El Mago

El Mago Cigars is a premium handcrafted cigar brand that seamlessly blends Cuban tradition with modern Miami Art Deco aesthetics, creating an extraordinary smoking experience rooted in heritage and craftsmanship. Founded as a heartfelt tribute to family legacy, the brand translates to 'The Wizard' and represents the magical transformation of opportunity into success through determination and love. Each cigar is meticulously hand-rolled using finest-aged tobacco, delivering unmatched quality and unforgettable flavors that enhance life's beautiful moments. The brand has quickly established itself as a rising star in the premium cigar industry, known for its distinctive packaging, emotional storytelling, and commitment to excellence.

Background

El Mago Cigars was born from tragedy and triumph, founded by Nicholas Fusco in 2022 to honor his beloved grandparents, Maria and Gonzalo Torre (affectionately known as Babi and Pepe). The brand name derives from the first two letters of each grandparent's name, symbolizing how they created magic from limited opportunities throughout their extraordinary life journey. Maria and Gonzalo's story spans five countries - from Cuba to Czechoslovakia, Canada, Venezuela, and finally Miami, where they owned and operated the iconic James Hotel in Miami Beach's Art Deco district for over 30 years. Their lives were tragically cut short on June 24, 2021, when they perished together in the Champlain Towers collapse in Miami, but their legacy lives on through this brand that celebrates the Cuban cigar tradition passed down through generations.

History

Founded in 2022 by 23-year-old Nicholas Fusco, El Mago represents one of the youngest-owned premium cigar companies in the industry. The brand emerged from personal tragedy when Fusco's grandparents died in the Champlain Towers collapse, inspiring him to preserve their memory through the Cuban cigar tradition they had passed down to him. Production takes place at the MGE Cigars Factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, where each blend is carefully crafted to reflect the brand's aesthetic and ethos. Since its inception, El Mago has gained recognition for its distinctive Miami Art Deco-inspired packaging and has been showcased at major industry events like the PCA Trade Show.

Reputation

El Mago has quickly established itself as a noteworthy newcomer in the premium cigar market, earning positive reviews from industry critics and publications. The brand is recognized for its exceptional packaging presentation, with reviewers consistently praising the Miami Art Deco-inspired tubos and elegant design elements. Critics have awarded high ratings to several blends, including a 95 rating for the Triunfante and a 96 rating for the Renegade, noting the brand's ability to deliver complex, well-balanced flavor profiles. The emotional backstory and young founder's dedication to honoring his grandparents' legacy has resonated with both industry professionals and cigar enthusiasts, positioning El Mago as a rising star with significant potential for growth.