Esteban Carreras Cashmere

The origin of the cigars by Esteban Carreras is shrouded in mystery. The brand's namesake gives rise to speculation: sometimes he is described as a former opponent of Castro, sometimes as a Cuban cigar expert, and occasionally as a pure invention. Only one thing is certain: we'll clarify these mysteries when we next speak directly with Christopher Mey, the international representative of the brand.

From Rocky Patel to Esteban Carreras – Christopher Mey’s New Role

After 20 years at Rocky Patel Zigarren, since 2024 he has been helping smaller manufacturers through his company, Christopher Mey Premium Zigarren, to connect with international distributors worldwide and support them in marketing Esteban Carreras Zigarren in their respective markets. During his time at Rocky Patel, he always provided us with perfect support—especially noteworthy was his exemplary beer supply at the Rocky Patel booth during the annual IPCPR and PCA trade shows in the U.S.!

Craig Cunningham and Gonzalo Puentes: The Successful Duo Behind Esteban Carreras

Let's take a closer look at the minds behind this renowned brand. Since the early 2000s, Craig Cunningham has been the defining face of Tabacalera Carreras S.A. in Estelí, Nicaragua. As long-time owner and managing director, he not only steers the company's fortunes but also infuses each cigar with his distinctive personal touch. At Craig’s side for decades stands a true master of the trade: Gonzalo Puentes. The Cuban-born expert brings no less than five decades of experience in the tobacco industry and oversees all production at the factory. Previously, Puentes worked extensively in the Cuban tobacco industry, gathering invaluable knowledge that is now incorporated into each cigar produced. Particularly impressive: Puentes earned his doctorate from the prestigious University of Havana, holding a Ph.D. in agricultural sciences with a specialization in tobacco cultivation and fermentation. With this concentrated expertise, Esteban Carreras creates first-class cigars that delight aficionados worldwide.

Esteban Carreras Cashmere: Mild Nicaraguan Cigars with Elegant Ecuadorian Wrapper

The Esteban Carreras Cashmere Cigars are, as the name suggests, positioned on the milder side of the portfolio. Classically crafted, they feature a light Connecticut wrapper from Ecuador, along with a binder and filler tobaccos from Nicaragua. The flavor profile is exactly what you might expect—mild, creamy notes complemented by plenty of sweet nuttiness. Sounds great, and it certainly is—unless you're looking for highly complex, strong, and demanding cigars. Then you're definitely barking up the wrong tree! These Nicaraguan cigars are as cozy as a cashmere sweater, inviting you to enjoy them in a highly relaxed and effortlessly "mindless" way, without being even slightly demanding.