The Puro Sabor Nicaragua Cigar Festival 2025 brought together cigar enthusiasts for a week of factory visits, tastings, and cultural experiences. From Granada to EstelÃ, we explored Nicaragua’s cigar industry up close, reconnecting with old friends and making plenty of new ones along the way. Here’s a recap of our experience.
Day 1 – Arrival in Granada
The festival kicked off as we landed in Managua and hit the road to Granada. Dinner at Hotel DarÃo was a perfect welcome—great food, a lively atmosphere, and, of course, cigars. We caught up with friends over an exclusive preview of an unreleased Red Meat Lovers blend from Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust. And let’s talk about the swag bag—Flor de Caña rum, festival-exclusive cigars, and premium accessories. Not a bad way to start the week.
Day 2 – Lake Nicaragua & Granada’s Cultural Highlights
Tuesday morning, we set out on a boat tour of Lake Nicaragua, weaving through the islets while keeping an eye out for the local wildlife (yes, there were monkeys). The heat was no joke, but ice-cold Toña beer kept us refreshed. Lunch on an islet featured the traditional dish of vigorón, followed by cigars from Karen Berger, Villiger, and Skip Martin—a K Fire, a Maestranza, and a Villiger 1888 Nicaragua. Later, we headed to the Convento de San Francisco for dinner, where Granada’s mayor, Gladys Medina, welcomed the international group. Cigars in hand—My Father Don Pepin Garcia E.R.H. and CAO Fasa—we enjoyed a fantastic folkloric performance and even got to pour our own glass of Flor de Caña straight from the barrel.
Day 3 – Estelà & Factory Visits
Wednesday meant one thing: we were EstelÃ-bound. Upon arrival, we were hosted for lunch by Victor Calvo, who paired his cigars with a delicious spread of traditional Nicaraguan lunch. Next, we visited Tabolisa 1, Oliva Cigars’ principal factory, where father and son Guido and Fred Vandermarliere, welcomed us in their stunning VIP lounge before leading a tour through their operation. The evening took us to J.C. Newman’s Pensa factory for dinner, where we were welcomed by the mayor of EstelÃ, Francisco Ramon Valenzuela Blandon and JC Newman’s, Eric Newman. Fireworks, live music, and even a surprise performance from Don PepÃn GarcÃa himself—an unforgettable night.
Day 4 – Tobacco Farms & White Party
Thursday was all about getting into the roots of Nicaraguan tobacco—literally. At Plasencia’s factory, we were welcomed by staff and children from Plasencia’s school, who handed out handmade souvenirs. We toured the company’s San Benito farm, witnessing every step of the process, from composting to seedling to full-grown tobacco plants. At La Caridad, we explored a top-secret aging room where past harvests are stored. In the afternoon, we toured A.J. Fernandez’s operation, where Mario Ruiz walked us through the massive facilities. Rafael Nodal joined us, sharing insights into the Montecristo M’s 20-year-aged wrapper. The night ended with the famous White Party at El Fumador, part of Oliva’s Las Mesitas facility, where we celebrated with live music and cigars from Drew Estate, Oliva, Cuban Rounds, and Perdomo.
Day 5 – My Father Cigars & Grand Gala
The final day began with a visit to My Father Cigars. Watching the Garcias in action—three generations working together—was a highlight. Maria, Pepin Garcia’s wife, made us feel at home with homemade croquettes and her famous macaroni salad. We snacked away as we learned about the company’s Cuban-style production process. We even got a sneak peek at their upcoming Honduran project set to debut at PCA 2025. Lunch took place at A.J. Fernandez’s San Diego farm, with AJ himself welcoming us and emphasizing how much this industry supports its workforce. A Flor de Caña rum tasting added a perfect touch, with live music by Mario Sacasa’s band setting the vibe.
As some of us spent the afternoon squeezing cigars into already overstuffed luggage, others took in the last bit of Estelà before heading to the grand gala. With 700 attendees dressed to the nines, we celebrated another successful Puro Sabor. Vice Mayor Dr. Melania Peralta gave closing remarks, and Eduardo Sandino of Oliva Cigars was announced as the new president of the Nicaraguan Tobacco Chamber. The night, filled with live music from Macolla and plenty of cigars, was the perfect way to wrap up an incredible week. Until next year, Nicaragua!
