Tor Tour 2026 Nicaragua: From Volcanic Soil to British humidors

The TOR Tour 2026 to Nicaragua was designed not as a trip, but as a working immersion for the UK’s leading cigar specialists. A rare opportunity to step beyond the humidor and into origin, it brought the trade face to face with the people, places, and processes that define the world’s most respected premium cigar brands.

A Fiery Welcome

The Masaya Volcano 

The journey began not in a factory, but at the very edge of the earth’s raw power.

Straight from landing in Managua, we visited the Masaya Volcano National Park, where our guests stood before a living crater and were mesmerised by the Mars-like landscape and the strong smell of sulfur coming from this active volcano.

It was a reminder that Nicaragua is not merely a place where cigars are made, but a land shaped by fire itself.

As dusk settled, the group gathered on the skirts of the volcano for a traditional Nicaraguan dinner. Sunset paired with cigars, Toña beers, plantain crisps and traditional music filled the air, an initiation of sorts, before heading north to the city of Estelí, the new tobacco capital of the world and our home for the week.

Padrón Cigars

Legacy in Its Purest Form

Monday began with a rare privilege. An intimate immersion into the world of Padrón, guided by two generations of the family: Jorge Padrón, Jorge Padrón Jr., Alfonso M. Padrón, and Gabriel Padrón, led the experience.

From the factory floor to the fields, every step revealed a culture built on discipline, patience, and an uncompromising pursuit of excellence that honoured the late patriarch of the Padrón brand, José Orlando Padrón.

There is a quiet confidence to Padrón. No theatrics, no excess, just mastery refined over decades.

To witness their process firsthand helped everyone understand why their cigars are not merely products, but benchmarks. This is the only producer to be ranked the Number 1 cigar of the Year by the respected Cigar Aficionado magazine on 5 different occasions. 

Drew Estate Energy

Innovation and a Different Rhythm

The tone shifted in the afternoon as the group stepped into the vibrant world of Drew Estate, hosted by Henry Pineda. The warehouse and factory tour offered a glimpse into a brand that thrives on creativity and disruption. Bold, expressive, and unapologetically modern.

The massive size of their operation left little to the imagination. This is the house that makes Selección de Mercado, Liga Privada, Blackened (or the Metallica cigar as it's also known), and less traditional profiles such as Tabak Especial.

The day culminated in an unforgettable evening. A live rock concert with Blackened cigars in hand, and Blackened whiskey flowing freely. It was more than entertainment. It was a statement of identity, capturing the rebellious spirit that defines Drew Estate.

Fe y Alegría

Purpose Beyond the Leaf

Tuesday began with perspective. At the Fe y Alegría School, the organisation Tor supports as part of its social commitment, the group was welcomed by Principal Wilfred Arauz and the wider school community. Here, the impact of the cigar industry extends far beyond tobacco, into education, opportunity, and future generations.

The presentation of a US$17,575 donation was a proud and emotional moment. It served as a powerful reminder that this tour is not only about cigars, but about responsibility. Supporting initiatives like Fe y Alegría reinforces a shared commitment to giving back to the communities that make this industry possible.

Joya de Nicaragua

Heritage and Horizon

Later that day, the group visited Joya de Nicaragua, hosted by Juan Martínez, Executive President and Mario Pérez, General Manager. As Nicaragua’s oldest cigar factory, Joya carries the weight of history with remarkable ease, blending tradition with a forward-looking mindset. We learned not only about the way they do their cigars, but also more about Nicaraguan history and culture, and got the chance to blend our own cigars, like true tobacco masters for the day.

The experience reached its peak at Tisey Mountain, where guests were treated to one of the most breathtaking sunsets of the week. Cigars in hand, overlooking an endless horizon with a view of 11 volcanoes part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, it became clear that Joya is a guardian of heritage.

My Father Cigars

Exemplary Craft and Generosity

Wednesday belonged to My Father Cigars, under the warm and charismatic hosting of Jandy García. Known for their meticulous craftsmanship, this visit demonstrated to the UK trade why they command such respect within the industry. An impressive vertically integrated operation, well-oiled, running fast, and yet spotless. 

Their hospitality reached new heights during the evening, with a spread of delicious local and Cuban cuisine, and karaoke recordings that will hopefully never see the light of day. The dinner earned the Tor Tour’s new Pig of the Week trophy. My Father delivered an experience as memorable as the cigars themselves.

Oliva Cigars

From Seed to Foundation

Thursday offered a deeper understanding of the very beginning of the cigar journey at the hands of Ernesto Milanés. With Oliva, the focus turned to the fields and the crucial early stages of pre-industry processing, where everything truly begins.

Walking the land at Finca D’Ernesto and observing the careful handling of tobacco before it ever reaches a factory provided invaluable context. Oliva’s strength lies in its command of the fundamentals, and this visit underscored the importance of getting the basics absolutely right.

Real Estelí FC

A Glimpse into Local Passion

Adding a different dimension to the week, the group was granted private access to the home of Real Estelí FC at the Estadio Independencia. More than a stadium, it stands as a symbol of local pride and identity, deeply woven into the fabric of Estelí.

From stepping onto the pitch to walking through the dressing rooms and exploring the club shop, the visit offered a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective of Nicaragua’s most successful football institution. For the group, it was an unexpected yet fitting addition. A reminder that beyond tobacco, Nicaragua’s culture is defined by passion, community, and an unwavering sense of belonging.

AJ Fernandez

Scale, Precision, and Vision

Friday’s visit to AJ Fernandez revealed a different dimension altogether. One of scale, ambition, and relentless execution. Known for his hands-on approach, AJ Fernandez has built an operation that is both expansive and deeply personal.

From vast fields to highly efficient production lines, every detail reflects a clear vision and an unwavering work ethic. It is a model of modern cigar making, where tradition is respected, adversity defeated, and progress is embraced with confidence.

A Fitting Finale

Lake Nicaragua, Flor de Caña and White Dinner

The final day brought a change of pace. At Lake Nicaragua, the group explored its serene islets, offering a moment to reflect on the week’s intensity. The setting was calm, expansive, and quietly spectacular.

An immersive visit to Flor de Caña added another layer to the experience, connecting Nicaragua’s cigar culture with its world-class rum. The tour concluded with the now traditional White Dinner. A refined, celebratory closing that captured the spirit of the entire journey. Elegant, convivial, and unforgettable.

An Unforgettable Journey

For the UK trade, the value of the TOR Tour lies in what it leaves behind. Not just memories, but conviction. A stronger ability to tell stories at the point of sale, a deeper confidence in the products themselves, and a renewed sense of connection to the people behind them. In a market shaped by regulation and restraint, experiences like this become essential.

This experience elevates knowledge, strengthens partnerships, and ultimately helps British cigar specialists translate authenticity into lasting commercial success. *If you are a UK retailer interested in nominating yourself or a team member for the next Tor Tour educational experience, please send us an email at enquiries@tor-imports.co.uk