Joya De Nicaragua
The Original Estili Cigar Manufacturer.
While tobacco farming in Nicaragua began in 1964, the first brand manufactured in the country was Joya de Nicaragua — a company launched in 1968 by Daniel Rodriguez in a joint venture with Anastasio Somoza Debayle in Estili. At the time, Daniel Rodriguez and his brother, Diego Rodriguez, had been farming in the USA cigars grown in Havana, Florida. Both brothers are sons of Daniel Maria Rodriguez, who was known and recognized as the 'world's best grower of shade tabaco' in Cuba prior to Fidel Castro's overthrow of Batista. Diego Rodriguez continued with the tobacco operations in the USA, while his brother Daniel operated a joint venture with Somoza in Nicaragua. Fábrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua, S.A. is a 100% Nicaraguan-owned and operated company that develops, manufactures, and markets internationally renowned cigar brands.
For those that do not know… The Spanish word joya is a false friend of the English word "joy." The actual meaning of the word is "jewel." Thus, the brand name "Joya de Nicaragua" correctly translates as "Jewel of Nicaragua."
Pre 1990’s cigar manufacutring at Fábrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua, S.A. - Courtesy of Joya De Nicaragua.
2018 - Joya De Nicaragua team looking forward to the next 50 years. Courtesy of Joya De Nicaragua.
My exposure to this brand started years ago in Montana on hunting trips with my father who smoked the Antano 1970. Those who have experienced the Antano know that its aroma has a very distinct nose. Fast forward a few decades to summer 2024. I was on a trip to the Upper Penninsula of Michigan for a long over due visit with a good friend. While in Traverse City, I stopped by Nolan's Cigar Lounge.
Will standing next to the cigar sculpture outside Nolan’s Cigar Bar - 336 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684
The gentlemen at Nolan's were very welcoming and quick to show me around while we spoke a bit of shop. Being a new cigar retailer and lounge, I am always interested in learning from those who have come before and cleared the path to the industry we have today. We were going over their selection and what their customers like to smoke and, behold a great selection of Joya De Nicaragua. Since the days of the 1970 Joya has branched out with several other great blends.
The Joya De Nicaragua Antano Gran Reserve cigar.
One in particular caught my eye... Antano Gran Reserva. A little bigger than a robusto but not quite a toro while being a soft box press vitola. One of the owners told me that it was by far one of his favorites, so I had to try one as well. DAMN was he right! This is quickly becoming one of my favorite go to cigar blends. From the unlit smell of hay to the initial first puffs of roasted peanut/almond, which is quickly rounded by a generous smokey nuance, later transforming to a slight peppery cocoa note.
Perhaps it was the company, the surrounding pine trees intersected by crystal clear streams, or just the gentle reminder of days since gone with my father in the sage filled air of Big Sky. Either way I had to bring the line into the lounge for our members and customers to experience as well.
Mu-Ray’s Backyard in Traverse City. Kyle’s memory will live on in all our hearts.
If you are looking for a legacy line that will not disappoint and keeps up with the ever changing boutique landscape of cigars, Joya De Nicaragua should be on your list.
Will-
