Esteban Carreras – Cigars

Esteban Carreras – a name that stands for top-tier boutique long filler cigars from Nicaragua, crafted with passion and tradition. Every Esteban Carreras cigar promises a premium smoking experience full of aroma, character, and exclusivity – a true delight for discerning aficionados. Esteban Carreras cigars combine traditional craftsmanship with modern finesse, offering a journey into the diverse world of Central American tobaccos.

Esteban Carreras Cigars – Cuban Roots

The story of Esteban Carreras begins in the 1980s: In Cuba, a young cigar maker named Esteban Carreras learns the art of refining and rolling tobacco. After honing his skills alongside renowned Maestro Torcedores, he sets out to launch his own brand. In the 1990s – with the founding year 1996 – the Esteban Carreras brand is born, initially established in the Dominican Republic.

From the beginning, Esteban Carreras has stood for traditional rolling techniques, uncompromising quality, and full-bodied flavor. This spirit of Cuban cigar tradition combined with a new environment laid the foundation for something truly special: a boutique brand that merges the best of both worlds – Caribbean tobacco heritage and the Nicaraguan cigars that would follow. With dedication and a refined sense for premium tobacco, Esteban Carreras quickly made a name for itself among connoisseurs. Over the years, the brand evolved from an insider’s tip to a staple of the premium scene.

Craig Cunningham

Today, Esteban Carreras looks back on more than two decades of success in the U.S. cigar market. For over 20 years, Esteban Carreras cigars have captivated North American enthusiasts – and the momentum continues. A key figure behind this success is Craig Cunningham, the current owner of the brand. Under his leadership, production was relocated to Estelí, Nicaragua, where Esteban Carreras established its own factory – Tabacalera Carreras S.A.. This full control over cultivation, production, and distribution – known among insiders as vertical integration – ensures that quality remains consistently high while the brand sharpens its unique profile. Today, Esteban Carreras cigars can be found in countless humidors across the United States and have become a trusted favorite for many aficionados.

Global Success With Cigars – Esteban Carreras

In 2024, Esteban Carreras takes its first step into the European market: The brand is officially introduced at the InterTabac trade show in Dortmund. Through German importer Kopp Cigars, the cigars are now also available in Germany. What began as a well-kept secret has become a globally sought-after brand – cigar lovers around the world are now discovering the blends from Estelí.

Tabacalera Carreras

The philosophy “quality over quantity” defines every Esteban Carreras cigar. In its own factory in Estelí, each cigar is handcrafted – using well-aged tobacco and the utmost care. New lines are only released when they’re fully matured. The blends often age for years before they meet the brand’s standards – a commitment to quality and consistency over short-lived trends.

Esteban Carreras Cigars – The Full Lineup

The Esteban Carreras range is defined by medium- to full-bodied blends made with Nicaraguan tobaccos – spicy, earthy, peppery, yet always well balanced. A broad variety of wrappers and vitolas – from Lancero to Gordo – offers something for everyone. All cigars share a distinctive flavor profile that engages the senses.

Esteban Carreras Chupa Cabra Hellcat

The Esteban Carreras Chupa Cabra Hellcat is one of the brand’s flagship lines and has achieved near-cult status among aficionados. The name – inspired by a Latin American mythical creature – hints at something mysterious and powerful. And indeed, the Chupa Cabra Hellcat offers a bold, complex smoking experience. These spicy Nicaraguan puros are wrapped in an oily Oscuro wrapper.

From the very first draw, notes of earth, coffee, spices, and chocolate unfold, accompanied by a bold pepperiness. Yet despite its full strength, the Chupa Cabra Hellcat is surprisingly creamy – the wild beast shows its softer side. The construction is flawless: a skillfully twisted pigtail cap and a closed foot highlight true craftsmanship. This blend of power and finesse makes the Chupa Cabra Hellcat appealing to seasoned aficionados and adventurous smokers alike.

Esteban Carreras Mr. Brownstone

The Mr. Brownstone line combines a dark Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper with notes of chocolate, espresso, leather, and black pepper. Despite its robust spice, the line maintains an elegant balance. It was the first series in the brand to feature Connecticut Broadleaf, merging traditional Maduro strength with a modern twist.

Esteban Carreras Cashmere

The Cashmere line offers a milder yet aromatically rich interpretation. An Ecuador Connecticut wrapper meets medium- to full-bodied tobaccos. Notes of wood, coffee, nuts, and white chocolate define this line. In 2020, the Cashmere Toro was named one of the Top 10 Cigars of the Year by Cigar Dojo magazine – proof of its excellence in the milder segment. Try it and see for yourself – ¡Buen provecho!