For those in the know

55 years ago, we pioneered an industry by crafting the first cigars to ever come out of Nicaragua. We are thriving, like never before, thanks to our people and the discerning palates of cigar enthusiasts everywhere. For us, quality is not an obligation, it is our highest commitment. We are humbled and proud of 55 years of perserverance and success but mostly inpired by all the memories we have created with our Amigos around the world.

the most nicaraguan cigar

50 years ago, we pioneered an industry by crafting the first cigars to ever come out of Nicaragua. We are thriving, like never before, thanks to our skillful and resilient people. For us, quality is not an obligation, it is our highest commitment. We are humbled and proud of 50 years of perserverance and success.

Fabrica JDN ViejaFabrica JDN Nueva

We are proud of our roots

Joya de Nicaragua was established in 1968, making it the very first premium handmade cigar manufacturer in Nicaragua. We are located in the city of Estelí, in what has come to be known as the tobacco capital of the world. Fábrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua, S.A is a 100% Nicaraguan owned and operated company that develops, manufactures and markets internationally renowned cigars brands.

OUR PROCESS

01

From seed to smoke

To make great cigars, you need great tobacco. By the time a Joya de Nicaragua Cigar reaches you, it will have passed through more than 300 pairs of hands and the tobacco used to make it will be at least four years old. This is how Joya de Nicaragua makes great tobacco – and ultimately, the cigars ‘For Those In The Know’.

02

Germination

Specially coated seeds from chosen tobacco strains are sown in trays filled with compost. After eight days, the strongest new seedlings are separated and transplanted to their own pots for maximum nutrition. Some 30 days later – and the seedlings are ready to go out into the big, wide world. They are planted in rows and reach for the sky.

03

Priming

Seco, Viso and Ligero leaves are taken from bottom to top of the plant.

04

Curing Barn

Green leaves are strung together and hung on poles hoisted into the rafters of the curing barn, right there in the tobacco fields. They will be left to cure for 45 to 60 days.

The leaves – now a deep chocolate brown – are carefully taken down and packed, ready for transportation to the factory.

05

Pilones

The weight of the pilones together with some added moisture (water) generates heat, that produces a natural transformation of the chemical components of the leaf through oxidation and liberation of natural compounds, in what we call the fermentation process. This process transforms the flavors and aromas of the leaf.

06

Moja de capa

The wrapper leaves are moistened as to separate the leaves that were stuck together due to the pressure of the weight in the pilones process. A moist leaf is more workable and easier to roll and wrap around the cigar.

07

Deveining

Once it’s been decided that the ageing process has reached its peak, the leaves are deveined, removing the tough wooden central stem by hand, a practice unique to Joya de Nicaragua. After the leaves are deveined, they are then sent to the rollers.

08

Bunching

Joya de Nicaragua’s rolling teams, often men and women and in several instances, man and wife, work in a bright, friendly atmosphere. They chat while they work, listen to the radio. Some – like the ever-smiling Aristo – enjoy a smoke.

09

Testing

Every single cigar will be inspected and draw tested before being passed along to the next stage.

10

Aging Room

The Escaparates, or Aging Room, is another milestone in the cigar’s life. Here, it will rest after the rigours of farm and factory, allowing the blends to mellow and mingle and the tobacco leaves to marry. This can take from 90 days to several years, depending on the strength and blending of the cigars. Joya de Nicaragua considers the Escaparates as one of the most crucial stages of cigar making.

11

Packaging

Once the cigars are sorted by colour, they’re packed in a box from dark to light, left to right. Each is given a ring, fed into protective cellophane wrappers and placed in the box. These are sealed with a Joya de Nicaragua origin sticker – a guarantee of their Nicaraguan authenticity. Joya de Nicaragua cigars then depart by land, air and sea to distant shores. The Most Nicaraguan Cigars of all.

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