Bock y Ca.: The Origin of the Cigar Band
The "Ca." stands, as connoisseurs might guess, for "Compania," the Spanish equivalent of "Co." in English. And Bock? It has nothing to do with a goat or the 1. FC Köln football team. The name traces back to the legendary cigar maker Gustav, or "Gustavo Bock."
Marketing Pioneer Gustavo Bock
According to reports, he hailed either from Germany or the Netherlands. Ultimately, his origins matter less than what he accomplished in Cuba. There, he founded a cigar company bearing his name in the mid-19th century. However, his most significant contribution lay not in his tobacco blends but in his sales strategies – what we would today call "marketing."
According to Cuban tradition, Gustavo Bock was the one who introduced the cigar band. His motivation allegedly stemmed from the need to establish a foothold in the U.S. market, where a strong "brand identifier" was essential. He sent his cigars to various addresses in the United States, where they were an instant hit.
The Revival of Bock y Ca. Cigars
Gustavo Bock became a renowned figure, but his fame did not outlive him. After his death, the cigar band persisted, but the brand fell into obscurity. It wasn't until the late 1990s that a label bearing his name was relaunched – not in socialist Cuba but in the Dominican Republic. Today, Bock y Ca. is part of Villiger. Thanks to their expertise, medium-bodied cigars are crafted, delighting enthusiasts with their refined aroma – and with the knowledge of holding a piece of cigar band history in their hands.
