Aliados: Bestseller
Aliados: All items
Aliados Cigars by Rolando Reyes
“Every cigar should be a masterpiece” – this was the ambitious credo of brand founder Rolando Reyes. For him, a cigar must look beautiful, but more importantly, it should deliver perfect flavor and flawless burn.
To ensure this, Rolando often rolled cigars himself – a rarity in the industry. Born in 1924, Rolando mastered his craft from the ground up. In Cuba, he worked for renowned brands like Partagas, Romeo y Julieta, and H. Upmann. After the Cuban Revolution, he left for the United States, where he founded his label, Cuba Aliados, named after a Cuban bus line. As the name “Cuba” is a protected geographical indication in Europe, the cigars are simply branded “Aliados” for the European market – without any compromise to their quality or enjoyment.
The History of Aliados
Rolando became known for his meticulous and eccentric work ethic. No detail escaped his notice, and even the smallest flaw was corrected. His day typically started in the afternoon; he wouldn’t be seen in his factory before 3 PM. Rolando claimed he worked best in peace and quiet during long evenings, often followed by gatherings with fellow Cuban exiles after midnight. Over wine, they discussed their lost homeland and the art of cigar making. This creative exchange among specialists led to the greatness of Aliados cigars, and remnants from this legendary era still exist today.
While Rolando’s exceptional expertise made him an industry icon, he struggled to pass on his knowledge. He was more of a doer than a teacher; talented apprentices could learn by observation, but he didn’t excel at instructing. In 2010, Rolando retired, and he passed away two years later in Honduras. Without his leadership, the company faced turbulent times.
The Revival of Aliados
The brand’s legacy owes its survival to its new owner. In 2021, Oliva Cigars decided to revive Aliados. As news of this spread in the cigar industry, Oliva CEO Fred Vandermaliere received a call from Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, the legendary maker behind EPC Cigars and a former apprentice of Rolando. Ernesto offered his services, driven by his deep respect for his mentor.
For his passion project, Ernesto meticulously tested over 100 blends to recapture the original Aliados flavor. His dedication resulted in an impressive tribute to the legacy of Rolando Reyes.
The Complete Aliados Cigar Portfolio
Today, Aliados offers two main series: Aliados Original Blend, a Honduran puro crafted in the Tabacalera of Julio Eiroa. Julio, known for his Aladino brand and former co-owner of Camacho, has a history of collaboration with Davidoff, who purchased Camacho for a substantial sum. Julio recalls Rolando fondly, saying, “He was a good guy.”
The limited Cabinet Edition, crafted in Ernesto’s own Tabacalera in the Dominican Republic, serves as a highly personal homage to his mentor, highlighting the profound influence Rolando had on Ernesto and the cigar industry at large.
