San Cristobal is a Nicaraguan cigar brand from Ashton Distributors, launched in 2007 as Ashton’s first Nicaraguan cigar and made in Estelí by the Garcia family, today at My Father Cigars. Strength runs from the medium-bodied, Ecuadorian Connecticut-wrapped Elegancia through the medium-full Quintessence to the full-bodied original San Cristobal (Clasico). Cigar Aficionado describes typical notes of earth, very dark chocolate, spice and a hint of cinnamon in the original; nutty coffee bean, baking spice and a cappuccino finish in the Quintessence; and sweet cocoa over earth with a vanilla-bean finish in the box-pressed Revelation. The newest line, Golden Hour (2026), pairs an Ecuador Habano wrapper with Nicaraguan tobacco and is meant to be medium to full. For a medium-bodied first smoke, look at the Elegancia; for the brand’s full-bodied signature, start with the original. Oxford Cigar Company lists San Cristobal on its San Cristobal category page when in stock.
San Cristobal Cigars
San Cristobal is a premium Nicaraguan cigar brand launched in 2007 through a partnership between Ashton Distributors, owned by the Levin family, and José “Pepín” Garcia, making it Ashton’s first-ever Nicaraguan offering. Made in Estelí, Nicaragua, first at Pepín Garcia’s Tabacalera Cubana factory and now at the Garcia family’s My Father Cigars, the portfolio spans multiple strengths: the original San Cristobal (Ecuador wrapper, full-bodied, with typical notes of earth, very dark chocolate, spice and a bit of cinnamon), the Elegancia (Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, medium-bodied), the box-pressed Revelation (Ecuadoran Sumatra-seed wrapper), the Quintessence (Ecuador wrapper, medium-full), and the limited-edition Ovation (double-fermented San Andrés Oscuro wrapper).
Frequently asked questions about San Cristobal Cigars
Who makes San Cristobal cigars and where are they made?
San Cristobal is an Ashton Distributors brand, introduced in 2007 as Ashton's first Nicaraguan cigar. It was first produced at José "Pepín" García's Tabacalera Cubana factory in Estelí. Cigar Aficionado now reports that San Cristobal cigars are made in Nicaragua by the Garcia family's My Father Cigars in Estelí, including the limited-edition Ovation and the 2026 Golden Hour.
How strong are San Cristobal cigars?
It depends on the line. The original San Cristobal (Clasico) is full-bodied, the Quintessence is medium-full, and the Elegancia, with an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, is medium-bodied according to Cigar Aficionado. The 2026 Golden Hour is meant to be medium to full.
How do the San Cristobal lines differ, and which should I try first?
The original has an Ecuador wrapper over Nicaraguan tobacco and, according to Cigar Aficionado, typically shows earth, very dark chocolate, spice and a touch of cinnamon. The Quintessence uses an Ecuador wrapper with typical notes of nutty coffee bean, baking spice and a cappuccino finish. The box-pressed Revelation has an Ecuadoran Sumatra-seed wrapper with typical sweet cocoa and vanilla-bean notes. The Elegancia is medium-bodied, with typical sweet and salty flavors, touches of pepper and a floral finish. Golden Hour adds an Ecuador Habano wrapper. If you prefer medium-bodied cigars, start with the Elegancia. If you like full-bodied cigars, start with the original.
Where can I buy San Cristobal cigars?
Oxford Cigar Company lists San Cristobal on its category page when in stock: https://oxfordcigarcompany.com/san-cristobal-cigars-brand/. Free US shipping on orders $50+.