Tell us your story. How did the Casa 1910 brand come to be?
The idea for Casa 1910 was born slightly over two years ago when I invited Manolo Santiago to host a cigar tasting night for an organization that I founded here in Mexico called the Swiss Community Mexico. At the time, Manolo was a Brand Ambassador for Habanos in Mexico and still is the only Master Habanos Sommelier in the country.
Despite being the first time that Manolo and I had met, we got along very well and spent hours talking about Mexican tobacco and the potential for a new premium cigar brand to enter the market. It wasn't long before I reached out to Serge Bollag, co-founder of Casa 1910, which is when the journey started. Our joint love for Mexico, its traditions, history, and culture, combined with Manolo's unparalleled knowledge of tobacco blending, is expressed in our brand and all of our product releases.
I think a lot of us were surprised to see a Mexican Sumatra wrapper. How hard was it to source a three-year-old leaf for your first edition Cuchillo Parado?>
It is all about searching and experimenting with different leaves and different terroirs. Trying to surprise aficionados is definitely not easy, so getting the best wrapper and with the right aging was certainly a journey, out of so many options in the world. We were looking for something special from Mexico and came across a beautiful Sumatra wrapper which had over 3 years of aging on it.
Once it was tasted on the ligada, it was love at first puff. The balance with the binder and filler undoubtedly worked for us on different levels and is exactly what we were looking for to showcase in our first release: what we believe is the finest Mexican tobacco. Something different than what you would traditionally expect to find in a Mexican cigar.
Tell us more about working with Manolo Santiago for this blend?
Manolo is uniquely talented and has vast industry experience. It is a real pleasure working together with him and learning from his craft on a daily basis. He is a true aficionado with a distinct palate that never fails to surprise me. Like how he can predict the notes and evolution of a cigar at the early stages of the blending process in comparison to the final product, 6 months after having been rolled. In addition to this, Manolo has spent his early career in the spirits industry, always keeping the perfect pairing in the back of his mind while blending each cigar.
How would you describe Cuchillo Parado to someone that’s never smoked it before? What would you pair it with for the perfect experience?
I describe it as an ideal cigar for any time of the day. A more seasoned smoker may enjoy this cigar earlier during the day, whereas the creaminess and medium-bodied nature of the cigar will not overpower a newcomer to the industry. With delicate woody notes, tea leaves, sweetness, slightly spicy approach, and medium strength, it is an ideal cigar to accompany a glass of quality Tequila.
I recommend Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo Tequilas to complement this pleasant moment which undoubtedly will leave you wanting more.
What kind of unique challenges did you face creating a Mexican puro?
It certainly was challenging to achieve. It is much easier to find a balance of flavors when you have a wider range of tobacco from different terroirs and regions. As for Mexican tobacco, what we have to play with is the fermentation, aging, and characteristics of each leaf.
Combining the optimal amount of each, in order to achieve a perfectly balanced smoke, is what you will find when enjoying the Cuchillo Parado.
When you aren’t enjoying a cigar, what else do you like to do in your free time?
I spend my free time travelling across Mexico, exploring all of the beautiful and rich culture this country has to offer. In addition to this, I enjoy golfing, attending charreadas (Mexico's national sport) and indulging in Mexico's buzzing culinary and mixology scene.
What are three things that most people don’t know about you?
- I smoked my first cigar (stolen from my father’s humidor) when I was 12 years old and spent the rest of my new year's feeling sick.
- I guess I have developed somewhat of a Stockholm syndrome by now running a cigar business.
- I grew up in Zurich, Switzerland, and have lived in 5 countries since, none of which compare to Mexico.
What can fans of Casa 1910 expect in the next 12-18 months?
We are launching our second line of cigars, the "Cavalry Edition" at the PCA tradeshow in 2022. These cigars are a blend of Mexican and Nicaraguan tobacco, which Manolo has dedicated a lot of love and passion towards in the blending process.
In 2023 we will release our third line of cigars, which will be a blend of Mexican and Dominican tobacco, thereby giving our S/BOTLs a variety of blends, flavor profiles and vitolas to choose from.
At Casa 1910, we are perfectionists. Our passion and dedication towards this brand will always be reflected in our marketing activities, accessories, and cigar releases.
Leave your comment