Aliados Cigars by Rolando Reyes
Rolando Reyes pursued the ambitious goal of making each of his cigars a true masterpiece. For him, it wasn’t enough for a cigar to be visually appealing—it also had to excel in flavor and demonstrate a perfect burn performance.
To ensure these high standards, the master himself often took on the task of rolling the cigars—a remarkable step in the industry. Born in 1924, Rolando learned his craft from the ground up in Cuba. There, he worked for renowned brands such as Partagas, Romeo y Julieta, and H. Upmann. After the revolution, he left Cuba and emigrated to the United States, where he founded the Cuba Aliados brand—named after a Cuban bus line. Since the name "Cuba" is a protected designation of origin in Europe, the brand is known here as Aliados. However, the enjoyment remains unchanged.
The History of Aliados
Rolando was known for his meticulous and extraordinary work ethic. Nothing escaped his watchful eye, and even the smallest flaw was corrected. His work rhythm was unorthodox: he often didn’t appear at the factory until the afternoon, as he was most productive during the quiet evening hours. During these long nights, he gathered with other Cuban exiles over a bottle of wine to discuss their homeland and the art of cigar making. This intense exchange sparked numerous innovations, which made Aliados cigars an extraordinary pleasure. Some remnants from this legendary era are still available today.
Despite his impressive expertise, Rolando struggled to fully pass it on to others. He was a perfectionist and a practitioner, but less of a teacher. In 2010, he retired from his company at an advanced age and passed away two years later in Honduras. Without him, the brand faced challenging times.
The Rebirth of Aliados
The revival of the brand is thanks to Oliva Cigars, who decided in 2021 to continue the legacy of Aliados. This decision generated significant interest in the cigar world. One of the first to step forward was Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, a protégé of Rolando and a star in the industry with his EPC label. Ernesto took it upon himself to restore the original flavor of Aliados cigars. After testing over 100 blends, he impressively achieved this ambitious goal.
All Aliados Cigars: The Entire Portfolio
Today, the lineup consists of two series: the Aliados Original Blend, a Honduran puro made in the Tabacalera of Julio Eiroa, and the exclusive Cabinet Edition, a limited series crafted in Ernesto’s own Tabacalera in the Dominican Republic. The Cabinet Edition is a special tribute to his mentor and a masterpiece of modern cigar production.
Aliados cigars combine tradition, craftsmanship, and passion—a true delight for connoisseurs and enthusiasts seeking something special.
