Ram Rodriguez, a third generation tobacconist, is the Vice President of Tabacalera El Artista. As a teenager, Rodriguez began learning the many positions involved in creating a cigar from seed to packaging; and at the age of 18, he attended his first IPCPR (International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers) Association Trade Show. At that show, Rodriguez fell in love with the connection of cigars to their consumers and the industry as a whole. Today, Rodriguez is involved in integrating modern technology, such as renewable energy resources, with the growth and expansion of the company from seed to smoke. Gurkha Cigar Group International is proud to partner with Ram Rodriguez in this exquisite offering of The Year of the Dragon.

Wrapper: Proprietary

Binder: Proprietary

Filler: Proprietary

Country of origin: Dominican Republic

Sizes

6 ¾ x 52 Figurado

Blend Strength

Abdel Fernandez is one of the world’s most renowned cigar manufacturers and blenders. Abdel, more commonly known as AJ Fernandez, uses unique and specific components of the highest quality in each of his blends to achieve the ultimate smoking experience based on strength, aroma, and flavor. A master of the art of balancing a cigar, AJ cuts no corner to find that perfect sweet spot of richness and flavor. Gurkha Cigar Group International is proud to partner with AJ Fernandez in this exquisite offering of The Year of the Dragon.

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano

Binder: 100% Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Country of origin: Nicaragua

Sizes

6 ⅝ x 52 Box-Pressed

Blend Strength

Known as the “godfather of boutique cigars,” Ernesto Pérez-Carrillo alongside his children Lissette and Ernesto III have grown their family and business simultaneously. Renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship and premium tobacco blends, cigars by E.P. Carrillo are meticulously hand-made combining the finest aged tobaccos to create the perfect blends for all lovers of the leaf. Ernesto Pérez-Carrillo combines traditional techniques with unique and innovative flavors in blending each of his masterpieces to create a truly memorable smoking experience. Gurkha Cigar Group International is proud to partner with Ernesto Pérez-Carrillo in this exquisite offering of The Year of the Dragon.

Wrapper: Mexican San Andres

Binder: Ecuadorian CT

Filler: Nicaraguan & DR

Country of origin: Dominican Republic

Sizes

6 ⅝ x 54 Toro

Blend Strength

Oliva Cigar Company has been perfecting the art of growing tobacco and blending cigars for well over a century. The second largest grower of Cuban-seed tobacco worldwide. Oliva is particular about curing, blending, and rolling cigars to perfection. Oliva Cigars have been known to garnish top ratings year after year. Gurkha Cigar Group International is proud to partner with Oliva Cigar Company in this exquisite offering of The Year of the Dragon.

Wrapper: San Andres

Binder: Cameroon

Filler: Nicaraguan

Country of origin: Nicaragua

Sizes

6 ½ x 60 Figurado

Blend Strength

For Oscar Valladares it was destiny’s turn that brought him to his fate in the cigar industry. Working within reach of the industry for years, Oscar took the leap of faith and opened Oscar Valladares Tobacco & Co. in Danli, Honduras in 2012. In just over a decade’s time, Oscar has expanded his portfolio to multiple top rated cigars around the world and continues to grow every day. He’s not only grown his portfolio and factory, but acquired many acres of farms and this way controls every detail of the process to truly capitalize on a seed to smoke experience. Valladares’ most innovative mark on the industry has been to replace cellophane with a tobacco leaf protecting the cigar. Gurkha Cigar Group International is proud to partner with Oscar Valladares in this exquisite offering of The Year of the Dragon.

Wrapper: Corojo from Jamastran

Binder: Honduras

Filler: Honduras

Country of origin: Honduras

Sizes

6 x 52 Toro

Blend Strength