Aladino: A Story of Family Tradition and Tobacco Culture
The name Aladino may initially evoke the famous oriental tale, but behind this brand lies a far more fascinating story. The company JRE, which brought Aladino to life, represents a family tradition deeply rooted in the world of tobacco. As a family business ourselves, we appreciate this special connection. But the story becomes even more intriguing when you get to know the family behind Aladino.
The Eiroas and Their Connection to Camacho
JRE stands for Julio R. Eiroa, a name held in the highest regard in the cigar world. Julio, a Cuban exile, left Cuba after the revolution and made his way through Florida to Honduras. There, through hard work and dedication, he built a tobacco empire.
The major breakthrough came in 1995 when Julio, together with his son Christian, acquired the brand Camacho. What was once a little-known brand quickly developed into a globally recognized name for premium cigars of medium to full strength.
Aladino Cigars: A Modern Classic
The success of the Camacho brand was driven by the relentless efforts and instincts of the Eiroas, as well as favorable circumstances like the cigar boom of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Quality and excellence quickly gained recognition among connoisseurs. In 2008, Camacho was eventually acquired by Oettinger/Davidoff, further strengthening the brand.
The transaction reached impressive dimensions: rumors suggest the purchase price exceeded 30 million USD. This investment allowed Christian to indulge in an Italian luxury car and a stylish boat, before focusing on innovation with his new brands Eiroa and CLE.
Aladino: A New Chapter in the Eiroa Tradition
After selling Camacho, Julio stepped back for a while but remained active as a renowned tobacco grower. In 2016, he returned to the cigar world alongside his eldest son Justo, founding the Aladino brand. These cigars, made from homegrown tobaccos, have been available in Germany since 2023 and are gaining increasing popularity.
Although Julio’s story bears the elements of a fairytale, Aladino has little to do with Arabian Nights. The name originates from the family-owned factory “El Aladino” in southern Honduran Danlí, which replaced the former production site Rancho Jamastran. The name pays homage to a former local movie theater that inspired the brand.
