Matilde Renacer

The name Matilde goes back to a Dominican cigar manufacturer that flourished in the 19th century. After the death of the company’s founder, Simeon Mencia, in 1910, production was discontinued. The original building of the tabacalera, as well as Mencia’s private residence, still “exist” today and were once even known as landmarks of old Santiago de los Caballeros. The Renacer series—literally meaning “Rebirth”—was the first line launched by the Matilde Cigar Company. The company was founded in 2013 by José Seijas after he retired as head of the Tabacalera de García, the world’s largest premium cigar factory. With that, Seijas, who sadly passed away in 2024, concluded his more than 30-year career with Altadis U.S.A. and its predecessor companies.

Matilde Cigars: Rebirth of a Dominican Legend

José Seijas chose this name because of its history and initially had his own blended Matilde Cigars produced in a small factory of his own in the city of La Romana. Production has since moved to Tabacalera Palma, run by Jochi Blanco (La Galera Cigars). Seijas was a true veteran of the industry—he spent over 40 years in the business and helped create several highly successful and well-known blends such as Santa Damiana Cigars and Don Diego Cigars at Tabacalera García, where, for instance, Vegafina Cigars are also rolled.

José Seijas and the Matilde Renacer: A Legacy of Passion and Precision

The Matildes are his “masterpiece”; he himself said that these cigars represent the fulfillment of his lifelong dream. For the filler, he chose a blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan tobaccos. The binder comes from the Dominican Republic, while the wrapper is imported from Ecuador. In terms of flavor, notes of dark coffee and chocolate dominate. The resulting sweetness is balanced by a hint of leathery tones and light earthiness, creating a full-bodied experience with a very pleasant creaminess.

Matilde Renacer Cigars: Aromatic Balance of Coffee, Chocolate, and Fine Creaminess

These cigars were originally introduced here in 2014, at that time still distributed by the importer Kohlhase & Kopp. Toward the end of 2016, this cigar line was offered at a discount of around 20–30% by the importer, as the ring and box designs were being completely redesigned. Previously, the rings were dark brown and the boxes were natural wood. In 2020, they were relaunched in the new design featuring deep burgundy red and a second band. The tobacco blend itself, however, remained unchanged. The Matilde Renacer Cigars continue to rely on the proven combination of an Ecuadorian wrapper, a Dominican binder, and filler tobaccos from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua.