La Aroma de Cuba
La Aroma de Cuba stands as a legendary premium cigar brand that masterfully bridges Cuban heritage with modern Nicaraguan craftsmanship, representing one of the most sought-after lines in the boutique cigar market. Originally dating back to the late 1880s in Cuba where it became an early favorite of Winston Churchill, this distinguished marque has been expertly reborn under the skilled hands of master blender José 'Pepin' Garcia in Nicaragua. These cigars are designed to evoke the classic aromas and sensations of pre-Embargo Havana, delivering velvety, spicy-sweet leaf with a rich bouquet that creates an unforgettable smoking experience. The brand exemplifies the perfect marriage of historic Cuban tradition with contemporary premium cigar excellence, making it a cornerstone choice for discerning enthusiasts seeking authentic Cuban-style flavor profiles.
La Aroma de Cuba Products
Quick Facts
- Founded:
- 1880s
- Founder:
- Unknown original Cuban founder; revived by Robert Levin (Ashton Cigars) in early 2000s
- Headquarters:
- Estelí, Nicaragua (manufactured by My Father Cigars for Ashton Cigars)
Key Characteristics
- Cuban heritage and Winston Churchill connection
- Master-crafted by José 'Pepin' Garcia
- Premium Nicaraguan tobacco construction
- Award-winning blends with multiple high ratings
- Evokes classic pre-embargo Cuban flavors
Background
La Aroma de Cuba traces its storied history back to the late 1880s in Cuba, where it captured the heart of a young Winston Churchill when he was an officer in the Royal Navy and became among his favorite early brands. At some point past the turn of the century, the trademarks for La Aroma de Cuba fell off the radar in the chaos of the 1960s, becoming lost to time like many Cuban cigar companies during that turbulent period. In the 1990s, the brand's trademarks had been acquired and registered by the Levin family, owners of the historic Ashton brand, who recognized the potential to restore this legendary marque. They officially launched a Honduran-made La Aroma de Cuba in 2002, successfully reintroducing the brand to satisfy the growing audience for medium to full-bodied cigars. By the mid-2000s, the Levin family had established a strong relationship with Pepin Garcia, and they shifted all La Aroma de Cuba production to the Garcia family's factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, feeling the Garcias' revered cigar-making expertise would be an ideal fit for developing La Aroma de Cuba.
History
A full-scale revival of La Aroma de Cuba emerged in the early 2000s when the original Cuban brand was reintroduced to the world in 2002, initially as a Honduran-made line before transitioning to Nicaragua. In 2008, the first Nicaraguan La Aroma de Cuba cigars blended by Pepin Garcia debuted, marking a pivotal moment in the brand's renaissance. The brand achieved critical acclaim when La Aroma de Cuba Edicion Especial was ranked as the '#4 Cigar of the Year' in Cigar Aficionado following its release, and the new edition later received an even higher 94-point rating from the critics. This transformation from a lost Cuban legacy to a premier Nicaraguan brand represents one of the most successful cigar brand revivals in modern history.
Reputation
La Aroma de Cuba is among the most renowned and bestselling lines made at the family's modern cigar-making facility in Estelí, Nicaragua, establishing itself as a powerhouse in the premium cigar market. The critics in Cigar Aficionado awarded La Aroma de Cuba with an impressive 94-point rating and have declared it the '#1 Cigar Industry Best Buy' multiple times, cementing its status among industry professionals. La Aroma de Cuba cigars stand out due to their exceptional craftsmanship and unique flavor profiles, along with their commitment to consistent quality, making them highly regarded among enthusiasts. The brand is considered a must-have cigar for new cigar lovers and seasoned connoisseurs everywhere, representing the gold standard for Cuban-style cigars made outside of Cuba.


