Artesano Del Tobacco Cigars Create Your Own Sampler

Artesano Del Tobacco Cigars Create Your Own Sampler

Artesano Del Tobacco brings boutique craftsmanship from Manhattan roots to Nicaraguan soil, offering cigar enthusiasts the opportunity to build a personalized sampler from their acclaimed portfolio. Founded in 2012 by brothers Billy and Gus Fakih after decades running the beloved New York Cigar Inn in Manhattan, the brand relocated to Estelí, Nicaragua, in 2015 and partnered with master blender A.J. Fernandez to bring their vision to life. Every Artesano Del Tobacco cigar is handcrafted at A.J. Fernandez’s San Lotano factory in Ocotal, Nicaragua, ensuring exceptional construction and consistency across all lines.

The create your own sampler format allows customers to explore different blends and vitolas without committing to full boxes, making it ideal for discovering which Artesano Del Tobacco offerings best match individual preferences. Whether drawn to the full-bodied intensity of El Pulpo’s Mexican San Andrés maduro wrapper or the peppery leather notes of the original Viva La Vida, this sampler provides access to a boutique portfolio that has earned recognition from reviewers and enthusiasts alike.

Key Features

• Personalized Selection: Build your own combination from the complete Artesano Del Tobacco portfolio to match your taste preferences
• A.J. Fernandez Craftsmanship: Every cigar is handmade at the renowned San Lotano factory in Ocotal, Nicaragua
• Boutique Quality: Small batch production focusing on quality over quantity with premium Nicaraguan tobaccos
• Multiple Lines Available: Choose from Viva La Vida, El Pulpo, and limited edition releases
• Range of Strengths: Options from medium to full-bodied profiles accommodate different experience levels
• Manhattan Heritage: Founded by veteran retailers with 30-plus years in the premium cigar industry

Available Lines

Viva La Vida: Launched in 2019 as the brand’s debut line, this Nicaraguan puro features a reddish Habano maduro wrapper over Nicaraguan Corojo binder and Criollo ’98 filler. Reviewers describe invigorating notes of black pepper and leather with a full-bodied, full-strength profile. The 2024 fifth anniversary releases included the Jester Flat Round Belicoso with a Habano Connecticut Maduro wrapper. Available vitolas include Robusto, Toro, Gordo, and limited Lancero and Diademas Finas editions.

El Pulpo: Named after the Spanish word for octopus, this line wraps premium Nicaraguan filler and binder in a rustic Mexican San Andrés maduro wrapper. The profile delivers rich earthiness, cocoa, leather, black tea, and an underlying concentrated sweetness that reviewers compare favorably to Padrón. Box pressed formats include Robusto, Toro, Toro Grande, the Lancero “Eel,” and the Perfecto “Squid.” Full strength with meaty, spicy character throughout.

Viva La Vida Connecticut: A mellower expression using Connecticut shade wrapper that maintains medium plus intensity while offering creamier moments. Provides an approachable entry point for those new to the brand or preferring lighter profiles.

Blend Specifications

Summary

• Box Count: Customer Selected
• Region: Nicaragua
• Strength: Medium to Full (varies by line)
• Binder: Nicaraguan
• Wrapper: Varies by Line
• Filler: Nicaraguan

Who founded Artesano Del Tobacco?

Brothers Billy and Gus Fakih founded the company in 2012 after spending over 20 years in the premium cigar retail business at their New York Cigar Inn locations in Manhattan. They sold to Casa De Montecristo in 2015 and relocated to Estelí, Nicaragua, to focus on production.

Where are these cigars made?

All Artesano Del Tobacco cigars are handcrafted at A.J. Fernandez’s San Lotano factory in Ocotal, Nicaragua. The partnership with A.J. Fernandez ensures access to premium Nicaraguan tobaccos and expert rolling.

What is the difference between Viva La Vida and El Pulpo?

Viva La Vida is a Nicaraguan puro with a Habano maduro wrapper delivering black pepper and leather notes. El Pulpo uses a Mexican San Andrés maduro wrapper for earthier, meatier characteristics with cocoa and dark fruit undertones. Both are full strength.

Are these cigars good for beginners?

The Viva La Vida Connecticut offers a more approachable medium plus profile suitable for developing palates. The original Viva La Vida and El Pulpo lines are full strength and better suited for experienced smokers who enjoy bold, complex profiles.

What flavors should I expect from El Pulpo?

El Pulpo delivers cocoa, oak, cream, red and black pepper, leather, dark fruit, and an underlying sweetness. Reviewers note a meaty, umami quality with a thick smoke feel and Padrón like characteristics in the finish.

How should I build my sampler?

Include at least one cigar from each line to explore the range. Start with a Viva La Vida Connecticut if you prefer milder profiles, then progress to the original Viva La Vida and El Pulpo for fuller experiences.

What recognition has the brand received?

Stogie Press rated the Viva La Vida pre-release 94 points. The brand has expanded to European distribution through The Humidor Project and continues to earn praise from reviewers for construction and flavor complexity.

What vitolas are available for sampling?

Options include Robusto, Toro, Gordo, Lancero, and specialty shapes like the box-pressed El Pulpo formats and anniversary releases. Availability varies, so check current stock when building your sampler.