What’s your story? How did you get to where you are today?
Born in Cuba, my family immigrated to California in the late 1990s after winning the visa lottery. With a legacy in the cigar industry spanning generations, I was inspired to launch Mi Havana Cigars in 2013. Based in Pomona, California, we started crafting small-batch blends for local shops and enthusiasts. Our hard work paid off when we were named Boutique Cigar of the Year in 2018 by Cigars and Spirits Magazine. That same year, we expanded our operations to Estelí, Nicaragua, where our factory now produces a range of cigar brands, including but not limited to Mi Havana Cigars and R&R Cigars.
You debuted with three distinct lines: Gran Corona, The Soldier King, and Pax Romana. What can you tell us about the creative process and vision for each of these?
After making cigars for various companies starting in 2018, it took me almost 7 years to release these lines as I wanted to make sure that I was able to maintain consistency and control the supply of the tobacco related to each blend.
My vision for the Gran Corona cigar is inspired by the phrase 'heavy is the head that wears the crown.' I believe we all wear some form of crown, whether as a parent, leader, or entrepreneur, carrying the weight of responsibility and stress. The Gran Corona is designed to be a companion for those who bear this burden, offering a moment of respite and relaxation. This strong, complex cigar is my antidote to the pressures of leadership, a way to unwind and recharge.
Pax Romana, Latin for 'Roman Peace,' embodies the essence of calm and serenity. Our cigars are crafted to deliver a smooth, balanced experience, available in both light and dark wrappers, including San Andres and Connecticut Broadleaf. This blend is designed to evoke the stability and harmony of the Roman era, providing a peaceful retreat in every puff.
The Soldier King embodies the spirit of a daring trailblazer, driven by conquest and resilience. For me, this cigar represents a bold step forward into the public eye, symbolizing the determination and grit needed to succeed in the competitive cigar industry. The Soldier King is about embracing challenges, pushing boundaries, and emerging victorious.
You hold the world record for the longest cigar ever rolled! How hard was that to accomplish and how on earth did you pull it off?
I've spent years rolling thousands of cigars, but none longer than 12 inches. So, when I decided to take on the challenge of rolling the world's longest cigar, I thought it'd be a fun adventure. The planning phase was indeed enjoyable - discussing ideas, scouting venues, and interacting with people from different spaces was exciting. Seeing their reactions when I shared my vision was fascinating. However, once the venue was booked, tables were set, and tobacco was ordered, the reality hit me: it was time to deliver. With so many people invested and payments made, backing out wasn't an option. That's when the pressure mounted. But I pushed through, dedicating 4 days and around 60 hours to the project. Staring down 100 meters of empty tables, I let the fear of failure drive me forward. In the end, it was a test of determination more than skills, I think.
What do you look for in the blending room? Can you shed some light on your methodologies?
In the blending room, I focus on achieving a harmonious balance of flavors and aromas. Here's a glimpse into my approach:
I start by selecting high-quality tobaccos from various regions, each with its unique characteristics. I consider factors like wrapper, binder, and filler tobaccos, as well as the aging process, to create complex and nuanced blends. I experiment with different ratios and combinations of tobaccos to find the perfect balance of strength, flavor, and aroma. I also think about the overall profile I want to achieve – whether it's smooth and mellow or bold and spicy. Through trial and error, I refine the blend until it meets my vision.
My approach is a combination of art and science, with a deep understanding of the tobaccos and a passion for creating unique and enjoyable smoking experiences
Is this why your cigars differ from the traditional sizes?
Yes, that's part of the reason. I experiment with unique vitolas and sizes to create distinct smoking experiences that complement the flavor profiles of my blends. By deviating from traditional sizes, I can craft cigars that showcase the nuances of the tobacco and provide a memorable experience for the smoker.
Unconventional sizes can also influence the burn rate, flavor distribution, and overall character of the cigar. It's a way to innovate and differentiate my products while staying true to my artistic vision.
From running a factory to a brand to a cigar lounge in California, what has been the hardest part of the experience? What has been the most rewarding?
The hardest part has likely been balancing the various aspects of the business, such as managing production, marketing, and customer expectations. Scaling a brand while maintaining quality and consistency can be challenging.
The most rewarding part is probably seeing the brand's growth and success, knowing that it's a result of hard work and dedication. Building a community around the brand, whether through the cigar lounge or customer relationships, can be incredibly fulfilling.
You don’t often get to talk to someone that is involved in the complete process from creation to enjoyment. What trends do you see evolving in the cigar industry?
We often talk about experimentation with fermentation, tobaccos, and flavor profiles. The cigar industry is constantly evolving. Some trends I see include growing demand for unique, small-batch, and boutique cigars. The rising popularity of cigar lounges and social smoking experiences and the greater emphasis on storytelling and brand heritage.
What can R&R fans look forward to in the next 12-18 months?
R&R Cigars fans can look forward to experiencing my unique blends and possibly new releases. I don't want to rush into releasing more blends until I'm sure they're truly special and realistic to produce consistently.
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