Joya De Nicaragua

Joya De Nicaragua stands as the pioneering patriarch of the Nicaraguan cigar industry, holding the distinction of being Nicaragua's first premium cigar manufacturer and most international brand. Known as the 'Jewel of Nicaragua,' this family-owned company represents authenticity and craftsmanship in the premium cigar market, producing exclusively Nicaraguan puros that showcase the rich volcanic soils of Estelí, Condega, and Jalapa. The brand has weathered revolutionary upheaval, factory destruction, and political turmoil to emerge as a symbol of resilience and quality, earning recognition as Cigar Factory of the Year in both 2018 and 2019. With a presence in over 55 countries worldwide, Joya De Nicaragua continues to honor its heritage while innovating for modern cigar enthusiasts.

Background

Founded on February 29, 1968, by Cuban exiles Juan Francisco Bermejo and Simón Camacho, Joya De Nicaragua emerged from the Nicaragua Cigar Company in Estelí as the country's first cigar manufacturer. The brand gained international prominence when it became the official cigar of the White House during the Nixon administration, with dictator Anastasio Somoza discovering this prestigious status during a 1971 diplomatic visit. Following the Sandinista Revolution in 1979, the factory was nationalized and later destroyed during the civil war, leaving workers to manage operations as a cooperative. In 1994, Dr. Alejandro Martínez Cuenca, an economist and cigar enthusiast, acquired the struggling company and began its remarkable resurrection. Under his leadership and that of his son Juan Ignacio Martínez, the company reclaimed its trademark rights, rehired master blenders and rollers, and launched the iconic Antaño 1970 blend that revitalized the brand's reputation.

History

Joya De Nicaragua's journey mirrors Nicaragua's tumultuous political history, surviving revolution, nationalization, factory destruction, and economic embargo. After being acquired by dictator Somoza in 1972 and later nationalized during the Sandinista era, the brand faced near extinction until Dr. Cuenca's acquisition in 1994 marked the beginning of its renaissance. The company successfully reclaimed its U.S. trademark rights and rebuilt its reputation through quality craftsmanship and authentic Nicaraguan tobacco blending. Today, it stands as both a testament to resilience and a beacon of Nicaraguan cigar excellence, celebrating over 55 years of continuous operation.

Reputation

Joya De Nicaragua is universally regarded as the founding father of the Nicaraguan cigar industry and maintains its status as the country's most authentic premium brand. The company has earned critical acclaim from publications like Cigar Aficionado, with multiple cigars receiving high ratings and Top 25 recognition, including the Antaño 1970 Gran Reserva Robusto Grande (91 points) and Celebración Churchill (90 points). Industry professionals recognize the brand for its unwavering commitment to quality and traditional craftsmanship, evidenced by consecutive Cigar Factory of the Year awards. Among enthusiasts, Joya De Nicaragua is celebrated for producing bold, full-bodied Nicaraguan puros that authentically represent the terroir and tobacco heritage of Nicaragua.