Don Julio Cigars – Tradition Spanning Six Generations
The Reyes family has a long history in tobacco cultivation. It was Augusto Reyes who decided to expand into cigar production. Today, his daughter Nirka leads Tabacalera de los Reyes, where not only Don Julio cigars are crafted, but also Patoro and Debonaire.
Nirka Reyes – From Banker to Cigar Manufacturer
Nirka Reyes leads the company with a fresh approach. Although born into a family with a deep-rooted tobacco tradition, she initially chose a different path, pursuing a career in Europe. After completing her studies in Switzerland, she worked in the financial sector but ultimately found it unfulfilling.
Looking back, she describes the financial world as educational but lacking in fulfillment. Instead of focusing solely on profit, she now prioritizes quality and passion. She drastically reduced Tabacalera de los Reyes’ annual production from 13 million to 2.5 million cigars.
She moved away from producing budget-friendly lines for third-party companies, choosing instead to concentrate on premium Longfiller cigars. While this realignment initially brought financial challenges, it proved to be a wise long-term strategy.
Don Julio Punta Espada – Bold Spice from the Cibao Valley
Compared to other Dominican cigars, those from Tabacalera de los Reyes offer a more intense aroma with pronounced spiciness and a complex texture. They also stand out for their excellent craftsmanship.
The Don Julio Punta Espada series exclusively uses tobaccos grown on the company’s own fields. The premium leaves from the Cibao Valley ensure a particularly rich and aromatic smoking experience.
