Our History
Eliseo Rodriguez Leon, born in Cuba in the late 19th century, had a tobacco farm in the heart of Cuba’s tobacco region, Pinar del Rio.
Don Eliseo, as he was known to the community, started distributing his brand of cigars locally. His work-ethic and focus on quality was evident in his cigars and his reputation started spreading around the province. So much so that it caught the attention of the large Cuban national brands such as H. Upman and Partagas. They sub-contracted to him knowing full well that they would get the quality and expertise that they demanded in their cigars.
When the Cuban revolution of 1959 overtook the country, his land, factory, production and brand were confiscated and became the property of the government. He refused to put his name on the line for a communist regime, so he was forced to retire.
Our Present
Today, Don Eliseo’s third generation creates a premium cigar with the same passion and tradition that he would be more than proud to put his name to. Don Eliseo’s philosophy of quality, excellence and hard work continue, and it honors the vegueros (tobacco farmers) and torcedores (cigar rollers) that dedicated their labor to this tireless craft.
The Don Eliseo brand is specifically blended to the standards set by its founder of quality and excellence. We have partnered with Tabacalera Pichardo in Nicaragua to create that unique blend. Don Eliseo cigars are blended by Master Blender Eradio Pichardo and Master Blender/Somelier Luciano Meirelles.
Our partnership allows for quality control throughout the entire process, from farm to cigar, of the Don Eliseo brand. This enables us to create a true, genuine premium cigar. An exceptional hand-crafted cigarro puro without compromising quality is our promise to you. Don Eliseo wants to impart to the cigar aficionado the Cuban idiom “Cogelo suave socio” (Take it easy buddy).
Enjoying a Don Eliseo cigar allows great moments of pleasure, relaxation and an incomparable experience. It’s one of life’s simpler pleasures.
Don Eliseo, it’s more than a cigar, it’s a lifestyle!