The Tor Tour is more than just a trip; it is an odyssey of discovery, an exploration of the finest cigars, and an immersion into the very heart of Nicaragua’s tobacco industry. This year’s journey was no exception. From the lush tobacco fields of Condega to the top of one of Nicaragua's 19 volcanoes, our dedicated group of UK cigar specialists experienced first-hand why Nicaragua has taken the cigar world by storm.
Joya de Nicaragua: A Legacy of Excellence
Our adventure began with Joya de Nicaragua, the country’s oldest cigar factory, where the past and present of Nicaraguan cigars merge seamlessly. Executive President Juan I. Martínez guided us through the factory, after narrating the brand’s rich history and its pivotal role in putting Nicaraguan cigars on the map. The highlight? Becoming master blenders for the day. Tasting, selecting, and blending our own cigars provided an unparalleled insight into the artistry behind every premium smoke.
Oliva Cigars: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
Next, we ventured to Oliva Cigars, a family-run operation with roots tracing back to Cuba in 1886. Our tour of the sprawling tobacco fields in Condega, led by master agronomist Ernesto Milanés, was nothing short of breathtaking. The visit to the state-of-the-art pre-industry facility, ‘El Fumador,’ gave us an up-close look at how meticulous craftsmanship and technological innovation create some of the finest cigars in the market, including the legendary Oliva Melanio V. We also had the opportunity to tour one of Oliva’s cigar crafting operations, witnessing the skill and precision behind their iconic cigars.
My Father Cigars: A Family Legacy
Stepping into the world of My Father Cigars was akin to stepping into a living tribute to tradition. Hosted by Don Pepín García, his wife María, Jaime, Janny, and Jandy, three generations of the García family, we witnessed first-hand the passion and dedication that have led to this 20-year-old operation win the title of Cigar of the Year by Cigar Aficionado three times, most recently with the My Father The Judge.The rich aroma of ageing tobacco, the rhythmic dance of skilled torcedores, and the warm hospitality of the García family left an indelible mark on us all.
Perdomo Cigars: A Masterclass on Innovation
At Perdomo Cigars, every aspect of production is carefully controlled, from seed to smoke. We started the day with a session on cultivation and incredible innovations pushed by Nick, followed by a tour of ‘Finca Natalie’, named after his daughter, which kept the masterclass going on the field on the topic of tobacco cultivation. Later in the afternoon, we explored the pre-industry and factory operations, gaining unparalleled insights into what makes Perdomo a staple in the cigar industry.
AJ Fernandez: A Golden Day
Our early start took us to AJ Fernandez’s San Lotano factory in Totogalpa, his newest cigar rolling operation. We then got to see two of his 15 meticulously maintained tobacco-growing fields. Hosted by AJ, Freddie, and Mario Ruiz, we delved into the art of blending, experiencing why AJF Cigars are among the most celebrated in the industry. The day ended with a tasting of some of AJ’s award-winning blends, another true highlight of the tour.
Padrón: Tobacco Royalty
The Padrón name resonates with cigar aficionados worldwide, and our visit solidified their legendary status. Hosted by General Manager Gabriel Fernández Padrón and International Sales Director César López, we explored the intricate processes that have earned Padrón cigars four ‘Cigar of the Year’ titles by Cigar Aficionado. Their unwavering dedication to quality and consistency was evident in every aspect of their operation, from rolling floors, packaging, pre-industry, fields and curing barns.
Drew Estate: The Art of Innovation
Drew Estate, the boundary-pushing powerhouse of the cigar world, welcomed us into their vast factory, one of the largest in the industry worldwide. From their renowned Subculture Studio, where cigar artistry meets graffiti and innovation, to a private rock concert farewell in Estelí, Drew Estate ensured we ended our factory visits on an electrifying high note. Thank you Henry, for taking such good care of the group.
The Colonial Charm of Granada
Our cultural exploration took us to the breathtaking Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve, where we were welcomed by Gabriel Traversari, author of Nicaragua Premium, a definitive work on the country’s cigar heritage. The day continued with an indulgent coffee and chocolate tasting—perfect pairings for our cigars—before heading to Granada, the oldest colonial city in Nicaragua. A sunset boat trip around Lake Nicaragua and an exquisite White Dinner at the country’s trendiest fusion restaurant made for an unforgettable conclusion to our travels.
Fe y Alegría: Giving Back
A heartwarming moment of the tour was our visit to Escuela Belén, a primary school in Estelí supported by Tor Imports and our retail partners. Their push and progress towards caring for the less fortunate is remarkable. Through collective efforts, we have helped fund technical equipment, provide nutritious meals, and improve educational opportunities for disadvantaged children. Witnessing the tangible impact of our contributions was a humbling and inspiring experience, reinforcing the power of community within the cigar industry.
A Journey to Remember
Tor Tour 2025 was not just about cigars; it was about connection to the land, the craft, the people, and the future of the industry. As we returned to the UK, our suitcases filled with treasures and our minds enriched with newfound knowledge, one thing was certain: Nicaragua had left an indelible mark on each of us.
Until next time, saludos and happy smoking. Tor Tour!
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