Top Brands for Pacas Esteli Cigars Unveiled

As the world of premium cigars continues to bloom with unique flavors and craftsmanship, Pacas Estelí has emerged as a notable hub for some of the best cigar brands. Nestled in the lush landscapes of Nicaragua, this region is renowned for its rich, fertile soil which produces tobacco that is sought after by aficionados worldwide. From meticulously hand-rolled traditions to innovative blends, the brands from this area deliver an unparalleled cigar experience that's hard to match. If you're eager to explore the top brands that define the excellence of Pacas Estelí, join us below for a curated list that promises to enhance your cigar journey.

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Best brands of pacas esteli in 2025

Joya de Nicaragua

Joya de Nicaragua, established in 1968, is the oldest and one of the best producers of handmade cigars in Esteli, Nicaragua, known as the tobacco capital of the world. The company, now owned by Dr. Alejandro Martinez Cuenca since 1994, has endured significant challenges, including the Sandinista Revolution and a decade-long embargo, yet it has thrived, with 45% of its global sales coming from the United States by 2009. Joya de Nicaragua is renowned for its 'puros' - cigars made entirely from Nicaraguan tobacco - and its iconic Antano 1970 blend. The brand is distributed in over 50 markets globally and is celebrated for its rich history and high-quality cigars. Despite past struggles, Joya de Nicaragua has solidified its position as a leading international cigar brand.

Drew Estate

Drew Estate is a leading producer of premium cigars, particularly renowned for its operations in Esteli, Nicaragua. Established in 1996, the company has grown to employ close to 2,300 people and contributes significantly to the local economy, with 35% of the population in Esteli relying on the tobacco industry. Drew Estate is the second largest premium cigar company in the United States by sales and produces approximately 95,000 handcrafted cigars daily. The company's state-of-the-art facilities, including the 60,000 sq ft "DE2" leaf processing facility, enhance their vertical integration and quality control. Drew Estate's brands, such as Liga Privada, Herrera Esteli, and Undercrown, are highly acclaimed for their quality and unique flavor profiles.

Padron

Padron Cigars, operated by Piloto Cigars Inc., is renowned for its exceptional quality and dedication to traditional cigar-making, particularly with their puros produced exclusively from Nicaraguan tobacco. Founded in 1964 by Jose Orlando Padron, the company has maintained its family-run legacy, with Jorge Padron now at the helm. Despite challenges such as the Sandinista war and U.S. embargoes, Padron Cigars continued production, relocating temporarily to Honduras before returning to Esteli in 1990. The company controls all aspects of production, from seed to shipping, and maintains over 20 warehouses in Esteli, ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality tobacco. Padron's commitment to quality limits their production to around 5-5.5 million cigars annually, making their cigars highly sought after and rare. For more details on their family-driven heritage, visit Padron Cigars: A Matter of Family Honor.

AJ Fernandez

AJ Fernandez is renowned as one of the best producers of premium cigars in Esteli, Nicaragua, with a legacy steeped in Cuban tobacco traditions. Since 2004, AJ Fernandez has expanded from a small garage to seven factories, producing between 40,000 to 60,000 cigars daily. The company manages 85% of its production for external labels, with 15% dedicated to its private brands, aiming to increase this to 25% in the future. AJ Fernandez is committed to using only the best raw materials, refusing orders that require young tobacco, and employs over 1,300 people, mostly Cubans in key positions. The San Lotano factory, opened in 2017, is a significant addition, producing brands like 601 and Diesel, and aims to produce 30,000 cigars per day.

My Father Cigars

My Father Cigars, led by Jose "Pepin" Garcia and his family, has evolved into a prominent cigarmaking powerhouse in Esteli, Nicaragua, producing over 20 million cigars annually. Their portfolio includes award-winning brands like My Father and Flor de Las Antillas, both of which have been distinguished as Cigar of the Year. In response to increased demand, the company has significantly expanded its operations, doubling its rolling room, packaging area, and box factory. With a dedicated workforce of over 200 cigarmakers, My Father Cigars boasts a daily production of around 35,000 cigars, solidifying its status as one of the largest and most respected producers in the region. Known for high-quality cigars, including contract brands like Tatuaje and San Cristobal, the Garcia family's dedication to excellence has made My Father Cigars a staple in the premium cigar industry. For more information on their premium offerings, visit the My Father Cigars website.

Oliva

Oliva Cigar Co. is a leading producer of high-quality cigars, particularly renowned for its Nicaraguan 'puros' from the Esteli region. Since its inception in 1995, the company has expanded significantly, producing around 40 million cigars annually, making it one of the largest cigar producers in Nicaragua. By 2005, Oliva was already producing 6 million cigars a year, and by 2009, this number had more than doubled to 13 million. The company's flagship product, the Oliva Serie V, was named to Cigar Aficionado magazine's list of the Best Cigars of 2008. With a strong commitment to quality and local community empowerment, Oliva operates multiple facilities, including the new Las Mesitas tobacco processing center near Esteli.

Plasencia

The Plasencia brand is renowned as one of the best producers of cigars, particularly those from Esteli, Nicaragua, with a history spanning over 158 years and six generations. The family operates eight factories, four in Nicaragua and four in Honduras, producing over 35 million cigars annually, with 60% of their production coming from Honduras and 40% from Nicaragua. Plasencia's Esteli factory, known as "the Cathedral," produces seven million cigars per year, including brands like Plasencia Alma Fuerte and Plasencia Alma del Fuego. The company cultivates over 3,000 acres of tobacco in Nicaragua and Honduras, with 50% of their harvest used for their own cigar manufacturing and the other 50% sold as raw tobacco. Their commitment to quality and innovation has earned them a prestigious place in the cigar industry. For further insights, take a walking tour of Plasencia’s Nicaraguan factory and fields.

Tatuaje

Tatuaje Cigars, renowned for their premium hand-rolled cigars, is a standout producer in the Esteli region of Nicaragua. Founded by Pete Johnson, the brand collaborates with legendary blender Don 'Pepin' Garcia to create cigars that consistently receive 90+ ratings from Cigar Aficionado. Tatuaje cigars are made from Nicaraguan Cuban-seed tobaccos, often wrapped in Ecuador Habano or Connecticut Broadleaf, and are celebrated for their Cubanesque flavor profiles. The brand's commitment to quality is evident in their small-batch productions, such as the Seleccion de Cazador and the Black Label, which are highly sought after by collectors. With production facilities at Tabacalera Cubana S.A. (TACUBA) in Esteli and El Rey de Los Habanos in Miami, Tatuaje continues to innovate and excel in the cigar industry. For more details about their offerings, visit the Tatuaje Cigars page.

Rocky Patel

Rocky Patel is a renowned producer of premium cigars, particularly notable for its operations in Esteli, Nicaragua. The brand is expanding its legacy with a new state-of-the-art factory in Esteli, anticipated to open by the latter half of 2026, which will have the capacity to produce up to 60,000 cigars daily. This new facility will significantly centralize and enhance production, dwarfing the current capacity of Tabacalera Villa Cuba S.A. (TAVICUSA) by 15 times. Rocky Patel's Nicaraguan manufacturing journey began in 2008, and the brand has been producing high-scoring cigars, including the Rocky Patel Sixty, which was the No. 2 cigar of 2022. The company's vertical integration includes cultivating extensive tobacco fields, such as 170 acres of Criollo '98 tobacco expected to produce 1.7 million pounds of leaf. For more insights into Rocky Patel's milestones, check out their 25th Anniversary feature.

Arturo Fuente

Arturo Fuente is a renowned cigar brand, particularly noted for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship, especially in the context of its operations in Esteli, Nicaragua. Founded by Arturo Fuente in 1912 in West Tampa, Florida, the company has navigated significant challenges, including a catastrophic fire in 1924 and the Cuban embargo, to emerge as a global benchmark in the cigar industry. By the 1970s, Carlos Fuente experimented with growing tobacco in various countries, including Nicaragua, where the company briefly operated before the Sandinistas rebellion. In 2018, Carlito Fuente announced the return of Arturo Fuente to Nicaragua with the establishment of the Gran Fabrica de Tabacos La Bella y La Bestia in Esteli. This new venture underscores the company's commitment to quality and innovation, producing over 30 million cigars annually from its Dominican Republic and Nicaraguan facilities. For more insight into their rich family history, visit their official website.