A master Cuban tobacco farmer whose dedication to quality highly impacted the cigar industry, highlighted by the exceptional Vegas Robaina brand and its cigars.
Hello dear readers,
I am back from my travels and delighted to invade your inbox yet again. Over the past couple of weeks, I had the pleasure of attending the Partagas Linea Maestra event in Sofia, Bulgaria, followed by the renowned Amigos de Partagas event in Matelica, Italy.
The cigar club in Matelica, named after Don Alejandro Robaina, left me feeling inspired to write about this legendary figure and his immense contributions to the cigar industry.
Let’s delve into the legacy of Alejandro Robaina, the godfather of Cuban tobacco, and explore how his dedication and passion continue to influence the world of cigars.
Alejandro Robaina was born in Alquízar, Cuba, on March 20, 1919. A third-generation tobacco farmer, Robaina inherited his family’s passion for the cultivation of tobacco and became a master in his field. His dedication to perfecting tobacco farming earned him international acclaim, with his Vuelta Abajo plantation producing some of the finest tobacco leaves in the world.
Robaina’s profound knowledge and commitment to quality transformed his name into an emblem of excellence in the cigar industry. He was deeply respected within the tobacco community, not only for his expertise but also for his genuine love of the craft. His meticulous attention to detail ensured that each leaf from his plantation met the highest standards, leading to his recognition as one of Cuba’s most esteemed tobacco farmers.
The official launch of the Vegas Robaina brand in 1997 within the Habanos portfolio marked a significant moment in the history of Cuban cigars. It was a tribute to Robaina’s legacy and his contribution to the world of tobacco. The brand was established to honor his work and to ensure that the quality level and tradition of his family’s tobacco farming would continue to be celebrated.
Robaina’s estate, Vegas Robaina, quickly gained a reputation for producing exceptional cigars. These cigars were crafted with leaves from his plantation, known for their unique flavor and superior quality. The brand encapsulated Robaina’s philosophy of using only the finest leaves and techniques, ensuring that every cigar bearing his name was a testament to his expertise.
The regular production cigars under the Vegas Robaina brand include several notable cigars:
Famosos: vitola de galera Hermosos no4. A robusto size almost 48x127mm, it presents a medium strength, making it accessible to both seasoned aficionados and newcomers and the 47 ring gauge feels very pleasant in the hand
Unicos: Vitola de galera Piramides 52x156mm, the Unicos offers a balanced smoke with rich, complex flavors. It is medium to full-bodied and it’s a great way to get to know this brand
Clasicos: Vitola de Galera Cervantes just like the Bolivar Gold Medal used to be. This cigar is celebrated for its elegant construction and well-rounded profile.
Don Alejandro: Vitola de Galera Prominentes 49x194mm, one of my favorites. Named in honor of Alejandro Robaina himself, this double corona is the flagship of the brand. It delivers a medium to full-bodied experience with a complex array of flavors, and a the length offers a lot of taste transition while smoking
Sadly, today, most of the above, including my favorite, are discontinued.
Over the years, the Alejandro Robaina brand has also introduced several limited-edition cigars, regional editions and some pretty exclusive and rare humidors packed with a perfect selection of the brands offerings.
The one I would like to mention is the Prominente. This very rare cigar, presented in the Prominentes vitola, obviously, was created as a limited edition for the year 2001 and was released during the 4th Habanos festival. Definitely a rare collectors item.
Alejandro Robaina cigars are famous for their distinct flavor profiles, which are representative of the rich soil of Vuelta Abajo and Robaina’s impeccable farming techniques.
Flavor Profiles: The cigars often exhibit a wide range of flavors, ranging from earthy and woody notes to hints of coffee, cocoa, and sweet spices. Each puff shows a new layer of complexity, with a lingering, satisfying cedar finish.
Strength Levels: The brand offers a spectrum of strength levels, from medium to full-bodied in my experience but the brand is nestled in the Medium-Full territory. Basically there is something in its portfolio for anyone.
Common tasting notes across the Robaina line include a rich, creamy texture, with balanced undertones of leather, cedar, and toasted nuts.You can still find the Don Alejandro in London or Switzerland and I made the trip to both countries and bought a few when I saw them, in my opinion it is totally worth it.