Epic – Cigars
Epic Cigars – Dean Parsons and His Journey to the Brand
Dean Parsons, originally from the Canadian province of Labrador, spent many years in the real estate industry, brokering exclusive properties in the Turks and Caicos Islands. But his true passion was for premium cigars. Even before founding Epic Cigars in 2010, he was already active in the scene, building a network within the Dominican tobacco industry – including with experienced blender Rolando Villamil.
From Real Estate Agent to Cigar Aficionado
Caribbean lifestyle and the regular enjoyment of cigars inspired Parsons to start a new career. When he noticed the lack of high-quality cigars available locally, he began importing them from the Dominican Republic and offering them to his clientele. It quickly grew into more than just a side hustle.
Partnership Built on Experience: Rolando Villamil
In 2006, Parsons met Rolando Villamil. The two shared a passion for character-rich blends, which led to their first project, Turks Select – cigars crafted for an exclusive clientele. However, the global financial crisis ended the boom in the island region and forced Parsons to realign his career.
Epic – A New Start in the Dominican Republic
With a new professional opportunity in the Dominican Republic, the path was clear for a return to the cigar business. Epic was officially founded in 2010 – with a clear focus on quality, variety, and international reach. The brand first established itself in the U.S. before expanding to Germany in 2015.
Epic Cigars at a Glance
The cigars are produced at Charles Fairmorn in the Dominican Republic. Well-known lines like Kristoff and Belmore are also made there. The Epic Maduro Reserva combines a Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper with a Cameroon binder and a filler of Dominican and Nicaraguan tobaccos.
The Epic Corojo features an Ecuadorian wrapper, Dominican Olor binder, and a purely Dominican filler. The Epic Gold, originally marketed under a different name, offers a sun-grown wrapper from Ecuador with tobaccos from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic.
The La Rubia is a milder line featuring an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, a San Andres binder, and a filler blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan tobaccos. The exclusive Edicion Limitada expands the portfolio with limited-edition specialties.
Standards and Philosophy
Dean Parsons describes his cigars as medium to full-bodied with pronounced flavors. His motto sums it up: You deserve a cigar worthy of your achievements.
