In the world of cigars, it’s hard to find a man
more experienced—or more respected—than Ernesto Perez-Carrillo. He got
his start in the cigar business making La Gloria Cubanas in a modest
factory located in the heart of Little Havana, Miami’s Calle Ocho.
Around 1990 he was selling standout, handmade cigars for less than $2
each. A newfound interest in cigars (and an article in a certain
magazine) turned his company into a gem, and he couldn’t keep up with
the demand. La Glorias went from curiosity to institution, and
Perez-Carrillo expanded into the Dominican Republic, vastly expanding
the production of La Gloria Cubana cigars.
Perez-Carrillo sold his business in 1999, and
left the company in 2009. He set out to try something new, forming EPC
Cigar Co. with his children, Lissette and Ernesto III that same year. On
the fifth annivesary of the new venture, Perez-Carrillo has hit his
stride. His La Historia is decorated with various images, including his
grandmother in a Pinar del Río tobacco field and his daughter in Miami.
The Perez-Carrillos worked two years on this cigar, and it shows in the
final product, which is finished with a luxurious, dark leaf of Mexican
tobacco grown in the San Andrés Valley.
Ernesto Perez-Carrillo has created many great
cigars in his 40-plus years in business. His La Historia is his best
effort in years.
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