Cuesta Rey

Cuesta Rey represents one of the most distinguished and historically significant premium cigar brands in the world, with a legacy spanning over 140 years. Once the official cigar of 19th century Spanish King Alfonso XIII, with Señor Cuesta honored as "Tobacco Purveyor for the Spanish King and Court," this brand has maintained its commitment to handmade cigar excellence for millions of cigar lovers worldwide. Today, Cuesta Rey is one of the most popular premium cigars in the world, enjoyed by cigar smokers in 61 countries on six continents. The brand is renowned for its ultra-smooth, creamy character and exceptional craftsmanship, offering a range from mild-to-medium bodied cigars that exemplify traditional Cuban-style blending with modern Dominican production excellence.

Background

In 1884, a young Spanish immigrant, Angel LaMadrid Cuesta, opened his first cigar factory and soon earned a reputation as one of the greatest handmade cigar craftsmen of his day. He was joined a few years later by Peregrino Rey forming the world-renowned Cuesta-Rey premium quality cigars. In 1893 they followed suit and joined the rest of the premium cigar industry in Tampa, gaining access to Cuban tobacco and skilled workers. J.C. Newman and his son, Stanford Newman moved to Tampa in 1954 and they became very good friends with Karl Cuesta. When Stanford Newman acquired the brand in 1958, he made sure that it remained premium, purchasing Cuesta-Rey along with other brands from Karl Cuesta. Since 1991, every Cuesta-Rey is made at Tabacalera A. Fuente in the Dominican Republic, maintaining the brand's reputation for exceptional quality and traditional craftsmanship.

History

The Cuesta-Rey #95 was already one of the sizes in the brand's portfolio before the Cuban embargo and was the first numbered cigar on the market, named after Chanel #5. After Stanford Newman learned of Cameroon tobacco, it was decided that the #95 would be the first cigar to use the Cameroon wrapper in the United States. The Cuesta-Rey #95 saved the handmade, premium cigar industry and became the flagship premium cigar for decades after. It became the top-selling premium cigar in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s. The brand has successfully navigated industry challenges including the Cuban embargo, economic downturns, and changing consumer preferences while maintaining its position as a world-class premium cigar manufacturer.

Reputation

Cuesta-Rey Cigars are recognized internationally as some of the best cigars in the world. The Centro Fino line has received impressive ratings including Cigar and Spirits: 92, Cigar Insider: 90, and Smoke Magazine: 94. Cuesta Rey was inducted into The Cigar Hall of Fame, joining its inaugural class. The brand is consistently praised by enthusiasts for its reliable construction, consistent quality, and distinctive smooth character that has remained unchanged for decades. Many long-time smokers note that "Cuesta Rey ALWAYS remains constant" and "I have smoked them for over 20 years, and I always know what to expect", highlighting the brand's reputation for dependability and excellence.