Don Julio Cigars – A Family Tradition in Its Sixth Generation
The Reyes family has a long history in tobacco cultivation. However, it was Augusto Reyes who brought the company into cigar manufacturing. Today, his daughter Nirka leads Tabacalera de los Reyes, where not only Don Julio cigars are crafted but also prestigious brands like Patoro and Debonaire.
From Finance to Cigar Manufacturing: Nirka Reyes
Unlike her father, Nirka initially took a different path. As the daughter of a tobacco dynasty, she grew up in the world of cigars but first pursued a degree in Switzerland and later worked at an investment bank. However, the world of finance did not fulfill her.
Looking back, she sees her investment banking experience as valuable, teaching her the structures of corporate management. However, she ultimately chose her family's true passion: the world of cigars. With a clear focus on quality over quantity, she reduced the annual production of Tabacalera de los Reyes from 13 million to 2.5 million cigars.
This also meant parting ways with numerous lower-cost production series made for other brands. Within just a few years, Nirka transformed the Tabacalera into an exclusive manufacturer of premium longfillers. The initial financial challenges ultimately paid off with a strong positioning in the premium segment.
Punta Espada Cigars by Don Julio
Compared to other Dominican cigars, those from Tabacalera de los Reyes stand out for their pronounced spiciness and complex aroma profile. The craftsmanship behind them is of exceptional precision.
For the exclusive Don Julio Punta Espada series, only tobaccos from the family's own plantations are used. These originate from the fertile Cibao Valley in the Dominican Republic, guaranteeing a unique smoking experience.
