine understanding of people, that’s where the magic happens.
Our mission is to help brands find and retain customers, turning them into passionate brand advocates.
What specific services do you offer?
Our core services include:
• Organic Social Media Management.
• Affiliate Marketing.
• Branding & Design.
• Public Relations.
• Marketing & Business Strategy.
Do you specialize in any particular industry or marketing niche?
We prefer working with brands in the outdoor, hobby, and entertainment industries.
How do you develop a marketing strategy for a new client?
It all starts with proper brand/product positioning. It’s surprising how many big, established brands struggle to clearly and concisely define who they are, what they do, and who they do it for. Everything begins with understanding that.
How do you stay current with marketing trends and technologies?
Mainly through industry newsletters, young social media marketing gurus, and trade shows. I make a point to follow very young marketers because –as someone in my mid-40s– I’m aware that a marketer’s death sentence is clinging only to what they already know (or think they know).
How do you build a strong brand presence?
Revisiting the last question: A strong brand presence requires a clear, differentiated brand position. Once that’s established, you can develop strategies to “solidify” what the brand stands for –how it speaks, looks, etc. Beyond branding, products and services must reflect that positioning. A strong brand takes time.
Joshua Coburn.
How do you think the craftsmanship and branding of premium cigars reflect effective marketing principles?
The biggest parallel between marketing and cigar-making is time and intentionality. Like cigars, effective marketing requires patience and deliberate steps to build a meaningful brand.
What key lessons have you learned from your experiences in both fields?
Both the cigar and outdoor hobbies industries share a core purpose: enjoying what you love with people who matter to you. They’re built on relationships and
tradition. The greatest advantage for us at Repputation Marketing –and for me as co-owner of Dissident Cigars– is that we deeply understand how to build relationships and respect tradition, but we’re unafraid to challenge dogma. Marketing is about standing out and making a positive impact on your consumer base, and often the best way to do that is by pushing tradition (sometimes a little, sometimes a lot, like Dissident does) to reach new audiences innovatively. That’s where the “artistic” or asymmetrical side Ryan mentioned earlier comes in. Staying true to the brand is priority #1; staying true to tradition doesn’t have to be.
Ryan Repp.
