Feria del Tabaco 24: Cigars without cellophane? A look at Aganorsa Leaf

I'm standing here at the stand of The Royal Cigar Company from Basel and we have an exciting topic: Aganorsa Leaf. "Dominik, I'd like to start right away with a provocative question: The largest tobacco producer in Nicaragua is of course Plasencia, right?" Dominik grins. "Nope, completely wrong." -"Excuse me?" I ask in surprise.

5 Minutes

A unique in-house exhibition in Zurich: MANUEL'S brings cigar importers and aficionados together for two enjoyable days at its Feria del Tabaco.

MANUEL'S Feria del Tabaco in Zurich invites cigar lovers to discover the world of cigars at an exclusive in-house exhibition. Numerous cigar importers present their treasures over two days - an event that takes place directly after InterTabac every year.

The dominance of Aganorsa Leaf: Nicaragua's largest tobacco producer

Dominik explains to me: "It would be Plasencia if we included Honduras with Nicaragua. But if we only talk about Nicaragua, then Aganorsa Leaf is the biggest producer. Plasencia is one of the biggest, but Aganorsa Leaf dominates Nicaragua alone."

Dominik Mezzomo: "Everyone wants this tobacco!"

"Ah, I didn't know that. And Aganorsa Leaf hasn't been around that long as a tobacco producer, right?" - "Exactly, they're relatively new to the business. Aganorsa has been producing tobacco since 1997, mainly raw tobacco, which they sell to other cigar manufacturers. This tobacco is in high demand - it's rare, even though Aganorsa is the biggest producer. Everyone wants this tobacco! That's how Eduardo Fernandez, the founder of Aganorsa, got started."

From tobacco producer to cigar brand - now also in Switzerland

"And now they also have their own brand of cigars, Aganorsa Leaf Nicaragua. What can you tell us about it?" I ask. "Yes, Eduardo Fernandez, one of the richest people in Nicaragua, thought: if we produce so much tobacco, why not cigars too? So he bought his own cigar factory. Aganorsa Leaf has been on the market as a brand for end consumers since 2018 - first in the USA and since this year also in Europe, including Switzerland."

"How many different Aganorsa Leaf lines are there in Switzerland?" I ask curiously. "Strictly speaking, there are two main lines," says Dominik. "The Validacion and the Aniversario. Both lines in turn have sub-lines."

"Is there anything else special you should know about these cigars?" I want to know. -"Yes, they are classic, non-flavoured cigars. The cigars are also very attractively priced: at Validacion, the Gran Robusto from the Aniversario line costs 13.50 francs. That is an excellent price for the quality. I recommend everyone to simply try them and form their own opinion."

Without cellophane, with parchment ribbon: Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario in detail

"I noticed something else: The cigars in the Aniversario line come without cellophane. Is that only the case at the trade fair or in general?" I ask. Dominik shakes his head. "No, that's generally the case. I'm a strong advocate of cellophane for every cigar. But the Aniversario comes with a velvet band and parchment-like protection instead. This protects the cigar mechanically and also provides some moisture barrier."

With these insights into the world of Aganorsa Leaf, I conclude our conversation - there is only one thing left to do: try it for yourself and make up your own mind!

What do you think?

We look forward to your opinion - discuss this blog post with us in the forum!

Impression of the Feria del Tabaco 2024 at MANUEL'S.

Photos: Alexa Moram (MANUEL'S)

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